Awana's

NJ

My soon to be 7 year old daughter is in her second year of Awanas (Sparks) on Sunday evenings (at the christian school she attended for preschool) as well as taking religious ed/CCD at our local Catholic church on Sunday mornings. As a family we are finding our way back into our faith (Catholic) but have also found the Awanas program to be enriching, fun and a good compliment to CCD. The Awana program is much more Bible based and is loads of fun for her (games and incentives). My 4 year old is also in her first year of Awanas (Cubbies). Honestly, it did take some getting used to as the teaching approach is much different than the Catholic church. However, I do think that the Awanas program does a much better job at making faith tangible in a kid friendly way.

I was raised as a Catholic but my best friend's father was a Baptist minister. He was an instrumental part of my life even through adulthood. His church also had an Awana like program that I participated in making me comfortable with this arrangement with my own children.

I'd be happy to answer any additional questions you might have.

You can't go wrong with AWANA... I think your kids will fit in... as it is such a Bible-based group.

R

I think it is wonderful that you would allow your child the opportunity to participate in a Christian-based program. If you are strong in your Catholic faith and it is your intention to remain a Catholic, my thought is to just make sure that your faith will be respected. I say this because I have been in situations where I have been concerned about the way some other denominations view the Catholic faith and their respect toward it. If this is a non-issue, go for it!

I have been a practicing Catholic all my life. I have taught religions education for many years. My family has been involved in vacation bible school w/ other denominations and my children even attended preschool through a program of another Christian-based faith. We live our religion with our children. I say this because I have participated in Christian-based programs, (as opposed to Catholic/Christian based programs). The majority have been wonderful opportunities, however, there have been a couple where I encountered some Catholic-bashing. It's one thing to inquire about a person's religion and have a healthy discussion and difference of opinion and beliefs and it's another to totally insult someone for their beliefs.

I did like Michelle's answer and I think it is definitely something to check out. Sometimes you just won't know how the program is until you try.

Best of luck to you.

Well I'm not Catholic but have had a couple Catholic and Lutheran friends send their kids to my church's Awana program. Basically the kids memorize Bible verses and earn awards when they do, play games, have snack, do a craft and learn a Bible-based lesson. Older kids might have a special speaker -- someone who has been in missions or something like that. You won't be pressured to go to that church or anything, or switch religions. It's fairly basic Bible stuff. My one friend's daughter went to Awana with my daughter through 5th grade she like it so much. And she's still Catholic to this day. Hopefully some Catholic moms can give you their thoughts.