You don’t need a big budget to wow your kids at VBS. With a few clever touches, your church can feel like a cozy cabin tucked into the Alaskan wilderness. In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to decorate for your True North VBS theme—no matter your budget.
Set the Scene: Turn Your Space into the Great North
Start with the entryway. Build a “Welcome Cabin” using cardboard, wood grain contact paper, and string lights. Add a wooden sign that says “True North Base Camp” to greet families at check-in.
For the hallways, hang white or light blue plastic tablecloths from the ceiling to mimic snow drifts. Add silver streamers for icicles and create snowy footprints using washable paint or cutouts.
In your main space, go bold with a glacier cave setup. Use blue cellophane or plastic sheeting draped over tables or stands to make shimmering icy walls. Add white fairy lights behind the plastic for a magical, glacial glow.
Plus don’t forget to order your official True North VBS Starter Kit!
Top Amazon Finds for Instant Atmosphere
Need fast, easy decor? Here are a few standout Amazon buys that bring True North to life:
- Northern Lights Projector: Adds color and motion to ceilings for a magical Alaskan sky.
- Faux Pine Trees: Cluster them in corners or along the stage to create forest scenes.
- Wildlife Standees: Moose, bears, and huskies add a fun, immersive touch.
These pieces are reusable and perfect for fall festivals, winter events, or themed parties down the road.
Add A Bit Of MAGIC!!!
Make your volunteers stand out by outfitting them in True North T-shirts. Not only do they reinforce the theme, they also help attendees identify helpers quickly.
DIY on a Dime: Budget-Friendly Hacks
Not every church has a big budget. Here are easy ways to create magic without spending much:
- Streamer Aurora: Use green, pink, and purple streamers twisted across the ceiling to mimic the northern lights.
- Cardboard Mountains: Paint old boxes in grays and blues, then arrange in front of tables or stages.
- Campfire Craft Circle: Stack tissue paper and LED tealights inside a faux wood ring for a cozy glow that’s safe for indoors.
Don’t forget to ask for supply donations. Cardboard, fabric scraps, and leftover holiday lights go a long way.
Decoration Checklist Download
For a complete master supply list of everything you need for True North VBS, check out this official resource: https://vbstools.group.com/easy-vbs-2025/master-supply-list-7/
Keeping up with everything can be hard. here are a few of the things you need to remember to do:
- Entryway setup items
- Classroom themes
- Hallway transformation supplies
- Daily prop rotation suggestions
Add A Bit Of MAGIC!!!
Make your volunteers stand out by outfitting them in True North T-shirts. Not only do they reinforce the theme, they also help attendees identify helpers quickly.
