I. This Year’s Theme

II.  Staff Requirements 

III. Job Descriptions 


This Year’s Theme

St. Teresa of Jesus (1515-1582) is our guide as children are introduced to Carmelite spirituality and learn to listen for God’s voice. Just as we directly teach children how to read, swim, and ride a bike, they need guidance to learn how to pray in the silence of their hearts. This year's curriculum encourages children to develop an interior friendship with Christ. Using Scripture stories as a jumping off point, the goal is to facilitate for each child a prayerful connection with God. Through short guided meditation and imaginative prayer experiences, children will practice prayer by learning to quiet themselves, focus their mind on Jesus, tune in, and then respond. The theme will be reinforced through art, music, and fun games in the gym. Grab a friend and join us for the best week of summer. Learning to pray has never been this much fun!

DAY 1: Moses and the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 33)

DAY 2: Young Samuel and Eli (1 Samuel 3)

DAY 3: Elijah and the Small, Still Voice (1 Kings 19)

DAY 4: Jesus: "Lord, teach us to pray" and The Transfiguration


Staff Requirements

 (What is expected of me?):

We have the best staff in the diocese. Dedicated faith-filled adults and high-energy teens make the magic! 

  • TIME COMMITMENT: Most jobs are a Tuesday -Friday 8:30 AM -12:30 PM commitment (July 8-11) plus a Monday 7 PM orientation (July 7). (Exceptions: nurse, security, snack assistant, hall monitors, and substitute teacher/aide are available on a per-day basis.  

  • MANDATORY KICK-OFF MEETING: All VBS staff (adults & youth) must attend the Monday, July 7th, 7 PM orientation at St. John Bosco School the night before we open.

  • FEE: If it is not a hardship, all staff are asked to donate $10 towards the cost of your VBS T-shirt. Matching shirts help us to quickly identify children & staff, build community, and are an important safety feature.

  • ADULT CASE “CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT” CERTIFICATE: Every volunteer ages 18-69 must complete the Diocesan-required online CASE training, turn their certificate in to Nicole in the parish office, and complete the background check by June 15th. CASE training is valid for 3 years and only takes about 45 minutes to complete. If you are unsure if your CASE training is current, please verify with your parish that you are up-to-date. Volunteers age 70 and over, only need to complete a background check if they have completed CASE training at least once in the past.

  • YOUTH CASE TRAINING: Tweens & Teens ages 12-17 are required to attend the in-person teen staff training meeting on Sunday, June 22nd at 7:00 PM. This training is mandatory and required by the diocese. Each young person & their parent/guardian must sign a Code of Conduct. A note to parents: it is vitally important to the mission that everyone who volunteers for VBS have a genuine desire to serve. Anyone who does not comply with expectations will be sent home.

Jobs Requiring Additional Meeting(s) and Dates

  • Classroom teachers (including preschool) will meet to explore the theme and preview books & resources. Lessons plans are completely fleshed out for grades K -6. No need to choose resources or do any planning. Available dates (choose one): Tuesday, May, 27, or Tuesday, June 3 at 7:00 PM. Email Linda if you want a sneak peek at this year's curriculum.
  • All youth staff must attend an in-person CASE training session on Sunday, June 22nd at 7:00 PM (see above)
  • Music/dance team will initially meet via Zoom and then hold in-person practice 2-3 times in June/July. (TBD) 
  • Puppet Troupe will have 4-6 practices in May & June. (TBD)

Jobs & Job Descriptions:


ADMINISTRATION:

Director and curriculum: Linda Fantauzzo, linda.fantauzzo@dor.org, 585-645-4889

Assistant to Director and T-Shirt order: Barbaranne McDonald

CASE Training & background checks: Nicole Eklund, Nicole.fantauzzo@dor.org

Please note the following symbols for eligibility based on age: Adult (A), Youth (Y). You are able to select multiple jobs of interest when completing the registration form.  Linda will contact you to finalize.

Some key positions have already been filled and are noted in purple.


Teaching Staff & Key Roles:

  • (A) Classroom teacher or co-teacher (K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), Supervise homeroom, teach one 30-minute Bible/Prayer lesson per day, accompany children to assemblies and all their “specials”-art, music, gym, and supervise pick up. Breaks available. Most grades last year had co-teachers (and 4-6 teen assistants). Please indicate which grade level you prefer in the comments. Lesson plans include how to recap and discuss the Bible story and detailed instructions in how to lead children in silent prayer through guided meditation. Supplemental resources are available if you choose to switch things up, but a full plan is provided for you. 

  • (A) Music & Motion Leader & Planner (Linda Fantauzzo): Select music. Teach songs and motions to four groups in 30-minute classes. Lead songs in assemblies using digital recordings/videos. 

