Give Awards the Fanfare They Deserve

Recognizing children’s achievements and building self-esteem are key objectives in Pioneer Clubs. Bible awards and activity awards help you meet these goals. As important as awards are, how you present them may be equally important. Club members need to feel special for what they have learned and done, not just for the fact that they have another badge to add to their collection. Here are several good ways to present awards.

• Award Celebrations
  Present awards at a simple ceremony following the end of each unit. Plan an activity for the celebration that ties in with the unit. Parents, Pals* and other guests can be invited to the celebration.
   
• All-Club Event
  Have an all-club award celebration every three months. Use the entire club meeting time to recognize club members, leaders and others who have earned awards or gained honors in club. Club members can display their award projects. Include special activities, games, snacks or a devotional from Talks that Teach.
   
• Special Church Service
  A variation on the “three-months model” is presenting awards in a church service rather than in club. By honoring children in front of the congregation, you also achieve greater exposure for your club program.
   
• Annual Ceremony
  Clubs may hold an end-of-the-year award ceremony before the entire church, an evening service or other all-church event. Or you could hold a banquet or picnic during club or some other time.
   
• Combined Methods
  If you choose to present awards after each unit, why not still have an annual recognition ceremony? You’ll reap the benefits of both types of award presentations.
  
  *Pioneer Clubs Pals are adults from the church who are matched with club members for fellowship and prayer. For information on starting a Pal program, see Making Your Pal Program Work.