Awana facts for kids
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| Founded | 1950 |
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| Founders | Lance Latham, Art Rorheim |
| Type | 501(c)(3) non-profit religious |
| Location | |
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Area served
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U.S. and International (133 countries) |
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Key people
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Matt Markins, President/CEO; Kevin White, COO; Michael Handler, Chief Innovation/Communications Officer; Brian Rhodes, Chief Revenue Officer/Global Ministries; Art Rorheim, Co-Founder; Valerie Bell, CEO Emeritus |
Awana is a Christian non-profit organization. It helps churches teach kids and teens about the Bible. Its main office is in St. Charles, Illinois, United States. Awana works with churches in many countries around the world.
Contents
History
How Awana Started
Awana began with a children's program. This program was at the North Side Gospel Center in Chicago. It started in 1941. Lance Latham was the church's senior pastor. He worked with Art Rorheim, the youth director. They wanted to create fun weekly clubs for all children. Art Rorheim was a co-founder. He served the organization until he passed away in 2018.
Growing the Program
Other churches soon became interested. They asked if they could use the program too. So, in 1950, Latham and Rorheim officially started Awana. It became a separate organization that helps churches. The name "Awana" comes from a Bible verse. It stands for "Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed." This verse is from 2 Timothy 2:15. As of 2019, Awana works with over 61,000 churches. These churches are in 122 different countries.
Programs
What Awana Clubs Offer
Awana provides materials and training. These are based on the Bible. They are for children aged 2 to 18. Kids in Awana clubs learn about the Bible. They can also memorize Bible verses. Memorizing verses can earn them credits. These credits can be used for small prizes.
Awana Age Groups
Awana programs are split into different groups. Each group is for specific ages or grades.
- Puggles are for very young children (ages 2 to 3).
- Cubbies are for preschoolers (ages 4 to 5).
- Sparks are for kids in Kindergarten to 2nd Grade.
- Truth and Training (T&T) is for Grades 3 to 6.
- Trek is for middle school students.
- Journey is for high school students.
Churches can choose which age groups they want to offer. They do not have to run a club for every age group.
See also
- Christian Service Brigade
- Pathfinders (Seventh-day Adventist)
- Royal Rangers
- Trail Life USA
- Child Evangelism Fellowship
- Child evangelism movement
