Budgeting for the Workshop Rotation Model

Transforming traditional space into workshops is its own budget, and depends on the size and condition of your space, how many workshops you want to create, what resources you already have on hand, and what you want them to look like.

Suffice to say $1000 would be a good start at transforming boring and old into something new and exciting.  Painting a single room can cost $75 in paint and supplies.  Add another $1000 if you need to buy an LCD projector for your Video Workshop, and some art stools, tables, or comfy chairs for your video or art workshop. See the article about "What's in Your Supply Closet" for the kinds of things Rotation educator like to have "on hand."

This other $1000 can include purchasing a "Basic Kit" for each workshop and amount to one-time purchases. 

Basic Video Kit: You'll want a big screen TV ($400) or LCD projector ($400). You'll also need an internet connection to stream/download/view Christian videos -- which is how most Christian videos are delivered here in 2020.  You'll also want to have a tripod to hold video cameras/cellphones, and some extra power and connecting cables ($50)

Basic Art Kit: $200. Look at the materials needed for your first 5 Art Workshops. Other than markers, pencils, tape, paper, glue, and posterboard, you want to stock for specific lessons.

Basic Drama Kit:  $200. Some "stage" lights, costumes/fabrics/baskets. a microphone plugged into a donated guitar amp is handy, Canvases for backdrops. Cardboard for scenery and props.

Annual Budget Per Workshop

This too depends on the size of your church, number of kids, and number of workshops, etc. It also heavily depends on the lessons you choose to teach and which workshops you want to teach with. 

If you're using Rotation.org's public forums and Writing Team Lesson Sets, then you're spending a FRACTION of what you've spent before on curriculum. Those savings should go directly into making each workshop and workshop lesson a special one.

Here are some provisional numbers for each workshop to factor into your budget.

• The following numbers are based on 10 story rotations a year and do not include summer.
• They are for a medium-sized Sunday School (20 to 40 kids).
• The items mentioned are suggested. Always purchase what you need based on the lessons you plan to teach!
• They assume that your church ALREADY HAS a good stock of supplies for Sunday School  -- paper, fabrics, markers, canvas, rope, etc etc.  See the article about "What's in Your Supply Closet" to see some of the things Rotation educators wish for!

Video Workshop: $100 per year.
Most videos are now online, either to stream, download, or view on YouTube. Most prices are under $15 a video.

Art Workshop: $200-$400 per year.
We do a lot of creative and real art projects in the Art Workshop, not cheesy crafts. Some lessons use supplies you already have on hand, and others require you to do some purchasing. In general, budget $3 per student per Art Workshop lesson for about half of your Art story rotations.

Drama Workshop: $100 per year
After you have purchased a basic set of costumes and fabrics, the Drama Workshop's cost comes down to misc materials for props and skits.  Much of this should already be on hand.

Bible Games Workshop: $200 per year.
Game boards, pieces, doodads, prizes, props, buzzers, etc.

Cooking Workshop: $250 per year
Food costs only. Equipment and serving supplies assumed to come from your church kitchen.

Music and Movement: $50 per year
Your basic kit of rhythm and musical instruments not included.

Computer & Tech:  $150 per year
This is the cost of the software for 2 to 3 computers. Computers to be donated.

• With a $45 Supporting Membership, you have access to 18 different computer software programs, which you can download for free!

SIGNAGE and GENERAL DECORATIONS:  $100 per year
Your workshop spaces and teaching area will continue to evolve and improve its look.

Costs are based on year 2020 purchasing.