Parent Manual 2015-16 School Year

Parent Manual 2015-16 School Year

Welcome AWANA stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed and is taken from 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV84) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Why do we have Awana? First, to help children learn and apply God s Word in their lives. Second, to provide a safe place for kids to make new friends. Awana provides a special place for our children to hear the Gospel message, memorize God s Word, make new friends, play fun and exciting games, compete in rewarding and challenging contests, and receive awards as reinforcements for their good performance. The First Free Awana team is composed of volunteer workers who care very much about the spiritual and social development of the clubbers. Each clubber is very special to us and to God! The staff is well trained and excited to have the opportunity to minister to children. This booklet provides you with basic information you need to know about Awana. Your assistance as parents is very important to your children and the Awana leadership. Together, we are partners in ministry with children. Please encourage your child to come each week, help them to memorize at least two sections per week, show excitement over their achievements, and communicate their special needs with us. For the greatest impact, we suggest that you spend 4-6 minutes each morning and evening reading or reviewing handbook sections. Do it with your kids, and they will know you care for them and about what s important to them. Many Awana parents have expanded this opportunity into a fun and exciting time of family devotions each evening. Teachers have testified that Awana has helped children in schoolwork, and parents often comment about changed attitudes when clubbers and parents do it together! You are welcome to visit our club meetings anytime, especially on the special Parent s Nights. If you are interested in becoming an Awana leader, have any questions, or need more information, please feel free to see us on Awana nights or call or email us with your questions. Our desire is that Awana be a fun, growing experience for your child one they are not likely to soon forget! Contents Calendar............... 3 General Info............ 4 Weather Policy.......... 7 Cubbies................ 8 Sparks................. 9 Truth and Training..... 10 Bible Memorization.... 12 Special Events......... 13 Building Map.......... 15 2

Leadership Awana Commander Brad Wyckhouse bradandamy@wyckhouse.com 636.527.7983 Cubbie Directors Brad and Tanya Heuiser sbheuiser@gmail.com 314.805.1770 Sparks Director Laura Malzahn lmalzahn@earthlink.net 636.230.0323 T & T Boys Director Bob Weller 636.458.5865 T & T Girls Director Lynne Miller drlynne@swbell.net 636.583.8278 Awana Coordinator Bev Krueger bkrueger@efree.org 636.779.2149 Activity Calendar Awana Begins - September 16 Parent Pizza Night - September 16 Truth and Training Bonfire - October 7 Awana Store- October 21 Food Drive for Sunshine Mission - Oct 28-Nov 11 Toy Drive for Metro Vision - November 18-Dec 9 No Awana - November 25 Awana Christmas Store - December 2 Christmas Break - No Awana - December 16-30 Awana Go: Reach Kids - January 6-February 24 Awana Store - February 17 Awana Quizzing (Grace Baptist Church) - February 20 Truth and Training Ice Cream Night- February 24 Grand Prix Car Sales Begin- March 2 Spark-a-Rama- March 9 Truth and Training Movie Night- March 9 No Awana- March 23 Awana Games - April 2 T&T/ 2nd grade Sparks Pizza Night- April 6 Awana Grand Prix- April 13 Awana Final Store- April 20 Awana Closing/Awards Night- May 4 First Free Church is a community of Christ-followers committed to meeting the needs of others, both big and small! If you don t have a church home, we invite you and your family to join us this Sunday for either our 9:00 or 10:45 a.m. service. For more information check out www.efree.org. Awana is an exciting facet of Kid Connection, the children s ministry at First Free Church. On Sunday mornings during both services we offer spiritual training by loving, caring instructors who will guide your children to learn truths about God and His Word. In addition to Sunday morning programing, Kid Connection offers special holiday and summer programs, has a focus on missions and organizes several family events throughout the year designed to help strengthen relationships and communication. We look forward to meeting you! 3

