VBS Parent Handbook

It’s early morning on the Emerald Isle. Gaze ahead to see the sun rising on the cool green pastures that are dotted with grazing sheep. Listen to the waves crashing at the staggering Cliffs of Moher, their thousand-foot crags ascending majestically out of the sea. Catch the earthy scent of sheep and cattle, fertile meadows, and dense forests. Step into a local restaurant to taste the rich flavors of a land known for its butter and potatoes. Run your hand over the soft wool of a pastured lamb or the rough, stony exterior of an age-old castle. Tune in as lively folk music entertains and delights all who listen.

From the lush meadows of its countryside to the cobblestone streets of its cities, there is something to delight the senses everywhere we turn in Ireland, so journey with us to Emerald Crossing: An Irish Adventure Through Psalm 23.

Every stop along our path will teach us about the Great Shepherd and how he cares for his sheep. Like David discovered throughout his life, first as a shepherd and later as a king, we’ll discover important truths such as…

• I can be a child of God and have the Lord as MY shepherd.
• I need the Lord to lead me on the right path through His Word.
• I can turn to the Lord for comfort when dealing with anxiety and fear.
• I can have an attitude of gratitude no matter what.
• I need to be on the lookout for God’s goodness and mercy, my traveling companions through life.

To get things started each day, lads and lasses will gather at the Emerald Isle Assembly, a high-energy beginning that includes wacky intros, lively songs, a mission moment, and prayer.
Then they’re off to rotate through four fun sites:

• Flock Talk Time – where God’s Word is taught in creative, hands-on ways.
• Celtic Corner Crafts – where kids get their hands dirty as they make crafts.
• Still Water Dinner – where kids enjoy some scrumptious Irish fare.
• Green Meadow Games – the rambunctious rec time where kids engage in some lively competitions.

Finally, everyone heads back to the Emerald Isle Assembly for the closing.

Day 1 – Lost To Found
Today’s Truth: Like David, I can be a child of God and have the Lord as MY shepherd.
Memory Verse: Psalm 23:1
Discussion Starters:

• What’s something you learned today about sheep? About shepherds?
• How are we like sheep? How do we become part of the Shepherd’s (God’s) flock?
• Can you say the Lord is your Shepherd?

Animal Pal: Mia (My-a) the Connemara Sheep

Day 2 – Wrong Path To Right Path
Today’s Truth: Like David, I need the Lord to lead me on the right path through His Word.
Memory Verses: Psalm 23:2-3
Discussion Starters:

• What are some ways we can get on the wrong path in life?
• The Bible—our trustworthy guide—helps us stay on the right path. It leads and guides us. Do you own a Bible?
• Is it a priority in your life to read it, love it, and obey it?

Animal Pal: Guide the Border Collie

Day 3 – Fearful to Peaceful
Today’s Truth: Like David, I can turn to the Lord for comfort when I am anxious or afraid.
Memory Verse: Psalm 23:4
Discussion Starters:

• What is something that makes you anxious?
• What can we do when we are scared and anxious?
• Memorize Philippians 4:6–8, and pray and think on God’s goodness. Don’t worry… just pray!

Animal Pal: Shadow the Raven

Day 4 – Grumbling to Grateful
Today’s Truth: Like David, I can have an attitude of gratitude in every situation.
Memory Verse: Psalm 23:5
Discussion Starters:

• What’s a pet peeve of yours?
• Do you think you’re a person who looks at life with your cup half empty (seeing the negative) or half full (seeing the positive)?
• God fills our cup to overflowing, and He wants us to focus on Him and His goodness rather than annoying and frustrating things. What are some good things about God you can think of right now?

Animal Pal: Pesky the Woolly Aphid

Day 5 – Shaky to Sure
Today’s Truth: Like David, I need to look for God’s goodness and mercy, my traveling companions through life.
Memory Verse: Psalm 23:6
Discussion Starters:

• If you could live anywhere, where would you like to live?
• God promises us—it’s for sure—that we can live with Him forever if we are His child. Do you have any questions about this?
• God is a personal God who cares about you and wants you to be His child. Are you following Him?

Animal Pal: Shirley the Highland Cow

The handbook continues to be your complete guide to the Emerald Crossing experience. These resources will help your family make the most of this VBS week!

In a world filled with worry and confusion, kids need to know there is a God who cares for them. At Emerald Crossing VBS, they’ll journey through Ireland’s lush landscapes, exploring the powerful words of Psalm 23. They’ll discover the life of the shepherd-king David and will learn how to cross from anxiety to peace, from fear to faith, and from uncertainty to a firm foundation in God’s Word through a relationship with the Good Shepherd.
Get your passport ready for Ireland and join the adventure!