Recruiting & Training Volunteers for VBS: A Comprehensive Guide

Vacation Bible School cannot happen without volunteers—it takes dozens of people to welcome families, lead games, run crafts and teach Bible stories. Each year thousands of churches search for guidance on “VBS volunteer training” and “how to recruit VBS volunteers”. Parents and team leaders want to know how to build a safe, organized program that blesses children and encourages discipleship. Scripture reminds us that volunteers are a gift: “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10, NLT).
This article lays out practical steps for recruiting and training a team for the 2026 Rainforest Falls VBS. It draws on ministry best practices—such as providing clear expectations, teaching communication skills and celebrating volunteers—and offers ideas for digital tools that can simplify your training.

1. Start Early and Recruit Widely

Don’t wait until spring to begin looking for volunteers. Churches that secure their teams early have more time to train and build camaraderie. Post a save‑the‑date announcement at least three months before VBS and share specific roles needed (small‑group leaders, craft helpers, snack team, tech support, prayer partners). Personal invitations work best; ask ministry leaders to pray about who God might be calling to serve and reach out directly.

2. Set Clear Expectations and Provide Orientation

Before volunteers say “yes,” let them know exactly what their roles will involve. A ministry training guide advises directors to provide clear expectations and guidelines for what volunteers will be doing during VBS. Outline daily schedules, discipline procedures, safety protocols and how to handle emergencies. Hold an orientation meeting where you review these policies and share the spiritual goals of the week. When volunteers understand the program’s mission, they feel valued and motivated.

3. Prioritize Safety and Emergency Training

Safety should be non‑negotiable. The same guide recommends mandatory safety training, including basic first aid and emergency protocols, and suggests bringing in a certified first‑aid instructor. Make sure every volunteer knows evacuation routes, child check‑in/check‑out procedures and how to handle allergies or medical needs. Training volunteers on safety not only protects children but also builds confidence in parents.

4. Teach Communication and Classroom Management

Effective volunteers know how to connect with children. Encourage active listening, clear instructions and positive reinforcement. One children’s ministry resource highlights the importance of teaching volunteers effective communication skills—listening, speaking calmly and maintaining eye contact. Offer tips on crowd control, such as using countdowns to transition between activities and pairing older kids with younger buddies. Role‑play common scenarios so volunteers can practice responses.

5. Give Hands‑On Training for Activities

VBS activities—games, crafts, science experiments—require preparation. Don’t just tell volunteers what to do; show them. The volunteer training article notes that hands‑on training for leading games, crafts and activities helps volunteers feel confident and prepared. Provide a chance to assemble sample crafts, test game stations and run through the daily program so volunteers understand their responsibilities.

6. Encourage Teamwork and Ongoing Support

VBS is a team effort. To foster collaboration, arrange small‑group breakouts where volunteers can meet their station partners, discuss ideas and pray together. Encourage mentors—experienced volunteers paired with first‑timers—to provide guidance throughout the week. According to the training guide, directors should encourage teamwork, collaboration and provide ongoing support and feedback throughout VBS. Check in daily to celebrate successes and address challenges.

7. Celebrate and Appreciate Your Volunteers

A heartfelt thank‑you goes a long way. At the end of the week, host a wrap‑up session to honor volunteers—share stories from the week, pray together and present small gifts. The volunteer training article suggests celebrating volunteers’ successes and giving small tokens of appreciation at the end of the week. A framed Bible verse, custom Rainforest Falls badge or digital thank‑you card can remind volunteers of the impact they made.

8. Equip Volunteers with Digital Resources

Digital training materials make preparation more flexible. Consider creating downloadable volunteer handbooks that outline roles, schedules, safety protocols and daily Bible points. You can also offer online training videos, printable checklists and interactive quizzes to test knowledge before VBS begins. These resources complement Group’s official training materials and can be sold as part of your Rainforest Falls digital kit.