Theme Nights are a great way to build interest in your club night. Listed below are several theme night ideas (we apologize for any duplication) that have been supplied to us through various lists. On the discussion boards, there is a board for Theme nights for you to be share ideas about various theme nights (you must be a member of the website to view and post to the boards). Some of the theme nights listed are more incentive ideas or special events. They are included as they were part of theme night lists shared for use by others. Any first person statements are by the individual who submitted them, not Commander Bill, unless specifically noted.
If you have a theme night that you would like to share, please send it to me using the contact us tab on the top of the page. Any ideas submitted MUST be an original idea and not one taken from a publication. Please also check and make sure that it is not already listed. We strive to honor copyrights and do our best to give proper attribution as we hope others will respect and give proper attribution to us.
If you are looking for lists of “National Days” (National Bacon Day, etc), click here.
LISTED ALPHABETICALLY
50’s Sock Hop Night / 50’s Flashback
Wear those poodle skirts, high water blue jeans, white tee shirts, slicked back hair.
70’s Disco Night
Dress in your 70’s Disco best.
80’s Dude
Dress like the 80’s. Big Hair, Shoulder Pads, Parachute pants… Lookin’ good!
Afflictions Night / Rescue Me Night / Wailing Wounded Night
Come to club made up to look sick or hurt. Please no gore or bloody stuff. Most creative wins a prize. This works well right before Easter. Have the clubbers wear bandages, use crutches, ace bandages, braces or whatever like they are all beat up.Give prize for the best afflction.
LESSON OPTION 1 – The lesson is on how much Christ suffered for us you can get pretty graphic in our lessons. Game time is tricky again because of their outfits.
LESSON OPTION 2 – How Christ is the Great Physician
All in the Family
On a piece of wood or cardboard make a rock family. Award prize for best.
All Nations
Missions emphasis night with leaders and clubbers preparing ethnic desserts.
All Tired Out
We played all our games with old tires. Clubbers had to roll the tires in a relay and played an obstacle type course using the tires. You could also have the clubbers run and crawl through the tires.
Aloha Fest
Since aloha means hello, love and goodbye, we thought we’d make it our harvest festival: hello to Fall and club, goodbye to summer and love. Well, that goes without saying. Love covers everything! We had several rooms decorated with Tiki hut plastic sheeting, blow-up palm trees, parrots hanging from the ceiling, tropical fish, hula music in the background …our snack choices were pineapple on a stick, fruit punch, trail mix with tropical fruits and coconuts, snow cones and popcorn. We had enough leis and grass skirts to go around and had also asked one of our Cubbies parents to
bring a big “jumping castle” so the kids could be outside. We did this on a Saturday to utilize the daylight while we could. The Lord blessed us with a warm day, too. We had several carnival style game booths that were run by our older kids.
Alphabet Night
Clubbers choose a letter and wear as many items as possible which start with that letter. For instance, if the clubber chooses “s,” he or she might wear a shirt, scarf, sandals, sunvisor, striped pants, etc. For one of the games, call out a letter, and the teams “bodily” form that letter. A snack could be alphabet crackers.
Lesson: Alpha and Omega Revelation 22:13
Alphabet Soup Night
On this night we put a box or two of Alphabet Cereal in a bowl in the middle of the circle (this was a indoor game for us). At the whistle, one clubber from each team came into the center and got as big a handful of cereal as they could and took it back to their color line. They made as many words as possible in one minutes time. The team with the most words won. You could lengthen the time if you wanted to. On the second round of the game, each team came to the center and got as much cereal in both hands as they could. They went back to their line and the teams tried to make
the longest sentences they could in 2-4 minutes time.
Angel Night
Bring a gift for needy children.
Animal Night / Cuddly Creature Night
OPTION 1 – Dress up as your favorite animal. Prizes and judging – Example: cuddliest, biggest, cutest, most loved, best smile, greenest, biggest eyes, etc.
