Why do Clubbers Quit- Part 1

Week after week kids come into our Awana clubs. Some kids stay, finish the year and earn our Awards. Alternatively, some kids quietly just fade away. Understanding why and finding ways to keep these kids coming back week after week is what this blogpost is all about. Here are some reasons why kids leave, what our attitude should be about these clubbers and some ideas on how we can prevent this from happening. 

1. “Nobody called to say they missed me.”

• Attitude- We should have a heart for these strays.
• Action-
• Secretaries take attendance to see who IS there so we can give our attendance awards. Attendance should also be taken to see who is NOT there so that we can follow up, find out why, let them know they were missed and invite them back. Secretaries can provide a list to the club leadership of who has not attended for a follow up phone call, text, email, postcard or home visit.

2. "All we ever did was memorize stuff"

• Attitude- We should be enthusiastically sold out on the importance of scripture engagement and memory and make sure our clubbers understand the value in memorizing scripture. However, we should also recognize that despite our best attempts, some kids do not want to memorize scripture and we should look for ways to help these kids succeed.
• Actions
• We should be constantly talking about the importance of knowing what God says.
• We should be memorizing scripture ourselves.
• Make scripture memory fun with scripture memory games.
• Find alternative ways to help kids pass sections who have learning disabilities or who don't want to memorize scripture.

3. "I don't like Dodge Ball" (playing the same games every week)

• Attitude- Variety is the spice of life. Not all kids like the same games or are capable of succeeding in all types of games.
• Actions
• Find games that all kids of differing abilities can win at. Mix running games, agility games and thinking games so that all kids have the ability to play and win. 
• Don't be predictable- keep kids guessing with what is coming next.

4. "The leaders were mean"

• Attitude- Be kind and patient
• Actions
• Be aware of how you come across to kids (your voice and manner may be misunderstood by sensitive children)
• Speak kindly and not loudly
• Smile

5. "My mom said I couldn't come back"

• Attitude- It is important for children to know and understand God's word, therefore it is vital to build a strong parent/ church partnership. 
• Actions
• Work with parents to help them understand the importance of developing their child's relationship with Jesus. 
• Have a good parent meeting at the beginning of the club year. Explain to these parents how they can best help their child succeed at club this year.
• Connect with parents throughout the club year by phone, email, text or personal visit.

I'll cover additional reasons why clubbers quit in my next blogpost.