LPBC PARENT and CLUBBER GUIDE BOOK 2009-2010 Welcome | What is Awana | Why Awana | Leader Expectations | Parent Expectations | Discipline | Uniform Guidelines Bring A Friend | Awards | Earning Points | Special Events  | Theme Song | Price List | Nightly Schedule | Handbook Pacing Welcome to Awana AWANA is a unique program designed to help reach and teach boys and girls about the Lord Jesus Christ and train them to serve Him. Our AWANA Club is one of ten thousands of AWANA clubs in churches around the world. The clubs are: Cubbies – three and four year olds; Sparks – kindergarten (K5) through second grade kids; Truth and Training or T&T – third through fifth grade kids. An AWANA meeting consists of three segments: Handbook Time where scripture memorization is taught; Large Group Time where a Bible or mission lesson is presented and awards are presented; and Game Time where clubbers participate in games designed to enhance good sportsmanship and fun. We encourage parents to help their children in the effort of memorization. Take some time to look through your child’s handbook and help them prepare their sections before coming to club. This in turn helps the whole family. We also invite parents to attend an AWANA night to view their child’s club. If you have any questions regarding AWANA, please feel free to contact me at any time. AWANA believes in rewarding children for their efforts. Through the merit awards, memorizing of God’s Word, bringing of friends, and attendance, patches, plaques, trophies and other incentives are awarded. Clubbers earn Awana shares for memory work, bringing visitors, and participating in theme nights. The AWANA store will be open once each quarter so that clubbers may spend their earned AWANA shares for store items. AWANA, like many other clubs, has a uniform to build unity. A clubber must be in uniform to receive an award. We ask that you put your child’s name in their uniform and on their handbook. If you do not have a church home we invite you to visit our church. Sunday School meets at 9:30 with classes for all ages. Worship services begin at 8:15 and 11:00 am. We invite you to come as a visitor and leave as a friend. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your child. This is going to be an exciting year. Please keep all leadership in prayer as we diligently seek to minister to God’s precious gift – your children. Gregory Ouellette Awana Commander Back to Top WHAT IS AWANA? AWANA is an international, Bible-centered children’s and youth ministry providing local churches with weekly clubs and programs for preschool through high school. Their goal is to equip churches to reach children, teenagers, and their families, with the gospel of Christ, and to train them to serve HIM. The acronym AWANA comes from the first letters of Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed, taken from II Timothy 2:15. 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. II Timothy 2:15(NIV) AWANA began in 1950 as a youth program at the North Side Gospel Center in Chicago, Illinois. Lance Latham, the church pastor, worked with Art Rorheim to develop a program that would appeal to young people, reach them with the gospel, and train them in the Lord’s work. Other churches heard about the success of the AWANA program and asked if they could use it. By 1960, AWANA had registered 900 clubs. Today, more than 12,000 churches in the United States run AWANA clubs. There are clubs in all 50 states, and 80 faith-supported AWANA missionaries in the US. AWANA can also be found in 4,300 churches in 110 other countries and on six continents with 152 international AWANA missionaries. Each week over 1,000,000 kids and 250,000 volunteers participate in AWANA clubs. Back to Top WHY AWANA? In the tender years between age three and high school young people are most likely to make decisions for Christ. Awana Clubs International is dedicated to the conviction that the church’s most fruitful mission is reaching boys and girls for Jesus Christ. Today many homes do not make time for family devotions. This, combined with the complete removal of prayer and religious teaching in the public schools, has left our nation’s young people with a spiritual void. While Sunday School helps fill this void, the more relaxed atmosphere and intensive spiritual training that Awana offers provides thousands of churches across America with a proven way to meet the