1

Thanks for joining the

Adventure
as a VBS volunteer!
Welcome
Welcome to Roar VBS - this summer’s mane event! This epic African adventure engages the whole
herd. At Roar, kids explore God’s goodness and celebrate a ferocious faith that powers them
through this wild life. This handbook will give you the training you need to be an awesome Safari
Guide.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Volunteers—There are basically four types of volunteers at VBS:
Station Coordinator - Works at a particular station all day, in charge of pre-planning activities, overseeing
station leaders and giving instructions. (Wears a blue t-shirt to be identified as the main leader for that par-
ticular station.)
Station Leaders - Work at a particular station all day such as games, crafts, snacks, crew time, or Bible, un-
der the direction of the station coordinator.
Class Leaders - Work with a particular age group such as 4 year olds, 1st grade, etc. and rotate to all sta-
tions with that group of kids and is in charge of all children in that grade and oversees crew leaders. (Wears
a blue t-shirt to be identified as the main leader for that class.)
Crew Leaders - Work with a particular age group and within that age group are responsible for a small group
of kids while rotating from station to station, under the direction of the Class Leader.

Hospitality Room—We have a hospitality room for both teens and adults to enjoy a snack and
beverage. It will be in the upstairs conference room off to the right of the lobby. This room is off limits to kids.
Crew leaders will have an opportunity to take a break when you drop your kids off at CRAFTS. Please use
this time only to enjoy some refreshments, something to drink, and use the restroom. During other stations
(Bible, snacks, crew time, worship, and games) you’ll need to stay with your crew and participate with them.
If you are a station leader, please take turns with other station leaders for your break. If you would like to
contribute a snack or drink, please sign up on the hospitality chart in the church lobby or at
www.northsidechristianchurch.net/vbs

Offering—Offering will be collected during the VBS opening session each day for our Global Workers:
Central India Christian Mission (see p 4). The offering competition will be different each day. Kids will get to
vote on something with their offering by placing their money in the correctly labeled bucket.

2
Announcements—We are counting on you to be here!
• If you are going to miss a day, contact Brenda or the person under whom you are working ASAP so that
a replacement for you can be found if you haven’t done so already.
• Volunteers need to be here no later than 8:45 am. If you are an early bird and can be here by 8:30, that
would be helpful, too.
• Each morning you will need to pick up your pre-printed tag at the volunteer check in area in the lobby. If
you don’t find your nametag, that means we may not have known you signed up to volunteer so please
notify our VBS director, Brenda. Volunteer nametags will have a red boarder. Please wear your name-
tag at all times, so our security team knows you are an approved worker.
• Station leaders will need to report to their station immediately after picking up their name tag. They will
not be attending the opening sessions as they will be receiving instructions from the station coordinator
during that time.
• Class leaders and crew leaders need to go to their homeroom (for preschool and Kindergarten) or their
row in the worship center and begin connecting with kids.

Check-In—Every parent will need to bring their kids inside and check them in. We’ll have check-in com-
puters set up in the lobby. Upon arrival after checking in, kids 1st-6th grade should go to their crew rows in
the worship center and Kindergarten and Preschool kids should report to their homeroom downstairs. The
younger children of our volunteers will also need to check in and go to their assigned classrooms, depending
on their age. If a kid comes to your crew row, homeroom class or station and is not wearing a nametag,
please send them back to the lobby to get checked in (they will need their nametag for dismissal). If you see a
child with a bright green nametag that means it is their first day at VBS and they were not pre-registered. We
call this walk-in registration. You will need to add these kids to your class list or crew list because they will not
be on it.

Dismissal—We are going to dismiss elementary kids from the worship center and preschool kids from
Room 114 downstairs. Parents who come for elementary closing will sit in a designated area. They will need
to present their pick up sticker to a check-in worker at the back of the worship center at the end of the closing
session. Kids will stay seated until they hear their names called to be picked up. Please help listen for the
names of kids in your group and DO NOT let them go running up to their parent when they see them come in.
Please try to keep kids from destroying their nametags throughout the morning, because they will need to turn
it in during this time. (Nametags CAN be reprinted this year. If a child’s nametag is lost or destroyed, please
take them to the security station in the lobby to get a re-printed tag BEFORE dismissal begins.)

Schedule—The schedule for elementary crews will be different every day for each grade (see p.10).
Preschool schedule is the same each day (see p.11). Give yourself enough walk time to get from place to
place so that you are at the next station on time.

