BREAKOUTS

Directors Overview
Taylor Johnson
Tips for new and experienced VBS directors plus an introduction to the VBS 2023 Administrative Guide.

Directors Forum
Taylor Johnson (moderator)
This is your opportunity to share your experiences as a VBS Director with other directors. How do you do things at your church? What has worked well? Come share your wisdom with others!

Preschool Overview
Donna Blaydes
An introduction to Bible teaching for Babies–Kindergarten (rising 1^st graders). This session will be applicable no matter if you are teaching from the Babies–2s, 3s–Pre-K, Kindergarten, or Multi-age Preschool resources.

Preschool Rotations Overview
Donna Blaydes
Come explore Preschool VBS (3s–K) Music, Recreation, Missions, and Crafts and learn how to use rotations to reinforce the Bible truth each day.

Grades 1–4 Overview
David Anderson
An introduction to the Bible study resources for teaching 1^st-4^th graders. This session will be applicable no matter if you are teaching from the Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, or Multi-age Kids resources.

Grades 5–6 (VBX) Bible Study Overview
Ashley Gross
An introduction to the Bible study resources for 5th-6th graders.

VBX Crafts and Recreation
Ashley Gross
An overview of the stand-alone crafts and recreation ideas created exclusively for preteens (Grades 5–6).

Preteen Playbook
Ashley Gross
Preteens may act like they’re “too cool for Bible school” but when you understand how preteens are wired, you can create a game plan they’ll want to engage in. This session will focus on understanding the characteristics of preteens, levels of understanding, learning styles, and more that will unlock the mystery of preteens and keep them coming back for more.

Crafts Rotation Overview
Klista Storts
An introduction to the Grades 1–6 crafts rotation resources.

Missions Rotations Overview
Scott Patrick
An introduction to the Grades 1–6 missions rotation resources.

Music & Motions
Sandy Bennett
Learn the daily VBS songs and motions with our VBS choreographer.

Snack & Recreation Rotation Overview
Kelley Pekarek
An introduction to the Grades 1–6 recreation rotation resources and snack ideas for all ages. Come play games and taste and see themed snacks to keep your crew energized during VBS. This session will also cover preschool and allergy-friendly snacks as well as easy, prepackaged snack suggestions.

Backyard Kids Club Overview
Christy Nance
An introduction to Backyard Kids Club resources for VBS 2023. Learn how to conduct a successful backyard or neighborhood VBS.

Student & Adult VBS Overview
Jim Fiscus
An introduction to the Student VBS resources designed for teaching Grades 7–12 as well as the Adult VBS resources.

Student & Adult VBS Extras
Jim Fiscus
An overview of the rotation activities designed exclusively for Student VBS and Adult VBS.

Decorating for Twists & Turns
Jason McNair
Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive or all-consuming! This session will explore ways to use things you can make, borrow, recycle, or purchase inexpensively for your Twists & Turns VBS. It will also include suggestions curated from VBS social media sites by people just like you.

(No) Jeopardy!
Delanee Williams
The answer: Safety and security issues presented in the style of a classic TV game show. The question: What is this conference all about? Come play a game and discover strategies for creating a safe and secure teaching environment for children of all ages.

Make the Right Moves in Classroom Guidance
Klista Storts
Ever feel like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back when teaching kids? Come find out how to make the right moves in knowing and guiding kids through VBS!

Winning at Bible Story Telling
Klista Storts
We all know that the Bible content is the most important of VBS, but do we put as much effort in getting that across to the kids as we do the theme? Let’s talk about ways to bring the Bible to life during Bible Study and connecting it throughout each day’s activities.

Games for Your Hip Pocket
Christy Nance
We all know there are moments during VBS when you have to vamp—an activity went faster than expected, a parent is running late for pick-up, the previous group went long and your group is waiting in the hall. If you don’t have a plan, these unexpected downtimes can quickly turn into chaos with kids. This session will equip you with quick and easy, low-prep games that you can keep in your hip pocket or the back of your mind to pull out and play at a moment’s notice.

