Two Weeks Before Power Lab

Check your registration count.

Visit your VBS Web Toybox home page for an instant registration count. Make sure you have enough student books for each child to have one. Order extras just in case; many parishes experience last-minute additions, first-day surprises, and unexpected increases as kids bring their friends throughout the week. Also double-check that you have enough Crew Leaders, assigning one crew leader to five children.

It's a good idea to line up a few extra Crew Leaders who will be available in case you have lots of walk-in registrants. Remember, kids and leaders will have greater success if crews don't get larger than five kids. Be sure these Crew Leaders arrive early on Day 1 so they can step in if necessary. (Because no preparation is needed for Crew Leaders, it's easy for people to step in at any point.)

Check your supply collection.

Make a final announcement or put a final supply list in your parish bulletin. Gather or purchase additional supplies as necessary.

Continue publicity.

Send copies of a news release to your local newspapers, radio stations, and TV stations. Use the snazzy clip art found on the Power Lab Clip Art, Decorating, and Publicity CD to create fliers, bulletins, posters, and more. This CD works with both Macintosh and PC-compatible computers. Announce Power Lab after Mass and at other parish gatherings. Put bulletin inserts in your parish's bulletins. Mail additional Power Lab invitation postcards as necessary.

Make backup and emergency plans.

What if it rains during your program? Plan in advance how you'll handle bad weather. You may also want to line up backup Crew Leaders in case some drop out. Inform station leaders and Crew Leaders of procedures to follow if there's a fire or other emergency.

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