VBS Evaluation - Sky by Group

Group VBS curriculum is always a popular choice, known for its rotational format and "easy" preparation.

This year's theme is "Sky," where children discover that all things are possible with God. This unique theme means that decorations will include such things as clouds, stars, birds, airplanes, hot air balloons, kites and even a flying pig! Cotton balls may become a cheap decorating tool to use as clouds.

I like the repetition in the Daily Bible Points, teaching children that they can trust God no matter what. The experiential lessons will help children understand the Bible stories, which include accounts of Jesus' miracles as well as a presentation of His death and resurrection.


Instead of a craft station this year, Group's VBS features an Imagination Station at which children use fun science "gizmos." I think children enjoy expressing their creativity through craft projects and it is hard for me to imagine a VBS without traditional crafts. However, I think that children will definitely enjoy the cool science activities, such as launching Fizzy Fliers and making their own bubbles, and will still have something that they can take home.

The program includes a separate preschool track, featuring age-appropriate activities and lessons, presented in a simple, clear and easy-to-understand manner for these youngsters. A corresponding program for teenagers is also available.

Other activities include a missions project to help protect kids in Mali, Africa, from malaria; God Sightings, which encourage children to look for ways they see God at work each day; and a get-to-know-you activity to help children build relationships with others in their group. 

Multimedia resources, including several DVDs, are included in the starter kit. The music DVD includes contemporary and traditional songs with videos featuring the motions to accompany the lyrics. I have always liked Group's volunteer recruitment commercials, which are available on the training DVD. An online registration and organization tool is available to help VBS administrators. Children will enjoy watching Chadder the chipmunk in the movie that goes along with each day's lesson. This year the Chadder video features cartoon animations instead of real-life characters and puppets.

Group offers many items children can take home to reinforce what they have learned at VBS including characters with the memory verses printed on them, conversation starter cards, a prayer clip and take-home science experiments. There is also a family-friendly Web site to visit and enjoy after VBS.

There are lots of items available for purchase including tattoos, water bottles, wristbands, picture frames and hats; however, for limited budgets, these items may be cute, but not affordable.

Through Group's Sky VBS program, children will discover that when they trust God, all things are possible! Mark 10:27

Disclosure: I did NOT receive any compensation or products in exchange for this review. I simply wanted to present an evaluation of this curriculum, which may be helpful for children's ministry leaders.

Book Review – The Donkey Who Carried a King

The Donkey Who Carried a King was written by R.C. Sproul and illustrated by Chuck Groenink. This picture book presents young readers with an interesting look at the events surrounding Jesus' death. 

The book begins with the story of Reilly, a young boy who feels dejected because he is continually the last one picked when playing games with the other boys. His grandpa tells him the story of Davey, a donkey who lived long ago. Davey was never given any jobs to do, until one day some men came looking for him. Davey ends up carrying Jesus into Jerusalem as people put their coats down, wave palm branches, and shout praises to the King. 

Davey feels special that he was given such an important job; however, after this experience, he feels too important to do menial tasks. However, after their elders help them realize that Jesus was willing to carry the cross, Davey and Reilly decide that they should do whatever task God gives them to do, whether big and glorious or small and seemingly insignificant. This is an important truth for all Christians to grasp. 

Children will connect with the feelings and experiences of eight-year-old Reilly, and they will also enjoy hearing the biblical story from an animal's viewpoint.

I liked the subtle historical details that were woven into the story such as the reference to famous donkeys in history, including Balaam’s donkey. I believe that the illustrations were culturally accurate, from the appearance and clothing of the people, to the wall around the city and writing inscribed above the doors of the houses. The illustrations throughout the story and on the cover and end pages used earth-tone colors, which seemed appropriate for the story. The font size of the words on some pages varied, larger at the top of the page and smaller at the bottom, which I did not feel was necessary, but it did not take away from the overall story.

At the end of the book, there is a section for parents featuring questions and answers for discussion, along with Bible passages and application points. This section helps to further explain the meaning of the events in the story. This would be a good book to read on Palm Sunday as Holy Week begins to help children learn what happened during these events. The book goes beyond the Triumphal Entry to talk about Jesus' journey to the cross, helping children to better understand the reason Jesus had to die.

Disclosure: I am to receive a free copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing as compensation for my review.

What is God calling you to do? Mark 8:34; John 13:14-15; Colossians 3:17, 23