needs of our nation’s youth. Awana is determined that programs will be appealing, God-honoring and Bible centered. The objectives of the Awana Clubs are: Reaching boys and girls with the good news of eternal life in Jesus Christ Training young people to serve the Lord as they grow in their relationship with Him. It should be the goal and prayer of every Awana worker that boys and girls still in their early, impressionable years will commit their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and be challenged to serve him for a lifetime. Back to Top What We Expect From Our Leaders We basically have very few requirements that our leaders must meet; however, we also have some expectations we encourage them to consider.  The following may give you some insight into the type of leadership we strive for in our program.   Requirements:  A leader must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A leader must have a desire to work with and a compassion for children. A leader must agree with the Awana Doctrinal Statement as found in the Training Manual. Expectations: We expect our leaders to be on time. We expect our leaders to be examples by wearing clean, neat uniforms every night. We expect our leaders to follow the rules. We expect our leaders to display a proper attitude before the clubbers and other leaders. We expect our leaders to pray for our Club on a regular basis. We expect our leaders to realize Awana is not just another program, but it is a ministry of the church, and a place of service to God. Back to Top What We Expect From Parents Always encourage your child.  Children have much more fun when Mom and Dad show interest in their accomplishments. Help children to attend Awana every week and to arrive on time consistency builds friendships, achievement, and self discipline. During the week, help your child prepare at least two sections.  This will ensure they will complete their handbook and will receive their special awards, plus they will qualify for other Awana activities. Attend all major events.  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 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 plan to pick up clubbers promptly after club.  Clubbers will not be permitted to leave the building without an adult to pick them up. 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. Yearly dues of $20.00 per child and are collected to help defray the cost of awards. Back to Top Discipline At the beginning of each club year, Directors will go over with the clubbers what is expected of them in their clubs. All behavior has consequences. Awards are given out to reinforce good behavior. AWANA 5 count Whenever a leader needs to gain the attention of a room for any reason they will stand, raise their right hand above their heads and count to five with their voice and fingers. Whenever the five count is begun EVERYONE in the room, including parents and leaders, are expected to immediately be silent, direct their attention to the person counting and await further instruction. AWANA 3 count Our discipline policy deals with inappropriate behavior and involves a 3 count. #1 The first time behavior is found to be unacceptable the child is given a warning and told why their behavior is not acceptable and what behavior is acceptable. #2 The second time, the Director and Leader will meet with the child to make sure they understand what behavior is acceptable and for prayer to improve. #3 The third time, the child will meet with the Commander and another appropriate adult to discuss the behavior with the child and close with prayer. The parent will be notified of the behavior and the condition for returning to AWANA – apologize for behavior and agree to follow the rules. The child will need to apologize for his/her behavior before participating again. Back to Top Uniform Guidelines Clubbers and leaders are expected to wear their Awana uniform to each club meeting.  The goal of each Awana Club is to have 100% of its clubbers in uniform.  A properly worn uniform helps Awana clubbers and leaders earn respect and credibility.   