OPTION 2 – Have the kids bring in their favorite stuffed animal or a picture of one or their beloved pet. You give a couple of them a chance to tell about them, and then you do your lesson on how God gave us, man, dominion over the animals, but since they are God’s creation, we are to treat them with respect. You can recite different Bible verses like, Provo 12:10 : “A good man is concerned for the welfare of his animals.” etc. You can also teach the kids good habits for taking care of the animals and our responsibility.
Ant Night
Invite someone to talk to the group who knows about ants (perhaps they have an ant farm). Have ants on a log for a snack (peanut butter and raisins on celery). Large Group Lesson could be Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 30:24
Any Country Night
Choose a country to celebrate. This could be one where your church has missionaries or a home country of one of your leaders. Play games from that country, fix food from that country, talk about the culture and the land. Large Group Lesson – a missionary story about that country.
Apple Night
An apple time night with a lesson on sin. Have clubbers play games with apples. Dunk for them; try biting one hanging from a string! Bowling with apples using paper rolls as pins. As they play, talk about Adam & Eve and the forbidden fruit. Talk about sin and how some apples are bad bruised and rotten, (place gummy worms in one) and they can ruin the whole bushel! Have candy apples made as rewards. Apple butter snacks, and cut up apples that were brought in are great snacks for this night.
Another option for a lesson theme is that we are the apple of God’s eye (Psalm 17:8)
Appreciate Your Leader Night
Bring a note/ card/ picture to let your leaders know how much they mean to you. Arrange a meal before club just for them. Have clubbers say why they are thankful for their leader.
Arctic Night / Snowball Fight Night
Play “snowball” games with ball pit balls or make “snowballs” from paper, Have “dog-Sled” races. Snowshoe relay races.
Ark Night
OPTION 1 – Dress as your favorite member of Noah’s family or as one of the animals on the ark. The Council Time should be the Ark and Noah. How would you start a new world?
OPTION 2 – Clubbers bring an animal to put on the Ark. Focus of the night is that ARK stands for “Acts of Random Kindness” and clubbers are encouraged to perform an act of random kindness that night and throughout the week.
Awana Auction
Items are up for bids! Have Bennie babies, toys, games, Bibles, and other items ready to be bid on by clubbers who have met the nightly section challenge. During the Fun ask clubbers if they can buy their salvation, or a place in Heaven. A real good message and lots of fun.
Awana Awesome Autumn Adventure Around (5A)
5A Night is our alternative to Halloween. Clubbers each get a brown lunch bag. Every 10 minutes they change rooms according to club. We have leaders posted around the grounds with buckets of candy distributed during the kids’ travels. They also get candy when arriving at and leaving each room. Each club is assigned a different topic for the 10-minute visit: songs, Council Time message, games, crafts (usually edible) and more games. We don’t do sections this night.
Awana Day
This started out as Awana Worker Appreciation Day during Ministry Appreciation Month. Show an Awana appreciation presentation in church and have all the leaders come up on stage. Have the the T&T clubbers participate by taking up the offering in church and handed out bulletins and song books.
That night, all the clubbers brought cards/gifts for their leaders, listeners, snacks team and game leaders. My group made treat bags that said, “For all you give, for all you do, these sweet treats are just for YOU.” The next week, we took plastic see-through gloves and filled them with popcorn and included a card that said, “Giving you a HAND for all you do in Awana.” We went to each room and handed them out to the workers.
(This could work well if you meet on a Sunday evening)
Awana Kick-off Night
Everyone wear football uniforms or jersey’s. Award prize for smallest football.
Awana Round-up Night / Western Night / Dude Ranch
Everyone dress in western wear and a award prize for the person who brings the biggest boot.
Games: Ride stick horses. Make horse shoes of card board or foam rubber. Have barrel races or catalog races. Hold rope type games.
Awana Theater (a good compliment to a bring a friend night)
At sign-in, we give a theater ticket to every visitor and the clubber who brought him or her. At a designated time, those with tickets go to the theater where they enjoy popcorn and lemonade while learning more about Awana. We show a short video that presents the gospel, then have a leader give the plan of salvation using the Evangecube. Our clubbers love the theater, so they bring a lot of friends, and it ensures that all visitors hear the gospel.
