Sunny U Program - when VBS isn't an option

When a local church with a large kid contingent cannot do vacation bible school this year, or a church with few kiddos can't do one, how can we keep kids in God's word during the Summer months? I thought we maybe needed to create an alternative for those churches who can't afford a VBS or it is not an option due to unforseen circumstances of staff changes or lower kid attendance.

Here was my idea: a SUN program: Sunny U Notebook or Notes, a simple way to help parents and guardians lead kids through the Bible teaching them the big concepts in a smaller bite-sized way. 

Welcome to Sunny U where the God inside of you gives you unique and creative way to learn God's word. Let the light shine even brighter this summer.

I brainstormed with AI on how to create this and here was the first idea it came up with based on my prompts:

Sunny U Program Vision:

"Sunny U" stands for Sunny U Notebook/Notes, where the God inside of you shines bright through learning His Word!

It’s a simple, family-friendly approach to exploring the Bible in fun, meaningful ways during the summer. Each week could focus on a big truth about God, with bite-sized lessons, activities, and creative prompts for kids.

How to Build It Out:

1. Weekly Themes & Big Truths:

Each week, introduce a Big Truth kids can hold onto.
For example:

  • Week 1: God is Light

  • Week 2: God is our Helper

  • Week 3: God’s Love Never Fails

  • Week 4: Jesus is the Good Shepherd

  • Week 5: We are God’s Masterpiece

  • (…and so on)

You could include a simple Bible verse to memorize, like a "sunbeam verse" for each week.

2. Sunny U Notebook:

Encourage each family to keep a Sunny U Notebook where kids (and parents) can:

  • Write or draw what they learn.

  • Respond to a reflection question each week.

  • Add prayer requests or answered prayers.

  • Create a mini "sunburst" page with ideas for how they can shine God's love (e.g., kindness acts, thank you notes, helping a neighbor).

3. Sunny U Family Time:

Each week, give families a 30-minute "Sunny U Time" with a simple structure:

  • Start with prayer.

  • Read the week’s Big Truth verse together.

  • Do a short, creative activity (craft, object lesson, nature walk, etc.).

  • Ask a discussion question.

  • Close by singing a simple song (maybe a YouTube link or a homemade song).

4. Creative Extras (Optional):

  • Sunny U Challenges (like “Find something that reminds you of God’s love in nature today!”)

  • "Shine Your Light" Cards (encourage acts of kindness and write about them)

  • Bonus: A Sunny U Celebration Day at the end of summer—like a picnic, park day, or showcase of the kids’ Sunny U Notebooks.

5. Make it Accessible:

This could be a free PDF download for families, or you could print a simple workbook (maybe spiral-bound at a local printer).

You could also share ideas weekly on a church blog or social media, so families can follow along.

Tagline Ideas:

  • “Shining God’s Light in Every Season”

  • “Where the God Inside of You Lights Up the World”

  • “Big Truths in Small Steps”

Here’s a sample Sunny U lesson plan for Week 1: God is Light to get us started:

Sunny U Lesson Plan - Week 1

Big Truth: God is Light
Key Verse: “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” – 1 John 1:5b (NIV)
Theme: God shines His light into our hearts and the world.

Sunny U Family Time (30-40 minutes)

1. Start with Prayer (2-3 minutes)
Invite your family to bow their heads.
“Dear God, thank You for being our light when things feel dark or scary. Help us to learn more about Your love today. Amen.”

2. Read & Discuss the Verse (5 minutes)
Read 1 John 1:5b together.
Ask:

  • What do you think it means that God is light?

  • Can you think of a time you felt God helping you in a dark or scary moment?

Let kids respond freely—no right or wrong answers here!

3. Activity: Glow in the Dark Nature Walk or Flashlight Fun (10-15 minutes)

Option A: Flashlight Fun (Indoor)

  • Turn off the lights and sit in the dark for a moment.

  • Then, turn on a flashlight and shine it around the room.

  • Talk about how light helps us see and how God’s light helps us see the right path in life.

Option B: Glow in the Dark Nature Walk (Outdoor, Evening)

  • Take a short walk as the sun sets. Look for things that reflect light (stars, streetlights, etc.).

  • Remind kids: Even when it’s dark, God is with us, just like the lights we see around us.

4. Journal/Notebook Time (5-10 minutes)
In your Sunny U Notebook, write or draw:

  • A picture of a dark place and how light makes it brighter.

  • Or write one sentence: “God is my light when I feel __________.”

Encourage kids to decorate the page with bright colors, sunbursts, or stars!

5. Shine Your Light Challenge (2-3 minutes)
Ask:
How can we share God’s light with others this week?
Ideas:

  • Smile at someone who’s having a bad day.

  • Help clean up without being asked.

  • Send a card to a friend or neighbor.

Write down your idea in the notebook or on a sticky note.

6. Closing Song (Optional)
Sing a simple song together like:
“This Little Light of Mine” (YouTube link or family singalong).

Or make up a fun chant:
“Shine bright, shine bright, God’s love is my light!”

Bonus Activity for the Week:

  • Create a “Shine Your Light” Jar at home. Every time someone in your family shines God’s love through an act of kindness, write it on a slip of paper and add it to the jar. Watch it fill up with light!

Do you think this is a viable idea or alternative?

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