PARKWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH

11355 S. Central Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60655 (773) 238-4475 parkwoodbaptistchurch.org parkwoodbaptistchurch@mail.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Typical Club Night. History of AWANA. What to Bring to AWANA. Wellnes Policy... Inclement Weather Policy What we Expect from Parents Helping your Child Memorize Verses Clubbers Handbook Guidelines. Discipline Costs.. Recycling Program.. Alternatives to Bring a Friend Section AWANA Store/Dollars.. AWANA Theme Song.. Puggles Theme Song.. Cubbies Theme Song.. Sparks Theme Song T&T Theme Song. Pledge of Allegiance. Our AWANA Missionary.. AWANA Leadership Team.. 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 12

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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 four age groups. The Puggles Program is for 2 & 3 year olds, the Cubbies Program is for 3 to 5 year olds, the Sparks Program is for Kindergarten through 2nd grade and the T&T Program is for 3rd to 6th Grade. A TYPICAL CLUB MEETING LOOKS LIKE THIS: Opening: Club opens with a pledge to the American flag, opening prayer and the singing of the AWANA Theme song. Handbook Time: Club Leaders work with their 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 7:00 and ends at 8:30 PM. Please have your children at club no later than 6:55 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.

Jason Puga AWANA Commander

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HISTORY OF AWANA
AWANA helps churches and parents work together to develop spiritually strong children and youth who faithfully follow Jesus Christ. The programs offer a proven approach for evangelizing and discipling kids in the church and community. As a ministry leader for 60 years, AWANA is making an impact. A recent national survey found AWANA to be as important to our alumni's spiritual foundation as all other church activities combined. Among alumni who participated in our programs for at least six years, 92.7 percent still attend church at least weekly as adults! Each week, more than 1.5 million kids ages 2 to 18 participate in AWANA. Over 12,000 churches in the U.S. and more than 10,000 internationally run AWANA programs that change young lives through biblical truth. The goal of AWANA is to reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and to train them to serve Him. 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 in our GYM. They should bring their Bible, AWANA Handbook and arrive on time. 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 Bad Cough Any rash that is suspected to be contagious

colored discharge.

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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 via the AWANA phone tree If Chicago Public School has been cancelled because of Weather

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM PARENTS

Always encourage your child. Children have much more fun when their 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 childs 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 6:55 PM so we can get them checked in and plan to pick up clubbers promptly at 8:30 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.

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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.

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CLUBBERS 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. Clubbers can earn an extra AWANA Dollar if they say a section word perfect. Clubbers earn a AWANA Dollars for each section they say. 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. Silver & Gold level sections (T&T) are optional and may be done later. 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 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 childs behavior. We encourage you to let your childs 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.

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COSTS
The AWANA ministry at Parkwood Baptist Church is FREE. However, we do ask that if you are able, that you help pay for the following items. (Suggested amount shown below) The AWANA uniforms promote discipline and achievement by developing a sense of order and unity that draws clubbers and leaders together. Your child is not required to purchase a uniform, but it is suggested since your child will use their uniform to display their weekly awards. If your child is in the Puggles Program (2 & 3 year olds), your expenses are: Puggles Book Set ........................................................$14.00 set of 4 board books Puggles T-Shirt ............................................................$9.00 new If your child is in the Cubbies Program (3 to 5 year olds), your expenses are: Cubbies Handbook .......................................................$9.00 Cubbies Uniform Vest....................................................$10.00 new/$5.00 used* If your child is in the Sparks Program (K 2nd Grade), your expenses are: Sparks Handbook &CD .................................................$9.75 Sparks Uniform Vest......................................................$10.00 new/$5.00 used* If your child is in the T&T program (3 rd 6th Grade), your expenses are: T&T Handbook ..............................................................$8.75 T&T Uniforms ................................................................$14.00 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 AWANA Store Items.
*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 Cubbies, 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. Cubbies or Sparks vests turned in can be used toward the purchase of your childs next uniform. ($5 can be deducted from their next uniform price)

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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 STORE/DOLLARS
Having Gods word hidden in the clubbers hearts is a priceless reward in itself. But sometimes we dont always realize how important hiding Gods word in our heart is! So, we provide an incentive for the clubbers to work extra-hard and memorize as many verses as possible. Clubbers can earn AWANA Dollars in the following ways: (AWANA money can be used in the AWANA Store to purchase various items) $1 Participate in theme night $1 Wearing their uniform $1 Bringing their Bible $1 Each handbook section passed $2 On-time attendance $2 First time visitor $5 Quarterly AWANA attendance (3 excused absences per quarter) $5 Quarterly Church attendance (3 excused absences per quarter) Clubbers can lose shares in the following ways: Disrespect or misbehavior Entering the AWANA Storage room without permission Running around in the fellowship area of the church basement Stealing (severe penalty applies) Disruptions during Council Time Each AWANA night, the AWANA commander will record the dollars each clubber earns into the clubbers bank account. Children can spend their dollars in the AWANA Store. The Store will be open once a quarter during the AWANA year. Siblings can combine their dollars. All dollars must be spent by the end of the club year and cannot be carried over to the next club year.

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AWANA THEME SONG

(Words by Clarence W. Jones and Herbert Booth)

Firmly AWANA stands, led by the Lords 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 Well fight victorious for Christ our King! Youth On The March!

PUGGLES THEME SONG

(Words by Jim Jordan and Steve Wick)

I like to be where the love of God is taught to me Puggles! Puggles! I want to be a part of Gods big family Puggles! Puggles! I want to be where I can see Gods goodness flows down over me A place where I belong (repeat)

CUBBIES THEME SONG

(Words by Eleanor Murray)

We are AWANA Cubbies, were happy all day long. We know that Jesus loves us! Thats why we sing this song. We hop because were happy and we jump and shout for joy. For Jesus is a friend to us. He loves each girl and boy.

SPARKS THEME SONG

(Words 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 Gods 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.

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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 Gods 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. Wont 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. Wont you come along with me on the Ultimate Adventure!

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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.

OUR AWANA MISSIONARY

Ken & Denise Krup Serving Northern IL 919 Barbara Avenue, South Elgin, IL 60177 (847) 931-0015 KenK@awana.org Birthdays: Ken 8/24 Denise 3/3 Anniversary 10/29
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AWANA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Church/Pastor

Church Phone.. (773) 238-4475 Pastor Thorin Anderson.. (773) 233-7629 Pastor Daniel Benitez.. (773) 980-1007
AWANA Commander

Jason Puga (773) 484-0753

Puggles Director

Jessica Benitez..(773) 238-4475

Cubbies Director

Toni Anderson.. (773) 238-4475

Sparks Director

Elisabeth Puga.. (773) 238-4475

T&T Director

Jennifer Anderson..(773) 238-4475

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