Prepping the Building for VBS
Most aspects of VBS prep are obvious. After all, it is essential that workers be enlisted and trained, resources and supplies gathered, decorations created, and snacks assembled. But how much attention do you give to prepping the building?VBS typically requires using space that is not normally reserved for kids ministry. Rooms used as adult classrooms 51 weeks of the year are quickly rearranged to house first graders with little thought to hidden dangers.
Even rooms typically used for kids ministry can host dangers that become overlooked due to familiarity (broken toys, uncovered electrical outlets) and clutter.
Prior to the week of VBS make prepping the building a priority. Visit every room that will be used during VBS. Actually, you also need to visit adjacent rooms that are not scheduled to be used but just might end up being the destination of a wandering kid.
Take notes of potential dangers and discuss your findings with the appropriate people – which is typically the leaders of the ministries that use the space throughout the year. You do not want to be the culprit who takes it on your own to hide or trash the plant given in memory of Miss Myrtle.
As you tour, keep your eyes open for these potential dangers:
- Uncovered electrical outlets
- Harmful supplies (chemicals, pointed scissors) in easy reach of children
- Broken toys and furniture
- Poisonous plants and insects
- Uncovered sharp edges on furniture, cabinets, and fixtures
- Fire exits that are not clearly marked and easily accessible.
Join the conversation – what potential dangers do you wish you had discovered prior to a kid discovering them during VBS?
Please proofread this article and the link used to get here:
“building” is misspelled in the link.
“are” not “or”
“Wandering” not “wondering”
“exits” not “exists”
Wow! I really messed up on this one. Thanks.