Top Ten Countdown for VBS 2012 - Babylon from Group Publishing!

This year I had a two-way tie for eighth place in my Top Ten, so today and tomorrow I'll share the eighth place VBS resources! Today let's take a look 
at Babylon from Group Publishing!

Babylon

Group Publishing

http://vbs.group.com/babylon

1. When things change, God is with you - Daniel 1 - enemies capture Daniel & his friends and take them to Babylon
2. When you need help, God is with you - Daniel 2 - Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream
3. When you're afraid, God is with you - Daniel 3 - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survive a fiery furnace
4. When you're lonely, God is with you - Daniel 6:1-16 - Daniel prays even though it means he might get into trouble
5. When you're thankful, God is with you - Daniel 6:16-28 - God saves Daniel from the lions

Setting – an ancient Babylonian world kids can taste, touch and smell

Message – Kids and adults discover they’re not much different from Daniel and his friends – and they too can courageously keep faith in a faithless culture

Focus – Evangelism, Application, Content

Strengths –

• My favorite part of this VBS is the “Tribe Time” – particularly at the close. I really love the activities which engage everyone to help them focus all they did on the point and God’s Word! Solid, memorable Bible learning!
• I’m very happy to see teachers and children reading from the Bible during the Bible lessons!
• As I would expect, Babylon from Group has a strong emphasis on intentionally engaging the entire family in creative ways and focusing them on how they can be courageous like Daniel and his friends!
• I especially love the sweet little ones in the music video this time - I’m so happy to see younger children in the video! Excellent blend of ages, races and boys and girls!
• I found the options for crafts to be unique, interesting and fun – but would have liked it if each day’s craft were more affordable – some were and some were not
• The music was much better this year – the CD has ten songs children and families will want to sing beyond VBS

Would like to see –

• ideas to help kids serve in their own communities.
• As previously mentioned, I would have liked to see each day’s craft more affordable – some were and some were not
• More Bible content during the actual Bible lesson would have added to this VBS, but I do like how at the end it was “pulled together” in the Tribe Time
• a more affordable “basic” kit option for churches on a very tight budget

Group says, "With amazing music, Bible-times crafts, and Daniel as your Bible teacher, each moment of Babylon vacation Bible school focuses on what matters most: immersing families in God¹s love. Kids and adults leave the city of Babylon knowing God is with them and kids and adults learn to love God and His Word. You'll see families turn to God and grow stronger in their faith as they open their hearts to God's powerful love. Kids will be inspired to courageously share their faith with others." This VBS provides a unique learning opportunity for entire families – or for just children and will challenge them to choose to trust God and be courageous about keeping and living their faith in their everyday lives! Great for VBS, a summer family event, mid-week ministry or for a special event during the year, but if you plan to use it after the summer, be sure to order enough of the student/family items – especially for tribe time – so you have them when you need them.


I'm delighted to say Group sent me additional music CDs to give away! If you have "liked" About the Children's Department using the tab in the "find us on facebook box" ON THE BLOG, then you are entered in this give-away which will be on January 7th. Plus, if you "share" this post or "comment" on this post, you will receive an additional entry. (Please feel free to let me know if you share!) If you have not "liked" this blog yet, please do and you will be entered in the drawing!