Uniform standards are as follows: Cubbie and Sparks vests must be clean and buttoned. T&T and polo shirts must be tucked in. DRESS CODE Pants or shorts and tennis shoes MUST be worn (no sandals, flip-flops, or hard-sole shoes). Other shoes and bare feet are not safe. No skirts, dresses, or short-shorts please. Remember you will be participating in Game Time, and Game Time is co-ed. On dress-up nights clubbers should still wear their uniform if possible. However, if they come dressed up, they will still get credit for wearing their uniform. Those clubbers not dressing up on a given theme night should be in uniform. Back to Top Bring A Friend As part of the handbook requirements for Sparks and T&T clubbers, each clubber is to bring two first-time visitors to our AWANA Club during the year. It can be a neighbor friend, a school mate, a cousin, or a friend from one of their activities (soccer, dance, choir, basketball, karate). Often times the clubbers ask and ask but no one accepts their invitation, but the handbook requirement is still there. Parents we need you to keep a record of whom and when your child asks to come to AWANA and their response. We encourage you and the clubbers to really try to get a friend to come. However, if by January, they are still not successful, we suggest the following options: When they ask a friend to come to AWANA, have their friend sign a piece of paper saying your child invited them. Get 5 signatures and bring the paper to your AWANA leader. Send a letter/card to new or absentee clubbers (at least three) inviting them to come back. AWANA leader will provide names and addresses; parents to sign list and return it to AWANA leader when cards are sent. Get names of shut-ins from AWANA commander and send them a card with a note and your favorite Bible verse. AWANA commander will provide names and addresses; parents to sign list and return it to AWANA leader when cards are sent. Memorize the Gospel Wheel verses (I Corinthians 15:3-4, John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Acts 16:31) and recite all verses, in one sitting, with no more than two helps. Explain how to use the Gospel Wheel to share the Gospel (see page 14). Bring two friends to Sunday School (as first-time visitors). Must bring signature from Sunday School class teacher and parent to AWANA leader. Back to Top Awana Awards Each Awana Clubber has the opportunity to earn exciting awards. These awards can be worn on the uniform. The awards you will see listed below are only the basic ones, others are given for completing one or more years of handbook work. NOTE: Awards may only be given when a child is in uniform.  These awards should be displayed and worn proudly. They represent good achievement and spiritual growth in the knowledge of God and His Word. We will encourage all young people to strive for their highest potential. Each child works at their own pace and will be guided and helped by a caring leader. Club For Completing: They Earn: Cubbies Bear Hug Brochure Uniform and Handbook   Rank Test  Rank Patch   2-3 sections Lamb or Elephant Patch   Club Attendance  Lion Patch   Church Attendance Zebra/Giraffe Patch Sparks 3:16 Test Uniform and Handbook   Rank Test Rank Patch   Bible Drills/Activates Red or Green Jewels   Club Attendance  Blue Jewel T&T Start Zone Uniform and Handbook   Discovery/Challenge Award Badge/ Seal Clubbers must pass sections in order.  Clubbers must pass an entire section during one session.  They may not quote 1 verse, then look at the verse before saying another verse in the same section. For Club Attendance, there may be only 2 unexcused absences per quarter.  For Church Attendance, there may be only 4 unexcused absences per semester. Back to Top Points and Awana Bucks AWANA shares or AWANA “bucks” is our way of rewarding and motivating club members to work hard and succeed. Several times a year, our Club conducts an “AWANA Store Night.” On this special night, our clubbers are able to redeem their AWANA Shares for some cool and fun items. Shares are awarded to Sparks and T&T clubbers weekly for: Completing a handbook section 1 share Bringing a first-time visitor 5 shares Wearing Uniform/Participating in theme night 1 share Bringing handbook & Bible 1 share CLUBBER OF THE QUARTER &HIGH ACHIEVER A High Achiever will be recognized in each Spark age-level group (Kindergarten, 1st grade, & 2nd grade) T&T group (Girl & Boy) for completing the most sections in the quarter (8 club meetings). A Clubber of the Quarter (Sparks and T&T) for will be recognized every quarter from the total points each child earns during the quarter. Points are earned for club attendance, wearing the Awana uniform, participate in theme nights, bringing their