Just a few weeks ago, I was in Duncanville, Texas (near Dallas) for the annual Summit event. For those who may not know what Summit is, it is a national event where high school students who use the Awana Journey material gather for quizzing, games, volleyball, and fine arts competitions. Those competing in Fine Arts and Quizzing are eligible to win scholarships to a college of their choice. The event culminates with the Citation ceremony where this year, 50 people who earned their Citation had it formally presented to them by Awana leadership. This is a very inspiring ceremony. WHAT? You do not know what the Citation Award is? It is the highest Award you can earn from Awana for the completing the studies (handbooks) and other requirements through T&T, Trek, and Journey. Click here to see the Citation matrix.
My first experience with Summit was in 2015 and I was impressed by the commitments and challenges that those who earned their Citation award had. The adults who walked alongside of them through the journey were moved as they knew all that the Citation earners had faced through those years. It was more than just an award. It was an achievement experienced by a few determined individuals.
This year was no different, except with a new twist. Each year there is usually an adult who earns their Citation. This year, there was a children’s pastor! Pastor Dave completed the requirements to earn his Citation sharing about the commitment and conviction. Pastor Dave shared how he often encouraged other leaders to work through the books themselves and encouraged other leaders to work to earn their Citation. For years, and even today, I also encourage Awana leaders to memorize Scripture as an example for the children, so I could relate to Pastor Dave.
As the social media person for Summit, that led me to post a trivia question as we journeyed home from Summit. The question, “What is the highest handbook award that Commander Bill has earned?”
Though my desire was to work toward the Citation, the highest handbook award that I have earned is the Timothy Award for completing four handbooks and for that, I needed external motivation. Let me explain.
When I became involved in Awana, I sought to work through the 3rd – 6th grade books which was the group I was working with at the time. The commander (Awana Ministry Director) at the time was not open to facilitating it. When I became the Commander, I sought to find a way. I shared that these children were studying and memorizing God’s Word with a very full schedule. The excuse I used for not working in the books? I was busy. I announced at the end of the year awards ceremony that the following year I would work through the books. The next year came, and I was busy. Conviction hit. I told the children that on any Awana night, they could ask me if I was ready to pass a section and if I was not, they would get 5 Awana bucks/shares. The caveat, they had to be ready to pass one as well.
I gave the children motivation to ask me, which gave me the needed motivation to work through the books. It was a win-win and pushed me to complete the four books. Then Trek hit and there was no one working through those books to help motivate me. Over the years, I have tried various things, but nothing stuck. I know the self-motivation it takes, along with others encouraging, to complete the ten years of Awana material and that is what is so inspiring about the Citation ceremony, especially when adults earn it.
Do I still desire to complete the requirements to earn the Citation? Yes
Will I declare that I will begin this next Awana year? Not yet. I need that self-motivation in place.
How about you? Are you memorizing Scripture? Have you though about working to earn Awana’s Highest award, the Citation?
You now know what has hindered me. What is keeping you from working towards your Citation, or even the Alpha award, and how can we get the hindrances out of the way to begin?
Summit will be in California in March 2027. If you are not aware of Summit, I encourage you to visit their website and attend if able. If you are earning your Citation, then receiving it at Summit will be a memory you will cherish.