Hubby and I just agreed to be the Cubbies Director for our AWANA's program this year! We are new to AWANA's- our girls participated last year but we did not help- that is our only experience we have had. Any of you work in Cubbies before? Any advice for a newbie?
I was a Cubbie Director for two years. I'd advise you to go to some type of training if you can. There is a book from Awana for each director position. It takes you through all the rules for how each night is to run-coming-in time, story time, handbook time, etc. Also make sure you have enough workers. That was a struggle for our church, and it made being the director harder. If you have specific questions, just ask!
Just FWI, the Clubbies Key Verse is "God loves us and sent his Son. 1 John 4:10" This phrase can be sang to the first line tune of "Old MacDonald", with the "1st John 4:10" being the "EE-I-EE-I-O". It helps the kids to remember it when they sing it.
I was the Cubbie Director for about 5 years and it was a lot of fun. Like sixcloar said, get the training. Our church did a training session before each year. Make sure you attend. I enjoyed every bit of it. The kids are great learners and love the stories and songs. Again, get plenty of helpers, teens are great for this. They seem to connect with the little ones. Just let them know that it is not time for fellowship, but time to help with the little ones. Don't stress out, just enjoy
I was Cubbie Director for 2 years, and a leader before that for 4 years. I would suggest checking out other Cubbie programs in your area (if there are any) to get ideas. Also, go to the annual AWANA Conference if you can. I always love going to conference and have learned so much there. And relax. You will do a great job and will be blessed so much by being with the little ones and sharing God's Word with them.
I did this the year before our oldest was born-my advice - just have fun with it! One of the things I did with our group was come up with a craft for each lesson, we needed something 'extra' with our group and this was the perfect fit. (this was before I had kids so I had the free time to plan and cut out plenty of pre-cut items and such and had the extra money to buy the craft supplies)
Because I am a hands-on person, I did the crafts when I was just a leader. When I was director, my leaders were resitant to crafts. (They didn't want the mess) I do think it makes the evening flow better!
Thanks for all of the tips. I'm with an established program and I'm the only "newbie" coming on board. All of the other directors/leaders have done this before so the commander has promised me lots of his support. My secretary is supposed to be out of this world. I'm meeting with her and the commander tomorrow night to figure out what I still need to do and get myself organized! I'll have to ask about training. I do have the book and I've been poking around on their website! I'm excited and nervous!
It's a great thing to add for this age group-they love the hands on (and that they get to make something to take home with them too....
