Most of you have all have finished the club year, and now it's time for summer break, but also time to think about planning for next year. Here is a sample schedule that you might implement next year to reach out and involve parents.
August- Registration Night. Have your parents come and meet their child's club director. Provide a list of expectations to the parents of how they (the parents) can make the club year a success. Also, invite these parents to join your club Facebook Group (if you have one) and let them know they'll receive updates and information via Facebook.
September- Club has started. After two or three weeks, have your club directors send a letter, text, or email to your parents thanking them for bringing their children to Awana.
October- Host a parent open house where parents can come and shadow their children through club.
November- Host an Awana Grand Prix. This is a great parent outreach! If you don't have a track, find or borrow one. We have found a good time for this is the week before Thanksgiving break as it gives your leaders one extra week of no responsibility to help avoid any burnout.
December- Set aside a time, other than club time for a family night. This could be a potluck or other fun activity to build relationships between the families and leaders. It might also be a good idea to invite your pastor to welcome church members and meet any new families.
January- Schedule a "Family Movie Night" at the church. Invite clubbers with their parents and serve soda, popcorn, and other snacks.
February- Invite parents to either a local AwanaGames/ Sparks-A-Rama or host your own "Awana Wild-n-Wacky Games Night". This is a time either on a club night or on a Saturday, where your clubbers can just have fun and play games. Ask someone to share a short gospel message to all those in attendance.
March- Have your church do an "Awana Sunday" and highlight all the work that God is doing in your club. Request from your pastor 10 minutes during the service, ask all leaders and children to wear their uniform, then have your Awana Ministry Director or Awana Missionary share and let the clubbers play a short game during the service. This will be a great opportunity to connect your club with not only your parents but the entire church.
April- Have some sort of fundraiser for your club and ask parents to help. Have a burrito feed Sunday after church, sell cakes or coffee, or some other fundraiser activity. Use these funds to cover the costs of your club or to send clubbers to camp.
May- Invite all parents to an Awards celebration to recognize your clubbers achievements.
