AWANA Parent Handbook
2017-2018
AWANA Parent Handbook
Our Team Jess Martin email: Director of Children’s Ministry
[email protected]
Phone: 02 446 4563
AWANA Commander email:
[email protected]
Phone: 02 446 4563
Elizabeth Guru email:
[email protected]
Children’s Ministry Assistant
Website: www.eccad.org/childrens-ministry Parent’s Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/ groups/eccadchildren/ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at go.eccad.org/parentemaillist
Dear Parents, The word expedition means a journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration. When we think of expeditions, we might think historically of the famous Dr. David Livingstone in the jungles of Africa seeking to locate the source of the Nile; Sir Edmund Hilary’s conquering of Mount Everest; or maybe even Ferdinand Magellan’s first circumnavigation of the earth. For us, as a body of believers, our purpose is to explore God’s Word and make disciples of all nations; so, we too are on an expedition of the most important kind. Our goal at ECC’s AWANA Ministry is to focus on discipleship as we provide teaching, alongside scripture memorisation in order to help our children to really know and understand what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. We take this expedition together with families who participate in our AWANA club so that we can uphold the charge given in the book of Deuteronomy: to continually and intentionally talk with children about what it means to love God with all they are-no matter where they are, no matter what they’re doing. We have a very energetic AWANA club, where clubbers are excited to study God’s Word, memorise scripture, fellowship, play games, sing praise and worship songs and have F-U-N! We encourage you to spend time reading through the information on this booklet. We know that the AWANA ministry will impact you, your kids, your family and entire communities. With love, ECC Children’s Ministry Team
Table of Contents Children’s Co-Op.........................................................5 Cubbies.........................................................................6 Sparks............................................................................8 T&T.................................................................................10 Trek................................................................................12 2017-2018 Calendar.................................................13 Registration & Check-In.............................................14 Discipline Policy..........................................................16 Health & Safety Information.....................................18
Proin iaculis lacus vitae ligula lacinia in fermentum ligula elementum. Etiam ut elit dui. Sed augue felis, hendrerit in interdum sit amet, mollis semper turpis. Pellentesque malesuada, leo vel volutpat tempus
Nulla a fermentum est Many of our AWANA volunteers are parents of clubbers.
The Children’s Co-Op is a ministry model which requires families participating in Children’s Ministry classes and programs to volunteer in the ministry.
Co-op children ministries are steps to partner with parcurrently the growing trend ents. among churches for several reasons: • Children’s ministry teams • Churches realize parents understand that they can are the most influential no longer effectively do people in their children’s children’s ministry or prolives. vide safe staffing ratios without the support of • Parents are called to be parent involvement and part of the faith training support. process for their children (Proverbs 22:6, Psalm 78, Deut. 6, Deut. 11) so churches are taking active 5
Because AWANA relies heavily on volunteers who commit to serving weekly, parents who choose to serve in AWANA are not required to serve in Friday programs. Parents of Cubbies are required to serve in AWANA.
Ages 3-5 years
C
ubbies celebrates the spiritual potential of pre-schoolers (3 to
lesson themes. Cubbies helps you lead your child to God early so they
5-year olds) by helping them develop will respect and trust Him for life. their respect for God, His Son and His Word. ubbies encourages parental involvement. Your child’s handre-schoolers can hardly wait for book feature parent-child activities their next Cubbies club meetfor home. You will lead your child ing. Whether it’s the fun puppets, the through handbook section, called exciting games or all their Cubbie Bear Hugs, to prepare for the next friends, they simply love it. At Story club gathering. Each Bear Hug inTime each week, pre-schoolers learn cludes option activities called ‘Under about God – the greatness of His the Apple Tree’ for reviewing Bible love and His Word – and about His verses and lessons learned earlier. Son, Jesus Christ, the promised SavAn audio CD included in your child’s iour. Non-competitive games build handbook has review material that excitement and reinforce Story Time you can listen to together.
