Q: Who is Habitat for Humanity International?

A: Follow this link to explore the Habitat for Humanity website

Q: Who is Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc.?

A: Follow this link. Smyth & Helwys Vision Statement

Q: What is the role of Bible Study in Under Construction?

A: The Biblical story is central to Under Construction. The children will be introduced to selected Scripture themes at the beginning of each day’s session. Throughout the scheduled program children will receive reinforcing information, be engaged in related activities and have age-appropriate opportunities to make connections between the message of Scripture and their own faith in the context of community citizenship.

Q: What are the Daily Bible Story Themes in Under Construction?

A: Follow this link Daily Bible Story Themes

Q: Does this VBS place children at construction sites of Habitat homes?

A: Safety considerations and liability issues preclude children under the age of 14 from being able to participate in the construction of a Habitat home. The children may, however, participate meaningfully in the Habitat home building ministry through their VBS offerings and by providing some of their VBS projects to Habitat partners and volunteers. VBS leaders may contact local Habitat for Humanity affiliates and request an accompanied visit to building sites as an additional “field trip” activity related to VBS. Depending upon legal restrictions that vary by locale, granting such requests may not be possible for local Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

Q: How does this VBS directly benefit Habitat for Humanity?

A: In truth, both Habitat for Humanity and Christian churches benefit directly from Under Construction. The direct benefits are both tangible and intangible. We are recommending that each VBS program dedicate its daily offerings from the children to Habitat for Humanity. Churches are also encouraged to make special, additional offerings to Habitat in support of the children’s VBS program emphasis. A percentage of proceeds from sales of Under Construction go directly from Smyth & Helwys Publishing to Habitat for Humanity International. The greatest value of this program to Habitat for Humanity, and consequently to the church, is in showing children that a common-place human need such as decent housing can be met by people of faith and good will who apply themselves to the task. Children learn Scripture and discover relevant faith in Christian service; families gain decent housing. Habitat for Humanity gains future builders; the church gains vital witnesses for Christ.

Q: Is there a special offering emphasis connected to Under Construction?

A: A daily VBS offering designated to Habitat for Humanity is recommended. The program includes a pre-addressed envelope in which a check with the offering’s proceeds may be forwarded to Habitat for Humanity International. The children will be thrilled to know that their offerings, small and large, will go directly to help build decent housing for Habitat partner families in your community and around the world. We urge each congregation to consider supplimenting the children’s VBS offering with a special offering of $250.

Q: How does this VBS compare in price to other VBS programs?

A: VBS program prices vary according to the amount of program preparation and resource material made available on initial and follow-up orders. We have found it typical that “lower cost” VBS programs either offer minimal amounts of teaching material or provide only initial start-up resources requiring supplemental follow-up orders. “Higher-end” VBS programs may include superfluous materials (often obtainable in local retail outlets at significant savings) that add to the cost. One order, one price, one excellent VBS!

Q: What continuing support is available following the purchase of Under Construction?

A: Smyth & Helwys Publishing is, first and foremost, dedicated to our customer’s needs. Support continues well beyond the purchase of Under Construction. A web site dedicated to this VBS program offers “Supplies” that help with promotion and worker enlistment, as well as reproducible articles related to teaching children. Logos, bulletin inserts, and press releases are downloadable from this site. Should you encounter a difficulty or concern related to Under Construction, our helpful and professional staff are merely a toll-free telephone call away, at
1 (800) 747-3016 or 1 (800) 568-1248.

Q: How does Under Construction teach good Christian service habits to children?

A: Children learn at several levels throughout their developmental years. Under Construction writers have purposefully addressed various age-appropriate learning mechanisms throughout the program’s material. Teaching options, activities, associations, visualization, empathy through role-playing and modeling are some of the learning vehicles by which this VBS enables children to move from rote to cognitive reality and experiential learning. Applying the power of this sort of learning to the virtues of Christian service and the importance of community result in a positive learning experience for the children and their adult teaching partners.

Q: Does Under Construction include ideas for working with special needs children?

A: Yes. The Administrative Guide contains helpful insights for enabling joyful participation in Under Construction by special needs children. Our web site also shares this and other general information about teaching children. Supplies

Q: What sorts of promotional helps are available for Under Construction?

A: Follow this link to Press Releases, Bulletin inserts, logos, etc. Supplies

Q: Does Under Construction offer any help for recruiting adult workers?

A: Follow this link to recruiting and promotional ideas. Supplies

Q: How is each VBS day organized?

A: Remember that the curriculum is flexible enough to be organized in any fashion that best meets your church or group needs. We have, however, provided a basic schedule that enables the provision of a complete Under Construction VBS experience. The program is optimally designed to last 3 1/2 hours each day. The children begin in an opening assembly location for “The Briefing of the Day.” Following that time of song, worship and introduction of the daily Bible theme, the children rotate between “Job Sites” that are each designed to last approximately 30 minutes. Each site reinforces the daily Bible theme while teaching the children about serving within and beyond the community of faith.

Q: Can Under Construction be used on schedules other than that of a traditional VBS?

A: The curriculum is flexible enough to be organized in any fashion that best meets your church or group needs. Churches may elect, for example, to use the program over an extended period of time for mid-week children’s ministries or present the program in a “day camp” setting. The teaching and activity content is easily adjusted to fit your particular needs.

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