VBS 2016 - Cave Quest from Group Publishing & Music CD Give-Away!

Today I'm happy to share with you Group's 2016 VBS; Cave Quest! This cave setting is one I don't remember seeing before, so I'm happy for the opportunity to see something new; it looks like it is great fun, but most importantly, has solid Bible teaching and learning!

Cave Quest tied for 7th in my review this year with Egypt Joseph's Journey - also from Group.
 Cave Quest

Group Publishing

https://www.group.com/category/ministry-resources/childrens-ministry/vbs/cave-quest.do

1. Jesus gives us hope - Prophets foretold the light of the world - John 1:1-34; Isaiah 9:2
2. Jesus gives us courage - Jesus and Peter walked on water - Matthew 14
3. Jesus gives us direction - Jesus shed light on how to live - Matthew 5-7
4. Jesus gives us love - Jesus died and came back to life - Luke 23, 24
5. Jesus gives us His power - Jesus ascended and empowered His disciples - Acts 1

Setting – Spelunking in a cave

Message/Theme – An, "over-the top underground adventure where children will be grounded in the rock-solid foundation of God's love, a love which takes us through dark times."

Focus – Evangelism, Application, Content

Strengths –

• As I would expect, Cave Quest has amazing, creative and engaging Bible lessons! I’m so glad to see children engaged in the Bible adventures, but would like to see station leaders open and read from their Bible, or have children do this – this helps children make the visual connection the event they are hearing/experiencing is from the Bible!
• I LOVE KidVid Cinema and am extremely happy to see it is part of Cave Quest.
• I love the Imagination Station again this year!!! Children will LOVE the “Sciency-Fun Gizmos”! 
• Love the “God Sightings” – great way to get children to focus on noticing how God shows His love in their lives!
• I love all the creative resources to help churches decorate! Group makes creating your own cave system look easy and fun!
• “Huddle and a Prayer” time is great – love the way it helps children see their crew leaders are praying for them!
• Group once again has an excellent Opening and Finale – with lots of energy and an abundance of creative ways to engage children! Love it!
• Operation Kid 2 Kid has a project which engages children in helping children/families in need.
• I would still like to see Group bring back their music videos which have children singing in them - NOT teens. While there are still far too many teens in the songs - especially the ones with just teens and one child - some songs have them mostly in the background. The songs are significantly better with children singing them; the teens and adults tend to exaggerate their smiles and motions and come across as insincere. They could eliminate the teens completely, but this year is much better with the more songs with more children.
• The new digital curriculum is a nice option for churches which want digital - it would be nice as a resource churches on a limited budget could buy on its own.
• I'm really happy to see the carabiners as an option for the Bible Memory Buddies - I like this far more than the chain.

Would like to see –

• Ideas to help children serve in their own communities
• I'd like to see how Group could creatively write lessons which involve children in opening their Bibles during the Bible lessons.
• There are far, far, far too many gadgets and items in this VBS which were made in China. I have significant concerns about child/slave labor for anything made in China and would like to see Group source these items from other places.

Group says, "At Cave Quest vacation Bible school, children experience God's Word in surprising and unforgettable ways! Each day, leaders reinforce one simple Bible truth - which makes it easy for children to remember and apply to real life! " Cave Quest is a great option for a VBS with a strong focus on creatively engaging children in every learning station, solid evangelism, strong Bible content and application! If you are looking for a VBS with a focus on these things, most certainly take a look at Cave Quest from Group!

I am happy to say, not only did Group Publishing send a kit for me to

review, but they sent extra VBS music CDs for me to give away (USA only)! If you are over the age of 18 and would like to be included in the drawing for a Cave Quest music CD - which will be on January 28, 2016, please comment below to let me know how Jesus has given you hope, courage or direction; the last year He has opened new doors and has definitely given me direction and courage to follow this direction!

In addition if you have followed on Google Friend Connect, followed by liking on facebook with the tab in the "Find us on Facebook" box ON THE BLOG or at this link (not just liking the post) and/or have followed About the Children's Department by email you will receive one entry for each of these which you have done. Plus, if you "share" this post, you'll receive another entry (please let me know if you share). This will help me be able to draw names from among people who would like to win a Cave Quest music CD from Group Publishing  and it gives you several ways to enter the give-away! Thank you for reading About the Children's Department and for sharing it with the people you know!