Parent & Clubber Handbook

2010/2011

Our Mission
To Partner with Parents in Raising Children who Know, Love, and Serve Jesus Christ
The home is the primary place for spiritual nurturing and AWANA is designed to partner with parents in this task. AWANA provides weekly Bible-based Club programs for children 2 years old through 6th grade. AWANA at Crossgate is held on Wednesday evenings from 6:308:00 p.m. during the academic school year. Parents may check Clubbers in beginning at 6:15 p.m. with their childs Club Secretary. Puggles and Cubbies (ages 2 pre-Kindergarten) meet in Discovery Land; Sparks and T&T Clubbers (Kindergarten 6th grade) meet in Adventure Lodge. It is our desire to provide a safe, enjoyable and orderly environment for everyone involved. For this reason, all children, ages two through 6th grade must be checked in and picked up by a parent or guardian. Please do not send older siblings to check in or pick up your Clubber. To ensure a fun night for all, Clubbers are expected to follow the established guidelines as outlined below. Respect your fellow club members and leaders - treat them as you wish to be treated. Everyone should participate - whether playing games, listening, studying or singing; all are expected to be involved. Come to attention whenever a leader begins the five count. Respect and appreciate the beautiful facility God has blessed us with by taking care of it Always wear a smile - everyone will enjoy you more. Do not bring food or drinks (including gum and candy) into the AWANA Area Have a good time in every part of club 2

Your Childs Club

Puggles is for 2s and young 3s. During the course of the year in Puggles, your child will explore two basic concepts: we are all unique creations of God and God loves us very much. Puggles meet in Discovery Land. Cubbies is for older 3s, 4s, and 5s. Cubbies features Scripture memorization and basic Bible truths your preschooler can understand. Cubbies meet in Discovery Land.

Sparks is for kindergarten through 2nd graders. Sparks provides more Scripture memorization and Bible principles in fun and interactive ways. Sparks meet in Adventure Lodge.

T&T is for 3rd through 6th graders. Each year in T&T is progressively more challenging while
still centering on the Gospel and focusing on applying the Scriptures learned to the clubbers daily life. T&Ts meet in Adventure Lodge. In each age specific club parents play a vital role each week in actively participating in their childs spiritual growth by helping them with their Scripture memorization and other activities suggested in their childs handbook or on their Puggles take home card. Additionally, parents are encouraged to be active in their childs club.

Club Night
All clubs begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. with check-in starting at 6:15 p.m. See some of the activities for each club...

Puggles
Welcome Time ~ Music Time ~ Story & Lesson Time ~ Active Play Time ~ Craft Time 3

Cubbies
Coming In Time ~ Starting & Story Time ~ Book Time ~ Play Time ~ Going Home Time

Sparks
Check-In Time ~ Flag Ceremony ~ Green Meadow Time ~ Sparkle Time ~ Game Time ~ Awards & Big Group Time

T&T
Check-In Time ~ Flag Ceremony ~ Handbook Time ~ Game Time ~ Council Time ~ Awards & Big Group Time

Club Guidelines
Handbooks & Take Home Cards
Handbooks and Take Home Cards are the means by which the Clubber memorizes Scripture and reinforce the lessons they are learning. Clubbers begin earning awards as Cubbies for their memorization of Scripture and completion of their handbook. Parents are vital to the success of each Clubber truly hiding Gods Word in their heart. Spending at least ten minutes each day during the week studying together is usually all that is needed for them to grasp the words. Explaining the meaning of the words helps them to see how God uses His Word in our everyday lives. If you would like ideas on when or how to study with your Clubber, please see your childs leader, club director, or the AWANA Coordinator for suggestions. We want to partner with parents to encourage and nurture the Clubbers in their pursuit to know and love Scripture. Upon completion of the Club Entrance Booklet, each Clubber is eligible to purchase their first handbook and an official AWANA uniform. Every Clubber must have their own handbook at club in order to pass sections. If a loaner handbook is used, the Clubbers progress will be marked complete the next week the Clubber brings his/her handbook. Handbooks are available for purchase in the AWANA Store. 4

A reasonable goal for each Clubber is to pass an average of two sections per club meeting in order to complete their handbook in one year. If a Clubber has prepared more than two sections, no more than three sections will be heard until all Clubbers in a handbook group are given an opportunity to pass two sections. Please write your Clubbers name in the handbook as soon as they receive it. Also, write the Clubbers name on the outside cover for easy recognition. Bags to carry handbooks and Bibles are available in the AWANA Store.

