What Will Club Look Like for Your Church This Fall?

We asked you what your club will look like this fall with COVID-19 and all the various state restrictions. We heard everything from “I have no idea” to well thought-out strategies, and just about everything in between. We love hearing from you, leaders that are using your creativity to press on to do children’s ministry, no matter what.

Let’s continue to learn from each other. Here’s what Awana will look like in a few churches this year:

“I have no idea! Our group has yet to release any type of statement. Makes planning a bit hard. I’m trying to be patient.” Dorina

“We are doing at home with some videos in our Awana Facebook group. Some of our clubbers don’t have Internet due to where they live. We are sending monthly packets. Starting to plan an outdoor fall festival where we can hopefully see our clubbers.” Shanna

“We are doing drop-in verse times each Wednesday night so kids can continue to work on books at home. Supplementing that with our Facebook group and Awana video materials, so thank you for providing those.” Heidi

“Cubbies, Sparks, T&T only. Cut each one in half. No Game Time. 45-minute club. Large group and book/verse time. Social distancing throughout and mask wearing for all. One club per floor and no intermingling or shared leaders. Late start date to see how school goes first.” Julie

“Moved club from Wednesdays to Sundays between our services. Shortened the schedule. Meeting outdoors as weather permits. Indoors with precautions.” Michael

We are going remote until the end of the year. We are hoping to do a monthly in-person club night with socially distanced worship, large group lessons, etc. Almost all our local schools are remote only so we plan to delay the start of Awana until late September/early October to allow families some time to adjust to remote learning. We have a survey going out to our Awana families to see how many would feel comfortable coming.” Stephanie

“We will be virtual for at least a semester. Brainstorming ways to keep kids engaged and to have fun!” Melissa

“We are following state mandates and keeping clubbers 6ft apart. Well, everyone, not just clubbers! AND while indoors, everyone wears a mask all times. It is not ideal. But last week went well for our first night. Unfortunately due to space constraints, we are going to end up having to turn clubbers away soon. Our game space is marked off to maintain social distance while still making it fun! The gospel is too important to not try. And thankfully we can still do it in person for now! We do have a backup online plan for when more restrictions happen.” Michelle

“We are resuming full club in September with temp checks and small groups.” Teri

“We kick off August 26 with free hot dogs, punch and sports related games. Our theme is “God’s Team.” Then we meet Wednesday from 6:10 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Virus policy in place. Masks optional.” Doug

“We are starting in October. 1st and 3rd Wednesday will be Puggles, Cubbies and Sparks. 2nd and 4th Wednesday will be T&T. On the weeks clubbers don’t attend they’ll utilize AwanaPlus and possibly a video I’ll post in our YouTube channel with parents leading lessons at home. This was done for smaller group size and to maximize the building use, also will help since right now my leader return is about 25%. It will be a slightly shorter schedule….shortening small group time. Masks are required moving around in the church but can be removed when seated 6 ft. apart.” Dawn

“We resumed tonight like normal with some extra cleaning measures in place!” Jennifer

“We’re in works to do a virtual format. Not sure how that’s going to look yet.” Jennifer

“Our club will be meeting live and resume a mostly normal format. We will implement temperature scans on clubbers and workers each night prior to club, and do regular and thorough cleaning/disinfecting on contact surfaces. We ask that you join us in praying that children will find comfort in the routine and structure that Awana provides in a time of uncertainty and chaos, truth that is found in God’s Word in a time of wavering and conflicted opinions.” Tucson Baptist Awana Club

For even more ideas listen to the replay of the Four Ways to Run Club This Fall webinar which presented options for running Awana Clubs virtually, socially distanced, at home, or a hybrid of the three. More than 700 leaders joined us for the event! The fellowship and collaboration helped us cut through the noise of uncertainty to rediscover our creativity. Watch a replay of the event.

As leaders figure out the logistics of their ministries this year, they are also praying for safety, perseverance, unity, clarity, and outreach. Many churches are also wondering how to help families stay resilient through the pandemic. Let’s remember to lift each other in prayer as we face this season together!