Build a better online registration for your Vacation Bible School with eCatholic

May 14, 2024 by

Brandon Duncan

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the joy of Vacation Bible School (VBS)!

If you're part of organizing this year's VBS for your parish, you know how crucial a smooth, efficient sign-up process is for parents and guardians. In this digital age, an online sign-up form not only simplifies registration but also enhances the overall experience for both organizers and parents. But we know not all online sign-up forms are created equally.

At eCatholic, we understand the unique needs of parishes and ministries and have tailored our digital tools to make your VBS registration a breeze. 

Follow along as we provide helpful tips for creating an effective registration landing page and sign-up form for your VBS with eCatholic:
 

1

Create a dedicated VBS page on your website

Before diving into the specifics of your registration form, let’s start by creating a dedicated page on your eCatholic-powered website specifically for VBS. You can do this easily from the Sitemap Editor screen of your admin dashboard. This page will be the go-to resource for parents, hosting everything from the registration form to essential VBS information.

Use eCatholic’s simple tools to build an attractive, informative page that captures the spirit of your VBS. Include elements such as highlights from previous VBS events and testimonials from parents and participants to build excitement and interest.

2

Keep sign-ups simple yet engaging with Payments + Forms

When designing your registration page and online form, simplicity is key. Ensure the form is front-and-center and easy to navigate, and only ask for essential information to keep the process quick and straightforward. With eCatholic's Payments + Forms module, you can do just that while enabling parents to register their children and pay all at once, without any hassle.

The Payments + Forms module allows you to customize fields to gather exactly what you need, from basic contact information and grade levels to T-shirt sizes. Finally, don’t forget to set the registration cost, click publish, and you’re done!
 

See how Payments + Forms can work for your VBS!

Check out our sample VBS sign-up form on our eCatholic demo site to give you an idea of how easy it is to set up and start collecting registrations.

Don’t have eCatholic Payments + Forms? No worries! Our simple Forms module allows you to build a registration form without payments being collected.

3

Share vital information with parents using the Documents module

Effective communication is critical for a successful VBS. With the Documents module on your eCatholic-powered website, you can easily upload and share essential documents that parents may need. This includes schedules, permission forms, and pick-up/drop-off instructions. Having all these documents in one accessible location on your registration page simplifies communication and ensures parents can find what they are looking for without needing your help. That means one less email for you to answer along the way!

 

4

Showcase the VBS spirit with photo albums

Parents love to see their children in action! Drag and drop eCatholic’s Photo Albums module onto your VBS landing page to upload images throughout the week, allowing parents to witness all the fun and learning happening. This not only keeps parents engaged but also helps create a sense of community among the registered families.
 

5

Connect social media channels to communicate more effectively

In our fast-paced world, eCatholic’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram modules make it easy to drop your social media profiles onto your VBS registration page. That way, you can ensure any last-minute announcements or schedule changes, photos, and even live streams will be displayed directly on your website, ensuring parents stay informed and involved as much as possible.
 

 

Remember, your VBS is a special time for children to grow in their Catholic faith and share in fellowship with their peers. By leveraging eCatholic’s suite of digital tools, you can create an online sign-up process that not only simplifies registration but also enhances the VBS experience for families. From secure payment processing to engaging photo albums, eCatholic has the tools to help make your VBS a success. Let’s make this summer’s VBS the best one yet!

We’re here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance setting up your VBS page, don’t hesitate to reach out.