Summer in Northeast Ohio means warm weather, community gatherings, and for many of our local congregations, the beautiful, organized chaos of Vacation Bible School (VBS). It is a wonderful time for kids to learn, play, and grow. However, as any seasoned church leader knows, combining fifty kids, a rented bounce house, and endless snacks requires a lot of faith… and a solid liability policy.
Here is a quick checklist to make sure your church is fully prepared before the first herd of campers arrives:
1. Protect Your Tireless Heroes (The Volunteers)
It takes a village to run a successful camp. Let’s celebrate the congregation members running the camp as brave, tireless heroes managing dozens (or hundreds!) of energetic children. But let’s also look out for their well-being. What happens if a volunteer gets hurt setting up the stage?
- Review Your Liability Coverage: Ensure your current church policy extends liability protection to temporary or seasonal volunteers.
- Implement Screenings: Always have up-to-date background checks on file for anyone working directly with minors.
2. Prepare for the Snack and Game Chaos
It is easy to joke about surviving glitter explosions in the craft room, herds of children fueled by fruit punch, or the sheer volume of lost shoes. However, medical preparation is no laughing matter.
- Collect Medical Information: Ensure every child has a signed medical release and a clear list of allergies on file.
- Check Medical Payments Coverage: We can joke about the intense competitive nature of a three-legged race, but we should remain professional when explaining how “Medical Payments” coverage can help pay for a resulting sprained ankle. This can help pay for minor injuries without needing to establish fault or liability.
3. Special Event Endorsements
Depending on the size of your VBS, your standard policy might need a temporary boost.
- Assess Your Activities: Are you bringing in a bounce house, renting a dunk tank, or taking the youth group on an off-site trip?. These higher-risk activities often require a separate policy or a special event endorsement.
Let Us Handle the Policy So You Can Handle the Fun
You put countless hours into making VBS a memorable experience for the kids in our community. Let us handle the heavy lifting when it comes to your liability.
At Yoder-Bontrager Insurance, we have over 50 years of experience helping local organizations navigate these exact situations. Because we are an independent agency that understands the unique needs of this specific region, we want to ensure your upcoming VBS is as safe as it is fun.
Before you open your doors this summer, give our friendly team a call. We would be happy to review your current policy and make sure your congregation, volunteers, and campers are fully protected.
