Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Training
Can I just buy one of each role book and pass them around?
Each leader really needs his or her own role book. There are parts of the books for reflection on Scripture or personal attitudes – it’s intended that leaders will write in their books. It’s also helpful to have as an ongoing resource.Only the leaders’ books have tests in the back; do the other roles have tests? Where are the answers?
Leader tests (and secretary and game director tests) are in the backs of the role books because these roles do not have resource CDs. Directors and commanders have resource CDs in their role books. Tests and answers (as well as answers for the leader tests) are on the CDs. The commander CD has tests and answers for all roles.What is Awana Orientation?
Awana Orientation is an instructor-led workshop that provides the foundation for Awana and its role within the church.Can I just show the Awana Orientation DVD instead of doing the whole workshop?
While the DVD is compelling, in itself it is not training; it is just one tool of many. Other tools include the activities, Scripture and examples. Each of the tools are essential to a complete training experience.What if I can’t get my leaders to come for four hours for the Awana Orientation?
Most often, if a leader sets an expectation and adequately communicates value and vision for the training, his or her followers will rise to the occasion. If you really cannot get them to commit to four hours you can be creative. You can spread it out over more than one meeting or, if you really have to, you can shorten it to approximately three hours (see the notes for suggestions).Do we have to have the Awana Orientation participant handouts for each person or can we photocopy it?
You are expected to order a participant handout for each attendee. If the church cannot afford the $2.95 per person, consider passing the cost to the participants. Unlike the club-specific handouts, which you may photocopy, the orientation participant guides are copyrighted and should not be copied.If my leaders already know how to run club, do they have to do the practice club to be certified?
Certification depends on leaders participating in all four steps. A dry run can be helpful for existing leaders willing to learn new things and it also is helpful for newer leaders to participate alongside existing leaders. Participating in three club or program meetings also fulfills the practice requirement for new leaders.Leaders are supposed to memorize Scripture but there are no instructions for recitation. Do they have to recite them to anyone?
Yes, all leaders should recite their verses with no more than two helps for all six verses. It’s up to each club’s commander to determine to whom leaders will recite their verses.Does everyone have to attend one of the club-specific training classes?
No, they are optional. Commanders and directors will decide whether to facilitate these sessions.Why isn’t there a Trek director role book?
Because Trek is flexible, there aren’t necessarily leaders and directors in many programs. In many cases responsibilities are shared and less defined than in the children’s’ clubs. So there is only a Trek leader role book, but it does include a CD with resources similar to the club directors’ role books.How much is all this going to cost?
Go to www.awana.org/catalog for all product descriptions and prices.Do we have to wear the lanyards?
The lanyards are part of the official BT leader uniform. The BT bars have been discontinued and the lanyard and identification tag are the new housing location for leader award pins.