P
C
6
A
t club, your Cubbies will review the verse you helped teach at
home. Working through the handbook with your child develops your spiritual leadership and helps you instil you child with a lifelong biblical worldview. Only an adult may drop off or pick up a child to the Cubbies class. Due to the age and demand for Cubbies, we require at least one parent to serve in AWANA. If a week should arise where a parent cannot serve, then we’d ask that the other parent or a responsible adult remain on the church premises during the club time.
CUBBIES SCHEDULE
WHAT TO BRING Please remember the following items each week: • • • • •
Opening and Game Time – 5:45-6:00pm Song Time, Puppet Show and Story Time – 6:00-6:30pm Snack Time – 6:30-6:45pm Table Time – 6:45-7:20pm Going Home/Fun Activity – 7:20-7:30pm
Cubbies Vest Cubbies Bag Handbook Bible (optional) Water bottle (Name labelled on it)
Please remember that snack is not a substitute for their dinner - Cubbies should come to club having had their evening meal and not be hungry. Please list any allergies your child may have when you register him or her. Although we strive to provide a healthy snack, we cannot guarantee special items will be available for children with allergies. If need be, please send a snack with your Cubby.
Please make sure your Cubby wears trainers or shoes that he or she can run and play games in! Do NOT Send personal toys or valuables items. We are not responsible for any outside items which may be damaged or lost.
7
P
Sparks ignites the curiosity of 5 to 7-year old kids to learn about the people and events of the Bible, building a foundation of wisdom for knowing Christ.
S • •
parks is divided into three years, each with a unique rank: HangGlider, WingRunner and SkyStormer. Each year Sparks clubbers: Explore the biographies of people of the Bible from a new portion of Scripture Memorise Bible verses and complete handbook activities
T
he handbook, combined with Large Group Time lessons from the WHO Do I Need to Know From the Bible series, take your child on a journey through the entire Bible. Along the way, Sparky, the friendly firefly, and his three friends have many exciting adventures that can be read in the handbook. Sparky encourages kids to learn verses and complete assignment throughout the three handbooks.
8
arents play a leading role in their child’s spiritual development. Invest in your child’s growing faith by reading and discussing the bible and the handbook sections with your child and by helping them memorise the verses. You can also use the Parent Ideas section in each handbook to help your child understand the biographies and see how they fit in the Bible.
WHAT TO BRING
OTHER INFORMATION
Please remember the following items each week: • • • • •
ALL Sparks clubbers will attend the Opening Ceremony held in Upper Chapel 1. Please make sure your Sparky arrives by 5:45pm each week.
Sparky Vest Sparky Bag Bible Water bottle (Name labelled on it) Shoes appropriate for Game Time
For more information on Sparks award jewels and where to place award patches on your child’s vest, please visit our website: http://eccad.org/awana-sparks
Toys, electronics and other unnecessary items are not allowed and should not be brought to club. Please avoid sending children to club with expensive jewellery or items which could be lost or damaged. We are not responsible for any lost or damaged items. If any items are brought to class and prove to be a distraction or are being used inappropriately, they will be collected by the AWANA leaders and given to the parent upon pick-up.
9
ment. Christian children are not immune.
P T&T engages 8 through 11-year olds by answering their questions about God and the Bible, and guiding them through this pivotal life stage to grow in Christ’s grace.
T
&T, which stands for Truth and Training, is different from other AWANA programmes because it comprises of two clubs with distinct curriculum, uniforms and awards: Ultimate Adventure for 8 and 9 year-olds, and Ultimate Challenge for 10 and 11 year-olds. These clubs are designed to help kids stay plugged into T&T as they move in to the preteen years and continue in their relationship with Christ.
T
he current AWANA T&T material reinforces commitment, identity and community for these kids and gives 8 and 9-year olds a new club stage to anticipate. It also focuses the attention of leaders on the unique challenges and needs of this age group. Today, 10 to 12-year olds, known as tweens, face unique pressures, demands and distractions. These factors can result in marked increase in discouragement, apathy and disengage-
10
arents play the pivotal role in a child’s spiritual nurturing. In T&T handbooks, ever ‘Discovery’ or ‘Challenge’ begins with a parent page that explains how you can reinforce the truths taught in subsequent sections and help your child succeed.
