Frequently Asked Questions about VBS:
How old does my child need to be?
We start our program with three year olds. They need to be 3 years old by a specified date, and they must be potty trained. We are not allowed to change diapers or dirty pants. Also, this should not be a practice for preschool. Your child needs to be comfortable with being left with strangers for a short period of time. Remember these are moms who are teaching the class and not trained preschool teachers. We want this to be a positive experience for all children and if your child is not ready for such an experience, we suggest you wait until next year.
What if my child has food allergies?
Before VBS we will send you a list of all the foods we will be serving. We also save all packaging so you may check it. We try our best to use non peanut foods. But we can not adapt our foods for every food allergy. You are always welcome to offer suggestions or send in a special snack for your child.
What age can my child be a helper?
The program goes until 5th grade. Children going into 6th grade and up can be a helper. There will be forms sent home through school and ERE, or they may sign up on the volunteer registration form.
What if I can volunteer but not every day?
We need lots of volunteers- some that can work all day and those that can work different areas a couple days a week. Please indicate when you can work on the volunteer registration sheet. Also sometimes two moms will split the week and watch each others small children.
Do you have babysitting for the volunteers?
We will offer babysitting if we feel there is a need. In the past several years we have had only a couple of children in babysitting and are questioning whether we need to offer this service. If there is a large need, we will add it this year.
What does my child wear to VBS?
Usually, your child will wear their VBS t-shirt and shorts.
When do we get the t-shirt?
T-shirts will be given out the first day of VBS.
How can I get a CD of the songs?
Once again we will be selling copies of the VBS CD. The company no longer allows St. Columban to copy the CD, but we can purchase them at a discount rate. You can order as many as you wish.
Can my child be in the same class as their friends?
The families are made of several different age groups-preschool, Kindergarten 1st and 2nd, and 3-5th grades. On the registration form you may request to be placed with siblings or friends. However, please make sure your friend will be attending VBS this year. Often people request a friend who does not attend and are upset that there friend is not there.
How big are the classes?
I try to keep the classes small but it really depends on the number of volunteers. For preschoolers I do not like more than 12 in a class and for the older students I will not put more than 15-18 students in a class.
How do we know what class we are in?
The week before I will send out an email to each family. It will contain all the details you need for the week. In order to stay on the green side, I prefer to send out emails instead of confirmation letters to each family. Please check your email the week before and for updates throughout the week.