What Is Awana?

Awana is a nondenominational, international, Bible-centered youth organization. For 60 years, Awana has been a leader in Children's Ministry, helping churches and parents worldwide raise children and youth to know, love and serve Christ. Awana provides fully integrated evangelism and discipleship programs for ages 2-18 and actively involves parents, church leaders and mentors. The acronym Awana comes from 2 Timothy 2:15: Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. You can get more information at www.awana.org

Why is Awana Important?

"The ages of 4 to 14 are the golden hour of evangelism. Research, anecdotal evidence and even common sense all clearly identify the childhood years as a window of opportunity for the greatest life-saving impact for eternity. For a large majority of people, if they do not respond to the gospel as a child, they likely will not do so later in life. All the ages of youth form the silver day. The teenage years as well provide a prime opportunity to evangelize."

                                                                                                       Rock-Solid Kids, Larry Fowler

Awana encourages spiritual, social, physical and intellectual growth in children. It uses Bible based curriculum and activities through which children learn the Word of God. From the example of godly leaders, children learn how to apply the Word of God in their daily lives. The curriculum also incorporates them-building through games that are fun and exciting. The care of Awana is Bible memory. As the children work through their handbooks, they are motivated to hide God's Word in their hearts through unique incentives and rewards.

What happens in Awana?

Each weekly club meeting includes:

• a small-group segment, during which clubbers recite Bible verses from their handbooks while interacting individually with their leaders;
• a large-group segment, during which a Bible message is presented; and
• a game-time segment, where they are assigned to teams and play for fun and excitement. 

Awards are presented weekly to acknowledge handbook progress and other achievements. Exciting theme nights, the Awana Store and other stimulating activities spice up meetings throughout the year. All these activities are presented in the age-appropriate manner, meeting the needs of all age groups.

Who can join Awana?

Awana has something for everyone. Just check out the clubs listed below:

*Journey Club meets on Sunday afternoons and students work as Leaders-in-Training (LITs) on Wednesday nights.

Children and adults are encouraged to join Awana anytime during the year. In August, registration takes place online or at the Children's Kiosk during Sunday mornings. Once the club year begins, you can sign up at the Welcome Counter on Wednesday nights. To register online, click here.

How much are registration fees?

There is a $5 per child discount for pre-registering by September 5. The annual registration fee beginning September 6 will be:

First Child…….$45
Second Child….$35
Third Child……$25
Fourth Child ....$15

Each Additional Child ...$10

These annual registration fees cover awards and prizes, club parties, regional competitions, special events, administrative costs, and leader training.All these things help make Awana exciting for your child. 

What about books and uniforms?

Handbooks and uniforms are two of the most important components of the Awana Club. Clubbers work through their handbooks, memorizing scripture and working on Bible-based activities. Uniforms help maintain discipline, as well as provide a place to display awards earned. There are additional charges for the uniforms and handbooks. See the Awana Supplies Order Form for pricing details.

How do I pay ?

You may register and order supplies online through September 12. The Awana Store will also be open each club night. Uniforms, handbooks and other Awana items are available to purchase throughout the year. Financial assistance may be available for those who are in need.

What kind of parental involvement is expected?

We expect parents to assist their children in working through their handbooks. We believe that parents have the sole responsibility to be spiritual leaders in their homes. Awana is a great tool, but it cannot replace the parents' mandate to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4)

Committed parents make some of our best leaders, and we have a variety of roles for everyone! Please volunteer to join our Awana leadership team. For more information about volunteering, click here.

Tell me about the awards

Awana offers a unique award system that helps motivate clubbers to achieve. Awards for handbook progress and club attendance are worn on their uniforms. Various incentives reinforce good behavior, encourage future achievement, and create enthusiasm for learning. All award costs are included in the registration fee.