WHAT TO BRING
OTHER INFORMATION
Please remember the following items each week: • • • • •
ALL T&T clubbers will attend the Opening Ceremony held in Upper Chapel 1. Please make sure your Sparky arrives by 5:45pm each week.
T&T Shirt T&T Bag Bible Water bottle (Name labelled on it) Shoes appropriate for Game Time
Uniform awards play a big part in the AWANA Clubs experience. They motivate and reward curriculum and service achievement. For more information about T&T Emblem placement and Awards please visit our website: http://eccad.org/truth-training
Toys, electronics and other unnecessary items are not allowed and should not be brought to club. Please avoid sending children to club with expensive jewellery or items which could be lost or damaged. We are not responsible for any lost or damaged items. If any items are brought to class and prove to be a distraction or are being used inappropriately, they will be collected by the AWANA leaders and given to the parent upon pick-up.
11
F
or more information on ECC’s Youth Ministry, please visit www.eccad.org/ youth-ministry or email [email protected]
Trek is part of a newly launched AWANA Youth Ministries programme that covers the three years between 12 and 14.
T
rek is a program which runs in conjunction with ECC’s Youth Ministry. It features biblically rich content and practical application challenges students to wrestle with the three most important questions they’re asking in middle school: Who am I?, Why am I here?, and Who’s with me?
B
y allowing students to dive deep into the Scriptures and answer these questions for themselves we allow them to own their faith and discover what they actually believe. Each lesson includes an activity, lesson, memory verse and seven days of devotions that help students understand the Bible.
12
Registration & Check-In
A
ll chilren must be registered and checked in by a parent or authorised person over 18 years of age in order to participate in any Children’s Ministry program-- We will not allow children to check-in their siblings or pick them up from their classes. The T&T and Trek Clubbers will be released without parental pick up. Please arrange a meeting spot with your child before service so that your child knows where to find you.
T
o check in, simply visit the Welcome
Station on the First Floor and one of our secretaries will assist you. For your first week, you will receive a handwritten nametag. After this, each week, simply visit a check-in kiosk and type in your last name and follow the instructions to print the labels for your children. You will receive a name label for each child and one number label for your family that you must show at each classroom in order to pick up your child at the end of the service. Please promptly pick up children at 7:30pm. 14
A
ll clubbers should pay dues the first or second week of Club. Failure to pay dues may mean that your clubber will not be able to participate.
Check-In Reminders • Check-in and pick-up must be completed by a parent/adult for all children under 7 years of age. T&T and Trek clubbers are allowed to self check-in and are released without parental pick-up. Parent/adult must present the security sticker matching the child’s namtag in order for children to be released from classroom. No child will be released without the parent/adult presenting correct security sticker. If you misplace your sticker, please visit the welcome station for a reprinted sticker to pick up your child. • Nametag identifying class, allergies, and the date/time must be placed visibly on all children (Cubbies can be placed on back) before they will be allowed into the classroom. • During club hours, parents not serving in AWANA are kindly requested to please leave mobile phones on. If attending the ECC Worship Service, your phone should be set to silent and in a visible place. Should any reason (illness, behaviour, etc) come about that we would need to contact you, it is crucial that you are able to be reached. • FOR CUBBIES--A PARENT MUST BE SERVING OR DESIGNATE AN ADULT TO REMAIN ON CHURCH PREMISES DURING CLUB. Cubbies are required to have at least one parent volunteering in AWANA. If the parent is unable to make it, someone should be onsite. If parents are found to be in violation of this rule, you may not be able to participate in AWANA programs in the future. 15
Discipline Policy Our goal is to create a fun environment where parents partner with ministry leaders to provide a place to grow as disciples of Jesus. This Discipline Policy is intended to provide the structure and expectations needed to create an environment where all children can safely enjoy ECC’s Children’s Ministry programs. Children are expected to follow these behaviour guidelines at all times. Appropriate behaviour is defined as a cooperative spirit on the part of the child. Inappropriate behaviour is defined as defiant, disruptive or harmful behaviour to oneself or others. Inappropriate behaviour will be addressed by a Children’s Ministry leader and will be handled in the manner as outlined in the Discipline Policy.
