|
Frequently asked questions about the High Seas Expedition program...
Frequently asked questions about High Seas Expedition resources...
Frequently asked questions about High Seas Expedition extras...
Frequently asked questions about the High Seas Expedition program...
Are there Daily Challenges® this year?
Kids will have an exciting new challenge at VBS in 2010. At High Seas Expedition, kids will be on the look-out for God Sightings™. Kids and adults will get caught up in the excitement of finding places and situations where they see God in action—or ways they can be a God Sighting! They'll even receive a colorful Watch For God Wristband to wear throughout the week as a reminder to keep watching for God every day of VBS—and beyond. Each day during Sail Away Cinema, Crews (a group of five kids and one teenager or adult) will share their latest God Sightings. Then Crew Leaders will write their Crew's God Sightings on special map marker stickers and add them to a fun God Sightings map. By the end of your VBS, everyone will literally see a trail of evidence that God is at work in our world!
Kids will have an exciting challenge at VBS in 2010. At High Seas Expedition, kids will be on the look-out for . Kids and adults will get caught up in the excitement of finding places and situations where they see God in action—or ways can be a God Sighting! They'll even receive a colorful Watch For God Wristband to wear throughout the week as a reminder to keep watching for God every day of VBS—and beyond. Each day during Sail Away Cinema, Crews (a group of five kids and one teenager or adult) will share their latest God Sightings. Then Crew Leaders will write their Crew's God Sightings on special map marker stickers and add them to a fun God Sightings map. By the end of your VBS, everyone will literally see a trail of evidence that God is at work in our world!
(back to top)
Our VBS is small; do I need a different teacher for each of the seven stations?
Nope! If you have fewer than 40 children at your VBS, have all the small-group Crews rotate through stations together. That way, each Station Leader teaches just once or can handle several stations.
Nope! If you have fewer than 40 children at your VBS, have all the small-group Crews rotate through stations together. That way, each Station Leader teaches just once or can handle several stations.
(back to top)
Our VBS is huge; will High Seas Expedition work for us?
Yup! Larger churches tell us that for up to 150 kids, you can use the program just as written. More than 150 kids? Just duplicate the stations. For each 150 kids, you simply set up another station. For instance, for 300 kids you'll need two craft leaders instead of one. For 450 kids you'll need three craft leaders. For a million kids you'll need... umm... well, you get the idea.
Yup! Larger churches tell us that for up to 150 kids, you can use the program just as written. More than 150 kids? Just duplicate the stations. For each 150 kids, you simply set up another station. For instance, for 300 kids you'll need two craft leaders instead of one. For 450 kids you'll need three craft leaders. For a million kids you'll need... umm... well, you get the idea.
(back to top)
Do I have to use multi-age crews?
No, but you really do need to try this. It works—we've tested this hundreds of times in hundreds of churches. Children help each other, and discipline problems all but disappear since the fifth-grade boys aren't all trying to impress each other. Still unsure? Visit the VBS forum at group.com/vbs and ask other VBS directors.
No, but you really do need to try this. It works—we've tested this hundreds of times in hundreds of churches. Children help each other, and discipline problems all but disappear since the fifth-grade boys aren't all trying to impress each other. Still unsure? Visit the VBS forum at group.com/vbs and ask other VBS directors.
(back to top)
Can kids of all ages really learn when they're in mixed-age groups?
Studies show that children learn as much—or more—when they're linked with kids of different ages. High Seas Expedition Crews are like families, where kids easily and naturally learn with and from one another. Social skills improve, self-esteem rises, and cooperation increases.
Studies show that children learn as much—or more—when they're linked with kids of different ages. High Seas Expedition Crews are like families, where kids easily and naturally learn with and from one another. Social skills improve, self-esteem rises, and cooperation increases.
(back to top)
How does the new Spotlight VBS™ work?
Each day a group of Crews skip part of their games time and go to Spotlight VBS, where the photographer takes pictures of them in poses that go with an Internet-based custom slide presentation. The photographer drops the photos into the presentation using Smilebox® and...voila! Kids love watching themselves onscreen! Plus, you can e-mail the slide shows to parents, other relatives, and friends who will enjoy seeing the High Seas Expedition adventure.
Each day a group of Crews skip part of their games time and go to Spotlight VBS, where the photographer takes pictures of them in poses that go with an Internet-based custom slide presentation. The photographer drops the photos into the presentation using Smilebox® and...voila! Kids watching themselves onscreen! Plus, you can e-mail the slide shows to parents, other relatives, and friends who will enjoy seeing the High Seas Expedition adventure.
(back to top)
Can I use the program in something other than a five-day format?