Awana Club Activities Awana children s clubs begins at 6:30pm and ends at 8:15pm. Sign in begins at 6:10pm and we ask that you arrive by 6:20pm to allow time to check in at a kiosk before opening ceremonies. *Note: Cubbies open in room 122 and all other clubbers report to room 140 for opening. Club time is divided into three main segments: game time, handbook time and large group time. Game Time Game time is full of fun and friendly competition. Many games are in preparation for the Awana Games and Sparks-a-Rama held in March. Children and youth are expected to participate in all games unless excused by a parent. We recommend that clubbers wear tennis shoes to minize the chance of injury during game time. Handbook Time Handbook time is when a small group of 4-6 clubbers meets with a leader/listener to study and complete various sections of the clubber s handbook. Each clubber is encouraged to complete at least two sections per week (preferably more) to complete their books. There are several criteria to be followed in reciting sections: 1) Clubbers entering the club for the first time must complete the entrance booklet for their club. Upon completion of this step and upon payment of the registration fee, they will receive a handbook. 2) Each section must be recited to a leader in one sitting. Upon completion of the section, the leader will sign off on that section. The leader may give two helps per section. If the clubber needs more than two helps they must begin the section again. A help is defined as one to four words. 3) All memory work must be recited in person, and sections can only be signed off by a Cubbies, Sparks, or T&T leader. Large Group All clubbers meet as a group for singing, testimonies, and a special Bible messagee. The Truth and Training (T&T) large group time is called Council Time. 4

Club Structure Cubbies are three years old prior to August 1st. Sparks are kindergarten through second grade. Truth and Training (T&T) is third through sixth grade. Meet the Bowen Family Registration Fee Awana club registration fees are used to pay for handbooks, game equipment, awards, and special events. Yearly Awana club registration fees, if paid on or before September 8, are $35 per child. If you pay after September 9, they are $40 per child. Fees may be prorated for those who join the club later in the year. This fee does not include uniforms, book bags or CDs, which are available for purchase in the Awana Office (Room 145). Awana club fees are due by the second night of club. However, if you are currently experiencing financial difficulties, scholarships for registration fees, books, and uniforms are available for families in need. If you have any questions or concerns about registration fees, please contact Bev Krueger, Awana Coordinator. Uniforms The Awana uniform lets others know you are a member of our club. You ll want to buy it as soon as you complete the entrance requirements for club membership, so you will have a place to display your awards. A clean and neat uniform helps a clubber feel sharp and well disciplined. Awana Missionaries Our AWANA missionaries are Michael and Michelle Bowen. The Bowens serve Central and Eastern Missouri, traveling and speaking to churches both considering the Awana program and those already involved. They also train and encourage leaders. Clubbers who wish to contribute to the ministry of the Bowen family may do so in person at the Awana Office (Room 145) on club nights. Or you may contact the Bowen s directly at: 10990 New Halls Ferry Rd. STE J; #128 Ferguson, MO 63136 michaelb@awana.org The cost of the uniforms listed on the uniform order blank is the actual catalog price (including shipping and handling). First Free Church makes no profit from the sale of uniforms. Uniform order blanks are available at the Awana Office on club night. Uniforms require one to two weeks for delivery and may be picked up in the office. Used uniforms are available only as supplies last and are on a first-come first-served basis. 5

Awana Bucks Clubbers earn Awana bucks througout the year for various activities. Students spend their bucks at the Awana Store, which takes place four times per year. They may use bucks to buy a variety of toys, games and other fun items. Awards Clubbers excelling in the Awana clubs can earn a variety of colorful, high-quality awards. These awards vary from club to club, but most include patches, achievement awards for club attendance, activities, Bible study and memorization, Sunday School attendance, book completion ribbons, plaques, and trophies. Award achievements are recognized at the end of each club night in front of all other clubbers. Although recognized weekly, book completion ribbons, plaques, and trophies are presented at the annal Awana Closing Ceremony that marks the end of the club year. Dress Code Clubbers and leaders are urged to exercise discretion and modesty regarding the selection of their clothing for club nights. We do not wish to offend or distract others by the clothing worn to club. Outfits which are too tight, too low, or too short, though not intentionally worn to be provocative, nonetheless often are. As such, they are not honoring to the Lord and should be avoided. With this in mind, clubbers, once they have received their uniforms, are expected to be in uniform for the entire club night and any Awana-based activity unless otherwise directed. It applies equally to both clubbers and leaders. This dress code is for the purpose of avoiding any problems before they start. If there is any question about an article of clothing, a clubber s leader or director will speak to him or her about it privately. A clubber will be given one warning regarding inappropriate clothing. If a second offense occurs the clubber will be sent home. Discipline A 5 Count System is used to quiet the entire group of clubbers. When the clubbers hear the 5 Count, they hold up their hands and count silently with their fingers. By the time the activity leader counts to 5, all clubbers and leaders are expected to be still, quiet and looking at the activity leader. Discipline is usually administered on a positive basis. First time discipline problems will be handled on club night by talking with the child about their behavior. If there are continuing problems, parents will be contacted. For older clubbers who continue to misbehave, parents may be called immediately to pick up the child. Of course, clubbers are welcome back when they are willing to meet the club expectations. 6

