Parents Info For Expedition Norway VBS: Pack your bags! Our 2016 VBS, Expedition Norway, is just around the corner! During this four-day expedition kids will be immersed in one of the earth’s most unique cultures. Alongside the frigid waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, a good portion of “north way” rests within the Arctic Circle. With Norway’s rugged mountain terrain, charming coastal fishing villages, breathtaking Northern lights and one-of-akind fjords, Norway’s people have a deep love for the outdoors. During Expedition Norway, we’ll get to share the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this remarkable culture at the top of the world—and discover God’s eternal love for a diverse world. Below is some information that will help you as you prepare for this adventure: Ø WHAT TO WEAR: Kids will be divided into large groups based on their age. We ask that your child wear his or her VBS t-shirt each day. We also suggest that they wear comfortable tennis shoes. Ø CREWS: We will pre-assign kids to small groups called crews. Each crew will have 2-3 leaders and 8-14 kids. We will do our best to honor friend requests that were made at the time of registration as long as the kids are in the same grade. Once assignments are made, we will not be able to make changes. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding. Ø CHECK-IN will begin at 8:45 a.m. each day. Parents/guardians will sign in and out with the crew leader at the child’s classroom. If someone else besides the drop off parent/guardian will be checking the child out, the Crew Leader will need to know that morning when the child is dropped off. Ø SAFETY: For the safety and security of the children, parents will not be allowed in the building between 9:15 and 11:45 a.m. If you arrive before dismissal, you will need to check in at the Directors Desk in front of the Kids area DISMISSAL: Parents will be allowed to enter the building at 11:45 am each day and dismissal will begin at approximately 12 p.m. Children will be released from the room which they were dropped off). You may go directly to your child’s room to retrieve them. Children will only be released to parents or responsible adults arrangements have been made ahead of time V: Older sibling picking up younger sibling Ø MISSIONS: Kids will have the opportunity to give a special donations during the week V; food for Food Pantry or donations for mission project. On Family Night we will reveal how much money the kids collected! Why not start now! Help your child to find ways to earn coins over the next few weeks. Ø T-SHIRTS AND MORE: Your child’s registration includes a VBS t-shirt, snacks, Memory Buddies. Elementary aged kids will also get a copy of Cross Trek magazine. T-shirts can be picked up on the first day of VBS in the child’s classroom. If you are unable to pick up your child’s shirt, no worries! We will have a Directors Table set up in front of the Kids Area on the main level the morning of July 11. If you purchase a CD: They will be available for pick up from your classroom Crew Leader during the week. Ø MEDICAL INFO: Please let us know if there is any pertinent medical information we should be aware of. We will have a team on site in case there is an injury or illness requiring medical attention. In the event of a serious injury, parents will be notified immediately. PARENT INFO FOR VBS: You are invited to Family Night on Thursday, July 14 at 6 p.m. We will have snack and a short program in the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, please contact: Dawn Thompson (Kids Ministry Director) at [email protected]