Q: When does Awana start and end?

A: Awana generally begins the first week after Labor Day and ends in late April. For 2012, the first night of Awana is September 5, and Awards night is April 17.

Q: What evenings does Awana meet?

A: Awana meets on Wednesday evenings, with the exception of certain holidays and other events. Please refer to the Awana calendar to check on specific dates.

Q: What time?

A: Awana starts at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. NOTE: Cubbies are done at 7:45 p.m. The doors will open at 6:15 p.m., please do not drop off children prior to that time. Also, please make every effort to pick up your children promptly at 8:00 p.m., as a courtesy to our volunteer workers.

Q: Do I need to register my child in advance? If so, how do I do that?

A: It is not necessary to register your child in advance. First-time visitors will be registered in their respective clubs by a volunteer worker. Remember, visitors and new attendees are always welcome, and parents are also welcome to stop by to meet the volunteer workers and see the classroom where their child will be participating.

Q: What ages can participate?

A: The following age groups are offered: Cubbies - 3-year-olds through pre-K; Sparks - kindergarten through second grade; Truth & Training - third through sixth grade.

Q: Are there additional requirements for Cubbies?

A: Cubbies must be three years old (pre-school age) and potty trained.

Q: Is there nursery available?

A: A nursery is available only for children of our volunteer workers, when needed.

Q: Where do I drop off and pick up my child?

A: Parents should park in the lot behind the Lincoln Center and use the First Baptist Church west entrance. For drop off, parents are encouraged to either drop off their children directly in front of the entrance doors, or escort their children from their car to the entrance. Cubbies should be dropped off at their assigned classroom by a parent. Truth & Training students should be dropped off in the gym. For pick up, parents are encouraged to park their car and pick up their children inside the church. Cubbies and Sparks should be picked up at their assigned classroom, Truth & Training students should be picked up in the west entrance foyer. Also, a volunteer worker will be posted outside the entrance to help keep children out of the flow of traffic. This helps to promote a safe environment for children.

Q: Do you offer Junior High and/or Senior High AWANA programs?

A: The First Baptist Church Awana program runs through sixth grade, we do not offer Junior or Senior High Awana programs. However, First Baptist Church does offer exciting youth ministry programs for older students. Elevate, our junior high youth ministry, is available for students in 7th and 8th grades and meets on Wednesday evenings during the same time as Awana. Crave, our senior high youth ministry, is available for students in 9th through 12th grades and meets on Sunday evenings. Feel free to contact our Youth Pastor, Brian Sternberg, if you have further questions about these ministries.

Q: Is there a cost?

A: As a ministry of First Baptist Church, there is no cost to attend Awana. However, dues are collected each week and help to offset the costs of running the program. Dues are currently 50 cents per week for Cubbies, and one dollar for Sparks and Truth & Training. Additionally, Awana books may be purchased for $10, and t-shirts can be purchased for $12. Vests for Sparks are $10.

Q: What is Awana Store?

A: Each week, children in Truth & Training have the opportunity to earn Awana Shares by memorizing verses, bringing their Bible and dues, and bringing friends. Several times throughout the year, clubbers can spend these shares at the Awana Store, where they can buy small toys, candy, games, and other items. The Awana Store is generally held three or four times during the Awana year.

Q: What are Theme Nights?

A: At different times throughout the year, the Truth & Training clubs have special Theme Nights, such as Crazy Hair Night and Sports Jersey Night. These are fun events where clubbers who participate in the theme receive Awana shares. Reminders on specific nights will be sent home with the clubbers the week prior to the event.