Flipping the Board Game
David Anderson
You’ve planned and prepared for months for VBS, but then are hit with an unexpected twist. Will it be “game over” or will you keep advancing to the finish line? This session will help you know what to do when things don’t go the way you’ve planned including ideas for schedule adjustments, alternative locations, budgeting, and more.

Using VBS to Build Bridges to Differing Cultures in Your Community
Jason McNair
Engaging kids and families from different faith traditions can be difficult. How can we host VBS events that are culturally sensitive to different faiths without compromising Gospel truth? In this session we’ll discover three ways to build bridges rather than put up walls in relationships with our communities.

Make Your Move: Leading a Child to Christ
Scott Patrick
VBS is ultimately about leading kids to know Christ as their Savior. This session will equip participants to share the gospel in age-appropriate ways.

Saved: Now What?
Jim Fiscus
This session will explore principles, best practices, and resources to help you develop an age-appropriate spiritual growth and discipleship strategy for children, students, and adults.

Skip Ahead to Follow Up
David Anderson
Don’t wait VBS is over to think about follow up. Make a plan now! This session will help you create a plan for following up with kids and families after Vacation Bible School.

The Game Is Not Over
Scott Patrick
VBS may be over, but discipleship keeps going. This session will explore ways and resources to help you come alongside and equip parents to continue the learning that began at VBS in their own homes.

Playing to Win: Getting Your Whole Congregation Involved in VBS
Christy Nance
VBS is one time of year when the entire church can be involved. There’s something for every age, every giftedness, and every passion—and it takes everyone chipping in to make VBS a success. This session will explore strategies to get all ages involved in your church’s VBS.

Don’t Be in a Twister Over Volunteer Training
Kelley Pekarek
Win big with VBS volunteers by giving them the “rules of the game.” This session will explore fun and creative ways to train VBS volunteers and build community so that they come back year after year and even transition into regular volunteers.

Chess, Not Checkers: Playing the Long Game in VBS
Jason McNair
VBS is one of the best ways to recruit and train new Kids Ministry volunteers for ongoing ministry throughout the year. Hear about three strategies you can deploy during VBS to entice new leaders to serve throughout your ongoing Kids Ministry team.

A-MAZE-ing Volunteer Appreciation Ideas 
Donna Blaydes 
Level up with these great ideas that say, “thank you for serving in VBS!”

Don’t Be SORRY You Didn’t Use These VBS Catalog Resources
Kelley Pekarek
There are tons of creative ways to use items found in the VBS catalog. Find out how to turn VBS door hangers, postcards, tablecloths, and much more into engaging Bible skill games. Come and see how these items can be used for stage games that will be a hit!

Finding Balance in the Summer
Taylor Johnson
Summer is an extremely busy season for most of us in ministry. As fun and exciting as it is, it’s a grind that can be draining physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There are serious ramifications of draining yourself in ministry over the long haul. This session will explore finding success in the summer, while also finding intentional ways to find a healthy balance: time with family, soul care, rest, and so forth.

EBV 2023 para Directores
Miriam Astorga
A través de esta conferencia los participantes aprenderán a implementar cada herramienta que se provee para la organización y planificación de una EBV, maximizando los recursos y áreas a desarrollar dentro de EBV 2023 Giros y Vueltas.

EBV 2023 para Líderes de Preescolares
Miriam Astorga
En esta conferencia, los líderes de Preescolares conocerán la aplicación del tema de la EBV, utilizando el plan de enseñanza para aplicar las verdades espirituales que transformaran el corazón de los pequeños.

EBV 2023 para Líderes de Escolares
Miriam Astorga
A través de esta conferencia los líderes de Escolares conocerán las verdades bíblicas, el plan de enseñanza y las nuevas herramientas para desarrollar una EBV significativa para la vida de los niños.

EBV 2023 para Líderes de Jóvenes y Adultos
Miriam Astorga
Los líderes de los jóvenes y los adultos conocerán los planes de enseñanza de la EBV, así cómo su implementación práctica, de manera que impacte la vida espiritual de los participantes.