Changemakers Lab
Grounded in God’s love, children can use their unique gifts to make a difference wherever they go
Welcome to Changemakers Lab, an interactive Vacation Bible School where children learn that everyone can make a difference in the world! The five Bible stories in this curriculum explore examples of people who experienced and brought about change in the world around them. These people provide a model for asking hard questions,working together to solve problems, reaching across differences, caring for all people, and imagining a new world.
Through worship and drama, Bible study, STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, art, math), and active games, children are invited to see and experience the transforming love of God.
Children in grades K–5 will see Bible stories come to life in the dramas during worship time, and will reflect on them during three response times: Bible Lab (Bible Study), Action Lab (Physical Games), and STEAM Lab (Art/Science).
Preschoolers ages 4–5 may participate in worship with the older children or have their own worship time. They too will share in the Bible story and engage in crafts, games, and other activities.
Daily Schedule
This theme provides content for five flexible sessions, from as short as one hour to over three hours each day. Scroll right to see all five days.
| DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
How Is This Possible? |
Who Will Fix It? |
Will There Be Enough? |
What Are We Building? |
Can You Imagine? |
|
| Spark for Change | Changemakers ask questions. | Changemakers work together to solve problems. | Changemakers respond to the needs of others. | Changemakers build bridges. | Changemakers create a new kind of world. |
| Scripture | John 3:1–17 | Mark 2:1–12 | Acts 2:42–47; 4:32–37 | Acts 10 | Isaiah 65:17–25 |
| Story Summary | A Jewish leader named Nicodemus came to Jesus at night to ask him about the amazing signs Jesus was doing. Jesus talked to Nicodemus about being born of the Spirit. Jesus compared this new birth to the blowing of the wind and told Nicodemus about God’s great love for the world, believing in the Son of Man, and having eternal life. Those who do what is true come into God’s light. | When Jesus was preaching, some people carried a paralyzed man to see him. When they could not get through the crowd, they dug through the roof and lowered the man into the house. Jesus saw their faith and forgave the man’s sins. The scribes present cried, “Blasphemy!” Jesus asked which was easier—to forgive or to heal. Jesus healed the paralyzed man, revealing his authority to forgive as well. The people were amazed and glorified God. | The early church demonstrated commitment and unity as they shared a common life. After the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, an ever-increasing group of people listened to the apostles’ preaching and ate and prayed together. People who owned possessions sold what they had and gave the money to the apostles, who then gave the money to those in need. Everyone in the community had enough. Many who saw this joined the community of Jesus’ followers. | In Caesarea, a Roman believer named Cornelius received a vision to send for Peter in Joppa. Peter received a vision of his own in which he heard a voice telling him to eat without worrying about what was allowed by Jewish law. When Peter went to Cornelius, Peter realized the meaning of his vision was that the message of Jesus was for more than the Jews. He shared the good news about Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles. | Isaiah describes a vision of a new heaven and a new earth. God will rejoice in the people. There will be no more weeping. All people will live long, healthy lives. People will build houses and plant crops and have what they need. God will be close by, answering before people call. People will enjoy the fruits of their labor; predators and prey will eat together. |
Features
- Available in download-only or physical + download kits.
- Reproducible (with exception of student booklets and family music CDs/MP3s).
- Physical leader guides are separately bound, easy to distribute to your leaders.
- Bulk-priced music can easily be sent home with every family.
- Daily reflections from recent popes to help anchor the daily theme.
- Music from Oregon Catholic Press featuring Jesse Manibusan and other Catholic musicians.
- A great all-around Scripture-based experience focused on discipleship.
- Hummable, high-energy, kid-friendly music that connects closely with the theme.
- Easy to lead, with Powerpoints, sing-along music videos, and hand motions.
- Songs by Jesse Manibusan, Mike Harrison, Bryan Sircho, and Chris Muglia.
- All the core features you expect in a VBS, without overwhelming complexity.
- Earth-friendly, without plastic trinkets that will litter our common home.
- Early childhood leader guide makes it easy to include preschoolers.
- Easy to adapt to your timeframe and preferences.
- Children will discover and share creative ways to make a difference in the world through words and actions.
- Children will see and experience the transforming love of God.
- Children will ask questions, make observations, and work together to solve problems.
