Contact: Joni Sullivan Baker, 513-319-3231, jbaker@buoyancypr.com

CINCINNATI, Sept. 19, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Standard Publishing introduces a first-of-its-kind Vacation Bible School program for 2013. God's Backyard Bible Camp™ -- Under the Stars is the first SuperSimple™ VBS and features Bible stories that all occur in the evening. This summer night theme adds a new element of excitement for children as they learn about and experience service.

SuperSimple™ means the kit has everything a church needs to plan and lead VBS. What makes this program truly stand out is:

• music by award-winning Christian artist Yancy
   
• service programs that teach kids to Serve Family, Serve Friends, Serve Community, Serve Neighbors, and Serve Jesus.
   
• life-changing messages from mission partner Beth Guckenberger of Back2Back Ministries
   
• all NEW interactive Bible experiences
   
• a super FUN way to remember learning to serve with Backyard Bible Pals by Floppets™ 

For churches that prefer summertime fun in the sunshine, Standard is also offering God's Backyard Bible Camp -- Under the Sun where different daytime stories of service are entwined with outdoor games, water fun, tree house motifs, and backyard barbecues.

Either way, the focus of God's Backyard Bible Camp is on service, and Standard's 2013 VBS comes packed with a variety of ways for kids to discover and experience the kind of service-filled lives God wants us to live.

"Helping kids understand how to live lives of service goes to the heart of what Jesus taught all of us," said Stephanie Woeste, Vice President of Marketing for Standard Publishing. "This year we've not only focused on making this valuable lesson fun for kids, we've redesigned the way both programs are put together to make them even simpler for leaders to lead."

A Kids Serving Kids™ Mission Project is built right into the VBS experience. Through a unique partnership with Back2Back Ministries, in daily video segments author and Back2Back Ministries co-founder Beth Guckenberger will take children to Mexico to meet a young orphaned boy named Joel, who learned he was not forgotten. Kids will see and begin to understand God's bigger world beyond their backyard and be inspired to help.

All-new songs and music videos created just for God's Backyard Bible Camp by children's worship artist and composer Yancy will reinforce lessons and build excitement for serving Jesus. In this industry-exclusive relationship, Yancy has composed all-new, reproducible songs with lyrics that tie to the lessons.

"We're thrilled to continue our relationship with Yancy who understands how children worship and how to craft singable, memorable tunes," Woeste explained. "Long after VBS is over, children and adult volunteers will all find they are still singing and being impacted by these catchy songs that pack a powerful message."

The launch of the all-new SuperSimple™ VBS format is a gift to every time-stressed VBS director. Packed with everything they need to lead, the kit includes the Director's Guide, PreSchool Director's Guide, a six-disc Planning & Music CD/DVD set, and all leader's guides and activity cards for crafts, snacks, games, and service projects. Additionally, all the resources for three age groups -- PreSchool, Elementary/PreTeen, and Teen -- are bundled together and available on disc for easy distribution to the VBS team. It is all in one box, available at one price ($199.99), in the SuperSimple™ VBS Kit.

New this year, kids will love collecting Backyard Bible Pals™ designed exclusively for Standard Publishing by Floppets™. These fun reminders of each lesson are already popular with kids and include a service focus and Scripture reference. They attach easily to the new 3-in-1 Lanyard and just about anything else. Additional VBS backyard essentials are also available for purchase.

God's Backyard Bible Camp SuperSimple VBS Kits may be pre-ordered now from Christian retailers and will ship in December.

To learn more, visit www.vacationbibleschool.com, www.facebook.com/standardpublishingVBS, or www.standardpub.com.

About Standard Publishing: Standard Publishing serves churches worldwide and is recognized as a leader in true-to-the-Bible resources that educate, encourage, and enrich adults, youth, and children. The company is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit www.standardpublishing.com or call 1-800-543-1353.

For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Joni Sullivan Baker, 513/319-3231, or jbaker@buoyancypr.com.