FunShop Events
True North VBS
Explore VBS Programs
We’re peaked with excitement!
HANDS-ON VBS TRAINING!
Join us for a LIVE hands-on-training where you’ll learn how to plan, coordinate, and pull off the most amazing VBS week! Understand how to make every second count as you point kids to Jesus, our true north. Get an energizing jump-start by experiencing a day at True North—it’s mountains of faith-building fun! You’ll receive practical pointers on stretching your budget, volunteer recruiting, decorating, and family follow-up. Bring all your hiking buddies (key station leaders and awesome volunteers) so they can discover this awesome program in action!
Tip: If you're new to Group VBS, you won't want to miss this LIVE experience that will inspire and encourage everyone to DIVE IN wholeheartedly!
What You'll Do
Discover
Explore timesaving and budget-stretching tips from Group’s VBS veterans.
Experience
Trek into a day at True North VBS and see WHAT’S NEW for 2025.
Learn
Gather tips and tricks on how to be an epic director or station leader.
Network
Hike the True North trails with other directors in your area, and coordinate sharing props and decorating resources.
Be Inspired
See and touch awe-inspiring decorations, and discover how easy it is to create an ultimate Alaskan adventure, where northern lights glow over majestic mountains and glistening glaciers.
Plus...
Take home a Trail Map Booklet with FREE step-by-step decorating instructions, pictures, tips, QR codes to online videos, and more! And mountains of giveaways make you a happy camper.
Event Pricing & Schedule
Pricing
- $35/person early bird (at least 3 weeks prior to the event)
- $30/person for 4 or more people from same church (at least 3 weeks prior to the event)
- $49/person (registering less than 3 weeks prior to the event or at the door*)
*No discount for groups within 3 weeks of the event.
Schedule
8:15 AM Doors open - registration, refreshments, networking 8:45 AM True North FunShop starts! 12:00 PM On your way home... ready to treck into VBS!
Budget-Friendly Training for Your Entire Team!
Pay only $30 per person when you bring 4 or more people from your team! (Must register at least 3 weeks prior to the event for early bird group pricing.)
Please email us at events@group.com if you have a question about VBS FunShops.
Frequently Asked Questions
A True North FunShop is an in-person, hands-on VBS training event led by a Group VBS veteran. We’ll trek into all things True North, helping you plan, coordinate, and pull off a program that points kids to Jesus! Explore timesaving and budget-stretching tips, see what’s new for 2025, get a jump-start on decorating ideas, network with other leaders to coordinate sharing decorations, gather “behind-the-scenes” tips and tricks, and experience a day at True North. Plus, get all your questions answered for your role at VBS!
The key leaders on your VBS team! So VBS directors, co-directors, station leaders, decorating team, preschool leaders, and anyone else who's interested in volunteering in your program. This is not geared for Crew Leaders.
Absolutely! You’ll see and experience a full day of True North and network with others who’ve used Group VBS for years. Plus, after you register, you’ll receive our "New to Group VBS" emails. And once you become part of the Group VBS family, our entire team is ready to serve you!
You betcha! It’ll get you and your team excited for another VBS season! We’ll highlight what’s new, like daily Imagination Station Daily Crew Packs, bilingual posters, full color fabric design Watch for God Wristbands, and Day 5 Spotlight VBS. Get ready to see the “wow” Compass Closing in action! Did we mention a flurry of fun decorating and giveaways? Mountains of practical FUN!
Yes! The Trail Guide is packed with exclusive information you'll use during the True North FunShop. And we've loaded it with helpful tips for station leaders, as well as step-by-step decorating instructions—complete with pictures and QR codes to videos!
Yes! The morning is filled with opportunities to intentionally talk with other VBS leaders.
Get ready for a jampacked 3 1/2 hours of VBS equipping. Doors open 8:15 a.m., and we end at noon.
$35/person early bird (at least 3 weeks prior to the event)
$30/person for 4 or more people from same church (at least 3 weeks prior to the event*)
$49/person (registering less than 3 weeks prior to the event or at the door)
*No discount for groups within 3 weeks of the event.
Register online and pay with a credit/debit card.
Nope! The more the merrier, until registration for these regional events is at capacity.
Yes, please have your phone available to show it or print it out.
Yes, you can cancel your registration, but there are no refunds. However, you can transfer your registration to another date/location or to another person from your church.
We’ll miss you but understand that last-minute things come up. Sorry, no refunds.
No, but we’d recommend it. You’ll find it’s helpful to have looked through the kit and come with your list of questions.
Nope, just bring yourself—ready to be immersed in oceans of True North FUN!
Yes, you’ll be able to place an order for anything you need for True North VBS and get FREE shipping on orders over $49.
Call the host contact listed on your registration confirmation.
The team at Group and the host church will monitor weather and make decisions based on national weather recommendations. Watch for an email and/or text. If you registered a group under one email, you’ll need to notify your team. Check our True North FunShop website for updates.
We love kids, but True North FunShops are moose-ly a time for grown-ups!