FAQs

How much does it cost?
$50 per child.

Can my child be in a group with their friends?
Each child can request one friend to be placed in the same group as them. In order to be placed in the same group, they must be in the same grade and registered by June 7. While we can not guarantee every child’s request, we will do our best to accommodate your request if the above requirements have been met.

What is Friday night’s closing program?
Families and friends are invited to Friday night’s closing program in the Worship Center at 7pm. Come see what your child experienced at VBS with a fun evening of music with Tim Timmons, drama and find out how much money the kids raised to support Peru! Before the program, join us for a BBQ dinner outside on the lawn. Tickets for the BBQ are available to purchase when you register your child for VBS.

Where do I drop off my child each day?
All 1st-5th graders should be dropped off in the Worship Center at their group’s row. Kindergarteners should be dropped off in Port Mariners in Room 242 or Room 230 (depending on what group they are in). Doors open daily at 8:45am.

Where do I pick up my child each day?
All 1st-5th graders are picked up in the Worship Center at their group’s row. Kindergarteners are picked up in Port Mariners in Room 242 or Room 230 (depending on what group they are in). VBS ends daily at 12:30pm.

Do I need to fill out a separate form for each child?
Yes, each child who attends VBS must have a completed registration form. This includes kids attending the preschool VBS and infant childcare.

Do you take credit cards?
We take credit cards for online registration only. We accept cash and checks when using a paper form.

Can I complete a kid registration form if I am not the child’s parent or legal guardian?
No, only a parent or legal guardian may complete the form because we need to have the parent’s signature on the medical and photo release. 

I have two kids, one is entering Kindergarten in the fall and one is 3 years old. Can they both attend VBS?
VBS is for K-5th graders. If you volunteer all 5 days during VBS, your 3 year old can attend the preschool VBS. If you choose not to volunteer all 5 days, only your Kindergartner can attend.

My child has a friend but they are in a different grade.  Can they still be together during VBS?
No, we group kids by the school grade they are entering in the fall of 2009.

My child is inviting a friend that doesn’t go to Mariners, what do I need to do to make sure they are in the same group?
Write down the friend’s name on your registration form where it asks for “friend request”. Please give a registration form to your friend’s parent or give them the website information to register their child. Both children need to be registered by June 7th to be placed in the same group. Remember that we group kids by grade. If the friend is in another grade, they will not be placed with your child.

What if I need to change my information on a registration that I already submitted?
Please send your change to vbs@marinerschurch.org with any changes.

I have a special needs child can they participate in VBS? 
Yes, write down your child’s special need and the type of assistance he/she will need so we can make sure to match a volunteer to that group who is capable to assist.

Once I create my online login and password, can I use it for all my family members?
Yes. Once you have your login and password, you can navigate through the online process and register all of your kids at one time. You can also register as a volunteer in the same online session.

How do I know if I did online registration correctly?
Once you’ve successfully completed an online registration, you will immediately receive a confirmation email. If you don’t receive this email, you did not complete the process and will need to try again.

I have several kids; can I pay for all of them on one credit card transaction?
Yes, when registering online, simply choose “add another person” before you go to the final checkout window.

I need a scholarship, can I request one online?
No, scholarship forms are available in paper only and you can get one at the patio table on the weekend.

If I need to write more information than the space allows me on the online registration form, what should I do?
Email a note with the information to vbs@marinerschurch.org

How do I make a donation that is a different dollar amount shown on the online form?
Mail or drop off a check in an offering box or in the office at Mariners Church, noting “Port Mariners Kidzone Donation” or “Port Mariners Child Scholarship” on the check.

How can I volunteer to help at VBS?
There are many opportunities to volunteer the week of VBS. When you register online you will be able to choose from a list of volunteer opportunities. Student volunteers can register through June 7, adult volunteers can register through June 22.

Can youth volunteer to help at VBS?
Yes! 6th graders and older can volunteer to help the week of VBS. In order to be a guide (lead a group of kids), they must be 10th grade or older. When you register online you will be able to choose from a list of volunteer opportunities.

Do I have to pay anything if I volunteer?
No, there is no charge to volunteer.

If I volunteer and I have a preschooler or infant, is there a charge for them?
Yes, if your child is 2 years old through pre-k and attending the preschool VBS program. The cost is $50 per child. If you have an infant or 1 year old, there is no charge for childcare. Please remember the childcare and preschool VBS program is only for volunteers who serve all 5 days of VBS.

Will you still take my volunteer application after June 7?
We will not be accepting student volunteer applications after June 7, but adults can register through June 22. We do encourage you to sign up before June 8 so we can put you in the right place and the person in charge can contact you.  

My spouse and I are both volunteering, do we both need to fill out a form?
Yes, each individual needs to complete a separate form.

I was a volunteer last year; do I have to fill out another volunteer application this year?
Yes, each year we ask you to complete the volunteer application.

As a volunteer, do I have to attend one of the training meetings?
If you are serving as a guide or assistant guide you must attend one of the training sessions even if you have been a guide before. If you are serving in another area, such as snacks, recreation, crafts, registration, etc., you will be contacted by that area about any meetings or training that you need to attend.

I can’t serve during VBS; can I volunteer before the event?
Yes, there are many ways you can help from home before the event or the Sunday before when we set up the campus, or the Friday or Sunday after VBS to tear down activities.

For more info, email vbs@marinerschurch.org.