VBS 2026: Wednesday

 Here are a few images from today’s VBS.  

More VBS 2026

 Before VBS started, I got a few images of some of the stations.  Music and Games do not look like much without some action.  Take a look!

VBS 2026

 Here are a few pix!  We’re in the middle of VBS!   The monstrance craft is a mix of resources: Jesus in the Eucharist and Craft a Monstrance.  

We hot glue a CD or DVD to the gold doily.  The kiddos decorate it with gem stickers.  The thrift store saves me CDs and DVDs, which gives the project more value.  I’ve landed on black backing paper and a gold stand.  I’ll try to get a better photo this morning.  

How do you feel about science experiments at VBS or RE?

 I’m a science teacher.  I am uncertain about an entire week of science experiments at VBS.  The experiment would need to dovetail with scripture or faith lessons.  Here are a few I like: Ten Science Experiments for Children’s Ministry. These have scriptural lessons.  Combine Calm in the Storm with a rain storm.  13 Weeks of Bible Science looks good, too.  Bible Science has possibilities, too.  Lastly, here are 100 ideas.  I have to mull over the concept before I decide whether or not to include some science with my lessons.

New Season!

 My Co-op classes are nearly over.  May is consumed with visits.  My son, Fr. Josh, is home in May.  He has seemingly hundreds of friends.  When he’s home, we have tons of people over and make time to get together with family.  So, we have two trips planned.  Fr. Josh has texted and posted he’s home.  Cue the trip to Costco for supplies.  June is Maker Camp and VBS.  July has two weeks of Faith Camp.  I’ve been ordering materials and planning for all of the camps.  Our church is doing Wilderness Adventure this year.  My friend, Christine, found a Virgin Mary costume; the kiddos love to dress up when we say prayers or do little skits at the Faith Station.  I try to accommodate as many children as possible.

Below is the first idea I want to try.  I have washi tape with scripture on it.  I want to use it to decorate tea candles, simple frames, and bracelets.  We tried the craft with a fourth grade RE class.  It was a hit!  Below is an image of craft stick brackets.  Now I need to be d and hole-punch 100 or so craft sticks.

Super Simple Ornaments!

I subbed yesterday for a fifth grade class. We did the Chapter 12 lesson and watched the video below.  I brought simple wood ornaments and sharpies to class.  No pix.  Sorry.  My husband, Rob, was subbing for fourth grade and had the phone.  (Yes, I have had my own cell phone in the past.  I loathe all telephones.  I worked at businesses in my youth where the phone rang incessantly.  I only used my cell phone for very occasional out-going calls.) Anyway, the kids love to make designs on wood ornaments.  They’re relatively inexpensive, too!

Faith and Life

 Our Diocese uses the Faith and Life catechetical program.  My husband and I sub for RE frequently-three times this week! I use the free resources, including the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska’s materials.  When we sub, we always do the assigned lesson first before we introduce any extra activities.  I can borrow the teacher’s manuals whenever I like.  But, usually this online outline is sufficient.