AWANA 5-Count
AWANA 3-Count
When a leader needs the clubbers to be still and quiet, he/she will count from 1 to 5. All clubbers need to stop talking immediately and be still. Clubbers who are not quiet by the count of 5 run the risk of losing AWANA bucks they have earned or being given a time-out outside the room.
If a child is disrespectful or is disruptive to the club, the following procedure will occur: A “1”count will be given for the first offence. The Leader will identify the behaviour that need to be corrected and give a verbal warning. A “2” count will be given for the second offence. The child will be counselled by the Leader and Club Commander outside of the club room and then returned to club. A “3” count is given at the third offence and the child will be removed from the activity by the Club Commander or Director. If this occurs, the Club Commander will speak with the child’s parents while the child is present to discuss the problem behaviour and the consequences. *If the clubber has to be taken to the parent a second time, they must miss the next two club meetings and a parent must meet with the AWANA Commander and Director to discuss returning to club. *If a clubber is removed from the club for a third time, they will not be allowed back into the programme for the remainder of the club year.
16
Attention, Parents! Few instances would prohibit children from future participation. When behaviour that puts the child or another child in immediate danger or behaviour that causes disruption to the point where the class or program cannot continue is displayed, a child may be kept from participation until the Director or Commander can meet with the parents to discuss a solution for the behaviour. If severe misconduct is a common occurrence, a child may be asked not return permanently to AWANA. While this is something perhaps only considered in the rarest of circumstances, we will prayerfully and thoroughly investigate the situation before taking this step. Placing your child into any of ECC’s Children’s Ministry programs signifies your acceptance of this policy in its entirety. Be assured that no child will ever receive physical punishment on the part of the church leadership or volunteer team. We believe, and want parents and children to understand that obedience to God and respect for those in authority is how we practice part of our faith. We ask for parents’ cooperation in our disicipline plan. Please talk to your child about the importance of obedience, to those in authority and to God, and your expectations. Let them know that as adults we still practise obedience in our actions, words and thoughts. It is out of our love for God that we show respect and obedience to those in authority. 17
HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION Please review the following information to help us better keep your children healthy, safe, and happily enjoying all of our Children’s Ministry programs.
IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK...
MEDICATIONS
If your children show the following symptoms, please do not bring them to participate in Children’s Ministry programs:
Administering medicine is a serious responsibility, and as such, medication may only be administered by parents. Children’s Ministry staff and volunteer team members are not permitted to administer any medication to your child.
• • • • • • • •
Fever, diarrhoea and/or vomiting (in the last 24 hours) Pink eye or other eye infections (red, crusty, or watery discharge) Common cold or influenza Sneezing or coughing, if persistent and/or productive Heavy nasal discharge Skin infections or unexplained rash Lice Any communicable disease such as chicken pox, mumps, or measles.
If a child develops any symptoms of illness during a class, the parents will be contacted to pick up their child. The Children’s Ministry/AWANA team reserves the right to ask you to keep your child with you in the service if they are acting or appear ill or unable to appropriately participate due to illness.
18
If your child must carry an asthma related inhaler or EpiPen for lifethreatening allergies, please notify the Children’s Ministry Director, AWANA Commander and staff ahead of time. Staff and volunteers are not trained nor permitted to administer these medications. We will immediately contact you should any incident arise.
EMERGENCY EVENT
ALLERGIES & SNACKS
In the event of a fire or emergency which requires evacuation, children will be escorted by trained volunteers to the appropriate meeting points outside the centre. You may collect your child from meeting points once we’ve had a chance to count and verify that all children are present.
It is important to note that we cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment. Parents of children with food allergies are to be responsible and diligent in protecting their children, though we will do our best to assist children with allergies. Upon registering, please indicate any allergies your child may have. If this information changes, please update their information.
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO COME TO THE FIRST FLOOOR DURING AN EVACUATION AS THERE WILL BE TOO MUCH CONFUSION AND CHILDREN NEED TO BE EXITED FROM THE BUILDING IN AS ORDERLY A FASHION AS POSSIBLE.
Notify leaders, club directors or the Commander if your child may not participate in snack time. When possible, original packaging will be available for parents to read the ingredient list to make sure there are no allergens.