Club Expectations Clubbers must complete the entrance booklet and turn in an Awana registration form before becoming an official clubber. Handbooks are given to a clubber after the entrance booklet has been completed and registration fees paid. When arriving to club, clubbers must check in with a parent at a kiosk and proceed immediately to their assigned room. Bathroom privileges and drinks are at designated times only. Please, no gum! When in the hallway, clubbers should walk quickly to and from events. Due to safety concerns, running is not allowed except during game time. All Awana leaders and staff must be respected and obeyed. Clubbers are expected to take part in the entire club program, unless excused by a parent. Inclement Weather Policy In case of inclement weather, a decision will be made by 3pm whether to cancel club. Please call the main phone at 636.227.0125 or check our Facebook page - Kid Connection Parent Page - to find out if club will be held. 7

Cubbies celebrates the spiritual potential of preschoolers (3-5 year olds) by helping them develop respect for God, His Son and His Word. About Cubbies Preschoolers can hardly wait for their next Cubbies club meeting. Whether it s the fun puppets, the exciting games or all their Cubbies friends, they simply love it. At Story Time each week, preschooolers learn about God--the greatness of His love, His Word and about His Son, Jesus Christ, the promised Savior. Non-competitive games build excitement and reinforce Story Time lesson themes. We desire Cubbies to be led to God early so they will respect and trust Him for life! 8 Curriculum The Cubbies curriculum features two handbooks. Both are written in a fun, storybook style with read-aloud stories and lovable characters that appeal to preschoolers. The Appleseed and HoneyComb handbooks combine basic Scripture memory with parent-child activities to help Cubbies grasp simple biblical truths. Each Cubbies handbook contains a helpful review CD to use at home. One handbook is completed in a club year. Each handbook contains 26 Bear Hug sections along with four special-day sections. Parent Involvement Cubbies encourages parental involvement. Your child s handbooks feature parent-child activities for home. You will lead your child through handbook sections, called Bear Hugs, to prepare for the next club gathering. Each Bear Hug includes optional activities, called Under the Apple Tree, for reviewing Bible verses and lessons learned earlier. An audio CD included in your child s handbook has review material that you can listen to together. At club, your Cubbie will review the verse you helped teach at home. Working through the handbook with your child develops your spiritual leadership and helps you instill in your child a lifelong biblical worldview. Helpful Hints Spiritually: Cubbies are learning to trust and can trust Jesus as Savior. Mentally: They explore everything and can memorize Scripture and songs. Physically: They are changing dramatically and can hop, skip and jump. Emotionally: They express intense feelings and enjoy laughing. Socially: They are developing relationships and can take turns and share.