Special Events and activities

Each year Awana sponsors regional events, such as Bible Quizzing and Awana Games (for 3rd-12th graders) and Sparks-A-Rama (for kindergarten-2nd graders), where clubbers from our church will complete against clubbers from regional churches. All qualified clubbers may participate. There is no extra cost to parents to participate in these regional events. The FBCEG Awana Grand Prix, our annual pinewood derby, is another exciting highlight for all ages. Clubbers (age 10 and up) who complete their handbooks also have an opportunity to attend West Coast Honor Camp in the summer.

Club Descriptions

Wednesday Nights

6:15 - 8:00pm

For children from age 2 through 6th Grade

(ages 2-3), for the toddlers of our Wednesday night Awana Leaders, introduces young children to basic Bible truths at church and equips parents to teach them at home.

(ages3-4) is built on two premises:

• Young children can and should receive spiritual training.
• Home is the primary place for spiritual training.

Our Cubbies club meets these needs through lots of fun! Games, puppets, crafts, awards, snacks and other activities make Cubbies a lively weekly experience where fun and learning go hand in hand. Clubbers display their awards on their blue vest uniform, which they wear to club each week.

(Kindergarten - 2nd grade) combines learning with fun to create an atmosphere of irresistible excitement. Club meetings are divided into three segments:

• Bible teaching, singing, announcements and awards
• Small group interaction and completion of Bible-based lessons
• Games that appeal to kids of all skill levels

Sparkies receive participation and achievement awards which are displayed on their red uniform vests.

(3rd-6th grade) weekly meetings are divided into three segments of gut-busting, team-oriented fun in Game Time; singing and a Bible message in Large Group Time; and reciting Bible truths in Handbook Time. T&T features increased focus on Scripture application in a structured environment program, fun characters, and more. 3rd-4th grade T&T clubbers wear a green uniform T-shirt, on which is attached an achievement badge to hold their awards. 5th-6th grade Clubbers wear a blue jersey uniform on which to affix their achievement patches.

(7th-8th grade) meets the needs of junior higher's at their level. Trek meetings take a three-tiered approach by offering something for everyone: a feature event uses games and activities to attract teens and then make them feel at home; large group time communicates Bible truths relevant to the teenagers' lives; a small group time, provides teens with personal time to interact with their leaders and friends.

Sunday Afternoons

3:30-5:00pm

(high school) provides teens with what they need: relevant 21st-century content, a strong emphasis on life application, thorough apologetics, and the trademark of Awana, Scripture memory-invaluable ingredients for character-shaping discipleship. All this plus weekly games with their friends makes a great balance of learning and fun. High school students may also choose to volunteer as LITs (Leader-in-Training) for the younger clubs on wednesday nights.

Volunteer Information

What commitment is expected?

Time

Awana meets most Wednesday nights from 6:15 to 8:00pm, September through May. For most positions you should plan to arrive 15 minutes early for prayer time and stay 10 minutes late. Volunteers are also expected to attend scheduled meetings with your Club Director and the Awana Ministry Conference, which will be held at FBCEG in September each year.

Approval process
Our children's safety  is our highest priority, so we require that all volunteers complete an application, background check, interview, and reference checks before starting in Children's Ministry. Volunteer now.

Training

Awana provides excellent training to ensure that you are prepared and have all the tools you need to fulfill your role. Volunteers are required to attend Awana Basic Training, as well as other training sessions at the beginning of the Club year. Additional training will be offered at the Awana Ministry Conference. For training information, click here.

Cost

We appreciate our volunteers and do not want finances to impede their ministry. Awana leaders are expected to wear an Awana uniform, which will be provided at no cost (however, we will happily accept donations). Our Awana Club will also pay the registration fee for attendance at the Awnan Ministry Conference.

Prayer

No matter what position you fill, our Club cannot be successful without faithful prayers. Whether or not you choose to join us in Awana leadership please pray for our Club, our children, and our leaders.

How can I fit into Awana?

We have ministry positions for everyone, no matter what your gift or talent. Please view Awana positions.