19
AWANA Parent Handbook
Our Team Jess Martin email: Director of Children’s Ministry
[email protected]
Phone: 02 446 4563
AWANA Commander email:
[email protected]
Phone: 02 446 4563
Elizabeth Guru email:
[email protected]
Children’s Ministry Assistant
Website: www.eccad.org/childrens-ministry Parent’s Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/ groups/eccadchildren/ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at go.eccad.org/parentemaillist
Dear Parents, The word expedition means a journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration. When we think of expeditions, we might think historically of the famous Dr. David Livingstone in the jungles of Africa seeking to locate the source of the Nile; Sir Edmund Hilary’s conquering of Mount Everest; or maybe even Ferdinand Magellan’s first circumnavigation of the earth. For us, as a body of believers, our purpose is to explore God’s Word and make disciples of all nations; so, we too are on an expedition of the most important kind. Our goal at ECC’s AWANA Ministry is to focus on discipleship as we provide teaching, alongside scripture memorisation in order to help our children to really know and understand what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. We take this expedition together with families who participate in our AWANA club so that we can uphold the charge given in the book of Deuteronomy: to continually and intentionally talk with children about what it means to love God with all they are-no matter where they are, no matter what they’re doing. We have a very energetic AWANA club, where clubbers are excited to study God’s Word, memorise scripture, fellowship, play games, sing praise and worship songs and have F-U-N! We encourage you to spend time reading through the information on this booklet. We know that the AWANA ministry will impact you, your kids, your family and entire communities. With love, ECC Children’s Ministry Team
Table of Contents Children’s Co-Op.........................................................5 Cubbies.........................................................................6 Sparks............................................................................8 T&T.................................................................................10 Trek................................................................................12 2017-2018 Calendar.................................................13 Registration & Check-In.............................................14 Discipline Policy..........................................................16 Health & Safety Information.....................................18
Proin iaculis lacus vitae ligula lacinia in fermentum ligula elementum. Etiam ut elit dui. Sed augue felis, hendrerit in interdum sit amet, mollis semper turpis. Pellentesque malesuada, leo vel volutpat tempus
Nulla a fermentum est Many of our AWANA volunteers are parents of clubbers.
The Children’s Co-Op is a ministry model which requires families participating in Children’s Ministry classes and programs to volunteer in the ministry.
Co-op children ministries are steps to partner with parcurrently the growing trend ents. among churches for several reasons: • Children’s ministry teams • Churches realize parents understand that they can are the most influential no longer effectively do people in their children’s children’s ministry or prolives. vide safe staffing ratios without the support of • Parents are called to be parent involvement and part of the faith training support. process for their children (Proverbs 22:6, Psalm 78, Deut. 6, Deut. 11) so churches are taking active 5
Because AWANA relies heavily on volunteers who commit to serving weekly, parents who choose to serve in AWANA are not required to serve in Friday programs. Parents of Cubbies are required to serve in AWANA.
Ages 3-5 years
C
ubbies celebrates the spiritual potential of pre-schoolers (3 to
lesson themes. Cubbies helps you lead your child to God early so they
5-year olds) by helping them develop will respect and trust Him for life. their respect for God, His Son and His Word. ubbies encourages parental involvement. Your child’s handre-schoolers can hardly wait for book feature parent-child activities their next Cubbies club meetfor home. You will lead your child ing. Whether it’s the fun puppets, the through handbook section, called exciting games or all their Cubbie Bear Hugs, to prepare for the next friends, they simply love it. At Story club gathering. Each Bear Hug inTime each week, pre-schoolers learn cludes option activities called ‘Under about God – the greatness of His the Apple Tree’ for reviewing Bible love and His Word – and about His verses and lessons learned earlier. Son, Jesus Christ, the promised SavAn audio CD included in your child’s iour. Non-competitive games build handbook has review material that excitement and reinforce Story Time you can listen to together.
P
C
6
A
t club, your Cubbies will review the verse you helped teach at
home. Working through the handbook with your child develops your spiritual leadership and helps you instil you child with a lifelong biblical worldview. Only an adult may drop off or pick up a child to the Cubbies class. Due to the age and demand for Cubbies, we require at least one parent to serve in AWANA. If a week should arise where a parent cannot serve, then we’d ask that the other parent or a responsible adult remain on the church premises during the club time.
