VBS VOLUNTEER TRAINING
VBS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Michelle Kollmeier,DCE
Cell: 516-317-9341
Email: VBS@resgc.org
Please check your email
each day for updates!
VBS at Resurrection
REMEMBER WHY WE ARE HERE
❤️ To teach about Jesus
and share His love with the children
— and with one another!
🌟 Be a positive leader.
🌟 Be a Christ-like role model.
🌟 Be a light in someone’s day.
What Does It Mean to Serve at VBS?
"Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant..."
Matthew 20:26
To serve is more than just showing up — it’s about leading with love, humility, and joy.
When you serve at VBS, you are choosing to:
Show up with a joyful heart - ready to bless others through your presence and attitude.
Put others first — especially the children — by focusing on their needs, comfort, and safety.
Model Christ-like behavior in all you say and do - even when things don’t go as planned or according to your preference.
Be flexible and patient — kids may be unpredictable, but grace always makes a difference.
Work as a team - supporting your fellow volunteers and offering help when you see a need.
Speak encouragement — to children, peers, and adults alike.
Represent Jesus with compassion, respect, and positivity!
Each day, volunteers should wear a T-shirt that is medium BLUE in color.
📱 Cell Phone Policy
VBS AT RESURRECTION IS A CELL PHONE FREE MINISTRY!
No personal phones during VBS hours.
If brought, phones must be checked into the church office.
Use the church office if you need to make an emergency call.
A DAY AT VBS
Volunteer Arrival & Check-In
WHAT SHOULD BE INSIDE YOUR CREW BAG…
all these items will be provided for you!
(please collect them before they leave for the day…
they should NOT take them home.)
Drop-Off and Sign-In Procedures
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES
�It is completely acceptable and important to ask questions to ensure the safety of the child!
�
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES
�Elementary
�Crew volunteers should stand at their designated post (numbered per crew) on the lawn outside the gym.
�A parent or caregiver must personally sign in and sign out their child.
�Getting Your Crew Ready for the Day…
�
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES
�PRESCHOOL
�Volunteers from each crew should stand in their designated pew (color-coded per crew) in the church sanctuary.
A parent or caregiver must personally sign in and sign out their child.
Children should be seated with their crew in the pew until the program opening starts.
�
SAMPLE SIGN IN SHEET
Please remember the following information:
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Guidelines for moving around the church campus
�
SNACK TIME INSTRUCTIONS:
Gather your group and head to the lawn outside the gym.
Make sure to keep a wide distance from Stewart Ave and Emmet Pl.
The Crew Leaders should designate a Crew Assistant to retrieve the snacks from the kitchen,
and a Youth helper to collect a beach towel from the back of the gym.
Never leave your crew (your group of children) unattended!
Snack time is not the time for children to run around or play games.
As much as possible, children should be seated together in their crews until snack time is over.
�
�
12:00 Dismissal- Parents/Caregiver sign children out.
Your top priority is safety!
Be diligent to ensure that the person dropping off their child is also the same person picking them up. Verify that the signatures match before releasing the child.
If someone other than the designated person arrives for pickup, please do not allow the child to leave with them. It is always okay to ask questions! If you encounter problems - get the VBS Director, Michelle Kollmeier.
AT THE END OF THE DAY
PLEASE RETURN CREW BAGS TO THE TABLES!
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE INSIDE YOUR CREW BAG…
Please keep your crew bags
organized and clean!
WELLNESS AND SAFETY
WELLNESS AND SAFETY
Specific to participants…
WELLNESS AND SAFETY POLICY
Specific to Volunteers…
If you are allergic to any snacks provided by Resurrection,
please bring your own alternative snack.
WELLNESS AND SAFETY
Specific to Volunteers…
WELLNESS AND SAFETY
Specific to Volunteers and Participants
and in the hallway outside the gym.
WELLNESS AND SAFETY POLICY
Specific to participants…
WELLNESS AND SAFETY - Physical Symptoms to watch for:
Fever — Child feels warm to the touch or reports chills.
