Awana Guidelines

Please review these guidelines before attending club.

Guidelines

Completing Handbook Sections

The clubber must complete an entire section (all section answers, related word definitions, and memorized verses) during one sitting in-person with the listener/leader. Clubbers must answer any additional questions and complete any additional activities within the section. They cannot look at their handbook during the recitation of the verses from the book section.

Clubbers must recite sections with no more than two “helps.” Each help may include three words or less, or any other hint for the child. Clubbers must recite the full Bible reference (chapter and verse). If a leader supplies the verse Bible reference, this counts as one help.

If more than two helps are required, the clubber will be asked to return to their classroom to continue to work on the section and then return for another attempt at completing the section.

Clubbers must pass sections in order, unless otherwise noted in the handbook or with permission of the club Director. All questions and any related word definitions must be in their own words.

T&T: Gold sections can be done one verse at a time to the listeners. Credit will only be given once the entire Gold section is completed; it is at that time that the book section will be signed off.

Points and Team Competition

(applies to Sparks and T&T clubs only)

Teams will be assigned the first night of club and may be changed periodically to ensure balance. Visitors may ask to be placed on the same team as the clubber who brought them. However, if that same visitor returns to club regularly, they may be placed on another team depending on total team balance. For some clubs, new teams are formed regularly throughout the club year.

Points will generally be awarded for the following items:

  • Wearing the uniform
  • Bringing their handbook
  • Bringing a visitor to club
  • Bringing a Bible to club
  • Attendance at club
  • Handbook sections completed during small group
  • Game time team points
  • Bonus points may be given at the discretion of the club leadership

Parking Policy

To increase children’s safety, especially during the winter season, we block off the full lower parking lot to prevent children from having to cross the main drive. All vehicles must drive fully up the hill (without stopping at the main entrance), and park in an available parking spot.

Parking spots reserved for those with an accessible parking permit must be respected – please only use those spots if you have a permit.

Volunteers without young children are asked to park in the upper parking lot to allow extra space for parents. Please consider backing into your parking spot in order to allow for improved sightlines when leaving the parking lot.

Cancellation Policy

In the event of severe weather and/or road condition concerns, the Awana Ministry Director will gather information throughout the day and then make a formal decision at 4:00pm about the evening club. If a cancellation is decided on, you will receive an email from your child's club Director thereafter. Information will also be posted on the registration website and other online channels.

Unless otherwise notified, club will run as scheduled. Please note that cancellation of some/all school buses in our area does not necessarily mean that our club will be cancelled.

Code of Conduct

Clubbers are expected to:

  1. Show respect for God’s House, God’s Name, and God’s Word.
  2. Show respect for God-given authority. All participants should interact with a positive and Christlike attitude towards other Awana clubbers and our volunteer leaders.
  3. Show respect for church property and the property of others.
  4. Arrive in uniform with their handbook and indoor shoes.
  5. Participate fully in all planned activities: Large Group Time, Small Group Time, and the Group Activity Time.
  6. Walk (not run) at all times when not in Group Activity Time.

It is important that Awana is a safe environment where respectful behaviour allows children to know, love and serve Christ. Every effort will be made by our volunteer leaders to manage groups and encourage acceptable behaviour in line with the above expectations.

Behaviour that is not aligned with these expectations is first addressed by our leaders and club directors. If, after several attempts to remind the clubber of expectations and redirect them, the inappropriate behaviour persists, it will be brought to the attention of the Awana Ministry Director. The following steps will be followed:

1st Notice

After receiving reminders about appropriate behaviour, if the child continues to behave inappropriately, a formal warning will be given. The clubber is quietly taken aside by the Club Director and Awana Ministry Director, the situation is explained, and the incident is formally recorded in a discipline logbook.

2nd Notice

If the clubber continues to create disturbances, they are given a second warning. The Awana Ministry Director explains the situation, records the incident in the log, and the parent/guardian receives a phone call home with relevant information.

3rd Notice

If misbehavior continues, the child is removed from their activity. The parent/guardian is called to pick them up immediately. The child may return in two weeks’ time, provided they are prepared to follow club rules. A discussion with the Awana Ministry Director will happen prior to their return.