CUBBIES SCHEDULE
WHAT TO BRING Please remember the following items each week: • • • • •
Opening and Game Time – 5:45-6:00pm Song Time, Puppet Show and Story Time – 6:00-6:30pm Snack Time – 6:30-6:45pm Table Time – 6:45-7:20pm Going Home/Fun Activity – 7:20-7:30pm
Cubbies Vest Cubbies Bag Handbook Bible (optional) Water bottle (Name labelled on it)
Please remember that snack is not a substitute for their dinner - Cubbies should come to club having had their evening meal and not be hungry. Please list any allergies your child may have when you register him or her. Although we strive to provide a healthy snack, we cannot guarantee special items will be available for children with allergies. If need be, please send a snack with your Cubby.
Please make sure your Cubby wears trainers or shoes that he or she can run and play games in! Do NOT Send personal toys or valuables items. We are not responsible for any outside items which may be damaged or lost.
7
P
Sparks ignites the curiosity of 5 to 7-year old kids to learn about the people and events of the Bible, building a foundation of wisdom for knowing Christ.
S • •
parks is divided into three years, each with a unique rank: HangGlider, WingRunner and SkyStormer. Each year Sparks clubbers: Explore the biographies of people of the Bible from a new portion of Scripture Memorise Bible verses and complete handbook activities
T
he handbook, combined with Large Group Time lessons from the WHO Do I Need to Know From the Bible series, take your child on a journey through the entire Bible. Along the way, Sparky, the friendly firefly, and his three friends have many exciting adventures that can be read in the handbook. Sparky encourages kids to learn verses and complete assignment throughout the three handbooks.
8
arents play a leading role in their child’s spiritual development. Invest in your child’s growing faith by reading and discussing the bible and the handbook sections with your child and by helping them memorise the verses. You can also use the Parent Ideas section in each handbook to help your child understand the biographies and see how they fit in the Bible.
WHAT TO BRING
OTHER INFORMATION
Please remember the following items each week: • • • • •
ALL Sparks clubbers will attend the Opening Ceremony held in Upper Chapel 1. Please make sure your Sparky arrives by 5:45pm each week.
Sparky Vest Sparky Bag Bible Water bottle (Name labelled on it) Shoes appropriate for Game Time
For more information on Sparks award jewels and where to place award patches on your child’s vest, please visit our website: http://eccad.org/awana-sparks
Toys, electronics and other unnecessary items are not allowed and should not be brought to club. Please avoid sending children to club with expensive jewellery or items which could be lost or damaged. We are not responsible for any lost or damaged items. If any items are brought to class and prove to be a distraction or are being used inappropriately, they will be collected by the AWANA leaders and given to the parent upon pick-up.
9
ment. Christian children are not immune.
P T&T engages 8 through 11-year olds by answering their questions about God and the Bible, and guiding them through this pivotal life stage to grow in Christ’s grace.
T
&T, which stands for Truth and Training, is different from other AWANA programmes because it comprises of two clubs with distinct curriculum, uniforms and awards: Ultimate Adventure for 8 and 9 year-olds, and Ultimate Challenge for 10 and 11 year-olds. These clubs are designed to help kids stay plugged into T&T as they move in to the preteen years and continue in their relationship with Christ.
T
he current AWANA T&T material reinforces commitment, identity and community for these kids and gives 8 and 9-year olds a new club stage to anticipate. It also focuses the attention of leaders on the unique challenges and needs of this age group. Today, 10 to 12-year olds, known as tweens, face unique pressures, demands and distractions. These factors can result in marked increase in discouragement, apathy and disengage-
10
arents play the pivotal role in a child’s spiritual nurturing. In T&T handbooks, ever ‘Discovery’ or ‘Challenge’ begins with a parent page that explains how you can reinforce the truths taught in subsequent sections and help your child succeed.
