Policies & Guidelines

Transcription

1 For Boys & Girls 4 years old Grade 6 Policies & Guidelines A Ministry Provided By: Verndale Alliance Church 109 North Brown Street Verndale, MN Telephone: (218) verncma@wcta.net

2 Table of Content Typical Club Night... 3 History Of Awana... 4 What to Bring to Awana... 4 Wellness Policy... 4 Inclement Weather Policy... 5 What We Expect From Parents... 5 Helping Your Child Memorize Verses... 6 Handbook Guidelines... 7 Discipline... 7 Costs... 8 Recycling Program... 8 Alternatives to Bring a Friend Section... 9 Total Verses Per Book... 9 Awana Store/Shares 10 Awana Theme Song Sparks Theme Song T&T Theme Song Pledges Our Awana Missionary Awana Leadership Team Adopt-A-Club Schedule for the Year E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 2

3 TYPICAL CLUB NIGHT We are sure that our Awana club will be a place of learning and excitement that will have a positive influence on your child. The Awana program is divided into three age groups. (Cubbies Program is for 4 and 5 year olds. Sparks Program is for Kindergarten through 2 nd grade and the T&T Program is for 3 rd -6 th Grade). A TYPICAL CLUB MEETING LOOKS LIKE THIS: Opening: Clubbers open with a pledge to the American and Awana flags, and the Awana songs. Handbook Time: Leaders work with the clubbers as they progress through their handbooks. This is when they recite the verses that they have learned at home. We ask for your support in encouraging your child to complete their handbook materials prior to each club week. It is recommended that your child have a minimum of two sections ready to say each week. Game Time: The clubbers enjoy a time of fun filled games. Game time provides an opportunity for children to learn to win and lose with a proper attitude of fair play and sportsmanship. Council Time: Here the clubbers learn a Bible or life application lesson. Award Time: Awards are handed out for the achievements accomplished during handbook time. We would appreciate your timeliness in dropping off and picking up your children. Club starts at 6:15 pm and ends at 8:00 pm. Please have your children at club no later than 6:10 pm in order for them to check in before opening ceremonies. We thank you for the opportunity to work with and minister to your child. We consider this a trust and serious responsibility that we do not take lightly. Michelle Barrett Awana Commander E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 3

4 HISTORY OF AWANA Awana is international, Bible-centered children s and youth ministry providing local churches with weekly clubs and programs. Since 1950, Awana has grown from a one-church program into a ministry that serves nearly 12,000 U.S. churches with programs in all 50 states. Outside of the U.S. Awana can also be found in over 6,000 churches in 109 other countries and six continents. The goal of Awana is to reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and to train them to serve Him. The word Awana stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed, and comes from 2 Timothy 2:15. WHAT TO BRING TO AWANA Clubbers should wear their Awana uniform and comfortable shoes for running and playing. They should bring their Bible, Awana Handbook and their weekly dues. Your child should not bring gum, candy, toys or other items with them. There will be some nights where a special theme is being used and your child will be asked to bring certain item(s). When this is the case, your child will bring information home with them that will have basic information about what they should bring. WELLNESS POLICY As we all know, sickness can keep going around with children, affecting not only the other children but their families as well. Here is our established health policy for the Awana ministry. Children SHOULD NOT attend Awana if they have any of the following symptoms: Fever 100 degrees or higher within last 24-hours Vomiting within last 24-hours Diarrhea within last 24-hours Runny nose if accompanied by other symptoms and/or colored discharge. Bad Cough Any rash that is suspected to be contagious E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 4

5 INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY When the weather is inclement you can find out if Awana activities are cancelled by the following: Call the church or one of the Awana Leaders Awana families will be called on the church phone tree If Verndale School is cancelled because of weather, so are we. WHAT WE EXPECT FROM PARENTS Always encourage your child. Children have much more fun when Family show interest in their accomplishments. Help your child attend Awana consistently. Consistency builds friendships, achievement, and self-discipline. During the week, help your child prepare at least two to three sections. This will ensure they will complete their handbook and will receive their special awards. Attend parent night activities. Parents are always welcome and are encouraged to attend special events as a way of showing your support and approval for your child s accomplishments. Please review the discipline guidelines found later in this handbook with your child. Awana has very few rules of behavior, but in order to insure that all clubbers have an opportunity to learn as well as have fun, some rules of behavior will be enforced. Please drop off your child no later than 6:10 so we can get them checked in and plan to pick up clubbers promptly at 8:00 pm. If your child needs to be excused from participating in Game Time, please send a note to that effect to their leader; otherwise, they will be expected to participate with all other clubbers in all activities. E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 5

