My Father’s House, A Virtual VBS
Vacation Bible School season had arrived, but with it remained restrictions and social distancing orders. The staff wanted to offer this experience for the children and teens, even as everything was running so differently. So they planned a virtual Vacation Bible School as a safe, but fun, alternative.
The theme of the virtual VBS was My Father’s House. Each day, staff led the children and teens in teachings and songs about “houses” of God’s – Creation, Noah and the Ark, Abraham, and Revelation. The morning times were dedicated to the younger children, and the afternoons for the teens; they learned about the same theme, but the content varied.
Staff took on different roles – some recorded Bible lessons for each day, others created craft videos, some led the games via video, and others led dance and song videos for each day. Staff who led the craft videos were also responsible for putting together craft packets with materials. Those were delivered to all the children, so they could follow along and make their crafts in their own homes.
The teens watched a YouTube video of a worship song each day, and staff hosted Facebook LIVE events for them. The teens were very involved and invested as they commented and shared throughout the lessons, gave feedback, and answered questions in real time.
The excitement from children, teens, and their families has led staff member, Juan Suarez, to host Facebook LIVE events every Friday for the children and families. Juan has special interviews, fun games, and plays worship songs with them.
The final day held a surprise for the families – all the staff got on LIVE and had a fun dance party and check-in with them! There is so much that is unpredictable right now for families and children all over the world, but one thing is certain: safe adults will continue to invest in the lives of vulnerable families globally. Thank you for investing in the holistic care of every child, teen, and parent Back2Back serves in Cancun.
A Virtual Feliz Cumpleaños
We want to ensure birthdays are still celebrated for the families they serve, and decided to do so in a special, safe way. “When quarantine first started, we were doing birthday phone calls,” shared Amy Kelly, Back2Back staff. “We wanted to make it a little more special and personalized, though, and started doing birthday videos.” Staff create a video and individually come on and give encouraging words to the child or parent being celebrated. The response from the families has been of excitement and humility as they realize just how many people know and love them, and remember their special day.
This special video not only wishes them a happy birthday, it gives voice to all the things staff love about that specific child, parent, or grandparent!