2023 program prepares to kick off

The Awana program at Calvary Monument Bible Church (CMBC) is not new. In fact, the Wednesday evening children's activity will be entering its 40th year when it starts this fall. But organizers like Heather Ensslen help keep the program fresh for the more than 60 area children who attend on average. "Last year we did Critter Cards, and the children learned about animals and collected cards," recalled Ensslen. "We had a lot of fun with that, so we wanted another yearlong theme."

This year's theme, "Around the World," will be first explored when Awana holds a kickoff and registration event at the church, 1660 Mine Road, Paradise, on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 3 p.m. The experience will include an International Food Faire with up to 10 tables representing different countries, where volunteers will hand out information and food samples. Among the areas that will be represented are Mexico, Thailand, the Middle East, and Ghana, Africa. Students from the Paloma School of Irish Dance will perform as well.

Ensslen explained that the international theme is based on a study that showed more than 5 million children engage weekly in Awana's Bible-focused, child discipleship ministries in a variety of countries. Awana will be held at the church each Wednesday from Sept. 6 to May 8, beginning at 6:40 p.m. each week. "We will (visit) a different country each month," explained Ensslen, who noted that children will watch a video, talk about a country, and then collect a card, like a passport, for that country. "If they earn so many by the end of the club year, they will receive an award," said Ensslen.

Awana clubs are divided into four age groups. The group for 2-year-olds is called Puggles. Children ages 3 to 5 attend Cubbies. Children in kindergarten to second grade go to Sparks, and third- through sixth-graders go to Truth and Training, called T&T. Awana opens with a whole group gathering for song, and then the clubs break into smaller groups to go over workbooks and memory verses. Each club has large group time and a game time that Ensslen called "unique to that group." The Cubbies also have puppet and craft time.

Along with the international theme, Ensslen said some special theme nights are planned based on activities that have proven popular in the past. One of those is a neon night, which involves neon clothing and glow items, and another involves children creating cards for church attendees who are hospitalized or homebound. "The kids loved making the cards, and people loved receiving the cards as well. Ensslen noted that the annual Grand Prix pinewood derby will be scheduled for a Saturday in February, as well.

It takes more than 40 adult volunteers to help set up, tear down, and shepherd the children who attend Awana. Ensslen noted that some volunteers have been serving the program for more than 30 years.

Those who plan to attend the Awana kickoff should visit https://calvarymonument.org/ministries/children. Individuals interested in helping with the International Food Faire may sign up at https://tinyurl.com/5ekan6c3. Readers who have questions may email awana@calvarymonument.org.