What to Save for VBS 2019

I’m often asked, “Are there things I should be on the look out for or things I should start collecting now for next summer?” Great questions! It’s never too early to start planning ahead. End of summer sales sometimes have great deals on things you might need for VBS. For example I always like to snag a few new bubble wands and foam pool noodles on clearance at the end of summer … you’ll always need those in kids ministry! And I like to wait for back-to-school sales to replenish resource room staples like markers, crayons, pens, scissors, etc.
Those are things you’ll always need. But what about things specific to In the Wild? Wouldn’t you like to know if you’re going to have to find refrigerator boxes or film canisters (Boy, those are getting hard to find!) or if you’re going to need to collect 500 empty Pringles cans? Well then, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a list of things to start collecting for next summer’s In the Wild VBS:

• clear plastic bottles/jars with lids (crafts)
• small plastic animals (crafts, preschool activities)
• small water bottles with lids (crafts)
• small cans (crafts)
• party blowers (crafts)
• end-of-season sales on realistic animal pool floats (decorating)
• various shades of green tablecloths (decorating vines, leaves)
• 3D butterfly stickers (decorating)
• animal lawn/garden stepping stones (decorating)
• fake snow, snowflakes (if decorating Beluga Bay)
• artificial trees (various sizes of unlit Christmas trees work well, decorating)
• variety of cameras (instant print, disposable, digital, etc.)

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a good place to start. You’ll be able to know exactly what you’ll need when the curriculum becomes available on Dec. 1, 2018. Until then, I hope this helps you get a jump start!