Although, at times recently, I could have spent money, now it's become a challenge. And I love a good challenge!
Here are some great tips I've picked up over the years:
1. Check your local library for resources. I'm not just talking about books here. I found out our library has a huge supply of die-cutting shapes and the machine to cut them. The only cost involved is $3 per session, (as long as I need it.) and I bring my own paper to cut.
Don't forget to check out the many classes offered by most libraries. Some of them can be helpful to your ministry. Anything from photography to basic computer skills to crocheting have been offered at my library.
Periodically some libraries have book sales. I've found several books at these sales for kids games, decorating bulletin boards and even books for kids to read in that time before class starts.
2. Wish lists. Whenever I need a few particular items, I put the needs out on the bulletin board in the church hall, as well as in the bulletin and on the announcements we project onto the screen. Sometimes you have not because ye ask not!
3. Cardboard. I have made large refrigerator boxes into everything from a Temple Run tunnel to a giant iPhone to a football goal post puppet stage. I've made a castle puppet stage with a moat door and lots of decorations.
4. Inexpensive VBS- the last few years we have done our own sports camp in place of a vacation Bible school. We bought the Mega Sports Camp kit the first year, but decided to write our own material in the following years. Here's a secret, though. Want to do a VBS but don't want to pay the astronomical prices? Search for retired VBS curriculum. There are several websites that sell retired or 1-5 year old curriculum for a fraction of the cost!
5. Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest. I've created a board that I share with my co-leader. We both pin to the same board whenever we find something inspiring...which is often. Create a board and make sure whoever works with you can pin to it, also. Be descriptive in the memo as to why you've pinned it so you're both on the same page.
6. Use your Community! I love to do things up as big as I can. I like to make things as exciting as possible. Once, when we finished up a series of lessons about heroes, we asked local firefighters to come and bring a truck. Turns out, if you give most fire departments enough advance notice, they are more than happy to do this... For free! (My favorite price!) The firemen allowed the kids to try on their coats, tour the inside of the truck and explained how all the equipment on the truck worked. The kids loved it! Police will sometimes come and bring the dogs from K-9 units and do a demonstration. Ask a dentist to come and talk about dental hygiene, (I bet they'd bring free toothbrushes!) and do a lesson about how Jesus wants us to have a clean mouth.
The possibilities are endless!
These are just a few ideas. Hopefully you've been inspired or thought of something new to try!
What are your creative ideas on a budget? I'd love to hear from you!
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