Thank-you notes matter. But what most volunteers crave isn’t stationery—it’s connection. They want to know their effort mattered and they belong to more than a rota. The most effective appreciation practices tell a story, not a stat; build a moment, not a transaction.
Here are five field-tested ways to celebrate your VBS team so they return with joy—and bring friends.
1) Tell Stories, Not Just Stats
“37 kids attended” is informative. “One timid 2nd-grader prayed out loud for the first time” is inspiring. Stories help every volunteer see the ripples of their contribution.
- Post-VBS Sunday: Share two short stories—kid impact + volunteer impact.
- Visuals: 60-second photo slideshow during announcements.
- Voices: Ask a parent or student to share one authentic sentence of gratitude.
Pro move: Keep a simple “Stories” note during the week. Jot names, quotes, and moments as they happen so you’re not scrambling after.
2) Create a Moment of Blessing
A group clap is nice; a Blessing Circle is unforgettable. Gather volunteers, stand in a circle, and read a short blessing:
“We thank God for your hands that prepared, your feet that hurried, and your hearts that loved. May the seeds you planted bear fruit in Jesus’ name.”
Pray, laugh, and linger. The ritual becomes part of your culture, and volunteers feel spiritually seen, not merely functionally thanked.
3) Make Gratitude Tangible (and Personal)
The best tokens are named and noted:
- Certificate: Print a simple “You Made a Difference” certificate with the person’s name and role.
- Photo: Add a favorite team picture from the week.
- Gift: Coffee card or church-branded sticker.
- Reflection sheet: “What did God do in you this week?” (Capture discipleship, not just duty.)
The keepsake becomes a memory anchor—and a reminder to serve again.
4) Celebrate Their Community, Not Just Their Contribution
A low-key Volunteer Brunch two or three weeks after VBS helps the team reminisce, reconnect, and recover.
- Keep it light: pastries, fresh fruit, music, short slideshow.
- Add a fun game: “Who was covered in glitter by Day 2?”
- Include a 5-minute micro-training: “What we learned this year for smoother check-in.”
This isn’t an event to manage; it’s a family moment to enjoy.
5) Give Them Something to Keep (and Use)
- Printable Certificate (with space for a personal note)
- “You Made a Difference” notecards for peer-to-peer encouragement
- Reflection Sheet for journaling
- Brunch Invitation Template + short blessing
Encourage team leads to handwrite names and add a one-sentence observation about the volunteer’s gift—specific praise beats general thanks every time.
Final Thought
Appreciation is discipleship. When you honor people’s service, you teach them that ministry isn’t a task list; it’s worship. As Paul wrote, “I thank my God every time I think of you” (Philippians 1:3 NLT). Build these simple practices into your calendar, and your volunteers will feel valued, seen, and eager to return.