You bet! You'll find format options outlined in your Ultimate Director Go-To Guide. Included are suggestions for weekday mornings, weekday evenings, midweek clubs, day camps, Sunday mornings, or a weekend retreat! Several of the options allow for the whole family to be involved.
You bet! You'll find format options outlined in your Ultimate Director Go-To Guide. Included are suggestions for weekday mornings, weekday evenings, midweek clubs, day camps, Sunday mornings, or a weekend retreat! Several of the options allow for the whole family to be involved.
(back to top)
What Bible translation does High Seas Expedition use?
We use the New Living Translation (NLT) because it's kid-friendly and easy to understand.
We use the New Living Translation (NLT) because it's kid-friendly and easy to understand.
(back to top)
Frequently asked questions about High Seas Expedition resources...
If I order crafts I don't use, can I return them?
We receive materials prepackaged from our vendors, so we can't process returns of opened or partially used packages. If you find yourself with a few extras, use them as special gift surprises for Sunday school, for siblings of students, or for those who couldn't attend VBS. They won't go to waste!
We receive materials prepackaged from our vendors, so we can't process returns of opened or partially used packages. If you find yourself with a few extras, use them as special gift surprises for Sunday school, for siblings of students, or for those who couldn't attend VBS. They won't go to waste!
(back to top)
Do I really need the Bible Memory Buddies®?
We highly recommend Bible Memory Buddies. Each Buddy carries the day's Bible verse and makes Bible memorization fun! It's a great year-long reminder of VBS... and kids love to collect them and share them with friends.
We recommend Bible Memory Buddies. Each Buddy carries the day's Bible verse makes Bible memorization fun! It's a great year-long reminder of VBS... and kids love to collect them and share them with friends.
(back to top)
Does every child need a set of iOpeners: Surprising Conversations About God™ student cards?
Again, we highly recommend purchasing a set for each child. We heard from parents that they really want to continue the High Seas experience at home. When each child has a set of iOpeners cards (attached to the Ship Clip Bible Buddy Keeper), kids can attach the easy-to-carry cards to a backpack, sports bag, or lunch box as a simple way to share their faith. Each child will appreciate having their own set of cards to take home, to school... and everywhere!
Again, we recommend purchasing a set for each child. We heard from parents that they really want to continue the High Seas experience at home. When each child has a set of iOpeners cards (attached to the Ship Clip Bible Buddy Keeper), kids can attach the easy-to-carry cards to a backpack, sports bag, or lunch box as a simple way to share their faith. Each child will appreciate having their own set of cards to take home, to school... and everywhere!
(back to top)
Why do I have to pay for each music CD? Why can't I just make copies?
You want the best in recognizable, high-quality worship music for your VBS. To meet that expectation, we work with original artists and other publishers, and we're required to pay a royalty each time we distribute their songs. We don't have the authority to give you—or anyone else—permission to copy these works. But it's worth it to have energetic music your kids will enjoy for years to come!
You want the best in recognizable, high-quality worship music for your VBS. To meet that expectation, we work with original artists and other publishers, and we're required to pay a royalty each time we distribute their songs. We don't have the authority to give you—or anyone else—permission to copy these works. But it's worth it to have energetic music your kids will enjoy for years to come!
(back to top)
Frequently asked questions about High Seas Expedition extras...
What happens at Group's VBS U™?
This all new, half-day event gives you and your team fun hands-on training and tactical advice. Participants learn how to
This all new, half-day event gives you and your team fun hands-on training and tactical advice. Participants learn how to -
dig into VBS P.R.O.™ (the upgraded VBS Web Toy Box)
-
use Spotlight VBS™
-
set up Giving Spree™ (the new online VBS registry)
-
train volunteers to raise funds and plan, coordinate, and execute their best VBS yet (with maximum efficiency)!
Plus, structured networking sessions help VBS directors coordinate sharing larger, high-cost items.
Bonus: Participants get to make some of the awesome decorations shown on the Decorating Places video!
(back to top)
How can I connect with other VBS directors?
Visit our VBS forum at group.com/vbs, and you'll find thousands of other VBS directors from all over the world. Get great advice and prayer support—just a mouse-click away!
Visit our VBS forum at group.com/vbs, and you'll find thousands of other VBS directors from all over the world. Get great advice and prayer support—just a mouse-click away!
(back to top)
How do I set up my VBS P.R.O.™?
To register for the VBS P.R.O., go to groupvbspro.com and select the "Get Started" link. Then just follow the prompts—you're in business!
To register for the VBS P.R.O., go to groupvbspro.com and select the "Get Started" link. Then just follow the prompts—you're in business!
(back to top)
If I have a technical question, who do I call?
Please call Product Support at 1-800-975-4006.
Please call Product Support at 1-800-975-4006.
(back to top)
|
