By: Patricia Meyers, founder of www.ChildrensChurchStuff.com 

 

VBS is over – except the debriefing. There are few things that will save you more headaches with your next VBS (or any event) than taking the time to debrief. It is a simple process that reaps huge rewards.

 

Begin with yourself. Take a few minutes to review every aspect of the event thoroughly. You don’t have to share all of these thoughts with your team, but be open and honest in this private session.

 

Next, get together with those who helped lead the event. Keep the meeting casual and light. If someone has something strong to discuss, ask that they meet with you privately. You do not want someone to get hurt after putting in so much time and energy. If there are negative things to discuss, handle them carefully and gently. They need to be faced, but it doesn’t have to be brutal.

 

Proceed through the event chronologically. Keep the conversation logical and business-like; it will help it remain upbeat, and it is just about the only way to make sure things don’t get overlooked. Cover everything from the parking lot to the dismissal and all points in between.

With each segment, review:

1.     What went well? Not-so-well?

2.     What did the kids love? Not like at all?

3.     Was the event effective? In what ways?

4.     Did it meet your intended objectives? How so or how not?

 

You may find you spent a lot of time and effort – and perhaps money – on something that carried little impact. And you may discover that little something extra ended up carrying a HUGE punch. As you review the points, you will get better acquainted with what your group enjoys and what is really not necessary. WARNING:  This is not to be a fluff determiner. The kids will surely enjoy the prizes and the games, but do not be swayed by that. Think about things that truly impacted the kids.

 

Individually, and as a group, you must be honest. Did you go over budget – why? Did you stay on schedule – why or why not? Are you hanging on to a part of the event that no one likes but you? These kinds of questions are hard, but they must be answered.

 

Finally, finalize your thoughts and file your notes immediately. Don’t think about them over a stretch of time. Type your notes, if possible. It will be easier to read when you begin planning your next event.

 

Debriefing is brilliant! Next year when you begin planning, you will be so glad you spent this time now. Congrats on a fantastic VBS. VBS 2009 will be here before you know it!

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