Sparks ignites the curiosity of early elementary-age kids to learn about the people and events of the Bible, building a foundation of wisdom for knowing Christ. Helpful Hints Spiritually : Sparks understand the gospel and can know and woship God. Mentally: They are learning to read and write, are literal-minded, have a limited concept of time and possess an active imagination. Physically: They have rapid, uneven growth spurts; are energetic but tire easily. Emotionally: They enjoy excitement; are sensitive, self-conscious and quick to sympathize with others. Socially: They are selfcentered yet enjoy friends, like to talk and need adult approval. About Sparks To many children in kindergarten to second grade, Sparks is the highlight of the week! They love their red vests, the exciting games and spending time with leaders and friends. Sparks is divided into three years, each with a unique rank: HangGlider, WingRunner and SkyStormer. Each year, Sparks clubbers: explore the biographies of people of the Bible from a new portion of Scripture, memorize Bible verses and complete handbook activities. The handbooks, combined with large group time lessons from the Who Do I Need To Know From the Bible series, take your child on a journey through the entire Bible! Curriculum The Sparks curriculum is comprised of three handbooks. Each handbook builds a foundation of biblical wisdom through memory verse drills, crafts, activities and review of the key doctrine and Bible facts. Before working on the first handbook, HangGlider, all new Sparks will complete an entrance booklet, Flight 3:16, that centers on the Gospel message of John 3:16. WingRunner and SkyStormer handbooks challenge Sparkies to learn about 15 more verses than the preceding book. Each handbook includes an audio CD with readings of all the Bible biograpies, memory verses and character stories featuring Sparky the Firefly and his friends Chloe, Jacob and Joel. Parent Involvement Invest in your child s growing faith by reading and discussing the Bible and the handbook sections with your child and by helping him memorize the verses. Use the Parent Ideas section in each handbook to help your child understand the biographies and see how they fit in the Bible. Sparks Bookwalks are online tools that walk you through your child s handbook to help YOU help your child. Optional parent handbooks (HangGlider, WingRunner and SkyStormer) from Awana at Home correspond to your child s handbooks. These books make it easy to learn more about the Bible and answer your child s questions. 9

T&T engages third-sixth graders by answering their questions about God and the Bible, guiding them through this pivotal life stage to grow in Christ s grace. About T&T Handbooks and large-group lessons deepen a child s knowlege about God and His Word and teach how to put that knowledge into action in everyday life. T&T is different from other Awana programs. It is comprised of two clubs with distinct curriculum, uniforms and awards: T&T Ultimate Adventure for third and fourth grades and T&T Ultimate Challenge for fifth and sixth grades. The two clubs are designed to help kids stay plugged into T&T as they move into the preteen years and continue growing in their relationship with Christ. Curriculum T&T Ultimate Adventures teaches third and fourth-graders that salvation in Christ is the ultimate adventure! Kids in T&T learn that the Bible is true and they can firmly trust what it says. Each Ultimate Adventure handbook answers four questions about God and the Bible that third and fourth-graders frequently ask. Clubbers learn eight answers to each of these questions along with verses to back up these answers. The handbooks include Bible studies and activities that allow children to go deeper into the subject matter. T&T Ultimate Challenge trains fifth and sixth-graders that walking faithfully with Christ is the ultimate challenge! Each Ultimate Challenge handbook answers four questions about God and the Bible that preteens typically ask. Kids learn eight answers to each of these questions, memorizing verses that back up the answers. Bible studies, activities and service opportunities take them further into the subject matter. Before working in a handbook, kids new to T&T complete a short booklet that explains God s plan of salvation. 10

Parent Involvement Parents play the pivotal role in a child s spiritual nurturing. In T&T handbooks, every Discovery or Challenge begins with a parent page that explains how you can reinforce the truths taught in subsequent sections and help your child succeed. T&T BookWalks are online tools that walk you through your child s handbook to help you help your child. Optional parent handbooks (Ultimate Adventure Book One and Book Two; Ultimate Challenge Book One and Book Two) from Awana at Home correspond to your child s handbooks. These books make it easy to learn more about the Bible and answer your child s questions as well. Helpful Hints Spiritually: T&T clubbers want to know the truth and want life to be fair. Mentally: They love to learn, are able to set goals, begin to understand choices and consequences, and are developing talents and skills. Physically: They experience steady growth and maturing coordination skills. Emotionally: They struggle with self-confidence. Socially: They are competitive, make strong friendships and love to find a hero. 11

