We at Grace Bible Church of Phoenix understand the value and importance of training up our children in the way of the Lord and emphasizing the Bible reading and memorization.
The goal of Awana is to reach children with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to train them to serve Him. In addition, our goal here at Grace Bible Church of Phoenix is to provide a safe and structured environment where your child can read and learn of Jesus from God’s word, develop lasting friendships, play games, and have lots of fun.
Awana at GBC Phoenix Established in 2008
Ever since we started our Awana program in 2008, we have been pouring into the lives of young children who attend year after year. We have had the blessing of watching them grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and in their faith in our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
What Does Awana Stand For?
The acronym, Awana, stands for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed” and comes from the Bible verse:
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.“
II Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
Awana Age Groups
- Cubbies: 3-4 years old
- Sparks: K-2nd grade
- T&T (Truth & Training): 3rd-6th grade
Registration
Club Fees
Dues: $25 per clubber (used to help cover costs of awards and prizes) plus cost for shirts, handbooks, etc. as needed and outlined in the price sheet below.
Awana Calendar
Awana Clubs Are an Adventure!
Game Time
Team competition takes place in our unique circle games and during other playground favorites. The Awana game circle provides maximum opportunity for children to get involved, no matter their athletic ability. They unleash their energy while learning teamwork, sportsmanship and other character traits through their participation.
Handbook Time
Kids will say their memorized verses to their leader and show their completed answers to have a leaders sign off on their sections. Leaders will also provide memorization tips and provide help with student questions in their handbooks. Awana emphasizes memorizing and understanding key Bible verses that teach children how to know and follow God. The Awana program is designed for clubbers to finish one handbook per year. In order to do this at least 1 section is needs to be completed each week. Practice at home is a must to help your child succeed. They will not be able to complete a section each week if they are only using handbook time. That is not what handbook time is set up for. A series of awards and trophies reward their achievements at every level.
Council Time
Kids and leaders gather together in their clubs for a practical Bible message. Leaders take turns leading the students with biblical lessons that align with their handbook learning themes. One of the handbooks is chosen each year as a guide for bible lesson time.
Awana Grand Prix
We will have our annual event on a scheduled Tuesday night. Refer back to the Calendar for the exact date. Just the Grand Prix will be happening that night except the Cubbies will meet for a regular night of events. The four styles available are Block, Indy, Stock, and Truck options. Cost is $7 per car.
The clubbers will be working on their cars at club during club time a month or two before the event. Parents or other church attenders will be able to sign up on nights to come in and help the clubbers with sanding, painting, decorating, putting on weights & wheels. Clubbers are welcome to bring their own paint and decorations. However, the rest of the supplies will be provided.
What to Bring
All clubbers should bring their Entrance Flyer or Handbook and a Bible to each club meeting.
What to Wear
All clubbers MUST wear their club uniform and sneakers. A clubber must be in uniform to receive points and get awards. For their safety, if a child is not wearing appropriate footwear and clothing they will not be allowed to participate in game time. Girls must wear shorts under their skirts.
Handbook Sections
In order to complete one handbook section the entire section (references and verses) must be completed in one sitting. Two helps may be given per section (a help is one to two words or a specific gesture). Parents, the club does not work without you!! Please help your child learn and understand their verses at home so that they will be prepared to recite them at club. Based on the club format and the number of children that participate each week, it is extremely difficult to help them learn their verses if they are unprepared.
Learn about the point system for check-ins and sections
Point system
Check-In for Everyone:
- Attendance: 1 point
- Handbook: 1 point
- Bible: 1 point
- Went to church that weekend: 1 point
- Wearing Awana uniform: 1 point
- Participated in a Theme night with an * in front of it by dressing for it: 5 points
*** It’s important YOUR child checks in with the secretaries to get these points.
Completed a section:
Cubbies:
- New Verse: 3 points
- Under the Apple Activity: 3 points
- Review Verse: 2 points
Note: Credit is given only if parents have signed or checked the box. Parent Honor System
Sparks:
- Section: 5 Points
- Review Section: 3 points
- Note: Review sections can be complete after the handbook is completed.
- Frequent Flyer Sections: 5 points
T&T:
- Section: 5 points
- Silver: 3 points
- Gold: 5 points
Awana Points & Point Redemption Nights
We will hold two Awana point redemption nights during the year. Children will have the opportunity to choose items based on the number of Awana points that they have earned during the club meetings. Points are awarded for many things such as club attendance, church attendance, wearing their uniform, bringing their handbook and bible, bringing first-time visitors, for participation in themed event nights and most importantly completing handbook sections.
Camp Scholarship Money
We are offering a $50 scholarship toward West Coast Grace Youth Camp to any T&T student who completes a whole handbook during the club year. This means a clubber needs to complete 30-32 regular sections during one club year. This does NOT include any extra credit sections. The first year includes the entrance booklet which is the extra 2 sections (32). Since there are 32 weeks in Awana this can easily be accomplished with one section per week. It’s okay if a student is part way through a handbook. They need to complete 30 sections to receive the scholarship money. This means they complete the book they are on and then get started on the next one.
We hope you all take advantage of this!!! We are really rewarding and putting the emphasis this year on Bible memorization. Memorizing the Word of God is so important. 😊
More Details
Safety Policies & Code of Conduct
Awana Club Safety Policies
To ensure your child’s safety, the following policies will apply:
- Children should be escorted into the Multi-Purpose Room for Check-in, and picked up at 8:00 pm from the sanctuary by a parent or authorized adult listed on the registration form.
- No child will be permitted to leave any part of the club meeting without leader supervision and/or permission. This includes bathroom breaks, trips to the water fountain, etc.
- If your child is sick please keep them home. We love sharing but not sharing germs. If we find a child is sick you will be getting a call to come pick up your child.
- Children should NOT be dropped off prior to 6:15p.m. There is no one supervising before this time.
Code of Conduct and Discipline
- Clubbers will keep their hands to themselves.
- There will be no talking when a leader or another person is talking.
- Clubbers will speak to each other and their leaders with respect.
- No running in the buildings.
- Clubbers should be as quiet as possible so as not to disturb the other clubbers in their rooms during Handbook time or Council time.
- Clubbers will not be allowed to bring personal snacks, toys, balls, cell phones, or other electronic devices, skateboards and “heelies”.
At times during club meetings, we will have children that will misbehave. We utilize two different “count methods” for discipline.
Five-count
This method is used to control a group’s behavior. To bring order to the group a leader will raise his/her hand and begin counting to five. When the group hears the count begin they should become quiet and await further instructions.
Three-count
This method is used to correct an individual’s behavior. If a child misbehaves the leader will warn the child to stop whatever he/she is doing. If the child continues with the behavior the leader will give a “1” count. The leader will discuss the problem with the child to ensure that he/she understands why the behavior is inappropriate. If the child continues to misbehave the leader will give him/her a “2” count and take them to their club director to discuss the situation. If the child still continues to misbehave a “3” count will be given, the child will be taken to the Commander and the parent/guardian will be notified. Depending on the nature of the behavior the child may be required to sit out during game time, or in extreme cases may be asked not to return to Awana.