B.A.R.F Night – Bring (or Be) A Real Friend
What better way to show you care than to bring a friend to Jesus. Highlight your visitors with a high attendance visitor awards, special singing and snacks. Big welcome Always to visitors as we want them to take part and return to clubs! Bonus shares for most visitors brought anyone who joins Awana clubs that night. (returning visitors who wish to come back) Bring a friend for extra points! Share stories of faith and praise.
Be creative. I (Commander Bill) have brought in clowns as my “friends” who participated in game time and then shared the lesson in Large group time.
Baby Picture Night / As You Were Night
OPTION 1 – Guess who is who tonight. Leaders can help by getting out those old B&W ones you know, before color!! Have clubbers and leaders bring in pictures. Have fun!
OPTION 2 – Have everyone bring a baby picture the week before. You can put them all on poster paper. The clubbers should write beside the picture their name and who they think the baby is. The person with the most guesses wins.
Lesson option: How as we grow in Christ we change, we are no longer the way we once were.
Back to School Night
Play games with chalk, chalkboards, paper, etc.
Council Time: invite a Christian teacher to talk about making the most our of the school year.
Backpack Night
Clubbers may bring in their old back packs filled with supplies for needy school children!
Backwards Night / Thgin Sdrawkcab
Wear clothes backwards just for fun and earn points for your team. Run your whole club night backwards. If someone can say the books of the Bible backwards – there will be something special for them. Wear your clothes inside out and backwards. You can have your pockets pulled out. You can wear a hat. Shoes are pretty tough to do this with. Please don’t wear your underwear on the outside.
(NOTE: If you reverse the order of the night, then let parents know so they can prepare their children who may have difficulty with the change in routine)
Backwards Parents Night
Variation on Parent’s Night when clubbers become leaders. Parents and leaders are the clubbers. Choose key clubbers to be in charge (motivation for clubbers who say the most sections) Plan it well.
Backyard 500
Clubbers make a race car and actually race during game time.
A. Sparks borrow upper clubber’s cars if need be. Have driving class.
B. Cubbies make a bus. Play follow the leader.
Bad Hair Night
OPTION 1 – Give prizes for the worst hairdo. Play games with combs, brushes, as the baton. Council Time: 1 Samuel 16:7 and how people look on the outside but God looks on the inside.
OPTION 2 – For every three sections, clubbers say they get a squirt of Mousse to put in the game directors hair.
Bakes-giving
Do this close to Thanksgiving. On this night, the clubbers and their dads bake a cake together! No moms! It is a great time of fun and fellowship for kids and dads! The guys have to go to the store and pick out their favorite cake mix and frosting and all the ingredients. Then they have to gather up everything they need to stir up and bake their cake. Some of these dads have NEVER seen the inside of a kitchen. It is so funny! But the funnier part is Mom’s job is to eat a piece of the creation!
Balloon Night
OPTION 1 – Each clubber brings a balloon of his or her own. The challenge is to have them leave with them! Have a fun time with balloon games!
OPTION 2 – Decorate all the rooms with helium balloons which have a slip of paper in them. At the end of club, each clubber picks a balloon and pops it and then redeems the slip of paper for a gift. Gifts range from candy to pencils, coloring books, toys, etc
OPTION 3 – For game time include balloon, draw Bible characters on balloons and judge the cutest, funniest, most creative, etc. Let clubbers “shave” whipped cream or shaving cream from the balloons. Council time: messages could be “Am I full of Hot Air?” or “How to be careful with others feelings.”
Baseball Hat Night
Wear you favorite baseball hat to club. Play baseball verse games. Each missed verse or question is an out! Which team will win? You get a base hit for each correct answer, keep going until you get three outs. Play three or four innings.
Basketball Night
A basketball is given to the clubber who recites the most sections. A chocolate basketball is given for each section said.
Be a Fool for God / Dress Like a Mess Night
Dress in your craziest wackiest outfit. The more mismatched the better.
