Vacation Bible School 2020 Podcast

Well... about that planning for VBS thing. God has other plans apparently. During the this pandemic we have used our time to reflect on our previous years of Vacation Bible School. We aren't going anywhere this year due to the pandemic, so we decided this was a good time to share what we have learned (in audio format) on how we do VBS. We hope you enjoy this journey and get more ideas on how to do your own DIY VBS.

Welcome to the Wrangell SDA Podcast! Season 3 is everything Vacation Bible School. This season has 9 episodes where we discuss all about the details about how we created our own Vacation Bible School. Each episode has tips and tricks for you to do the same. The Wrangell VBS Team has travel for six years to various communities in Alaska sharing our DIY VBS with kids. Join our host Brooke as she talks with members of the team who share their expertise and experience. We hope you enjoy and are encouraged to make your own DIY VBS for your next VBS.

Theme music: "Jesus is Whiter than Snow" by monilutz. You can find more of monilutz music at tribeofnoise.com. Song used under the conditions of creative commons license. 

Episode 1: Intro
In this episode Ashleigh Reynolds shares about how the Wrangell VBS team got its start.
Tips in this episode:

1. Keep it Simple
2. Use What You Have (including people)
3. Seek Inspiration in what you have studied

Aired
June 14, 2020

---

Episode 2: Schedules and Themes
In this episode Dena Meigs discusses how the Wrangell VBS team gets its themes each year. We also discuss how to create a schedule for your VBS.
Tips in this episode:

1. Start your planning early
2. Make things as simple as possible
3. Be prepared for your location

Aired
June 21, 2020

---

Episode 3: Registration
In this episode April Eilertsen talks about how to run a successful registration for your VBS.
Tips in this episode:

1. Have a registration form
2. Use name tags
3. Reinforce daily lesson with activity books

Aired
June 28, 2020

---

Episode 4: Daily Lesson
In this episode, Stephanie Eilertsen gives her thoughts on planning daily lessons, picking a memory verse, and creating taglines for your kids.
Tips in this episode:

1. Keep memory verses easy and simple
2. Make sure your taglines go with your main themes
3. For daily lessons try starting your story at the beginning and move through each day

Aired
July 5, 2020

---

Episode 5: Crafts
In this episode, Tiffany Eilertsen talks about creating crafts for your VBS, including what to do with those kids who don't seem to want to participate.
​Tips in this episode: 

1. Know your theme and match your crafts to it
2. Research to see what others have done, for inspiration
3. Know what supplies you have on hand

Aired
July 12, 2020

---

Episode 6: Games
In this episode, Charlie Meigs encourages you to create games that are fun and kids will want to participate in.
Tips in this episode:

1. Match games to daily lessons
2. Knowing  your space, don't be afraid to improvise
3. Make sure that you have your supplies, and back ups

​

Aired
July 19, 2020

---

Episode 7: Music
In this episode, Sam Eilertsen shares how to pick music that gets kids to sing along with you.
Tips in this episode:

1. Pick a theme song
2. Use 15-20 songs you can rotate
3. Practice, practice

Aired
July 26, 2020

---

Episode 8: Decorating and Goodie bags
In this episode, Jackie Eilertsen discusses decorating for your VBS. She shares her tips and tricks for making goodie bags that the kids can take home.
Tips in this episode: 

1. Know your themes and stories so you can pick material
2. Pick small kids stuff for goodie bags
3. Think about your budget

Aired
August 2, 2020

---

Episode 9: Ending Extras (Q&A, Snacks, etc)
In this final episode, Melissa Reynolds, Debbie Reynolds, and Sarah Haarsma give pointers on odds and ends of a good VBS. This includes talking about what to consider when picking snacks, doing a question and answer time to keep the kids engages, and finally utilizing the talents of your team.
Tips in this episode:​
Snacks

1. Make sure you are aware of food allergies
2. Consider what the kids do like for snacks
3. Think of the timing of your snack

Q&A

1. Pick questions related to your daily theme
2. Tailor questions to your kids' ages
3. Offer prizes for answering questions

Extras

1. Just Try
2. Tailor things to kids interest
3. Utilize the volunteers you have, find out what their special interest are that you can use

Aired
August 9, 2020

---

2019- Bethel VBS (L to R) Sarah Haarsma, Melissa Reynolds, Sam Eilertsen, Brooke Reynolds

2019- Montana VBS (L to R) Tiffany Eilertsen, Debbie Reynolds, Charlie Meigs, Dena Meigs, Jackie Eilertsen, Brooke Reynolds, Sam Eilertsen

2017- Craig VBS (Clockwise) Charlie Meigs, Dena Meigs, April Eilertsen, Brooke Reynolds, Jackie Eilertsen, Sam Eilertsen, Tiffany Eilertsen, Stephanie Eilertsen

Guest Bios (in order of appearance:

Brooke Reynolds- is the host of the Wrangell SDA podcast. She is currently the young adult leader and audiovisual coordinator for the Wrangell SDA church. She enjoys walking and doing crochet projects in her spare time.

Ashleigh Reynolds- is the sister of the Wrangell VBS Podcast Host, Brooke Reynolds. She lived in Wrangell, AK at the time that the Wrangell VBS Team got started. She enjoys drawing and working with small children. She currently lives in Maryland.

Dena Meigs- is the wife of former Wrangell SDA Pastor Charlie Meigs. She and her husband lived in Wrangell, AK for several years before moving to Kennewick, Wa. Dena enjoys music and was a member of the Wrangell SDA praise team. 

April Eilertsen- is the mother of several of the Wrangell VBS Team members, Tiffany, Stephanie, and Sam. She and her husband are also caretakers for the local church camp (Camp Lorraine). She enjoys being outdoors.

Stephanie Eilertsen- is a long time member of the performing group On Fire for Him. Now a young adult, she helps preach sermons and plan VBS trips. She enjoys horseback riding and dreaming of the house she'd like to build someday. 

Tiffany Eilertsen- is a founding member of On Fire for Him and the Wrangell VBS Team.  She has since moved to Oregon but still provides long distance support to the team. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and taking her dog places to explore. 

Charlie Meigs-  is the former pastor for the Wrangell SDA Church, now living in Kennewick, WA. He considers marrying Dena the greatest accomplishment of his life. He also has the honor of being in every season of the Wrangell SDA Podcast. 

Sam Eilertsen- is the youngest of the Eilertsen clan. She has been actively involved with youth ministries at the Wrangell SDA church. She plays mandolin in the Wrangell SDA Praise Team. Her hobbies include photography and horseback riding. 

Jackie Eilertsen- is the grandma of the Eilertsen girls. She got involved in VBS when we needed help with costumes and decorating. She is a long time member of Wrangell SDA Church. Among her many skills is sewing and baking. 

Melissa Reynolds- is a sister of Brooke Reynolds, Wrangell SDA Podcast host. She works as an accountant in Vancouver, Washington. She enjoys reading, hanging out with her cats, and trying new exercise classes. 

Debbie Reynolds- is the mom of our host, Brooke Reynolds. She has been an avid supporter of the Wrangell VBS Team and has traveled to two VBS locations to help out. She currently lives in Vancouver, Washington.

 Sarah Haarsma- is a new comer to the Wrangell VBS team, but not to VBS. She has experience helping her church in Oregon host VBS. Sarah brings energy and humor to the team. She is a friend of both Brooke and Melissa Reynolds. She currently resides in Washington.