For the vast majority of churches in the United States, VBS remains one of the most potent weeks of outreach in the calendar.
When you think of VBS, you likely think of:
Child-friendly Bible stories.
Fun worship music.
Tasty snacks.
And, of course, you have the flashy decorations.
Most churches realize that to reach children during VBS, you need to provide an experience that is as immersive as possible. That means decorations play an important role in setting the scene. A well-decorated space helps transport children to the world of the Bible or the theme of the week, making lessons more engaging and memorable.
But—and this is a big but—VBS decorations can get expensive. You want to provide a great experience for the children in your community, but your budget isn’t unlimited.
Neither does it need to be. The following five cost-saving strategies can help stretch your decorations budget so you can wow the kids without going broke.
Start with What You Have: Re-purpose and Reuse
There’s an old saying that, “Creativity is making marvelous out of the discarded.” Church buildings will give you a lot of opportunities to test that theory. Most churches have collected large amounts of “stuff” through the years. You can repurpose much of this for stunning VBS decorations.
So grab a couple of your church members (make sure you bring some of your more creative folks along) and take a stroll through your church building. It’s not enough to just “look for things you can use” because you can use far more than you might think. The key is finding the right items.
Consider asking these questions as you look through your church’s accumulated “stuff”:
- What items do we already have that align with our VBS theme?
- Can this item be transformed with simple modifications?
- Is there potential to combine multiple items for a new purpose?
- Can children safely use this item?
- Is this item durable enough to withstand the duration of VBS?
- Does this item evoke the desired atmosphere or setting?
If you can answer yes to many of these questions, that discarded item may be able to become a treasured VBS decoration.
DIY Magic: Low-Cost, High-Impact Ideas
Do-it-yourself decorations are some of the best ways to save money during VBS. They also help you engage additional volunteers as you add a personal touch to your VBS theme. Ask your volunteers to take part in a craft night and be creative with some of these often discarded items.
- Cardboard boxes – In a world where online ordering has skyrocketed, your church and its members likely get a bunch of cardboard boxes delivered each week. With a little paint (and some creativity), you can turn them into castle walls or undersea hideouts.
- Recyclables—Your trash can become your VBS treasures. Ask families to bring recyclables (plastic bottles, pool noodles, etc.) Then, turn the noodles into archways or vines. Paint the plastic bottles to look like pillars. Milk jugs, toilet paper rolls, and laundry detergent can become your next great decorations by adding a little elbow grease.
Don’t worry about perfection. You’re not trying to create a professional set. Instead, focus on creating a fun environment for the kids.
Dollar Store & Thrift Store Treasures
As you get to the end of your VBS decorating, you can often secure those last few items inexpensively at the right places. You probably have a few people at your church who are experts at finding great bargains, whether it’s at a local dollar store, thrift shop, or yard sale. It is time to put their skills to work at the church. Here is how to make the best use of these spots.
Dollar Stores
- Party supplies – Streamers, balloons, plastic tablecloths, and wall decals make great, affordable decorations.
- Foam boards & poster boards – These make great signs and backdrops!
- Paper plates and cups – Not only can you use these to serve the kids snacks, but they also make excellent tools for crafts or even wall decor.
- Glow sticks – Use these for an excellent low-cost option to make items for a space theme.
By the way, shop early at dollar stores because they rotate their items frequently and seasonal items might not stay in stock for long.
Thrift stores
- Fabric and sheets – Use old bedsheets as banners, backdrops, or even costumes.
- Old toys and stuffed animals – Teach Noah’s art with fluffy versions of your favorite animals.
- Artificial plants – You’ve never seen a forest so lifelike as it will with thrift-store plants.
On certain days, thrift stores will have deep sales on specific (maybe even weekly) days. Ask your local store when you can expect those to get even better deals.
Yard sales
- Furniture – Yard sales are often the ideal spots to get big items (like the comfy couch or small bookshelf you need for certain sets).
- Craft supplies—You can often find these at yard sales or estate sales, where you can find a large amount for a low cost.
- Costumes—Old Halloween outfits can make great costumes for skits, themed nights, or Bible character dress-up activities.
Try visiting garage sales late in the day when people are ready to pack up. They’ll often offer you a deal on a large bundle of items.
You Can Do This!
You absolutely don’t need to break the bank to decorate well for Vacation Bible School. Start early and prepare for a fun time of gathering just the right decorations to bring smiles to the kids in your community.
But don’t stop with the decorations. Our free guide, Moments That Matter: How to Create a Life-Changing VBS Experience, helps you create a VBS that kids will remember for years to come. Download it today!
ACS Technologies
ACS Technologies sets a new standard in church technology, offering a holistic suite of solutions that streamline administrative tasks and empower your staff to excel in their roles and your church to excel in your community.
In the ever-evolving landscape of church engagement and management, ACS Technologies rises above the rest. Our comprehensive church solutions, bespoke digital offerings, streamlined communication tools, comprehensive ministry consulting, and training make us the trusted choice for over fifty thousand churches. Experience the ACS Technologies advantage and elevate your church’s online presence, connectivity, and generosity today. Join us in redefining church technology for the digital age, where your ministry’s success becomes our shared mission.
