East Pointe Church  -  Awana

Awana is our East Pointe Wednesday children's program during the school year (September - May). Awana is for children 2 years old through 5^th grade.

 

Awana Organization & Structure

Awana is a very well organized program. Awana headquarters is located in Streamwood, IL and is an international organization with clubs throughout the world. Regional Awana missionaries are responsible for clubs in their district or region. Awana missionaries are self supported and depend on mission giving from participating Awana churches. Awana organization within East Pointe includes the Children's Pastor for oversight, Awana Commander who is responsible for overall operations, Game Director,  Secretary, Council Time Leaders, and Awana Store personnel. Each individual club (Puggles, Cubbies, Sparks, and T&Ts) include a Club Director, Club Secretary, Leaders and Listeners. Awana meets each Wednesday in our DSP Activity Center and starts promptly at 6:45 P.M.  Clubs end at 8:15 pm. Children should try to arrive 15 minutes early to allow for registration and check-in.  

The main focus and goal of Awana is Bible scripture memorization through fun and exciting methods. East Pointe uses the King James Version Awana books for memorization. Clubbers work with their Awana book at home with parent assistance so when returning for book time each week, they will be prepared to recite their verses to their leaders. 

The entire 90 minutes is up-beat, fast-paced and kids love the entire time. Awana includes workbooks, t-shirts and other items to help build character and aid in learning organization and structure. Clubbers are awarded Awana bucks redeemable for prizes through our Awana store for passing book sections.  

 

Registration and dues - A child can start Awana at any time throughout the Awana year. There is a $5.00 registration fee per child per year. This fee is charged for returning clubbers as well as new first time clubbers. Weekly dues are 25 cents. Books are $10.00 (usually one book per year.) Shirts or vests are $10.00 each.  Children who did not complete last year's book and remain in the same club the next year will continue to work and complete the book before purchasing a new book. A child moving into a new club such as Sparks to T&T will need to purchase a new t-shirt and a book. Cubbies change each year and require a new book. 

 

A normal night at Awana includes:

The program starts with a ten minute opening ceremony in the Activity Center. Children rotate for 3 sessions during the evening. Each session is 20 minutes with 5 minutes to move between each session. The sessions include: (1)Book time where children assemble in their color groups and recite their verses they have worked on at home. Children also work on their books during any free time with their leaders.  It is very important that parents work with their child throughout each week to maximize their child's verse memorization. (2)Council Time - Children enjoy large group time where Bible stories and object lessons are provided by seasoned Council Time Leaders. (3)Game Time - Awana games are provided through the Game Director and usually include activities on the Awana game circle.

 

Puggles - 2 year olds - Awana's newest program. Children at two years old are introduced to basic Bible scripture and Bible stories. Children have their own Puggles t-shirt and book. A snack is provided. You can't keep them away once they start attending. 

 

Cubbies - 3 and 4 year olds - Cubbies are divided into 3 year olds (3 years old by start of Awana) and 4 year olds during book time and game time. This will allow Cubbie leaders to work with the appropriate age group. Cubbies just love wearing their vests and have a ton of fun while learning their short verses. A snack is provided during the evening.

 

Sparks - 5 year olds through 2^nd grade - Sparks are assigned one of four color groups and remain with their group throughout the evening. Sparks rotate through book time, game time and story time. 5 year old Sparks receive extra attention during book time since they are just beginning to read. Sparks wear a red vest which Clubbers place their awards and badges on as they advance.

 

T&T (Truth & Training) - 3^rd grade through 5^th grade (6th grade is optional) - Replaces the previous Chums, Guards, Pals and Pioneers clubs. T&T books and uniforms are up-to-date and are fun for kids to use. There are video games and CDs and trading cards to help clubbers learn their scripture.  Clubbers also have book time, game time and story time.

Additional Awana activities include: (1)Regional Awana Games where churches within their region compete on the Awana circle. (2)Awana Awards and Fun Fair Night at the end of the Awana season to celebrate receiving awards.

 

Parent participation is important - We ask parents to help by (1)Getting your child here on time, (2)Working with your child with their Bible memorization - make it a devotional time if need be, (3)Having your child in their uniform.

 

Come join the Awana Team - The Awana program requires a substantial amount of children's workers to be successful. Come join the team if you enjoy working with children.

 

East Pointe Awana kids participate in the Awana Adopt-A-Club and fully fund the Awana program for Escazu Baptist Church of San Jose, Costa Rica. Through their support, East Pointe children are learning to be responsible mission givers.

 

Check out our children's ministry at epckids.com. You will find information links for Awana and other great stuff for kids. Contact Pastor Ken Staley at 904-370-0142 or email for additional information.

East Pointe Church   270 N Kernan Blvd   Jacksonville, FL 32225   904-220-2377  

epcjax.com ~ epckids.com ~ awana.org