Debrief After VBS

Clean-Up Questions

As you clean up and file away, ask yourself and your team the following questions.

• What decorations can be saved/reused next year or in subsequent years? Rocks, animals, and plants are very versatile.
• How will you store/label things so you can find them when planning rolls around for next year?
• Where were you short with your supplies?
• Where did you have overages? Use this when ordering for next year.
• Is there a church in your area that you can pass along supplies to?
• What is happening with registration forms? Who is inputting data into your database? This should be utilized throughout the year. Not just for next year’s save-the-date info!

Evaluate the Week

Successful leaders take the time to evaluate honestly. First, do your own evaluation, then have a group evaluation with key leaders. Don’t just file this in a notebook and forget about it. Use the feedback when planning next year.

• Make a list of all of the things—good and bad. How did it go?
• What needs improvement?
• What went great?
• Where were the struggles?
• Did you stay in budget?
• Were there volunteer struggles? Who rocked their position and who might need a change?
• What could have made things easier?
• How was attendance compared to last year?
• How did the missions’ offerings compare to last year?
• What things did the children love? What did they not like?

Start Planning Next Year

Next year’s VBS should already be underway. Consider these questions as you plan.

• When will next year’s VBS be? Set that date before the conclusion of VBS and let families know. Build excitement!
• What is your goal for VBS? Is your goal to disciple the kids in your church? Is your goal to bring in new kids/families from the community? Is your goal to gain new members through VBS?
• What can be delegated more?
• Who can I invite to be a key part of the team?

Debrief as You Go

If you want to set your VBS up for even greater success, debrief as you go.

You should absolutely do a deep debrief following VBS. But if you want to set your VBS up for even greater success, debrief as you go. Have a designated spot to jot down all of your notes as you plan and execute VBS. Maybe it’s a note in your phone or a piece of paper in your official VBS notebook. Take notes as you go, focusing on what works and what doesn’t.

If you are taking good notes and doing an honest debrief, your next VBS will be even more awesome!