But LifeWay's VBS Tools Online can help.
VBS Tools Online is a Web-based application designed to help churches organize their VBS programs. It includes a customizable website and online registration forms for VBS participants and volunteers.
Becky Loyd, marketing leader for LifeWay's VBS area, led a breakout session called "VBS Tools Online" during a VBS preview at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn., earlier this year.
"VBS Tools Online is Web-based, not downloadable," Loyd said. "The 2011 version has launched and is available now. You can use it to set up all your registration however it will work best for your church."
Using VSB Tools Online, a church can pre-register children and volunteers, keep up with attendance, send mass emails to learners, volunteers and directors, and more.
Once a church has entered its information, it becomes possible to update the site from year to year without having to reenter everything.
Amy Gaskin and Patty Clark, VBS volunteers from First Baptist Church in McComb, Miss., said they have used VBS Tools Online for record keeping and registration for several years with success. Both said, though, that they could envision it being even more efficient.
"Our dream this year is to get the church to have WiFi available," Clark said. "That would make it so easy for us to bring some laptops and just get the children registered after a Sunday morning service or on Wednesday nights."
Polly House writes for LifeWay Christian Resources. For more information, visit www.lifeway.com/vbs2011. VBS Tools Online is available at www.lifeway.com/vbstoolsonline for $29.99.
Copyright (c) 2011 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
Join the conversation as a VIP Member