Let's compare VBS programs

[Joe_5859]

This program is used in many denominations, from baptist, to reformed, to Roman Catholic. It does not have a “protestant” feel to it. I think Group has done a great job to market it to all Christian denominations. Maybe my Church cut out some parts of the program, so I may be completely off on this.

I think the problem many Catholics have with these types of VBS programs is not that the programs are distinctively Protestant, it’s that they are not distinctively Catholic. When a program is being marketed to every denomination, they tend to leave out things like the Sacraments and the Saints. Even when they are included, it’s more of an add-on rather than being fully integrated into the program.

 

[puzzleannie]

just got a full report from my grand-kids on Avalanche Ranch, which the did through their Catholic parish. they also brought their friends from next door, who are not Catholic, and a good time was had by all. In general, programs from Group are very well done and reliable, but you must review them for their Evangelical tone and content. Their magazine for youth leaders is still a must, however some of the suggested activities, especially some of the zanier ones, would not pass the child safety guidelines of most dioceses, and in some of their advice columns to youth ministers they exhibit some naivete which hopefully Catholic YM people have gotten over through painful experience.

 

[DiZent]

I kept two of my grandkids (age 5) so they could attend Avalanche Ranch VBS at my parish. I helped the snack leader in the hall/cafeteria, where all the large group activities were held. This was my first year ever helping - I don’t remember even having it when my kids were young, and I probably wouldn’t have been able to take off work to help then. I have noticed a lot of the Protestant churches holding VBS in the evenings. The age range was PK - 3, most were at the younger end - non-readers. Each activity reinforced the daily themes - God is real, God is with us, God is strong, God is awesome, and God is in charge. Each day they learned something about a Saint, and had a challenge to do at home.

My 2 seemed to really enjoy it, and we did talk about it. They came home singing the songs. One grandson already knew how to make the Sign of the Cross, and the other one just learned it this week. We said prayers before meals, and at bedtime - I don’t know how much of this they get at home.

The DRE chose the package that came as a good deal from the publisher of the CCD program - this is the 2nd year he’s used the package program - last year’s was Treasure Cove. Teens from the youth group & Confirmation class were helpers & crew leaders. I talked to several of the adults who had participated in prior years, and they all really like the package programs. They said the previous “home grown” program was harder to lead and full of errors and false teaching even though written by a Catholic (one volunteer said “heresy”). Avalanche Ranch is published in both Catholic & Protestant versions - the Protestant church down the road is using the same theme. So I would tend to say that the Protestant version is the one “watered down”. The biggest complaint I heard from the parents was the cost. Most Protestant churches do not charge anything for VBS, while we charged $50. per child.