How to use a Mission Project at VBS
What is a Mission Project?
A Mission Project is an intentional focus on the work of a ministry or nonprofit organization. Typically done through crafts, videos, reading materials, and more, Mission Projects educate kids about the organization and inspire them to raise funds for a cause.
WHY should VBS include a Mission Project?
Including a Mission Project into your Vacation Bible School or Awana program is simple and provides kids with the opportunity to learn about the needs of communities around the world. Additionally, most Mission Projects provide opportunities for the church to raise funds throughout the week, giving your kids and their families an opportunity to help firsthand.
How to implement a Mission Project in your VBS curriculum
Some VBS and Awana programs already include a Mission Project within the curriculum, making it easy to implement. However, if the curriculum you’ve chosen doesn’t include a Mission Project—it’s a simple process to add it into the rotation of your week!
You can find dozens of Mission Project options by searching online—including ours that raises funds for The Shoe That Grows. Once you select which you’d like to include, there are various ways to fit it into your week. We’ve listed a few ideas below. You can use any or all of these—whatever works most naturally for your church.
Shorten all other rotations by five minutes, providing extra time to add an extra rotation for Mission Project.
Replace the craft/activity station with your Mission Project activities.
Introduce the Mission Project at family night and share it with the whole family!
Extend the end date to be after VBS and talk about it during a few Sunday school lessons.
Introduce the Mission Project during a church service and/or Sunday school a few Sundays before VBS to get the whole church involved.
Talk about the cause of your Mission Project during the opening and closing ceremonies.
No matter how you choose to implement a Mission Project throughout your VBS, Awana, Sunday school, or Sunday services, your church will enjoy learning about communities around the world that they can help.
About The Shoe That Grows Mission Project
The Shoe That Grows is a shoe that expands five sizes and lasts for years. Designed for children impacted by poverty, The Shoe provides protection against soil-transmitted diseases and injuries, as well as providing a safer way to walk to school.
One of the activities detailed in The Shoe That Grows Mission Project
With The Shoe That Grows as your Mission Project, your kids will see the power of how small things can make a big impact. Our Mission Project can be easily added into any curriculum and provides everything you may need to successfully incorporate it into your week.
After signing up, you will receive access to cultural activities, crafts, videos and a free pair of The Shoe That Grows. Together, these resources will help your kids connect with the mission and get them excited to fundraise for pairs.
At the end of the week, your church can use the funds raised to purchase pairs for Christmas shoeboxes, purchase pairs for an upcoming mission trip, or to donate directly to Because International. All three options ensure more kids around the world receive pairs of The Shoe That Grows—thanks to the generosity of your kids!