Lost & Found—There will be a lost and found table in the upstairs lobby between the office and the
bathrooms. Please place items here if you find something that doesn’t belong to your group. Have kids
check this location if they are missing something.

Memory Verses—This year we have one memory verse for each day of the week. This year adven-
turers will get Bible Memory Buddy dog tag style necklaces that have a character and daily memory verses
(see p. 7 for more information on Bible Buddies and Memory Work). They will have some time to practice
their memory work during crew time.

3
 CREWS
Elementary Crews—A crew is a small group of about 5-8 kids AND one teen OR one adult vol-
unteer as the crew leader. Crews travel from station to station with other crews of the same grade. Crews
will be labeled first by their grade and then by a color. (Example: 2nd Green, 2nd Blue, 2nd Yellow, etc.)
Crew leaders work under the leadership of one class leader. Each crew group of kids will have a color.
Crew leaders need to make sure they have a colored dot on their nametag in order to help identify what
crew group each kid is in. Crew leaders will need to pass out any announcement sheets, worksheets, and
any crafts to their crew during the closing before kids are dismissed.

Preschool Crews—Each preschool crew will have one leader, and a few assistants. Each crew is
labeled by one of the following names: Birds, Meerkats, Lions, Rhinos, Giraffes, and Elephants. Crew lead-
ers need to ensure each child has the correct sticker placed on their name tag in order to identify what crew
group each belongs to. Crew leaders will need to pass out any announcement sheets, worksheets and any
crafts to their crew during the closing before kids are dismissed.

Crew Rows & Crew Bags—First thing each morning kids will be sent to the same row in the
worship center (1st–6th Grade) or classroom (Kindergarten & preschool) for their age group. There will be
one crew bag per crew leader in each row or room. Your bag will contain any essentials you’ll need for the
day, candy to give out as Bible verse prizes or to use at your discretion, a clip board with your schedule,
and any other information that you might need for the day. Carry these bags with you as you’ll need to get
supplies from them on occasion when at certain stations. Please leave bags at the church in your row or
room after VBS each day so we can update information on your clipboard or add any important information
for the next day. You will have candy to give out as prizes for when kids show love towards God and one
another.

Crew Rosters—You will need to keep track of the list of kids who are in your crew color and be sure
the class leader knows of any changes to your group. Cross off the names of kids who are not in your crew
(permanently...meaning they changed to a different class/crew, not just for absence) and write in any addi-
tional names of kids who are in your crew. Leave this roster in the crew bag each day after VBS so that it
can be updated. If kids want to switch crews or classes, please get approval from your class leader before
allowing them to do so.

VBS & GLOBAL OUTREACH

Global Workers—Central India Christian Mission (CICM) will be our Global Workers for the 2019
VBS. CICM responds to the needs of people in India and surrounding countries through outreach initiatives
including providing medical care, disaster relief, shelter, food, education, training and more. It is through this
ability to meet physical needs that the door is opened to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, bring hope to the
hopeless, love the unlovable and free those in bondage. Our VBS offerings will go to help CICM’s aim: to
meet the spiritual and physical needs of those the Lord brings to us. Each day of VBS, during Sing & Play
Roar we will highlight a different aspect of their work and challenge kids to give generously. Please encour-
age the kids to pray for CICM and give their offerings for this good work.

4
 STATIONS
Crew Rotations—At Roar VBS, the elementary kids visit stations listed below each day. Each sta-
tion is staffed by an station coordinator and features a different activity that reinforces what kids are learning
about Jesus. Station leaders will repeat the daily Bible Point to really help kids remember it. All the VBS par-
ticipants will love our opening session: Sing & Play Roar, and our closing session: Safari Celebration. Kids
rotate through the other stations with their crews.

Sing & Play Roar—The Sing & Play Roar Leaders will introduce the Bible Point, key Bible verse,
Bible Memory Buddy and missions each day. Each day, kids sing the Roar theme song, which connects with
the daily Bible Points. Crew members will also discuss their God Sightings as a reminder that God is at work
and God is good every day!

Wild Bible Adventures—Kids experience the daily Bible story in a hands-on way. Kids will con-
nect their unforgettable Bible experiences to real life.

Hungry Herd Café (Snacks)—Kids make and eat snacks that connect to the key Bible verse
and the daily point.

Imagination Station (Crafts)—Kids dive into exciting crafts that connect to the day’s Bible
story and daily point.

