AWANA?

[_cacheman]

Is anyone here familiar with a program called AWANA? Apparently, from what I've found, it's a childrens ministry somewhat structured like a scouting program.

I'm just wondering because my daughter was invited to go with a friend to one of the meetings. As a Quaker with LDS heritage, I'm a little cautious about her being put in a situation where she might be exposed to an evironment that might be prejudiced against her beliefs. On the other hand, I don't want to hamper any relationships with her friends if AWANA is simply a social non-idoctrinating environment (she's the new kid in town, and is short on friends right now).

Anyway, if you're familiar with it, I'd appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

cacheman

[_Imwashingmypirate]

At first I was going to say research it. If it is a serious group you should be able to find it on the internet. But then I guess it depends on the age of your daughter. I believe it is good to be exposed to many things. You should allow your daughter to see much more that the doctrin you follow otherwise how is she to come to her own conclusion on life and religion. She will spend life following something without a surety and only because it is all she knows. But then I guess she is your daughter and it is up to you. But regardless of all that, I would be weary as to what the letters actually mean. And if is some kind of crazy fraternity as you guys call it. But it is most likely to be a youth club of somesort and if she is new then maybe it's good to get involved, it will help her settle. You could get involved and maybe ask some of the other parents what this group is.

[_cksalmon]

Hi Cacheman--

My church has an AWANA program. Unfortunately, I know essentially nothing about it.

Here's the website, but you've probably already been there.

You can view a video introduction on the website. Open this link from within WMP: http://www.awana.org/about/media/AwanaAwareness.wmv.

From what I can gather, AWANA is an EV church-based program structured around memorizing Bible verses and doing crafts.

While it is non-denominational in scope, you can expect (from what I can gather) a good deal of EV-centered proselytizing into the bargain.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'd say it certainly doesn't appear to be merely a "social, non-indoctrinating" group. On the other hand, it doesn't appear to be weird or cultic. But, it's definitely religious (EV-religious, to be more specific), rather than merely social. It's not just a more churchified form of Scouting. Caveat emptor.

If poking around on the org's website doesn't turn you off, I can't see any real harm in it (she'll learn some Bible verses). She'd most likely make some friends. Maybe you could meet with the appropriate church staff member and lay out any concerns or boundaries you might have and see if their implementation of the program can satisfactorily deal with your potential issues.

Best.

CKS

[_Jersey Girl]

Yes, I know a bit about it. Awana's is a non-denominational children's ministry. So far as I know, the groups are staffed by volunteers (like scouting) and activities include songs, games, memorization of Bible verses, perhaps crafts and snack. The children have vests and earn patches. I am not certain how the patches are earned.

Hope that helps.

[_Imwashingmypirate]

Oh a bit like the brownies..

I went to brownies. We learned how to clean and all sorts of stuff. It was good. I remember trying to earn patches. It was quite hard actually. My dad stopped me going I think and then I got too old.