6 HELPING YOUR CHILD MEMORIZE VERSES 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. Spend five or 10 minutes at bedtime helping your child remember his verses. Then repeat them at breakfast the next morning. Tape verses to a mirror or top bunk so every night before the clubber goes to bed or to sleep, they can read through the verses a couple of times. Print the first letter of each word on an index card. As your child uses the first letters as clues to the next word, he is actually memorizing the verse. Start by saying the verse several times. Make sure the child understands every word. For instance, when teaching Genesis 1:1, explain the meaning of the word, "beginning" in a couple of ways. Make repetition fun. Repeat the verse here and there throughout the day. Don't sit the child down on the couch and make him or her stay there until the verse is memorized. Find ways to fit the verse into the day's events. Again, using Genesis 1:1, you could point to things God created (the sky, a flower, bird or kitten) and say, "Did you know, In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth?" Allow the child to point to things and repeat the verse. Put the words of the verse to music. Make up your own songs, or use the tapes and CDs available through Awana. These tapes include all the memory work in the Handbooks. Use pictures to help the child associate the word with an idea. For instance, show the child a picture of a heart when teaching the verse, God is love. Dramatically emphasize important words. When teaching the verse "He made everything beautiful spread out your arms and draw out the word "everything." For "beautiful," say the word with a sense of awe. Use various activities to make learning exciting. Whisper the verse as you tiptoe around the room. March up the hallway while shouting the verse. Allow the child to call Grandma and say the verse on the phone. E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 6

7 CLLUBBERS HANDBOOK GUIDELINES **IMPORTANT PLEASE READ** Clubbers must pass an entire section during one session. They may not quote 1 verse, then look at the book before saying another verse in the same section. Clubbers must pass sections with no more than 2 helps. A help equals three words or less, or any other hint. Clubbers are encouraged to pass sections flawlessly and understand the verse. Clubbers earn an extra share if they say a section word perfect. Clubbers earn a share for each section they say to a parent and the parent sign in the section in their handbook. If a clubber does not bring their handbook to the weekly club meeting, sections may not be passed or checked off by your club leader. To complete a handbook in one year, a child should have two to three sections ready to be completed when they arrive each week. DISCIPLINE Awana uses two different types of discipline. One is for an individual and one is for the group. The 5-Count is used to bring the group to order. As the leader counts down from 5, the children should become quiet and still. The 3-count is for an individual. The child is given a one the first time they have misbehaved and their action is discussed so they understand the inappropriate behavior. If the child continues to misbehave, then they receive a two. The child now sits out away from the activities for a set period of time. If the child continues to misbehave or be disruptive, they receive a three. When the child receives a three, they are set out away from activities for the rest of the evening. The Commander or Director will then talk with the parent and child as to the reason for this action. The Awana leaders realize that there are many family situations that may affect a child s behavior. We encourage you to let your child s Awana leader know if there is any situation that may help us in ministering to your child. This helps the Awana leader to potentially minister to the child as opposed to just viewing a situation or action as a discipline problem. E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 7

8 COSTS The Awana ministry does it s best to keep costs to a minimum, however there are a few costs associated when your child participates in Awana. We ask that if you are able, that we would appreciate your help to defray the costs. (Suggested amount shown below) Cubbies Sparks (4 & 5 year olds), your expenses are: Weekly Dues...50 or Dues Paid Annually (reduced cost)...$10.00 Cubbies Handbook...$9.75 Cubbies Uniform Vest...$10.00 If your child is in the Sparks program (K-2 nd Grade), your expenses are: Weekly Dues...50 or Dues Paid Annually (reduced cost)...$10.00 Sparks Handbook &C/D...$9.75 Sparks Uniform Vest... $11.00 new/$5.00 used* If your child is in the T&T program (3 rd 6 th Grade), your expenses are: Weekly Dues...50 or Dues Paid Annually (reduced cost)...$10.00 T&T Handbook...$8.75 T&T Uniforms... $13.50 new/$5.00 used* Optional Expenses: Book CD for T&T (all the verses put to song) Book 1 or 2 $10.00 each Special Offering for our Awana Missionary and our Adopt-a-Club church in Ecuador *Based on availability. Note: Please do not let finances stand in the way of your child participating in Awana. RECYCLING PROGRAM As clubbers graduate from either the Sparks or T&T Awana program, we would encourage families to donate the used shirts and vests back to the Awana program. The used items will be available for sale at reduced pricing or utilized as the Awana Leadership sees fit. Sparks vests turned in can be used toward the purchase of a T&T shirt. ($5 can be deducted from the shirt price) E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 8

