Creative Ways to Thank Your True North VBS Volunteers

A handwritten thank-you note goes a long way. Include a specific moment you saw them shine—maybe how they helped a nervous preschooler feel safe in their crew, or how they went the extra mile to decorate their station like a true Alaskan outpost. Personal touches remind volunteers their work mattered.

Tip: Use True North-themed note cards or postcards. Check out the free download we’ve provided. (Download will start immediately.)

Wrap up the week by giving your volunteers something practical they’ll use again and again—and that ties back to the True North theme.

Check out these easy, ready-to-go options from the True North lineup:

• True North Beanie – A warm, comfy reminder of their role in this year’s VBS. Great for fall events or cool mornings.
• True North Tumbler – Keeps drinks hot or cold and shows off their True North pride.
• True North Blanket – Soft, durable, and easy to toss in a car or bring to a picnic or campout.

Pair one of these gifts with a note of thanks or a card that highlights how their service reflected the message of True North. It’s more than a gift—it’s a tangible reminder of their experience.

Show your appreciation with a little end of adventure appreciation kit! Include items like:

• Trail mix or granola bars: “Thanks for fueling our adventure!”
• A water bottle with a tag: “You kept us going!”
• Lip balm or hand lotion: “You’re the balm!”
• A compass keychain: “Thanks for helping kids find their direction in Jesus.”

Tip: Package it in a small drawstring bag or a craft-paper lunch sack with a True North sticker.

Capture the joy of the journey by sharing photos or short video clips with your volunteers. You can email a thank-you slideshow or post a private gallery online. Seeing the smiles, worship, and wonder helps them relive the impact—and reminds them why it was all worth it.

Bring the whole congregation in on the fun and give your volunteers a moment in the spotlight:

• Thank them during your Sunday service
• Create a short appreciation post on your church’s social media
• Have kids write a few lines about their favorite leader or activity and read those aloud

Let your congregation know what a powerful role volunteers play in pointing kids toward Jesus.

Bonus idea: Include a few candid photos of each volunteer if possible. People love seeing themselves in action!

Volunteers don’t serve for recognition—but it fuels their hearts to know their service mattered. Taking the time to say “thank you” with intention, creativity, and theme-rich details ensures your True North VBS ends with hearts full and spirits lifted.

Let’s keep pointing everyone toward Jesus—even after VBS is over.

Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. They’ll explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God, their creator, a safe place in life’s storms.