Crew Time featuring KidVid™ Cinema—The daily Bible verse is reinforced as children
watch and discuss the inspiring true story featured in each day’s video seg-
ment. Crews practice using a Bible by finding and reading each day’s key
Bible verse. Crew Leaders give each child the day’s Bible Memory Buddy key
chain in a special, affirming way. Kids will also be given a “Watch for God”
wristband as a reminder to watch for ways that God is at work in them and in
the world around them. We call these “God Sightings” (Orange/Yellow wrist-
bands are youth sized. Blue/green are adult sized.)

Spotlight Drama— 1st-4th graders will have one opportunity during the week to participate in
Spotlight Drama. The Spotlight Drama leader will help kids created posed photos that reminds them of the
Bible point and story. Then they’ll get to watch their creation during our Safari Celebration.

Stampede Sports (games)—Kids play games that connect with the daily Bible Point.
Safari Celebration— Kids watch the special daily Spotlight VBS slideshow. Kids sing the Sing &
Play Roar songs they’ve learned that day. The Safari Celebration Leader uses drama experiences and en-
gaging object lessons to help kids apply what they’ve learned throughout the day.

5
DAILY THEMES

6
 BIBLE MEMORY BUDDIES
Kids meet each day’s Bible Memory Buddy during Sing & Play Roar. Fun video clips introduce the
kids to the day’s Bible Memory Buddy animal. These buddies will remind kids of the day’s Bible
Point and feature the key Bible verse. Each day kids get a Bible Memory Buddy dog tag to add to
their necklace chain during Crew Time to take home so they can continue to practice their memory
verse. Be sure to reward kids who can say their memory verse with lots of high-fives, “good jobs”
and even a piece of candy or two!

Sometimes people really want to take this

awesome horn on my nose, but that isn’t
fair—it’s mine! I grew it from when I was just
a little rhino. Unfair things happen to all of us,
and I’ll help everyone remember that when
life is unfair….God is good!

When I was just a chick I wasn’t too sure about the

whole flying thing. I didn’t let fear hold me back,
and now I love to fly—it’s gooood fun! I’ll help eve-
ryone remember that when life is scary...God is
good.

We cape buffaloes like to

live in big families called
herds. Life is good in the
herd, but there are times we
sure do move around a lot,
and that’s hard in a herd.
Sometimes I’d rather stay in
one place, but I know when
life changes...God is good!

Did you know my roar is so loud that it can be heard

from up to five miles away? It helps me call out to my
friends when I’m feeling sad. When you’re sad, you can
call out to God and God can hear you from anywhere—
even if you don’t have a roar like mine—because God
is always close by. When life is sad...God is good!

7
 The adventure guide
to Awesomeness
Behavior Policies
We know leading kids can be hard, but don’t lose your cool or your sanity.
Just remember… Remind – Move – Remove
Remind adventurers of expectations. “Keep your hands to yourself”; “Quietly lis-
ten to whomever is speaking”; etc.
Move adventurers from temptations. Move talkers away from each other; move
adventurers from source of difficulty; etc.
Remove adventurers from the situation. This may mean asking a child to step into
the hallway for a moment with you, until they can return to the group and participate
agreeably. Seek assistance from the Roar VBS Directors if needed.

How to be an Awesome Safari Guide

You will have a variety of kids with a variety of personalities, interests and learning
styles in your crew. Whether it’s games, singing, bible, or offering make it your goal to
help kids work with one another not against one another. Value cooperation over
competition. It’s a new concept for some. Here are some quick tips that might help.
 Remember, relationships first. The purpose of Roar is to help kids grow in their
faith and to encourage healthy relationships. Learn the names, interests and sto-
ries of the children.
 Talk, play, sing and participate with the children and create an environment that
pulls focus away from competition and instead rewards effort, encouragement and
teamwork.
 Don’t allow put-downs - set a clear expectation of this and enforce it. Help kids
think of ways to love, serve and encourage one another. Lead by example in this.
 Look for ways to help in our Safari Adventure - see a need, meet a need.
 Pray, pray, pray. Pray that God will use our VBS to draw kids and leaders closer to
Him and one another.

