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.
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 | |
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How Is This Possible? |
Who Will Fix It? |
Will There Be Enough? |
What Are We Building? |
Can You Imagine? |
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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. |
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.
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.
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.
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)
Full guide for leading interactive activities & games each day, including advance preparation, session plan, material list, step-by-step instructions, and debrief.
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.
Full guide for leading craft sessions for each day, including Biblical background, materials list, advance preparation, and debrief.
Full-color 24-page 8½" x 11" activity booklet for grades K-5, including puzzles and other interactive activities. Purchase
Full-color 16-page 8½" x 11" activity booklet for ages 4-5, including a retelling of the Bible story for each day, puzzles, and other interactive activities. Send this booklet home so parents can follow up with their children! Purchase
Catholic composer, singer/songwriter, storyteller, humorist, catechist, evangelizer and encourager Jesse Manibusan leads our music and offers many songs for this theme.
Both starter kits include:
The physical starter kit also includes:
In addition, purchase inexpensive bulk MP3 downloads/audio CDs to send home with families, so they can continue to sing the VBS songs!