Decorating for VBS Frugally

Most of the raw materials we used for building and decorating were found or donated. Cardboard boxes were our main fodder for most of the larger pieces. We created a mining cart, old stove, fences, troughs, and several other items out of cardboard. Find someone who can build parts at home and bring them to church already finished. Or, have a contest to see who can build the best decoration.

For accessory items, you can ask the congregation for things they might have lying around the house. Since our theme was western, we asked for boots, camping gear, hats, wagon wheels, and someone even brought us two saddles. Often you can round out your decorations with items that people bring- just make sure you label each item so they can be given back when your Bible school is over.

We needed a stage set for our drama team and didn't have the money to buy large pre-made decor. With a lot of help from our curriculum book, a great volunteer architect, and a trip to the building supply store, we were able to create a great set for less than $60. Using 8x4 sheets of foam and some scrap lumber, our dedicated worker built and painted this set just for us.

Ask around- maybe there is someone that has leftover building materials, wood, or has the skill to build something for you. Sometimes people can't always be there to work at Vacation Bible School but they would be willing to volunteer a couple weekends to help build decorations. You could arrange to come pick them up from their garage/workshop.

The local building supply store is a great place to find materials to use for decoration. We found foam, scrap lumber, rolls of red paper, and some aluminum pipe to build with at Menard's.

As soon as you decide on a theme for Vacation Bible School you should start looking in thrift stores and clearance sales for items that you can use. I started looking for paper and decorations when all the Easter merchandise went on clearance. I found some great green sheet of cellophane and buckets to cover with brown paper for 75% off.

Garage sales are a great place to find bigger items as well. You can find outfits for your drama team, theme inspired fabric to cover chairs and tables, and other oddities that might go well for decorations.

Don't forget to look at party supply stores and dollar stores. I found several western hats on clearance at our local party supply store. The Wanted poster was a clearance item from Oriental Trading online. If you start early enough, you will have plenty of time to round out your collection of frugal decorations.

Here is a list of some of the items I collected for our decor:

-rolls of gold wrapping paper
-green cellophane from Easter clearance
-Wanted picture poster from Oriental Trading
-paper towel rolls and old baskets
-cowboy hats, sombreros, and bonnets
-western skirts, vests, and stick-on mustaches
-brown crinkle-paper shreds
-aluminum buckets and old lanterns
-plaid and gingham fabric, leather, and corduroy

Remember that all of the effort you put into VBS is for the kids that will come. They do not care if your decorations are perfect or if they are homemade.

Let your teens and children get involved with decorating too! All of the pictures along our hallway were drawn by the kids that came to help decorate. They wanted a job and so I put them to work drawing animals and other clip-art inspired pictures.

Also, remember when you decorate to keep valuable and breakable items out of reach. The kids will love your decor so much they will want to touch it and explore! This in another great reason to keep your budget low- as your decorations will receive wear and tear and might not be worth the effort to pay a lot for something that lasts a week.

Vacation Bible School is all about sharing the good news of Jesus with willing and open kids. Keep your focus and remember to always have fun and pray over ever aspect!