Headache — Especially if sudden or severe.
Nausea or Vomiting — Feeling sick or visibly throwing up. Any report or signs of stomach upset.
Unusual Fatigue or Drowsiness — Child seems too tired, low-energy, or unusually sleepy.
Persistent Coughing or Sneezing — Especially if accompanied by other cold-like symptoms.
Difficulty Breathing or Wheezing
Rash or Hives — Especially if itchy, spreading, or associated with an allergy.
Signs of Dehydration — Dry lips, dizziness, headache, or confusion.
Injury — Any cut, scrape, bump, bruise, or fall that looks painful or draws blood.
*Allergic Reaction Symptoms — Swelling, trouble breathing, hives, itchy eyes.
Eye Irritation — Redness, discharge, itching, or swelling in one or both eyes.
Complaints of Earache or Toothache
Unusual Behavior — Sudden withdrawal, irritability, or acting "not like themselves."
Overheating or Heat Exhaustion — Excessive sweating, flushed skin, dizziness, or faintness.
WELLNESS AND SAFETY
Choking Prevention
Prevention:
If Someone Is Choking:
WELLNESS AND SAFETY
Nosebleeds
If a child has a nosebleed:
WELLNESS AND SAFETY
Bug Bites (If a Child Is Picking and Bleeding)
If a child is picking at a bug bite and it starts to bleed:
If a child gets a bug bite or stung by a bug during VBS …take them to the nurse immediately.
WELLNESS AND SAFETY
Fainting
If a volunteer or child feels faint or actually faints:
WELLNESS AND SAFETY
Other situations to bring a child to the Nurse:
If the child says they feel sick or unwell in any way.
If a child is injured in a way that affects movement (limping, pain with walking or using an arm).
If a child reports being hurt by another child
(physically or emotionally).
Anytime you're unsure — better to be cautious and have the nurse check
EPIPEN DEMO- Be sure to view the video!
It’s important that all volunteers understand how to respond in the event of a true emergency. Being prepared helps keep everyone safe.
In the event that an EpiPen is needed:
Stay calm
Tell an adult immediately! Send another volunteer to get a nurse.
👉 Never be alone — always get help from an adult right away!
WELLNESS AND SAFETY
Specific to Volunteers…
IF YOU DO NOT TELL US, WE CANNOT HELP YOU!
Volunteer Safety Instructions – What Not to Do
Do NOT be alone one-on-one with a child.
Always remain in a group of two or more volunteers or children. If a child needs to go somewhere (e.g., nurse, restroom),
notify a another Crew Leader or Crew Assistant and bring another youth helper if possible.
Volunteer Safety Instructions – What Not to Do
Do NOT lift, carry, or hold a child.
Children must remain on their own feet for everyone's safety. No piggyback rides, sitting on laps, or physical roughhousing.
Volunteer Safety Instructions – What Not to Do
Do NOT enter a bathroom alone with a child.
Let another volunteer (Crew Leader or Crew Assistant) know and wait outside the bathroom area while still within sight of others.
Do not assist children inside the bathroom toilet stall.
Volunteer Safety Instructions – What Not to Do
Do NOT engage in physical affection like hugging,
holding hands, or tickling.
Instead, you may offer high-fives, thumbs up, or verbal encouragement from an appropriate distance.
Volunteer Safety Instructions – What Not to Do
Do NOT take any photos or videos of children.
Cell phone use is not allowed.
All media must be handled by the VBS leadership team with parental consent.
Volunteer Safety Instructions – What Not to Do
Do NOT discipline children yourself.
If there is a behavioral problem, immediately seek help from an adult crew leader, station leader, or the VBS Director.
Volunteer Safety Instructions – What Not to Do
Do NOT touch a child’s belongings without permission.
Respect their space and personal items—this helps prevent misunderstanding.
Volunteer Safety Instructions – What Not to Do
Do NOT ignore a child who expresses discomfort,
fear, or feeling unwell.
Immediately notify an adult and escort them (with another person if possible) to the nurse or a trusted adult.
