Dear All the VBSes…

We love VBS!
I try to do 3 a summer. Is that crazy?
We keep in contact with friends from other churches and my kids get to learn that we are part of something bigger than our crazy family.
I love a lot of things about VBS, but there is one thing I hate.
Like it drives me up the wall and I want to throw up.
I’ve thought about casually mentioning it to the VBS directors. But how jacked up is that!?!? “Hey, I don’t go to your church, but you are totally doing this wrong.” I don’t want to seem like a complainer. I mean they are putting on an awesome camp for pennies. Instead, I’ll write a open letter on my own blog… and if any VBS organizers happen to run across this post, then they will have the power to change this horrid VBS practice.
”What the hay is she talking about?” (You’re thinking)
Well, I’m talking about foam stickers!
Obviously.

I hate those things. All the foam things.
HATE!!!
I get it though – They are pre-cut, cute, and make it so easy to make non-train wreck craft with kids.
But do you actually keep any foam crafts?
Maybe… reluctantly… only if your kid’s picture is on it.
But every single craft for the last VBS we did, went into the trash.
Ultimately the church’s money went into a landfill.
That’s what breaks my heart.
All those non recyclable foam sticker toxins are going to seep into our water system and our great grandkids will have tails.
How about creating an experiences the kids will remember forever?
Games, scavenger hunts, prayer time…
I get crafts are important. They reinforce what kids are learning and give them creative outlets to express… well, anything! I mean really, you know I love crafts!!
But knowing, all the crafts will end up in the trash… is it worth it? Think of the VBS money that could go to real causes, money that could have made a big impact.
If a VBS has 500 kids and they only spend $1 on each craft each day, you’re looking at $2,500.
$2,500 of trash!!!!!!
Blarg.
So I’m sure you are wondering, “What in the world can we do at VBS instead of crafts?
Glad you asked!
Here’s some ideas:

• A piece of blank white paper and a drawing prompt. Some of my favorite pictures are random ones my kids have made from their own imagination. Cost 1 cent each.
• Make cards for the troops… or the local retirement community… or fire station… or whatever. Use construction paper or bulk cards. Cost range $.01-.50 each.
• How about sending everyone home with a family project. Make your own lemonade. Print out a lemonade recipe and send it home in a bag with 5 lemons. Every congregation has at least 4 people who have a lemon tree and can’t use all those suckers. Paper bag, donated lemons (maybe you’ll have to buy them in bulk), and 1/4 slip of paper for the recipe. Cost $.10-1.00 each.
• Face paining. Hire someone or get the youth group involved for free. Supplies and man power. $20-$300 for the day.
• The group picture… You have to do one of those! Just have the picture printed then add a magnet to the back. $.50 each.

I just planned your next VBS! A whole week of “crafts” that won’t end up in the trash.
Now I know what you’re thinking… “But we have to keep these kids busy for 3 hours!?!?!?!!
Water balloons. Capture the flag. Candy.
Done!
This Small change would make a BIG impact on the amount of waste we produce and the money could be used to positively impact people’s lives forever.
Clean water wells. Smoke free stoves. Kids aging out of foster care. Buy livestock for a village.
The list can go on forever.
Talk you your church about changing your perspective on VBS crafts.
And for sweet baby Jesus’ sake, don’t ever use those foam stickers again.
Ever.
Small Things can change the world.

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Kara Noel Lawson

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