Planning a construction themed VBS? Add in some construction games for kids! VBS games are not only fun, they also promote teamwork and help kids bond as they strengthen their faith in Jesus. Take a look at these construction VBS games and DIY game ideas to see how you can incorporate them into your own construction themed VBS.
Bucket Races
We build our faith every day through our actions and how we treat others. Jesus commands us to love our neighbors, so as we show kindness and gratitude and model our actions on the life of Jesus, we continually build our faith. We can, and should, build our faith greater than any skyscraper or building could ever climb. In this game, kids learn to build through faith in their teammates.
Supplies
Game Instructions
1. Set up an obstacle course with the traffic cones (create two identical courses, one for each team)
- Obstacle course can simply involve left or right turns, cardboard boxes that have to be gone around, etc.
2. Divide the kids into two teams of equal players
3. At the end of each obstacle course, place a bucket of sand
4. Give each team a shovel (sand scoop)
5. On the blow of a whistle, the first team member goes through the obstacle course, gets one scoop of sand, returns to the start line, and dumps sand into an empty bucket
- Return to the start line can be back through the obstacle course or a straight line
6. Play moves to the next team member
7. The fastest team to move all the sand from the end of the obstacle course to the start line wins.
Optional Discussion Questions
1. What can you do today to increase your faith?
2. What are some obstacles that get in your way of loving your neighbor?
3. How does Jesus help with obstacles that get in the way of building your faith?
4. How can we help one another to live like Jesus wants us to?
For Younger Students
- Instead of an obstacle course, make the path straight from start to the pile of sand
- Shorten the path or obstacle course
- Have each child go only once instead of until the bucket of sand has been moved
Caution Tape Race
In construction zones, caution tape is often used where work is being done or something is being built. The brightly colored tape with prominent lettering warns or catches the attention of passersby, letting them know that they are in an area or situation containing a possible hazard.
Jesus is our caution tape against the evil one. When we are covered with Jesus, He warns the evil one to stay away. Through Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we can shout, "We are safe in Jesus!"
Supplies
-
One roll of caution tape per team
Game Instructions
1. Divide kids into teams
- Recommend teams of 3-5 players
2. Choose one person from each team to be the construction foreman
3. Provide each team with a roll of caution tape
4. On "go," teams work to wrap their foreman in caution tape
The entire roll of caution tape must be used
5. After the foreman is wrapped, teams shout, "We are safe in Jesus!"
- First team to wrap and shout wins
Optional Discussion Questions
1. Who cautions the evil one to leave us alone?
2. How are we protected from the evil one?
3. What should we wrap ourselves in to show others our relationship with Jesus?
4. How can you help others wrap themselves in the love of Jesus?
For Younger Students
- Let the caution tape represent the love of Jesus
- Assign a helper, older student or volunteer, to each team
- Have kids shout, "Jesus loves me!" at the end of the game
Little Builders Game
God wants us to build our faith each and every day. As a believer, He has already put faith in our hearts. It is up to us to continue to build or develop that faith. It is up to us to do something with it.
There are many ways to build your faith, including:
- Reading God's Word and understanding His truth
- Trust God
- Stand firm even during tough times
- Live as Jesus wants us to live
- Focus on God's love for us
Supplies
-
Marshmallows
-
Tape Measure
Game Instructions
1. Place the construction materials in the center of a table large enough for all of the kids
2. Sit the kids around the table
3. Give the kids construction challenges
- Make the tallest structure
- Make the most secure structure
- Make the most beautiful structure
4. Present and display the kids' creations
Optional Discussion Questions
1. What can you do to build your faith?
2. What "construction materials" can you use to build your faith?
3. A building is never built alone. Faith is not built alone. Who helps you to build your faith?
4. What gives your faith height, strength, and beauty?
For Younger Students
- Select materials that are easier for little hands – craft sticks, shoe boxes, glue sticks, cotton balls
- Put children in groups of 3 with an adult volunteer or older student
- Build the structures horizontal, flat on the table, instead of vertical
- Use construction paper shapes to build structures
These VBS game ideas are quick and easy ways to add even more fun to your construction themed VBS. You can also use VBS t-shirts with a construction theme to designate teams or groups, and of course to identify volunteers.
Give kids the complete VBS experience! Find tons of construction VBS inspiration here and be sure to check out these fun construction activities plus craft station, snack station and check-in station ideas.