  • (A) Recreation Games Leader & Assistant (Jody White): Select fun, active games for four age groups per day. Gather needed equipment. Provide direct instruction of game rules to children and supervise teen volunteers. Jody would love an adult assistant to help her supervise the teens.

  • (A) Arts & Crafts Leader (Rachel Jarmusz) Responsible for planning and procuring necessary supplies to teach four age-appropriate 30-minute classes for three days. Provide direct instruction and project samples. Lead a team of adult & teen assistants.

  • (A) Snack leader (Jessica Tamburrini): Determine menu being mindful of allergies. Solicit donations from parishioners and community. Shop for/order items. Direct volunteers in preparation and delivery of snacks to classes and keep staff break rooms stocked with refreshments. Place order for staff pizza party.
  • (A/Y) Nursery/Preschool childcare: Provide supervision and a scaled back VBS experience for the littlest kids who are the children of volunteers (infant-age 4). Staff will work cooperatively to provide age-appropriate activities dividing up Bible & prayer, stories, craft time, free play, and snack time. Preschoolers are welcome to join the kindergarten music class. If teaching isn’t your thing, you may work here as an assistant. Large preschool room and playground available. You absolutely can sign up to work in this room to be with your little ones. Optional preschool T-shirts are available for a fee.
  • (A) Teen Volunteer Captains: Adults with a heart for young people who can gather teens for morning meeting, supervise during break time, and ensure that all know where they should be. Help to channel and direct their energy and enthusiasm through positive reinforcement.

Assistants:

  • (A/Y) Teacher assistant (K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6): assist classroom teacher with handing out materials; take attendance; escort children to bathroom; and lead children to next activity. Interact and have fun with kids and be a cheerful presence in the room. If you have a grade level or teacher preference, please indicate in the comments box.

  • (A/Y) Music & Motion assistants: Do you love to sing and/or can you do simple signs? Looking for energetic, happy assistants who can model for children. Music folder with lyrics and links to all songs provided. Advanced prep required to learn songs & motions. If you play an instrument, we might be able to incorporate that.

  • (A/Y) Recreation assistants: Do you like to play sports? Looking for energetic folks who can set up gym equipment, demonstrate tasks, play with and cheer on children, and put up chairs for the closing assembly.

  • (A/Y) Arts & Crafts assistants: Do you like to work with your hands? Assist lead art teacher with set up, clean up, passing out supplies, and working with children to create art projects.

  • (A/Y) Snack/kitchen helper: Shop/pick up food (adult only). Prepare and serve snacks to various classrooms. Stock break rooms. Clean kitchen area. We need at least one other adult who can supervise and help especially at the end of the day as our leader must leave directly at 12:30 PM to get to work. 


Support staff:

  • (A/Y) Tech/AV Support on music team: Tech savvy individuals who can cue and project songs on a screen using computer and projector during assemblies and music classes.

  • (A) Photographer: Photograph opening, closing & various classes. 

  • (A) Hall Monitors/Security: Provide a safe environment both inside and outside the building. Screen and buzz in visitors, monitor hall activity, serve as crossing guard, do periodic bathroom checks, empty garbage, and ensure safety during procession to church (if we do it) aided by East Rochester police officers. Monitor express drop-off on West Avenue. 

  • (A) Nurse (RN): Be on site, one or more days, to provide basic first aid and administer meds if necessary. Please indicate which days you are available in the comments box.
  • (A/Y) Special Education Personal Aide: work one-on-one as a buddy to a child with special needs.
  • (A) Substitute: fill in for an absent teacher or teacher assistant

Supplemental jobs (choose this AND another job from above):

  • (A/Y) Advanced Prep: Do you like to count out, sort, and label stuff? Are you crafty? We need to organize materials per classroom, make signage, attendance sheets, name tags, make copies, and cut shapes for art projects ahead of time.

  • (Y) Dance Troupe: Learn and perform 2-3 choreographed group dances to VBS songs for assemblies. We're hoping to do all guy number this year. You do not need to be a Music Assistant to take part. This is an EXTRA teen job, so sign up somewhere else too! You need to be able to meet for 2-3 practices in June/July. 
  • (A) Staff attendance check-in staff and help them find their name tag.
  • (A/Y) Express Drop-off safety & security: greet kids at the curb on West Ave. and escort them to their classroom.  This service is provided for working parents who need to quickly depart. Great for snack assistants.
  • (Y) Puppet Troupe: Teens use rod-arm puppets to perform songs during assembly. Preference will be given to those with experience but some newcomers welcome.

Undecided or no preference:

  • (A/Y) Put me anywhere! I’m happy to work in the area of greatest need.