Bible Memorization Each week, a clubber is encouraged to complete two sections in their handbook. A section refers to a small part of the handbook that includes one or more memory verses, fun learning pages, Bible study, and activities. Parents are encouraged to work with their child during the week. The handbook leader will listen to as many sections as time allows. If a clubber learns many sections in a week, the clubber may have to wait until the following week to have the sections heard and signed off. All Scripture in the handbooks for memorization is printed in the New International 1984 version. However, families also have a choice of doing memory work and Bible readings in the New King James, King James, and English Stand Version. If a version other than what is printed in the clubber s handbook is used, the clubber is responsible to bring that version on club night. No sections may be signed off without the correct version of the Bible in the leader s hands. See your child s leader if you would like to order a handbook in a version other than NIV 1984. Memorization Tips Make Scripture Memory Simple, Easy and Fun! TIP: Make Flash Cards Have your child make flash cards, with verses on one side and Scripture references on the other. Lots of colorful markers and paper can make the task a breeze. Ask your child to draw a picture of what the verse means alongside the verse. TIP: Review at Night and in the Morning Spend 5 or 10 minutes at bedtime helping your child remember verses. Then repeat them at breakfast the next morning. TIP: Tape verses in a conspicuous area. Post verses on a bulletin board or near the bed. Every night before falling asleep, your child can read through the verses. TIP: Use only the first letter of each word. Print the first letter of each word in a verse on a chalkboard or index card. Your child will be memorizing the verse while using the first letters as clues to the next word. TIP: Reverse Roles When your child is having difficulty learning a section, reverse the roles. Ask your child to teach the section to you. This helps both you and your child learn the verse. TIP: Regularly Read Several Sections Ahead with Your Child Each day, simply read through several sections ahead of what your child is currently memorizing. When they are ready to actively work on these sections, the verses will already be familiar and the memorization will come much more easily. 12

Special Events Awana GO: Reach Kids January 6 - February 17, 2015 Awana GO is a missions program designed for churches and clubs looking for dynamic, meaningful and kid-friendly ways to go into all the world and make disciples. Awana GO helps move a child s focus from all about me to bigger than me as they begin to see God s heart for the world. The program provides experiences and engagement opportunities that connect clubbers to kids globally. It introduces Awana kids around the world while teaching Bible truth that helps them become rich toward God. Food Drive October 28 - November 11, 2015 Preceding the Thanksgiving holiday, we will collect non-perishable food items for Sunshine Ministries. Toy Drive November 18- December 9, 2015 Every year around the holidays our club gathers toys for needy children in our community. Clubbers can bring in new and gently used toys and earn extra Awana bucks. Used toys should be like new and include all pieces. Bible Quizzing February 20, 2016 Awana Bible Quizzing is a Bible memorization and recall challenge held each year among all the churches in our Awana missionary s territory. In order to qualify for this event, each participant must have completed the appropriate amount of study by February of the quiz year: T&T Book 1: Start Zone and Discoveries 1-4 T&T Books 2-4: Discoveries/Challenges 1-5 Sparks-A-Rama (K-grade 2) March 9, 2016 Our Sparks club has its own Sparks-A-Rama game night on one club night each Spring. Family and friends are encouraged to join us for this fun-filled evening! 13

14 Awana Games (Grades 3-6) April 2, 2016 Awana Games is an excting event each and every year among the churches in our Awana missionary s territory! To qualify, each participant must pass a minimum of 10 handbook sections. In addition, clubbers who desire to take part on these teams must make a commitment to attend all practices. These events are competitive and have limited team member spots available. After meeting the eligibility requirements, team members are selected on the basis of their ability in these events and their team attitude. Awana Grand Prix April 13, 2016 Awana Grand Prix is a T&T pine car racing event. A few weeks before the race, clubbers can purchase small, pine blocks of wood and plastic wheels from which they construct their cars, usually with the help of parent or leader. During the actual Grand Prix, clubbers compete for speed and design awards. Clubbers are awarded first, second and third place trophies for each category: Bible theme, most realistic, most patriotic and fastest. Each clubber who participates also receives a ribbon. For a car to race, it must be made from the specifications set forth in the car kit and use the Awana wheels and axles. You may not race a car that has been previously raced. Awana Store We hold four Awana store events per year (October, December, February and April) that allow clubbers to spend their Awana bucks. The December store contains items that clubbers may buy as Christmas presents for their parents. All other stores contain toys, games, stickers, pencils and other fun items appropriate to the child s age group.

Awana Map Patio Puppets Cafe Cubbies Registration Desk T&T Boys Storage AV Sparks KC Director s Office Awana Office Opening & Games T&T Girls 15

kid connection Love God. Love Others. Live Wisely.