I have had this same problem with my big beautiful boy. Dezi is three years and very spoiled. When I was in hospital he went on a food strike and refused to take food from my husband! So we have been attempting to wean him from my hand feeding, much to his dislike (and mine). I found a sturdy glass ashtray works well as a dish, because it is heavy enough to not get overturned, and the glass sides are enough to keep in worms. He was not happy and pouted in his corner for several days, but eventually he got hungry enough to take some food himself. If your Beardie is healthy and not too skinny, he should be fine even if he goes on a hunger strike for several days. Now that Dez eats some on his own, I do hand feed him, but each week, I skip a day to keep him less dependent. I am not sure who is more upset by this, him or me, but I know it is best for him. Beardies absolutely hate any change in their environment or routine, but be patient, and persistent, and he will eventually eat from the bowl.
Does he like to chase down his own crickets? Dezi seems to enjoy that...not exactly chasing, but waiting until one is near enough for him to grab...it is a form of entertainment for him. ( Beardies in the wild are "ambush predators" and so do not waste their energy running down their prey, but wait for it.)
Dezi also likes a food made specifically for Beardies by national geo--it looks like little green peas and comes in a resealable bag. It has to be refrigerated once opened, but predators will not eat cold food (it is dead) so I have to warm it by soaking it in hot water then draining it, and I sprinkle it with his calcium or vitamin powder, before serving. It has vitamins added, so that is a bonus. Have you tried some of the other "bearded dragon" foods that are sold in pet shops? Some of the owners on this site have had success with those, and it may be easier for a pet sitter to handle than the worms and crickets. Of course, no manufactured food replaces live food and fresh salad, but as a vacation food, it might work?