Thinking about having a Treasure Hunt VBS? This VBS theme idea is the perfect backdrop for a VBS filled with learning, adventure and fun! Read on to find out how to create a space that brings your Treasure Hunt VBS theme idea to life while engaging kids in a VBS they'll never forget.
The Background
Creating outdoor elements indoors is easier than you might think. Start by creating a backdrop, using rolls of White and Blue Gossamer taped to the wall. Make sure to overlap the different layers to create plenty of depth. Create clouds by gathering white gossamer and pinning the fabric into wispy cloud shapes.
To create craggy mountains, cut ½" thick foam core into dune shapes and paint them with acrylic paint. Line the bottom of the dunes with crinkled kraft paper and then accent with faux vines. You can make the vines by crinkling and twisting a long length of Kraft Paper Tablecloth Roll. Wrap the paper vine with Faux Ivy and hang it on a dune. Next, cut diagonal strips on both sides of a Green Plastic Tablecloth Roll and lime green plastic tablecloth roll, leaving the middle of the tablecloth uncut. Repeat until you have the amount you want and then hang them or drape them among your VBS decor to create a vine effect.
DIY Waterfall Feature
Wouldn't it be awesome if your VBS had a (faux) waterfall? It can! To create a base for the waterfall, use an African Safari Arch from a previous VBS theme and add crumped paper rocks to it. To create water, gather Blue and Light Blue Plastic Tablecloth Rolls and drape them onto the top of the arch. Add clear twinkle lights and an iridescent door curtain to make your water 'move'. Be sure to make your tablecloths long enough to also create the pond the waterfall empties into.
Add coins, jewels, and paper rocks to your pond. A Hammered Gold Round Tray that has the bottom third cut off makes a great prop.
Add a little bit of whimsy to your pond by including an Inflatable Alligator Ring Toss Game!
DIY Pile of Treasure
Now you'll need some treasure. It IS a treasure hunt themed VBS, after all! Tape empty cardboard boxes of various sizes together to create a base shape. Loosely adhere Gold Metallic Floral Sheeting Backdrop to the boxes. Glue on Jumbo Self-Adhesive Jewels, Diamond Shape Acrylic Gems, Pearl Beaded Necklaces, Gold Jewel Crowns, and Molded Crown Plastic Goblets to finish off this gem of a project.
Check-in Station
Having a check-in station can greatly simplify the arrival process each day. To make your own, cover a folding table with Treasure Hunt VBS Tablecloth Roll. Glue and stack two sets of two Treasure Hunt VBS 3D Blocks to create the sides of the station table. Decorate the table with twisted paper vines, faux ivy, and decorative hibiscus.
To create a station banner, adhere Bright Bulletin Board Letters to Triangle Pennant Burlap Garland. String the banner across the top of the 3D blocks. Add some Faux Mango Leaf Garland and Decorative Hibiscus for color. Flank either side of the banner with a colorful Hibiscus Flower Paper Plate. Here's one that we created for the crafts station.
To streamline check-in, write groups by last name (like A - M) onto Black Chalkboard tags using a chalk marker. Glue the tags onto Kids' Safari Pith Helmets and then place the helmets on Large Artificial Tropical Leaves on the table. Indicating groups will help kids know where to check in and just make check-in more efficient. Use a colorful Bucket to hold rolled-up Treasure Hunt VBS Handout Sheets and don't forget the Treasure Hunt VBS Sticker Journals! These fun journals are a great way for kids to keep track of the stations they have visited each day. Supply your check-in volunteers with Rainbow Clipboards, Treasure Hunt VBS Message Pens and nametags for their group of kids!
Volunteers will also need some distinct way of letting the kids know who they are. Dress your volunteers in Treasure Hunt VBS T-shirts, Nametag Lanyards and Outback Hats. Finish off the look with Treasure Hunt VBS Tube Bananas, Mini Buttons, and Rubber Bracelets. These trinkets also make great handouts for the kids! Check out all of our Treasure Hunt Themed Apparel & accessories here.
Now it's time to make your VBS kids feel like they are making a grand entrance into a true treasure hunt! Adorn a Treasure Hunt VBS Arch with twisted paper vines, faux ivy, cut tablecloth vines and a station banner. Create a bridge with wood pallets and Treasure Hunt VBS 3D blocks.
Complete the scene with Flaming Torch lights and more twisted paper vines.
Craft Station
Constructing a treasure hunt themed VBS craft station is quick and easy and can make a big impact. Use the same decor as the check-in station to create a cohesive theme.
Place a small sheet of Gold Metallic Floral Sheeting, Bible Verse Goldtone Coins, Acrylic Gems and Self-adhesive jewels into a Fillable Cake Stand to use as risers. Set the filled cake stands on top of Stained Wood Centerpiece Boxes to add height. Fill Mini Bright Favor Pails and Galvanized Metal Pails with all sorts of crafty supplies such as Plastic & Metal School Scissors, Fine Point Permanent Markers, Fabric Markers, Colorful Chubby Paintbrushes and Treasure Hunt VBS 4pc. Crayons. Don't forget the Elmer's® Glue!
Fill Bright, Colorful Buckets with all sorts of fun Treasure Hunt VBS themed craft kits. Use Treasure Hunt VBS 3D Blocks to prop up Stained Wood Centerpiece Boxes filled with Gold Coins, Treasure Hunt VBS Foam Shapes, and Jumbo Self-Adhesive Jewels.
You can see all of our individually packaged Treasure Hunt VBS Themed craft kits and DIY products here.
Snack Station
Building a snack station that will make your kiddos really want to dig in is simple. Decorate the table in a similar fashion to the craft station. Add lined wooden crates and fill them with an array of different snacks. From Chocolate Gold Coins to Jelly Belly Jewel Collection Jelly Beans, there is something for everyone.
Craft Trays are the perfect way to serve our Hibiscus Flower Snack Bags while Gold Coin and Jewel Filled Cake Stands make unique risers.
Need more snack-spiration? Check out more Treasure Hunt Themed Snack Ideas here. You may even find a few hidden (and free) goodies!
See more Treasure Hunt Themed ideas to make it the best VBS yet! Get inspired with Treasure Hunt themed activities with free printables (including a free printable checklist to help you plan your entire VBS) and VBS game ideas.