handbook and Bible, Sunday School attendance, bringing a first-time visitor, and completing sections. A Clubber can only be a Clubber of the Quarter once each club year. Points are awarded each night for the following: Action Points Awarded Club Attendance 10 Sunday School Attendance 10 Came prepared with Bible 10 Came prepared with Handbook 10 Came in uniform with tennis shoes and/or Participate in Theme Night 20 Brought a first-time visitor 100 Completed Section in their Handbook 30 per Section Completed a Unit in their Handbook 50 A section is material between two leader-signature lines. A clubber may be given two helps per section to complete the requirement. One to three words at a time is considered one help. An entire section must be completed in one sitting – not one verse at a time. Back to Top 2008-2009 Awana Calendar AUGUST 15 AWANA Leader Training SEPTEMBER 13 AWANA – 1st Club Night 20 AWANA 27 AWANA – Crazy Hair Night OCTOBER (Adopt-A Club Month) 4 AWANA – Parent Night 11 AWANA – Pajama Night 17 Leadership Conference 18 AWANA 25 AWANA –“I wanna be a...” Night End of 1st Quarter (Store) NOVEMBER (Food Pantry Month) 1 AWANA 8 AWANA – Double Point Night 15 AWANA 22 AWANA – Pilgrim/Indian Night 29 NO AWANA DECEMBER 6 AWANA – B.A.R.F. Night 13 NO AWANA 20 NO AWANA 27 NO AWANA JANUARY 3 AWANA – Zoo Night 10 AWANA End of 2nd Quarter (Store) 17 AWANA – Double Point Night 24 AWANA 31 AWANA – Inside Out Night FEBRUARY 7 AWANA – Sports Night 14 AWANA TBD AWANA Bible Quiz (Saturday) 21 AWANA 28 AWANA – Parent’s Night MARCH 7 AWANA – Crazy Sock Night End of 3rdQuarter (Store) TBD AWANA Games/Sparks-A-Rama (Saturday) 14 AWANA 21 AWANA 28 AWANA – Missions Night APRIL 4 NO AWANA – EASTER Sunday 11 AWANA – Favorite Hat Night 18 AWANA 25 AWANA – Double Points Night MAY 2 AWANA – Aloha Night 9 NO AWANA – Mother’s Day 16 AWANA – Last Club Night End of 4th Quarter (Store) 23 AWANA-Year-End Awards Celebration Theme Nights!! During the club year, we will have several theme nights for the clubbers. Clubbers that participate will receive five (5) AWANA shares. Here is a short description of what to expect. Crazy Hair Night – come with a wig, special hair style, lots of bows in your hair Parents Night – parents come with the clubber to play games, observe handbook time, and participate in Large Group Time Pajama Night – clubbers wear favorite pajamas “I wanna be a…” Night – clubbers come dressed as what they want to be when they grow up Pilgrim/Indian Night – clubbers dress up in costume B.A.R.F. Night– Bring ARealFriend to club Zoo Night – clubbers bring their favorite stuffed animal to club Inside Out Night – clubbers clothes inside out Sports Night – clubbers come wearing their favorite sports uniform/equipment or team colors Crazy Socks Night – come with crazy colored socks on feet Favorite Hat Night – clubbers wear their favorite hat or a silly hat Aloha Night – clubbers come dressed for Hawaii Special Emphasis Nights Double Points Night – clubbers earn double points for every section completed Missions Night – special missions emphasis for clubbers and parents Adopt-A-Club Month – clubbers learn about AWANA Adopt-a-Club ($5 donation earns clubber a patch) Food Pantry Month – clubber bring canned/boxed food items for the Food Pantry during the month (1 AWANA share for every 2 items; max. of 5 shares each week) Back to Top AWANA Special Events AWANA Games Saturday, TBD, 2010 You don’t want to miss the 2010 Awana Games!  Each clubber must pass 10 sections in order to be eligible to compete in the Games. The Awana Games is a fun day for children in 3rd - 5th grade in which they compete in 10 athletic games on the Awana game circle.     SPARKS-A-RAMA Saturday, TBD, 2010   You don’t want to miss the 2010 Awana Sparks-A-Rama! Each Spark must pass 10 sections in order to be eligible to compete in the Sparks-A-Rama. The Sparks-A-Rama is a fun day for Kindergarten through 2nd grade where they compete in 6 athletic games on the Awana game circle. T&T BIBLE QUIZ Saturday, TBD, 2010   The Bible Quiz is a competition among clubbers to test their knowledge and expertise in their handbooks that they have been studying in the club meetings.  This competition is administered in a “game show” quizzing fashion and is very exciting to be a part of!  