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What are Checkpoints?

Checkpoints are adaptable to your organization of VBS. You may use checkpoints as centers within each teacher’s classroom, as stations set up throughout your facility to which the children move, or as a combination of classroom and outside stations. Make the most of your facility’s space.

Classroom checkpoints allow teachers to designate and set up areas within their rooms for specific activities such as crafts. By contrast, facility checkpoints assign a separate room and coordinator for the specific activities. Many churches use a combination of stations, for example, having classroom teachers direct crafts and music and separate coordinators to organize snacks and recreation. Again, adapt the checkpoints to your facility.

How do they work?

At registration: As children arrive, they are assigned to a Coach (teacher) and a permanent, age-appropriate group. Throughout the day the Coach will direct the group to the various checkpoints within the classroom or throughout the facility. (Note: We recommend that one Coach consistently be with the same group of children in order to establish a relationship that is so vital to discipling and sharing the gospel with children.)

The checkpoints:

  • Fueling Checkpoint: Children will fuel-up for a boost of additional energy with healthy, fun-to-make-and-eat snacks.
  • Music Checkpoint: Here they have a great time praising the Lord through songs!
  • Craft Checkpoint: The teacher or craft coordinator helps children create keepsakes of their experiences at VBS.
  • Recreation Checkpoint: Here the daily lessons are reinforced through games and supervised physical activity.

Why should you use checkpoints?

Children need variety (and so do teachers)! Studies have shown that children retain information best when it is presented in a variety of ways. With checkpoints in your classrooms or throughout your facility, you are giving students varied activities that reinforce each day’s lesson. By having the children move around, you provide the opportunity for them to make new friends and to have teachers get to know them in different settings.