9 ALTERNATIVES TO BRING A FRIEND SECTION If a clubber is not able to bring a friend to Awana, they may do one of the following to pass that section in their handbook instead: 1. Call five friends inviting them to Awana. Write a list of those you invited and have your parent sign and date the sheet. Return the sheet to your leader. 2. Send invitations to five friends inviting them to Awana. Write a list of those you invited and have your parent sign the sheet. Bring a sample of the invitation and the list of those invited to your Awana leader. Awana and 24-7 Ministries Book Verse Counts (August 2010) Handbook Verses recited* Sparks Flight 3:16 1 Sparks HangGlider 35 Sparks WingRunner 50 Sparks SkyStormer 64 Total for Sparky Award Plaque 150 T&T Start Zone 9 T&T Book One 81 T&T Book Two 100 T&T Book Three 112 T&T Book Four 121 Total for Timothy Award 423 AWANA STORE/SHARES Having God s word hidden in the clubbers hearts is a priceless reward in itself. But sometimes we don t always realize how important hiding God s word in our heart is! So, we provide an incentive for the clubbers to work extrahard and memorize as many verses as possible. E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 9

10 Clubbers can earn shares (Awana money that can be used in the Awana Store to purchase various items) in the following ways: Attendance Be on Time Wearing their uniform Bringing their Bible Bringing their Awana Handbook Bringing their dues Passing handbook sections Saying handbook sections to their parent s and the parent signing somewhere in the section that they said it to them (not on the leader signature line) Saying handbook sections word perfect to their leader Bringing a friend (5 shares) Game time participation and/or for good behavior (at discretion of leader) Clubbers can lose shares in the following ways: Disrespect or misbehavior Entering the Awana Storage room without permission Swinging on the poles in the church basement Stealing (severe penalty applies) Disruptions during Council Time Each Awana night, the Awana secretary will record the shares each clubber earns into the clubbers bank account. Children can spend their shares in the Awana Store. Store will be open 4 times during the Awana Year. Siblings can combine their shares only when purchasing gifts. All shares must be spent by the end of the club year and cannot be carried over to the next club year. E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 10

11 AWANA THEME SONG (Words by Clarence W. Jones and Herbert Booth) Firmly Awana stands, led by the Lord s commands Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed Boys and girls for His service claimed! Hail Awana! On the march for youth Hail Awana! Holding forth the truth Building lives on the Word of God, Awana stands! Our Savior following with steps unfaltering And love unaltering, His praise we sing His banner over us, in service glorious We ll fight victorious for Christ our King! Youth On The March! SPARKS THEME SONG (Words and music by Eleanor Murray) We are "Sparks" for Jesus; "Sparks" to light the world, We will shine for Jesus, as we tell each boy and girl! We will hide God's Word in our hearts; We will serve Him right from the start; From His love we never can part for we are "Sparks!" "Sparks!" "Sparks!" "Sparks!" "Sparks" to light the world. E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 11

12 T&T THEME SONG (Words by Jim Jordan) I am off on the Ultimate Adventure! Trusting Jesus all along the way. To the truth of God's Word I will surrender, No matter where I am from day to day. In the sky, under sea, in the wild, Christ with me. Here at home, around the world, His love is clear to see. Won't you come along with me on the Ultimate Adventure! I will train for the mission He has for me. I will trust in Him to give the victory. As I read His Word and pray, He gives direction, as I follow Him each and every day. In the sky, under sea, in the wild, Christ with me. Here at home, around the world, His love is clear to see. Won't you come along with me on the Ultimate Adventure! PLEDGES American Flag I pledge allegiance to the flag Of the United States of America And to the republic for which it stands One nation under God, indivisible With liberty and justice for all. Awana Flag I pledge allegiance to the Awana flag Which stands for the Awana Clubs Whose goal is to reach boys and girls With the Gospel of Christ And train them to serve Him. E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 12

13 OUR AWANA MISSIONARY Arlyn & Marcy Nies Serving North Dakota, South Dakota, Northern Minnesota 410 Mandeville Street - Alfred, ND (701) arlynn@awana.org or marcyn@awana.org AWANA LEADERSHIP TEAM Church/Pastor Church Phone Pastor David Cotner (Parsonage) Awana Commander Michelle Barrett Cubbies (4 & 5 year olds) Cheryl Mickunas (Director) Sparks (Kindergarten Grade 2) Rachel Bounds (Director) Truth & Training (Grades 3-6) Mary Gronlund (Director) Council Time Director Lorrie Swanson E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 13

14 ADOPT-A-CLUB A couple of years ago, our Awana club enrolled in the Adopt-a-Club program, and continues to be a proud sponsor of an Awana Club in Catamayo, Ecuador. Through special fund raising events and generous donations from VAC members, we are directly helping to start and grow Awana Clubs in Ecuador. Thanks to our support Kids will encounter the Savior. Lives will be transformed. The Great Commission will be fulfilled. Your view of missions and the world will be radically changed (because you are now a part of World Missions). Thousands of churches overseas see Awana as an extremely effective means for leading kids and families to Jesus Christ. Through our contributions, we are reaching out to our Christian brothers and sisters in Ecuador to help them "to reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ, and train them to serve Him". If you would like to get involved in Awana or the Adopt-a-Club program, please contact the church office at (you'll be glad that you did!) SCHEDULE FOR THE YEAR E:\Permission, Flyer, Postcards\Print AwanaPolicyHandbook.doc Page 14