Volunteer Safety Instructions – What Not to Do
Do NOT engage in secrets or private conversations.
Keep everything open and public. If a child shares something sensitive, get an adult immediately.
Volunteer Safety Instructions – What Not to Do
NEVER hesitate to ask questions!
If you feel uncertain or uncomfortable about something, talk to an adult leader right away. You are never expected to handle something alone.
Volunteer Safety Instructions –
Peer-to-Peer Conduct
Do NOT isolate yourself with another youth volunteer.
Always remain in public or visible spaces when talking or working together. Avoid being alone behind closed doors.
Volunteer Safety Instructions –
Peer-to-Peer Conduct
Do NOT engage in physical contact (hugging, back rubs, etc.) with fellow youth volunteers.
Maintain personal space and use respectful, professional behavior at all times.
Volunteer Safety Instructions –
Peer-to-Peer Conduct
Do NOT use inappropriate language or jokes.
Keep conversation positive, clean, and focused on the job. If another volunteer makes you uncomfortable,
tell an adult leader.
Volunteer Safety Instructions –
Peer-to-Peer Conduct
Communication between fellow peers
should remain positive and focused on caring for the children and working together as a team.
Volunteer Safety Instructions –
Peer-to-Peer Conduct
Do NOT gossip, mock, or criticize other volunteers
or campers.
Show respect to one another. If you experience conflict, speak to a trusted adult—
don’t handle peer conflict on your own.
Volunteer Safety Instructions –
Peer-to-Peer Conduct
Do NOT exclude or isolate another volunteer.
VBS is a team effort. Look out for one another and make sure everyone feels supported and included. Model this behavior and positive attitude towards the children!
Volunteer Safety Instructions –
Youth-to-Adult Safety Guidelines
Always interact with adults in public areas.
Never meet alone with an adult in a closed or secluded space. Doors should stay open, and conversations should be visible.
Report anything that feels uncomfortable.
If an adult says or does something that feels off, tell the VBS Director or another trusted adult immediately. You will be taken seriously.
Respectful and professional tone.
Expect mutual respect from adults. You are part of the volunteer team — your voice and safety matter.
Say something if you see something.
If you witness behavior between an adult and a child (or another volunteer) that feels inappropriate, report it right away.
Volunteer Safety Instructions –
Guidelines for Adults (Volunteers & Staff)
Maintain clear and professional boundaries.
No hugging, tickling, or roughhousing. Offer high-fives, smiles, and words of encouragement.
Never be alone with a child.
Always stay visible — in open areas or with other adults/youth present.
Respect physical and emotional space.
Let children come to you — don’t force interaction. Listen patiently and kindly.
Use age-appropriate language and behavior.
Be mindful of tone, volume, and humor — children look to you for leadership.
Model Christ-like character.
Speak gently, act patiently, and serve joyfully. Your behavior sets the tone for the day.
Report any concerns immediately.
Whether it’s illness, behavior, or anything that feels off — let the Director or Nurse know right away.
VBS at Resurrection
REMEMBER WHY WE ARE HERE
❤️ To teach about Jesus
and share His love with the children
— and with one another!
🌟 Be a positive leader.
🌟 Be a Christ-like role model.
🌟 Be a light in someone’s day.
Dear VBS Volunteers,
Thank you for serving with us at VBS! Your willingness to give your time, energy, and heart makes this ministry possible. We could not create such a meaningful Christ- centered experience for the children without you.
Every year, I like to remind our team of this simple truth: what you do at VBS matters. For one whole week, children will experience the love of Jesus in very real ways — through your words, your kindness, your listening, patience and your positivity. Some of these children may be hearing about Jesus for the very first time. What an incredible privilege we have to show them His love.
You are an ambassador for Christ — and Resurrection gives thanks to God for you!
In Christ’s love,
Michelle Kollmeier, DCE
VBS Director
Complete the mandatory training quiz!
Upon completion of the quiz, you will be sent a link to register as a volunteer at VBS.