Galactic Starveyors – Return to a world of discovery, exploration, and adventure
I grew up in a suburb of one of the largest cities in the U.S. While my neighborhood looked like many other post-WWII planned communities of cookie-cutter houses on small lots, I was fortunate to live on one of the outer edges of the neighborhood. This meant I could walk out the back gate of my yard into what seemed like endless opportunities of adventure. Within feet of my backyard was a creek for wading, ponds for catching frogs and crawfish, fields worth days of bike exploration, and a wide open sky uncluttered by ground lights. To be a starveyor I only had to look up to discover the wonder of God’s creative genius.
Fortunately I had both country and city cousins, and they were all just a short car ride away. Within minutes I could be amidst the sights and sounds of the city or the tranquility of the country. Both were rich with adventure and the presence of God’s handiwork.
There were skyscrapers that seemed so amazingly tall I could barely see the top. Obviously you could open a window and touch a star if not the moon itself. And then there were fields so vast the distant ground and sky seemed to merge into one. Surely, if I could just run far enough, I would be able to gather stars as if plucking fruit from a low hanging tree.
Isn’t a child’s imagination wonderful? Their sense of discovery, exploration, and adventure is a treasure, that sadly can be too quickly lost. Galactic Starveyors, Lifeway’s VBS 2017, is a return to the childhood innocence of discovery, exploration, and adventure. It is a return to the backyard (or rooftop) clubhouse where dreams come true and imagination is the rule of the day. Best of all we will discover the God who created the universe wants a personal relationship with us.
In recent days I have heard from so many VBS leaders who are excited about the Starveyors theme and have already begun dreaming up decorations for next summer. Here’s a few photos from our video shoot to stir your imagination.
Obviously, raccoons love VBS too! So go ahead and let your inner child come out for a moment. Discovery, exploration, and adventure await you with Galactic Starveyors.
This theme sounds great. May I humbly ask that sign language (at least some)return to the songs pretty please. The last 2 years at the VBS conference many were talking about missing it too! Just a suggestion. Thanks for your consideration. ????
Amen!! I would LOVE for sign language to return to the VBS music as well!! Everyone gets a bonus of learning some words of a new language, those ASL words may possibly still be of good use by a plan God might have after VBS, the choreography may be more simpler, & the kids & others will be able to focus more on God, glorifying Him & what the song is about, & so they might not be worried & only focused on getting the moves down over all. Whatever the plan is, we must accept God’s will & serve Him & others humbly, lovingly, joyfully, giving God glory, worship & praise as He is so worthy, comes first & more.
Amen!
I agree! The kids seemed to get the sign language used in the past better than some of the complex movements this year. And, they need simpler choreography so that our kids & visitors who are introduced the first day of VBS can feel confident learning it and performing at the end of a week.
I love the theme song for 2017 and hope the movements will enhance the learning instead of overwhelm as some did this year.
I would also love to this return. As a matter of fact, we did our own research and choreographed all the songs ourselves and I’m so glad we did. We actually had a hearing impaired student at our outreach this year and her mom was so blessed to see her learning new words.
Sounds like fun..worked very creative folks this year..I bet they’re already working on this.
I hope the writers are “children’s teachers.” Metaphors and similes are too much to teach to young children. As a former public school teacher, I know children are “concrete” thinkers; they are not ready for metaphors and such until 6th grade and beyond. Example: Jesus as Living Water
I would also suggest teaching basics in Mission Class: IMB, NAMB, and State mission organizations, GAs, RAs, MKs, etc. Since so many churches are not doing WMU, RAs, GAs, etc., our children need to get this education.
Thank you.
Rest assured all of our writers (and editors) are required to work with the age group they write for. An adult leader like me never writes for kids, just as a worker with elementary-aged kids never writes for preschoolers. We adhere to a document titled Levels of Biblical Learning that describes the concepts and truths kids are able to understand from birth through their teenage years. You can learn more about the Levels of Biblical Learning by going to LifeWay.com/kids and typing in Levels of Biblical Learning.
I miss the signing part also. Please bring it back.
Wow, I thought I was the only one who wanted sign language brought back. I’m so glad to hear others miss it too. Our VBS is this week, and I noticed the kids seem so focused on the dance moves that they don’t sing as much. They love to move, mind you, but I think if they could sign the words that would be awesome. I taught my 5th grade class the signs for John 3:16 and they loved it.
It would be nice if there were alternative snacks. Every year we have a few children who are gluten free, some with dairy allergies, etc. Also, could you list sources for some of the more obscure items needed for VBS. I never did find sugar cane.
Will there be different themes for the rotation rooms? In the past each room had its own theme that coordinated with the overall theme. This year everything was just called Deep Sea except the worship rally. It helps with decorations when each room has a different theme like the year before.
We just finished our Submerged VBS and it was a success! I am so excited for the 2017 theme and am already visualizing decorating ideas. I cant wait!
Thank you!
Please, bring sign language back into the movements. It doesn’t have to be all of the moves but would be awesome. Although some of the moves for vbs 2016 were fun – they didn’t make sense and were difficult for some to do.
WOO VBS 2017! literally the only thing that I look forward to when I wake up is that I’m another day closer to the 2017 music being released! AAHH I’ M SO EXCITED