The Dollars and Cents of VBS Part 2

Today I'm sharing the Dollars & Cents of VBS Part 2 by breaking down the cost of the VBS resources I reviewed this past week. Obviously a starter kit is the first place to begin when purchasing VBS materials, but from there you'll need to determine what - if any - student materials you will utilize. 

As far as student materials, I like the idea of being able to give children something each day which will remind them of the Bible lesson they learned. I especially like the objects/cards which can be clipped or pinned to a backpack as these things make great reminders! I also like the idea of being able to give children their own copy of the music - of course these things take money and your budget just might not have room for them. So, what will it cost and how can you move ahead with VBS on a budget?

Bible Blast to the Past

Standard Publishing

http://www.vacationbibleschool.com/

Cost of kit - 

• Super Starter Kit - $179.99

Cost per student - 

• Student Take-Home CD - reproducible
• Blast to the Past Bible Pals - $6.49 per child
• Student Books - $2.99 per child

My Dollar & Cents Thoughts . . . Standard does not offer a basic starter kit, so unless you purchase just the teacher books and director book, you will need to purchase the kit they offer. Crafts/Service projects depend on which items you choose. For children I'd buy the Blast to the Past Bible Pals for a cost of $6.49 per child. The music CD is reproducible I would definitely give it to each child as well.

Camp Discovery

Concordia Publishing House

https://vbs.cph.org/2015/index.asp

Cost of kit -

• Super Starter Kit - $149.99

Cost per student - 

• Music is not reproducible, so you have to purchase CDs to give kids - $19.99 for ten.
• Compass Collectibles - $3.29 per child
• Cross Carabiner - $6.99 for 12
• Student Guides - $2.99 per child
• Passalong CD/DVD - $4.99 per child

My Dollar & Cents Thoughts . . . Concordia does not offer a basic starter kit, so unless you purchase just the teacher books and director book, you will need to purchase the kit they offer. Crafts range in price from $6.99 to $9.99 for 12, so it would depend on which ones you choose. For children I'd buy the Compass Collectibles and Cross Carabiner for each child for a cost of $3.87 per child. The music CD could be given to families instead of each child for additional savings. 

Camp Kilimanjaro

Answers in Genesis

http://answersvbs.com/2015/

Cost of kit -

• Super Starter Kit - $189.00
• Basic Starter Kit - $99.99

Cost per student - 

• Student CD - $19,99 for a pack of 10
• Memory verse music CD - $19,99 for a pack of 10
• Student Guides - $9.99 for a pack of 10
• Trail Guides and Stickers - $4.99 for a pack of 10

My Dollar & Cents Thoughts . . . Answers in Genesis offers two kit options, so you are able to select the one which best fits your budget and church. Crafts are made with items you gather. For the children, I'd love to see an item which reminds them of the Daily Point which they could put on a backpack, but I really like the Memory verse CD, so I'd give children both CDs at a cost of $4.00 per child.

Everest

Group Publishing

http://www.group.com/vbs/everest

Cost of kit -

•  Starter Kit - $174.99

Cost per student - 

• Bible Memory Buddies - $3.29 per child
• Everest Carabiner - $7.49 for a pack of 10
• Try this at Home sticker sheets - $7.99 for a pack of 10
• Bible Bands - $29.90 for a pack of 10

My Dollar & Cents Thoughts . . . Group does not offer a basic starter kit, so unless you purchase just the teacher books and director book, you will need to purchase the kit they offer. The craft/sciency fun gizmos range in price from $5.99 to $8.99 for ten. The music is available at a cost of $6.99 per CD - this may be nice to give each family. I would buy the Bible Memory Buddies, Carabiner and stickers for each child at a cost of $11.57.

Cross Culture VBS - Thailand Trek

Group Publishing

http://www.group.com/vbs

Cost of kit - 

• Starter Kit - $149.99

Cost per student - 

• Bible Memory makers - $19.99 for a pack of 10
• Thailand Carabiner - $7.49 for a pack of 10
• Cross Trek Student Magazine - $2.40 per child

My Dollar & Cents Thoughts . . . Group does not offer a basic starter kit, so unless you purchase just the teacher books and director book, you will need to purchase the kit they offer. The Experience Thailand items range in price from $10.99 to $13.99 for ten. The music is available at a cost of $6.99 per CD - this may be nice to give each family. I would buy the Bible Memory Makers and Carabiner for each child at a cost of $2.73.