Child Painting Copyright Danitort 2008
As a mother of three little girls, I am always looking for something for my kids to do. More importantly I’m usually looking for not just something to do but something that is also meaningful. Awana fits our life perfectly. The best thing about Awana is a lot of churches offer it. So what is Awana?
Awana stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. Awana is a club that is held at Churches for ages 4 years through 6th grade. Some churches may offer programs for older kids depending on the church. This is a program that usually runs through the school year. One of the best things is it brings children together learning and having fun.
The kids are broken up into age groups. Each kid is given a vest. This vest is a lot like the boys & girl scout vests. They get to earn badges.
Here are the different age groups:
Cubbies Club
This group is for age 4 and 5-year olds. The Cubbies Club has fun puppets, games, and they get to learn verses and earn badges. This is initially where you start the spark in a young Christian’s life. This program is a lot like VBS but instead of only lasting a week, it lasts all school year.
I can still remember the joy and excitement when I first took my oldest daughter to Awana she was just 5 years old and I believe this is the very foundation of what started her joy for attending church. Now at age 7 she hates it when we miss it. The main purpose of Cubbies is to share God’s greatness and joy. A purpose that is easily accomplished in my opinion.
Sparks Club
This club is for ages Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Graders. Of course, when I mentioned Awana is a fun group it doesn’t stop at Cubbies. The fun rolls right over to Sparks. The kids get to compete in fun games, learn about people and events of the Bible. This is where they take the spark and turn it into curiosity. They try to get the kids thinking when, why, where. This gets them seeking knowledge of the Bible. To be wise in God. This is the perfect age to start getting them asking questions and digging deeper in the word of God.
Truth and Training
This third group is for grades 3rd through 6th grades. Taking the club to a more advanced level, the kids get to adventure into the Bible and learn how to put into action what they’ve learned. Don’t worry though, the fun isn’t just for the little ones. This group gets to have a fun time during battle challenge. They will get a chance to win awards.
If you have been wanting your child to have something fun to do and learn more about God, this is the perfect activity for your child. I’m sure the fun and memories of Awana will last for a lifetime. I know my daughters enjoy it, and they are only 5 and 7 years old.
If you’re not sure which churches offer Awana, just give them a call. To save you some time I’ve included a list of few churches that do offer it. If you enter your child in it, I know you will not regret it. It is definitely worth the while.
Lighthouse Baptist Church
8135 St. Rt. 339
Vincent, OH 45784
Awana: Wednesdays 7 P.M.-8:10 P.M.
North Hills Baptist Church
108 Stone Crest Drive
Marietta, OH 45750
Awana: Wednesday 6:30 P.M.-8:00 P.M.
Evergreen Bible Church
113 Ellsworth Ave.
Marietta, OH 45750
Awana: Wednesday 6:50 P.M.-8:10 P.M.
Twin Rivers Baptist Church
110 D.A.V. Road
Whipple, OH 45788
Awana: Wednesday 7:00 P.M.
North Parkersburg Baptist Church
3109 Emerson Ave.
Parkersburg, WV 26104
Awana: Wednesday 6:00 P.M
Grace Baptist Church
55 Rosemary Road
Parkersburg, WV 26104
Awana: Wednesday 6:30 P.M.
My wish for you is to give you a chance to see what I seen when my daughters when they started Awana “Sweet Joy”. Their joy was worth it.
Have your children experienced Awana? We’d love to hear your stories. Tell us in the comments below.