Each week clubbers recite verses and answer questions about God’s word, and this is a great opportunity to see what they have learned, and have a great time as well. Back to Top 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 for 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!      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. Back to Top Price List for Awana Clubs An annual registration fee is collected to help offset the cost of awards, supplies and the Awana Store. Registration is $20 for the year and may be paid anytime in the month of September. After the completion of their respective entrance booklets, given to them on the first night of attendance, clubbers will earn the right to order their handbook and uniform. Prices for each club are listed here. If there is a financial need, please contact your child’s director or the commander. When ordering uniforms, please allow for growth, as your child will often times be using their uniform for more than one year. Awards earned during the year are presented at no charge to the clubber or parent. However, a charge must be made for replacement of lost awards. Year-end awards are also presented at no charge to the parent. CUBBIES PRICE LIST (3 and 4 yr. olds) Cubbies vest $ 10.00 Handbook $ 9.00 Cubbies handbook bag (optional) $ 6.00 SPARKS PRICE LIST (K– 2ndgrade) Sparks vest $ 10.00 Hang Glider & Wing Runner Handbook $ 10.00 Climber Handbook $ 8.00 Workbook $ 6.00 Sparks handbook bag (optional) $ 5.00 T&T PRICE LIST (3rd– 5thgrade) T&T Tee-shirt $ 18.00 Handbook $ 9.00 T&T handbook bag (optional) $ 6.00 Note:Uniforms and books cannot be given out or ordered unless payment is made ahead of time.   Uniform Guidelines: •   Clean shirt or vest neatly worn •   Achievement badge/crown correctly displayed •   Other award pins and/or patches neatly & appropriatel displayed Back to Top Awana SCHEDULE   Awana Clubs meet Sundaynight. 4:50-5:00 pm Check-in Cubbies Sparks T&T 5:00-5:05 Flag Ceremony (Room 232) Flag Ceremony (Room 233) Flag Ceremony (Fellowship Hall) 5:05-5:30 Activity and Handbook Times Activity and Handbook Times Game Time 5:30-6:00 Story Time Game Time Handbook Time (Girls – Room 238) (Boys – Room 237) 6:00-6:25 Game Time Green Meadow Time Council Time 6:25-6:30 Closing and Awards Closing and Awards Closing and Awards 6:30 pm Pick-up This is the schedule your child will follow each Sunday Night. Cubbies and Sparks need to be dropped off and picked up in their classrooms by parents. Please do not leave your child unattended if you arrive before the leaders. T&T will begin in the Fellowship Hall and will be picked up in room 238. Discipleship training classes and special topic studies are offered to students (middle school and high school) and adults at the same time as AWANA for the convenience of parents and for added opportunities for spiritual growth. Back to Top HANDBOOK PACING SCHEDULE If a clubber follows this pacing schedule by completing the indicated handbook section by the end of the indicated quarter (average 2 sections per week), they will finish their handbook in one club year and be eligible for their book award at the end-of-the-year awards ceremony. This schedule does not include handbook reviews, workbooks, or silver and gold activities. Cubbies: Bear Hugs and Special Days – one per week Under the Apple Tree – one per week Sparks: 1stQuarter 2ndQuarter 3rdQuarter 4thQuarter Hang Glider Red Jewel 1 Section 2 Green Jewel 2 Section 2 Green Jewel 3 Section 4 Green Jewel 4 Section 4 Wing Runner Red Jewel 1 Section 2 Green Jewel 2 Section 2 Green Jewel 3 Section 4 Green Jewel 4 Section 4 Climber** Red Jewel 1 Section 6 Red Jewel 3 Section 3 Green Jewel 1 Section 1 Green Jewel 4 Section 1 ** Red Jewels and Green Jewels may be completed simultaneously T&T: 1stQuarter 2ndQuarter 3rdQuarter 4thQuarter Book 1 Discovery 2.2 Discovery 4.4 Discovery 6.6 Discovery 8.7 Book 2 Discovery 3.2 Discovery 5.4 Discovery 7.6 Discovery 8.7 Book 3 Challenge 2.7 Challenge 4:7 Challenge 6.7 Challenge 8.7 Book 4 Challenge 2.7 Challenge 4:7 Challenge 6.7 Challenge 8.7 Parents are encouraged to work with your child in memorizing God’s Word and finishing work to be completed at home. Cubbies and Sparks really benefit from time spent at home working on their handbook material. Parent Pages for the T&T clubbers need a parent signature to earn the clubber. Back to Top

LEXINGTON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH 46855 S. Shangri-La Drive Lexington Park, MD 20653 Telephone: 301-862-2552 (Voice/TDD)