Pickles,
I just did VBS for a few years with great success. Sometimes the VBS material already has activities for the opening and/or closing that you can modify. Check and see if they have ordered a puppet as well, as he can be useful.
Personnally, I like to look at the lessons for the evening and then write a simple routine to match the material. I usually have someone play the puppet while I handle the clown duties. If the other person has the puppet, they can have a script and then only you have to know the line. If you wrote then, it will be easier to remember.
For the first night, I come in and do an introduction of what we are going to do, based on the theme. For example, the puppet could be Mr Barnum the circus owner and you are coming to work at the circus, he can then tell you what things you are going to do that week (lessons, games, crafts, music) and then talk about the first lesson. I have the clown mess up the point of the lesson and have the puppet be the straight man and get you back on track.
During the evening then I usually help out with the music or sometimes they have a science activity and I help out with that instead. I also do balloons for everybody, about 40 a night and will make up some in advance. These are only one balloon animals or you will be there all night. You can also do walk around gags as well.
You will do fine, kids are kids and will have fun with you as you have fun with them. Be prepared for some that will be afraid, but that just goes with the territory. I have complete faith and confidence you will do well.
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