Beach Night
We’re having a beach fest so come in your Beachiest Best. Hawaiian Shirts, Leis, grass skirts!! When else can you wear a sarong and look so right? Water balloon toss and Relays. Water tag, Filled buckets on the head race!
Everyone dresses in summer clothes (no bathing suits). We play volley ball, Frisbee® , and other beach games during game time or play games with beach balls, pails and shovels. Give a seashell for each section passed. If feasible, bring in sand for sandcastles or make crafts using sand. Let clubbers pelt their leaders in a game of water balloon dodge ball – in a water-safe area, that is! In Council Time, discuss Jesus’ post-resurrection meeting on the beach with His disciples. Hand out popsicles to help clubbers “cool” down.
Bear Hunt
Clubbers say sections to earn clues to help them find the elusive Teddy Bear! Hidden somewhere is the bear and the Awana shares he holds. Clubbers do verses /bring a guest for clues.
Beautiful Feet Night (Phenomenal Phoot Phestival)
We have everyone come barefoot that night. The T&T girls paint toenails!We make “feet people” for a craft.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news…” Romans 10:15
Belts Bash
Let everyone make a belt at home, bring it to club to be judged. Award prize for best, funniest etc.
Bethlehem Night
Come to Awana dressed as if you were going to Bethlehem in Biblical times to visit the baby Jesus. Be creative and make your outfits. Some simple ideas are: Take a sheet and cut a hole in center to place over your head or just wrap it around you. Add a robe, string or yarn to tie around waist. Use a colorful bathrobe as a coat.
Bible Baseball
We choose color teams to play bible baseball. Once or twice a year, we pick questions from council time, messages, Handbooks, and from flag ceremonies. Leaders play a big part in making questions. A clubber comes to home plate from every color team, (4 people at bat at once) each is asked if they want a single, or a double, or a home run. Each clubber gets to go to his or her base according to each correct answer. At the end of club, score is kept to find out how many runs came home.
Bible Character Night / Bible Hero Night
Dress up as your favorite Bible character. This is a good time to do a lesson about a specific person in the Bible and add a little drama to your Counsel Time. Sometimes we have people guess who you are dressed as and give a prize to the person that guesses right. Game time is little tricky with all the robes and sandals. Clubbers dress up as their favorite bible hero, or they may tell the story of their hero from the bible.
Bible Costume Night
If you do not have a Fall Festival or Carnival, this is a great Halloween alternative. This is a fun night when the kids can dress as a character, animal, or anything else they find in the Bible (examples: baby, lightning bolt, snake, apple, David and sling shot, use slime for Jonah coming out of the whale’s belly, etc.).
Council time message -“Then, now or later, God loves me” -John 15:13, Romans 8:35, Hebrews 13:5
Have Now & Laters chewy candy for treats.
Bible Search Night / Scavenger Hunt Night
Have everyone bring their bible and each read from the Word tonight. Have verse searches in the scavenger hunt format. Look for the secret verse! Clubbers look up verses and collect them for prizes.
Bible Scavenger Hunt
Originally designed for Sunday School class. They took places in our church and tried to find scriptures with those words in them. An example would be: Where voices sing together (choir). Each team would be given a card with the following verses and which word in each verse to write down. John 1 :30 -11th word (where); Luke 23:23 -7th word (voices); Isaiah 12:5 -1st word (sing); Proverbs 22:2 – 6th word (together) They tried to divide up the cards evenly as to how many verses they had to look up. Our rules were that they had to have the cards completely filled out. One clubber could look up the verse and count while another wrote the answer. Each clue would take them to another card in that place. The last card would state that they were to return it to us. The winning team would receive a candy prize. We also had a prize for every one else. We used four to five clues usually per team. Some of ours were: Under Left Fifth Seat in Church (this was under a pew); Under round table (they would have to search around the church for a round table); Under organ seat; Under hall way table; In fourth hall window. This is a very exciting game for the night. We bought colored 3×5 cards so that each team would have a different color, otherwise some might see someone else s and get it by mistake.