Uniforms
The uniform is critical to the entire AWANA program. We ask that each child wear his uniform (vest or shirt) each week. This simple act encourages orderliness and sets a mood of respect for the evening. The uniform is also a means of proudly displaying earned awards by the Clubber. Clubbers are asked to wear tennis shoes and clothing that is suitable for an active game time each week. Conforming to these guidelines promotes safety, unity, and a sense of discipline for the entire club.

Awards
The award system is designed to bring pride to the Clubber. Your Clubber has the opportunity to earn awards through out the club year. Most awards are earned by passing sections in the handbook; but others are given for attendance and uniform inspection. To be eligible to receive any award, the Clubber must be wearing his or her uniform.

Dues
Each Clubber and Leader is asked to bring $0.50 each week for dues. This money is used to offset the cost of awards, patches, special events, etc. NOTE:

Dues may be paid for entire year (33 weeks = $16) see Club Secretary for details.
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AWANA Bucks and the AWANA Store

AWANA Bucks are earned throughout each club night by Sparks and T&T Clubbers who wear their uniform appropriately, bring their handbook and Bible and for passing sections. They are also awarded for displaying Christ-like behavior, good sportsmanship, and being helpful. Our AWANA Store is a great resource for both parents and Clubbers alike. The store will be open each Wednesday from 7:15 to 8:00 p.m. for Clubbers to bank their AWANA Bucks and for parents to make necessary cash purchases (handbooks, uniforms, book bags). Once a month, Clubbers have the opportunity to buy items from the store using their AWANA Bucks. A variety of items is available for purchase using AWANA Bucks earned during club meeting nights. All Clubbers are encouraged to save or bank their AWANA Bucks at the store. Each Clubber has an account setup in his/her name and earned bucks are added to the account each week. Big Ticket items will be on display to encourage Clubbers to save their bucks for the Big Ticket merchandise. Smaller, less expensive items, such as snacks and small toys, will be available on a regular basis in the store. The benefits of this system are: Clubbers are encouraged to save and be patient. AWANA Bucks are not lost. AWANA Bucks are recycled throughout the year.

Club Discipline
The purpose of discipline is to teach Christ-like behavior. To discipline is to teach and mold, resulting in a happy, welladjusted individual. Discipline is something you do for the child, not to the child. These are the principles by which we discipline within the AWANA Club:

Five-Count Rule
A leader raises his or her hand and begins the five-count 6

slowly and loudly counting to five. By the count of five, Clubbers are to be still and quiet, looking at the leader. Leaders may use the five-count whenever appropriate. The primary purpose of the five-count is to bring a large croup of Clubbers to order.

Three-Count Rule
The three-count is a method for discipline and individual Clubber who continues to misbehave after repeated correction. An unruly child will not be allowed to distract the whole club. The leader may point to the misbehaving Clubber and say, Ok, thats one. Ive asked you several times to stop misbehaving. Then, the leader explains what will happen if the Clubber receives a two or three. After number two, the Clubber is taken aside and must sit out during game time or the next activity. After number three, the child is immediately taken to their parent/guardian. Before returning to AWANA activities, the Clubber and their parent/guardian will need to meet with the AWANA Commander.

Club Contact Information

Karen Smeltzer, AWANA Commander awana@crossgate.org 501.620.0723 7

Crossgate Church
3100 E Grand Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901 501.262.9779 ~ www.crossgate.org