8
 Main Level

206 Please see maps

posted in
205 classrooms for
Birds Emergency Exit
VBS Nursery 204
Routes
0-3yrs
(volunteers’ 203
children 202 1st-6th Grade at Opening
only) Kindergarten at Closing Only
201
Worship Center

Check-out K-6th
Restrooms
East Entrance

Elevator
Hospitality
Room

Registration

Nametags
Volunteer
Offices Check-in (For
Volunteers
Only)

Main Entrance
Lower Level
Preschool
Preschool Storage Elementary Elementary
Preschool Crafts
Games Crafts Games
Crew 101
outside on
Time 105 104 103 102
the grass
106 by the
117
Giraffes Youth
Kitchen
Center and
Preschool Elephants Elementary the fence.
Rhinos Elementary
Bible 118 Snacks
& 116 Bible
110
Preschool
Closing/ Lions Meerkats Restrooms
Dismissal 111
112 109
115
114 Check-out Preschool 108
113
Elementary Crew Time & Children’s
Kindergarten Homeroom
Restroom

9
 ELEMENTARY SCHEDULE
9:00-9:35 9:35-10:00 10:00-10:25 10:25-10:50 10:50-11:15 11:15-11:40 11:40-11:55 11:55-12:00
Homeroom & Opening
K Craft Snack Games Bible Dismiss &
Crew Time Worship
Check out
1st Opening Craft Snack Games Bible Crew Time
Closing from
2nd Session Bible Crew Time* Craft Snack Games
Session Worship
3rd Worship, Drama Games Bible Crew Time Craft Snack
Center
4th & Offering Snack Games Bible Crew Time Craft

9:00-9:35 9:35-10:00 10:00-10:25 10:25-10:50 10:50-11:15 11:15-11:40 11:40-11:55 11:55-12:00

Homeroom & Opening
K Craft Snack Games Bible Dismiss &
Crew Time Worship
Check out
1st Opening Games Bible Crew Time Craft Snack
Closing from
2nd Session Snack Games Bible Crew Time Craft Session Worship
3rd Worship, Drama Craft Snack Games Bible Crew Time Center
th & Offering
4 Bible Crew Time* Craft Snack Games

9:00-9:35 9:35-10:00 10:00-10:25 10:25-10:50 10:50-11:15 11:15-11:40 11:40-11:55 11:55-12:00

Homeroom & Opening
K Craft Snack Games Bible Dismiss &
Crew Time Worship
st Check out
1 Opening Snack Games Bible Crew Time Craft
Closing from
2nd Session Craft Snack Games Bible Crew Time
Session Worship
3rd Worship, Drama Bible Crew Time* Craft Snack Games
Center
4th & Offering Games Bible Crew Time Craft Snack

9:00-9:35 9:35-10:00 10:00-10:25 10:25-10:50 10:50-11:15 11:15-11:40 11:40-11:55 11:55-12:00

Homeroom & Opening
K Craft Snack Games Bible Dismiss &
Crew Time Worship
st Check out
1 Opening Bible Crew Time* Craft Snack Games
Closing from
2nd Session Games Bible Crew Time Craft Snack
Session Worship
3rd Worship, Drama Snack Games Bible Crew Time Craft
Center
& Offering
4th Craft Snack Games Bible Crew Time

E L E M E N TA R Y S TA T I O N L O C A T I O N S
KINDERGARTEN - FOURTH GRADE
Opening/Closing – Main Worship Center
Crew Time – Room 113
Crew Time* - Report to spotlight drama before Crew Time.
Snacks – Room 110
Crafts – Room 102/103
Games – Outside (on the grass by the youth center and fence)
Bible – Room 109
Kindergarten Homeroom – Room 113

10
 PRESCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE

9:00-9:15 9:15-9:40 9:40-10:00 10:00-10:25 10:25-10:50 10:50-11:15 11:15-11:40 11:40-11:55 11:55-12:00

Birds & Crew Time Bible Snacks Games Crafts

Meerkats
Lions Welcome
Games Opening Crew Time Crafts Bible Snacks
Closing
Activities in
Session Session in Dismiss &
Rhinos Homerooms
Crafts Worship Snacks Bible Crew Time Games
room 114 Check out
and
Giraffes Bible Missions Crafts Games Snacks Crew Time

Elephants Snack Games Crew Time Crafts Bible

PRESCHOOL STATION LOCATIONS

Welcome Activities – Kids meet in homeroom classes for each age group downstairs.
Birds - Room 205
Meerkats – Room 112
Lions – Room 115
Rhinos– Room 116
Giraffes – Room 117
Elephants– Room 118
Bible – Room 114
Opening – Main Worship Center Upstairs
Crafts – Room 104
Snacks – In above listed Homeroom class- Take
your kids to the bathroom during this time.
Games – Meet in Room 105 first, then outside games will be off the back patio
Crew Time – Room 106
Closing – Room 114

11
Notes & Prayer Requests

12