The Woodlands UMC’s SMILE VBS provides fun place for children with special needs

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — The Woodlands United Methodist Church is hosting its Special Blessings SMILE VBS, a three-day program tailored to children with special needs, July 25-27.

Kelli Manning, the Special Blessings Coordinator at The Woodlands UMC, said the church is still seeking volunteers for the program. The SMILE VBS is specifically for children who are not able to attend any other vacation Bible school.

“All the children who come have a buddy. We try to keep the numbers relatively low just because the larger that it gets, the tougher time some of our kids have,” Manning said. “There are a lot of hands-on things and a curriculum tailored for them.”

Manning said that if the church did not host a VBS for these children, they would have nowhere to go. Some families have even been asked to leave other churches because of their child’s disabilities. That’s where The Woodlands UMC steps in.

“We actually have two families that have been asked to leave. [The churches] just didn’t feel prepared to care for the child or to deal with that situation,” Manning said. “We have some people who come very guarded and unsure. That’s our job. We want to make sure they know that they always have a place here.”

While volunteers find it rewarding to serve the children, Manning said one of the best parts of this ministry is to watch the parents’ joy as they see their kids having fun and participating in something constructive.

“It’s hard enough just to be a parent, but to have a child with special needs is just something that, if you don’t have a child with special needs, you won’t understand,” Manning said. “That’s why I’m here. That’s why our volunteers are here. It’s not only for the kids, but being a part of these families and seeing that you’re making a difference and seeing the appreciation and relief for the family that’s felt ostracized is amazing.”

The volunteer training takes place the Sunday before VBS begins, and the group reviews different disabilities, behavioral concerns and management strategies. The ministry provides resources visual schedules for each child so that each volunteer is well-prepared for the week. There is a minimum age requirement of 16 years to volunteer, but no church membership is required.

“We have a wonderful group of members here who keep volunteering and coming back and just love it,” Manning said. “I think you have to have a passion for it. It’s so rewarding.”

The VBS is just a three-day program, but the ministry’s needs extend beyond SMILE. The church needs volunteers to help with Sunday school and other ministry events as well.

“I want parents with children with special needs to know that there’s a place where we want your child to come, and we are ready and prepared for your child to come,” Manning said. “It’s OK to be different, and we’re here to come in and make a way for children to participate and be a part of things.”

For more information on how to volunteer at SMILE VBS or with the special needs ministry at The Woodlands United Methodist, visit their website at www.thewoodlandsumc.org/smile-vbs-volunteer.