12 Things Leaders Can Do Over the Christmas Vacation

So you’re on Christmas vacation with two weeks away from Awana. What will you ever do with yourself? You’re probably thinking, “Seriously? I have lists and lists of things to do.” We understand, but here are some ideas you might want to add to your list to make the second half of the club year even better.

12 Things Leaders Can Do Over the Christmas Vacation

1. Relax. Recharge your energy for the second half of the club year.

2. Pray for the kids. As you sit in your peaceful and welcoming (or at least somewhat peaceful and welcoming) house, some of the kids with whom you work are swept up in a chaotic quagmire. Christmas is not a time of joy, just more days of the same old, same old mess. Perhaps this was a difficult year for them, with a loss in the family. Pray they’ll know God’s peace in their lives in spite of their surroundings. Pray they’ll recall truths they’ve been taught at club this year and apply them to their lives.

3. Organize the second half of the year. Do you have your Large Group lessons schedule? Awards night speaker or program planned? Some exciting theme nights coming up? Here’s the time to plan. Even an hour or two of concentrated effort will save you some last-minute hassle later.

4. Browse your local library. Any good books on object lessons or science experiments you could incorporate into your lessons? Choose a couple and go ahead and get what you’ll need so you’ll be ready.

5. Send a quick email to your co-leaders/director. Thank them for being who they are and their love for the kids. Commend them on something specific they’ve done well.

6. Research your next lesson. You know that Bible character or verse you’ve always wanted to teach, but felt needed more preparation?  Here’s your opportunity to spend that extra time and get it ready.

7. Look over the Awana website and Awana Clubs+. There are lots of resources on there for leaders and lots of information about Awana in the U.S. and Awana in other countries.

8. Partner up. Do you have a cousin who is a leader somewhere across the country? A friend whose kids attend Awana in Canada? Is the church where you grew up starting Awana? Why not make a connection and become “sister” clubs? You could share ideas about contests, theme nights and other unique events.

9. Send a Christmas card to your Awana missionary. Thank them for all they do during the year. Invite them to speak at your club.

10. Thank the Lord for the privilege you have of working with young kids and teaching them about Christ.

11. Read. If you haven’t yet read the book Resilient, grab yourself a copy and learn how to disciple kids to stand resilient amidst a post-Christian culture.

12. Have a Merry Christmas!

What do you like to do over the Christmas break? Tell us about it in the comment section.