WHAT TO BRING
OTHER INFORMATION
Please remember the following items each week: • • • • •
ALL T&T clubbers will attend the Opening Ceremony held in Upper Chapel 1. Please make sure your Sparky arrives by 5:45pm each week.
T&T Shirt T&T Bag Bible Water bottle (Name labelled on it) Shoes appropriate for Game Time
Uniform awards play a big part in the AWANA Clubs experience. They motivate and reward curriculum and service achievement. For more information about T&T Emblem placement and Awards please visit our website: http://eccad.org/truth-training
Toys, electronics and other unnecessary items are not allowed and should not be brought to club. Please avoid sending children to club with expensive jewellery or items which could be lost or damaged. We are not responsible for any lost or damaged items. If any items are brought to class and prove to be a distraction or are being used inappropriately, they will be collected by the AWANA leaders and given to the parent upon pick-up.
11
F
or more information on ECC’s Youth Ministry, please visit www.eccad.org/ youth-ministry or email [email protected]
Trek is part of a newly launched AWANA Youth Ministries programme that covers the three years between 12 and 14.
T
rek is a program which runs in conjunction with ECC’s Youth Ministry. It features biblically rich content and practical application challenges students to wrestle with the three most important questions they’re asking in middle school: Who am I?, Why am I here?, and Who’s with me?
B
y allowing students to dive deep into the Scriptures and answer these questions for themselves we allow them to own their faith and discover what they actually believe. Each lesson includes an activity, lesson, memory verse and seven days of devotions that help students understand the Bible.
12
Registration & Check-In
A
ll chilren must be registered and checked in by a parent or authorised person over 18 years of age in order to participate in any Children’s Ministry program-- We will not allow children to check-in their siblings or pick them up from their classes. The T&T and Trek Clubbers will be released without parental pick up. Please arrange a meeting spot with your child before service so that your child knows where to find you.
T
o check in, simply visit the Welcome
Station on the First Floor and one of our secretaries will assist you. For your first week, you will receive a handwritten nametag. After this, each week, simply visit a check-in kiosk and type in your last name and follow the instructions to print the labels for your children. You will receive a name label for each child and one number label for your family that you must show at each classroom in order to pick up your child at the end of the service. Please promptly pick up children at 7:30pm. 14
A
ll clubbers should pay dues the first or second week of Club. Failure to pay dues may mean that your clubber will not be able to participate.
Check-In Reminders • Check-in and pick-up must be completed by a parent/adult for all children under 7 years of age. T&T and Trek clubbers are allowed to self check-in and are released without parental pick-up. Parent/adult must present the security sticker matching the child’s namtag in order for children to be released from classroom. No child will be released without the parent/adult presenting correct security sticker. If you misplace your sticker, please visit the welcome station for a reprinted sticker to pick up your child. • Nametag identifying class, allergies, and the date/time must be placed visibly on all children (Cubbies can be placed on back) before they will be allowed into the classroom. • During club hours, parents not serving in AWANA are kindly requested to please leave mobile phones on. If attending the ECC Worship Service, your phone should be set to silent and in a visible place. Should any reason (illness, behaviour, etc) come about that we would need to contact you, it is crucial that you are able to be reached. • FOR CUBBIES--A PARENT MUST BE SERVING OR DESIGNATE AN ADULT TO REMAIN ON CHURCH PREMISES DURING CLUB. Cubbies are required to have at least one parent volunteering in AWANA. If the parent is unable to make it, someone should be onsite. If parents are found to be in violation of this rule, you may not be able to participate in AWANA programs in the future. 15
Discipline Policy Our goal is to create a fun environment where parents partner with ministry leaders to provide a place to grow as disciples of Jesus. This Discipline Policy is intended to provide the structure and expectations needed to create an environment where all children can safely enjoy ECC’s Children’s Ministry programs. Children are expected to follow these behaviour guidelines at all times. Appropriate behaviour is defined as a cooperative spirit on the part of the child. Inappropriate behaviour is defined as defiant, disruptive or harmful behaviour to oneself or others. Inappropriate behaviour will be addressed by a Children’s Ministry leader and will be handled in the manner as outlined in the Discipline Policy.
