Cousin VBS

 My kids got a double dose of Vacation Bible School this summer! My sister's church was providing "VBS in a Box," so she decided to assemble all the cousins to do this VBS together. We met on four different days over two weeks. The kids, of course, loved the chance to be together. Each time we met, we let them play for a while, and then we gathered to begin the VBS activities.

DAY 1

We kicked off with an introductory video and a series of songs.

The favorite song of the week was a silly song done each year at our cousins' church-- "Say Yes to VBS."

Then we divided into two groups. Half of the kids went outside to collect shells. The bigger kids were given the extra challenge of walking like a crab to gather their shells.

Some of the shells contained secret words that the kids had to put in order to determine the main theme of the day.

The task of the second group inside was to pick up items stuck in a tray of jello. The kids used either tongs or their bare feet!!

Then, we gathered together again to watch a video skit based on the week's theme.

Next was snacktime...

...and a fishy bead craft.

The kids also created an octopus by writing down on a purple "tentacle" the names of people who teach them about Jesus.

We ended the morning with a fun water balloon game.

And finally, because water balloons are just too much fun, we let the kiddos have a water balloon fight.

DAY 2

Aunt Sarah hosted us for our second VBS day. We started again with the video and songs.

Aunt Kim gave an introduction about our Bible lesson...

...and then the kids ran outside to find some hidden objects.

We figured out the daily theme...

...and played some group games.

Because the weekly theme was all about deep sea adventures (and growing deeper with God), the kids made an under-the-sea craft. The craft even included photos of themselves as deep sea divers. So fun!

DAY 3

Our third gathering was at our home. We did our typical video/song beginning...

...and then got everyone's energy out with an outdoor game.

Back inside, the kids paired up to complete a short treasure hunt throughout the house.

Then, we did a little paper cross object lesson...

...and ended with a craft involving paint and sea creature stickers.

DAY 4

Aunt Chelsea led us in our final day of VBS activities. The kids were all pretty used to the routine by now. :)

Aunt Chelsea had the kids act out the story of Jonah and big fish.

This crew loved being mean Ninevites for the story.

Other activities we did were this fun pool noodle jumping game...

...and making an origami fish.

Cousin VBS-at-home was a hit!