- Posters for each area, memory verses, promotion, and more.
- Thoughtful take-home pages (in English and Spanish) to bring parents into the process and coach them on how to talk to their children.
- Logo artwork to create your own t-shirts or promote the event.
- Extra resources to help you market and manage your VBS.
Preview Leader Guides
Look inside the whole first day of each leader guide below. To preview full-screen, click the icon on the upper right of the preview.
Director Guide
Overview of the VBS and guidelines for orchestrating the process. Includes a planning chart, sample schedules, tips for working with staff/volunteers, forms, Bible backgrounds, snack ideas, guidelines for inviting children to faith, and more.
Early Childhood Leader Guide
Full guide for all aspects of VBS for younger children (ages 4-5). Makes suggestions for full daily schedules, including Bible sessions, activities, crafts, books, song/motion suggestions, and more.
Worship & Drama
Leader Guide
Full guide for leading Worship & Drama sessions for each day, including gathering (introducing theme, opening prayer, etc.), worshiping (prayer, songs, drama), responding (offering project), and sending (schedule review, blessing, and song)
Action Lab
Active Games Leader Guide
Full guide for leading interactive activities & games each day, including advance preparation, session plan, material list, step-by-step instructions, and debrief.
Bible Lab
Bible Activities Leader Guide
Full guide for leading Scripture response sessions for each day, including Biblical background information, materials list, advance preparation, session plan, and suggestions for teaching Bible memory verses.
STEAM Lab
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math Activities Leader Guide
Full guide for leading diverse activities for each day, including Biblical background, preparation, decoration ideas, supply list, clear instructions, and "Talk About It" prompts.
Child Booklet Preview
Changemakers Lab
K-5 Child Booklet
Full-color 24-page 8½" x 11" activity booklet for grades K-5, including puzzles, interactive activities, and take-home daily family Changemaker Challenges. Purchase
Spark Book
Early Childhood Booklet
Full-color 16-page 8½" x 11" activity booklet for ages 4-5, including a retelling of the Bible story for each day, puzzles, interactive activities, and take-home daily family Changemaker Challenges. Send this booklet home so parents can follow up with their children! Purchase
Music Video Previews
Music Components
Both starter kits include:
- MP3 audio files of all songs
- Songbook with melody line scores, lyrics, and chords
- Hand/body motions for all songs
- Simple sing-along videos, showing the motions (stream or download)
- Simple sing-along lyric presentations (Powerpoint)
The physical starter kit also includes:
- Full access to the eResource (downloadable) starter kit
- Printed songbook
In addition, purchase inexpensive bulk MP3 downloads/audio CDs to send home with families, so they can continue to sing the VBS songs!
Pricing & Purchase
Starter Kits |
Downloadable Starter Kit | Physical Starter Kit + Downloadable |
|---|---|---|
$99 |
$149 |
|
| All leader guides with permission to reproduce | Online access | Physical bundle + online |
| Child booklets (early childhood & elementary) | Online preview* | Physical sample copies* |
| Posters | Online access | 1 copy each + online |
| Music audio | Online access (MP3s)** | Online access (MP3s)** |
| Music sing-along videos | Online access | Online access |
| Music files (lead sheets, motions, lyrics) | Online access | In physical bundle + online |
*Child booklets are not reproducible. If you choose to use these recommended components, please buy one copy for each child (see below).
**Music from starter kits may not be reproduced and distributed to participants and their families. If you wish to do so, please buy the very affordable bulk-priced audio CDs or MP3 download cards from us (see below).
More Physical Add-On Options
Digital Files
Note: Starter kits include FREE download access to all electronic files, so we only recommend purchasing this add-on if you have very slow internet access.
Booklets
Purchase one of these full-color 8½ x 11" booklets for each participating child. They are referenced throughout the program.
Posters
One of each of these 11" x 17" posters is included in the physical starter kit, and you can reproduce them yourself from the electronic files. You can also purchase them from us, as shown below.
Music
Starter kits include access to all songs for leader preparation and use during your event. However, you can also purchase the below resources to send the music home with families!
Extra Leader Guides
One copy of each of these leader guides is included in the physical starter kit, and you can reproduce them after purchase of either starter kit. You may also purchase extra print copies below.