AWANA 5-Count
AWANA 3-Count
When a leader needs the clubbers to be still and quiet, he/she will count from 1 to 5. All clubbers need to stop talking immediately and be still. Clubbers who are not quiet by the count of 5 run the risk of losing AWANA bucks they have earned or being given a time-out outside the room.
If a child is disrespectful or is disruptive to the club, the following procedure will occur: A “1”count will be given for the first offence. The Leader will identify the behaviour that need to be corrected and give a verbal warning. A “2” count will be given for the second offence. The child will be counselled by the Leader and Club Commander outside of the club room and then returned to club. A “3” count is given at the third offence and the child will be removed from the activity by the Club Commander or Director. If this occurs, the Club Commander will speak with the child’s parents while the child is present to discuss the problem behaviour and the consequences. *If the clubber has to be taken to the parent a second time, they must miss the next two club meetings and a parent must meet with the AWANA Commander and Director to discuss returning to club. *If a clubber is removed from the club for a third time, they will not be allowed back into the programme for the remainder of the club year.
16
Attention, Parents! Few instances would prohibit children from future participation. When behaviour that puts the child or another child in immediate danger or behaviour that causes disruption to the point where the class or program cannot continue is displayed, a child may be kept from participation until the Director or Commander can meet with the parents to discuss a solution for the behaviour. If severe misconduct is a common occurrence, a child may be asked not return permanently to AWANA. While this is something perhaps only considered in the rarest of circumstances, we will prayerfully and thoroughly investigate the situation before taking this step. Placing your child into any of ECC’s Children’s Ministry programs signifies your acceptance of this policy in its entirety. Be assured that no child will ever receive physical punishment on the part of the church leadership or volunteer team. We believe, and want parents and children to understand that obedience to God and respect for those in authority is how we practice part of our faith. We ask for parents’ cooperation in our disicipline plan. Please talk to your child about the importance of obedience, to those in authority and to God, and your expectations. Let them know that as adults we still practise obedience in our actions, words and thoughts. It is out of our love for God that we show respect and obedience to those in authority. 17
HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION Please review the following information to help us better keep your children healthy, safe, and happily enjoying all of our Children’s Ministry programs.
IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK...
MEDICATIONS
If your children show the following symptoms, please do not bring them to participate in Children’s Ministry programs:
Administering medicine is a serious responsibility, and as such, medication may only be administered by parents. Children’s Ministry staff and volunteer team members are not permitted to administer any medication to your child.
• • • • • • • •
Fever, diarrhoea and/or vomiting (in the last 24 hours) Pink eye or other eye infections (red, crusty, or watery discharge) Common cold or influenza Sneezing or coughing, if persistent and/or productive Heavy nasal discharge Skin infections or unexplained rash Lice Any communicable disease such as chicken pox, mumps, or measles.
If a child develops any symptoms of illness during a class, the parents will be contacted to pick up their child. The Children’s Ministry/AWANA team reserves the right to ask you to keep your child with you in the service if they are acting or appear ill or unable to appropriately participate due to illness.
18
If your child must carry an asthma related inhaler or EpiPen for lifethreatening allergies, please notify the Children’s Ministry Director, AWANA Commander and staff ahead of time. Staff and volunteers are not trained nor permitted to administer these medications. We will immediately contact you should any incident arise.
EMERGENCY EVENT
ALLERGIES & SNACKS
In the event of a fire or emergency which requires evacuation, children will be escorted by trained volunteers to the appropriate meeting points outside the centre. You may collect your child from meeting points once we’ve had a chance to count and verify that all children are present.
It is important to note that we cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment. Parents of children with food allergies are to be responsible and diligent in protecting their children, though we will do our best to assist children with allergies. Upon registering, please indicate any allergies your child may have. If this information changes, please update their information.
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO COME TO THE FIRST FLOOOR DURING AN EVACUATION AS THERE WILL BE TOO MUCH CONFUSION AND CHILDREN NEED TO BE EXITED FROM THE BUILDING IN AS ORDERLY A FASHION AS POSSIBLE.
Notify leaders, club directors or the Commander if your child may not participate in snack time. When possible, original packaging will be available for parents to read the ingredient list to make sure there are no allergens.
19
