The internet served us well this week. A Baylor University student in Waco, Texas, found 2×2 and our interest in reviving Vacation Bible Schools in small congregations.
Virginia Smith served an internship through the Western Kansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. They trained four college students to provide VBS leadership to five congregations last summer. Virginia reported that the smallest group they worked with had about 15 students and the largest had between 50 and 60.
We had a long chat about the VBS-aid concept which 2×2 is promoting and the similarities and differences to the Kansas project.
The experience prompted her to start a web-based service project. She shared her web site with us: vbs247.webs.com
Virginia collects leftover VBS curriculum from any denomination or publisher. She reviews the material to assess the condition for acceptable reuse. She photographs the material and adds the items to her web catalog. Congregations can visit the site and purchase the materials for less than half the original price. The items are priced by condition. Unsuitable items are not sold.
The site does not seek to make a profit. The cost of materials goes toward running the web site and handling the materials.
If you are a small church and think you cannot afford pricey VBS materials, visit Virginia’s web site.