FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's):

Q: HOW MUCH DOES YOUR VBS PROGRAM COST?

A: Treasured VBS is free of charge! Our congregation strongly believes in providing this program to our community. Instead, we provide Donation envelopes at the beginning of the week for those who would like to help defray the costs of our program. If you would like to make a monetary donation, please do so at this link:  Give: VBS

We also for snack donations.   Please contact us if you would like to help donate snacks.

Q: WHAT AGES ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE? MY CHILD IS 3 AND HASN'T BEEN TO A FULL-TIME PRESCHOOL PROGRAM BUT IS VERY MATURE FOR HIS/HER AGE. CAN YOU MAKE AN EXCEPTION TO YOUR POLICY?

A: Our policy is to accept students 4 years old through those who are entering 6th grade. 3 year olds who have completed a full year of a traditional pre-school program may be eligible on a case by case basis. Unfortunately, we cannot make any other exceptions to this rule. This guideline is in place for the safety of your child, and for the best interests of our volunteers. Hopefully in the future we can recruit enough volunteers for us to be able to open the program up to younger children.

Q: CAN WE REGISTER IF WE DON'T GO TO YOUR CHURCH/SCHOOL?

A: OF COURSE! Any child is welcome to join us. We encourage everyone to bring as many friends as possible until we are at our capacity!

Q: WHY IS MY ELEMENTARY AGED CHILD IN A MIXED-AGE GROUP?

A: Several years ago, the company that provides our VBS curriculum encouraged all churches to use the mixed-age model of VBS for elementary students. So each CREW will consist of at least one 1st Grader, 2nd Grader, 3rd Grader, 4th Grader, 5th Grader and 6th Grader. Each Group will consist of 3-6 CREWS. We provide an opportunity on the registration form for you to put down the name of a friend that you would like your child partnered up with in the same group (and potentially the same crew, too). We like the mixed age groups because they tend to reduce discipline problems, the older kids like helping the younger kids, and the younger kids love being with the older kids.

Q: MY CHILD HAS SPECIAL NEEDS. WILL S/HE BE WELCOMED?

A: We want to do our very best to try to accommodate every child! Because our volunteer base is limited, there may be a rare situation in which we may not be able to meet your child's needs. If this is the case, we promise to be honest and upfront about it.

Q: WHO WILL BE INTERACTING WITH MY CHILD?

A: Our VBS volunteer base consists of people in the Peace Lutheran Church & School community. Volunteers range from middle-schoolers to people in their 70s. Anyone older than 18 years old undergoes a background check. The safety of your son/daughter is of the utmost importance to us. We are excited for a great week!

Q: MY CHILD HAS ALLERGIES. WILL THERE BE A SNACK LIST AVAILABLE?

A: Peace Lutheran is a nut-free building. Please send your child to VBS with a snack if a different one is required - please just make sure it has your child's name on the bag.  We ask that you give it to your child's crew leader when you drop your child off. Before the week of VBS, we will send out an email with a listing of what each snack will be for each day. Snacks will be individually prepared.  Finally, we ask that you write a thorough list of allergies down when you register.

A: Backyard VBS: Treasured is an amazing opportunity for you to take VBS to your neighborhood and share the Good News of Jesus! We encourage you to invite children from your neighborhood or classmates from school. We do ask you to adhere to what the current CDC guidelines, if you plan to host Backyard VBS: Treasured with anyone who lives outside of your household.

Q: WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM BACKYARD VBS?

A: We will provide you with materials (craft and activity supplies, music, etc) to be able to host a Backyard VBS: Treasured for up to eight (8) children or less (per registration). For each day of VBS, we will provide you videos for the Opening station and Bible Adventure Station.  These will be recorded during our in-person VBS and made available to you starting August 2.  Additional video resources will be provided for your use during your Backyard VBS, including the music videos, Bible Buddy videos, and Kid-Vid. When you register for Backyard VBS, all resources will be emailed to you each day of the week of VBS (July 26-30) and they will be made available on Peace's website (www.peaceshelby.org).

Q: WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE TIME TO HOST BACKYARD VBS EVERYDAY?

A: That is fine! The blessings of hosting Backyard VBS: Treasured, is that you can adjust the schedule to fit your needs. The videos will be available on Peace's Website until September 1, 2021.

If you have additional questions, please email vbs@peaceshelby.org.