Simple steps any church can take to make kids feel at home
You don’t need a huge budget to make a big impact. When unchurched kids come to VBS, your welcome can shape how they feel about church—and maybe even about Jesus—for the rest of their lives.
Here’s how your church can make every child feel safe, seen, and loved, even with limited volunteers, time, or space.
1. Make It Easy for Families to Sign Up
Keep it simple.
- Use a basic online form (Google Forms works great).
- Offer a paper option at the door for walk-ins.
- When parents register, thank them and let them know their child will be safe and cared for.
- Be clear about check-in and pickup rules.
2. Greet Every Child by Name
First impressions matter most.
- Train your greeters to smile and say hello warmly.
- Write each child’s name on a sticker or tag to help everyone learn names quickly.
- Assign a buddy or small group leader to walk with new kids and help them feel included.
If you only have a few volunteers, ask your friendliest kids to help!
3. Use Simple Games to Build Friendships
You don’t need fancy materials.
- Use icebreaker games like name toss with a beach ball, group scavenger hunts, or “Would You Rather” questions.
- Make sure every child has someone to sit with during snack, craft, or Bible time.
- Let kids laugh, move, and talk—it helps them feel like they belong.
4. Say Hello to the Parents
Even a quick wave or kind word goes a long way.
- Greet them at drop-off and pick-up. Smile and say, “Thanks for coming!”
- Set up a small table with coffee or water—just one person with a welcoming heart is enough.
- Send home a simple card each day with what their child learned and a question they can ask (e.g., “Ask your child what they learned about Jesus today”).
5. Invite Them Back—Without Pressure
After VBS ends, don’t go silent.
- Send a handwritten postcard or text to say thank you.
- Let them know: “You’re always welcome here.”
6. Pray and Trust God to Do the Rest
Your effort matters—but it’s God who changes hearts.
- Pray for every child who attends by name.
- Ask your church to pray too—especially for the kids who’ve never heard the Gospel before.
- Don’t stress about being perfect. Be loving. Be available. Be real.