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2015 VBS: ‘Journey Off the Map’
Aaron Earls, Baptist Press
June 04, 2014
3 MIN READ TIME

2015 VBS: ‘Journey Off the Map’

2015 VBS: ‘Journey Off the Map’
Aaron Earls, Baptist Press
June 04, 2014

Kids will have the opportunity next summer to explore and discover the adventure of life during a “Journey Off the Map” that is “Unknown to Us, Known to Him” in the 2015 Vacation Bible School (VBS) from LifeWay Christian Resources.

The description of the 2015 VBS theme invites students to “set out on a journey to uncharted territory where they will encounter the unexpected waiting around every bend. On this expedition of a lifetime, kids will need to stick close to their guide in order to survive. They will discover that Jesus is the ultimate guide on a journey uncharted by them, but known by Him.”

LifeWay’s VBS specialist Jerry Wooley said Journey Off the Map will be “filled with things kids like such as adventure, discovery, cool tree houses, challenging destinations, bright colors and fun music.”

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Wooley said the theme’s message is particularly relevant today. “Kids are being bombarded by loud voices telling them what they should do, where they should go, who they should be and what they should believe. The messages are confusing and misleading,” he said.

“[K]ids of all ages, meaning adults too, need to know that in the midst of these voices there is one and only one they can totally depend on,” Wooley said.

Most previous VBS materials were geared to build to an evangelistic lesson later in the week. This year, LifeWay felt it would be better to introduce the idea of a personal relationship with Christ on the first day.

“Since Journey Off the Map is based on following Jesus as our guide, it is necessary to introduce this relationship on day one and build from there,” Wooley said.

The theme verse for the week will be Isaiah 30:21: “And whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’“

Participants will learn to trust Jesus as Savior and walk along the journey of life becoming more like Him as they traverse the adventures in The Overlook Worship Rally, Tangled Branch Tree House Bible Study, Shady Grove Crafts, Boulder Bridge Missions, Rushing Waters Music, Rappelling Ravine Recreation and Survival Springs Snacks.

Each day kids will discover more truths about Jesus as their guide: Day 1 – Know your guide; Day 2 – Follow your guide; Day 3 – Trust your guide; Day 4 – Stay on track; and Day 5 – Keep watching.

The 2015 VBS Jump Start Kit will be available for purchase in early October to help church leaders and VBS directors in the planning and promotion of the event. All other resources will be released in December.

For leaders wanting to experience Journey Off the Map a little early and learn from experts on how churches can best use the materials, LifeWay will host preview events in four locations next year: Ridgecrest (N.C.) Conference Center, Jan. 9-10; Fort Worth, Jan. 16-17; Nashville (three events) Jan. 22-24; and two events in Kissimmee, Fla., Feb. 6-7.

Additional information about the materials or preview events can be found at LifeWay.com/VBS.

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Aaron Earls is a writer for LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.)