Bible Verse Night (Verse-a-rama)
All games and Council Times are centered on Bible verses or Bible Quotes. Have a verse search game where you give a few clues and let the teams search for the answers. Game Time can be one of verse walk (the old cake walk game) Walk around until a verse is quoted correct. Prizes may be awarded to number you’re on or give points to teams. Another is where verses are placed on far wall on paper slips. Teams race to find the answer and return to team line. They will study their verses for this one.
Big Game Getaway Night
Fathers and sons meet with leaders for a night of Fellowship, fun, food, and football. Monday Night Games are good for this special night. A prayer and testimony time teaches Christian fellowship to our children, and many fathers may have the chance to hear the Good News from their children and other Awana clubbers. A good chance to reach that special Parent. Oh, and then enjoy the game too!
Birthday Night
You can have one night to celebrate everyone’s birthday. Explain their earthly birthday and their spiritual birthday. Have cupcakes and party hats.
Black Out Night / Lights Out Night / Let Your Light Shine
Lights are lowered and flashlights and candles are used. Walk color lines with flashlights. Have relays. Use water guns to put out the flames. Leaders hold candles in the darkness.
Use electric candles (Christmas window type). All clubbers and leaders receive a glow-in-the dark bracelet when they arrive. Have them bring flashlights. Play relay games with flashlights.
Blind Man’s Bluff
No special equipment. Use bandanas for blind folds. Games are played blindfolded.
Council Time: Blind Bartimus – How sinners are blind.
Book Night
Clubbers bring their favorite books. Play games with old books. Clubbers balance books (instead of beanbags) on their head. Give everyone an old book. First person on a team carries the book around the circle. Second person takes the book from the first person so he runs around the circle carrying two books and so on. The last person carries all the books around the circle. Give Christian children’s books as prizes. Council Time focuses on God’s book, the Bible.
Bookmark Night
Have clubbers make a bookmark with the favorite verse on it. They can keep it or share it with another. During large group time, clubbers and leaders can share their favorite verse and why they like it. Great way to get children used to sharing God’s Word with others.
Boot Camp / Camo Night
OPTION 1 – Wear camouflage. Talk about what it means to train yourself to be a good soldier of the Lord.
OPTION 2 – Clubbers come dressed up wearing camouflage (as much a possible). Council message will be Eph 6:11 Putting on the armor of God.( for this night, the previous club night we will give the kids a reminder of the verse and if they come knowing the verse at check-in we will be giving them a little camo bear from oriental trading co.). during Game time we will be playing Air-zooka and dodge ball (not Awana games but they fit with the theme), during the handbook time Sparks will get a color page of the sword of truth and T&T will receive a camo sticker to place onto the page in the handbook that they pass that night.
Bring a Mom / Dad Night / Parent Challenge Night
Have your clubbers bring a parent this night. Make the night special for your guests and your kids. Have parent take part in games and Council Time!
Bubble Gum Night / Chew Chew Night
Earn gum for each section you say – give awards for the biggest bubble – take a 3X5 card and chewing up a piece of gum, the clubber who makes the best baby on the card wins.
Bubble Night
Clubbers bring their own bubble mix; blowers etc. have bubbles blown around when their team color wins, play knock them down, stop the bubbles from reaching their line. Use timer for fun challenge.
Burger Bucks
Give tickets to clubbers who pass sections. Write their names on the back and put them in a box for a drawing. The winner received certificates for Burger King (or similar restaurant).
Buttons & Bows Night
Come to club covered with buttons and bows tied to a string, on your uniform. Wrap them around and see many you can get! Winners get Awana shares or candy.
Campfire Night
If you’re located in a climate and have the ability to actually have a campfire – that’s great. Otherwise make one from logs, orange, brown, red crepe/tissue paper and a couple flashlights. Sing campfire choruses. Again – if you can, have s’mores. Large Group Lesson – John 21:9 Talk about the need to follow Christ.
Camp Night
Clubbers have a sleep in. Leaders should plan for two events. One for boys and one for the girls. Set up paper tents, sheet tents, or simple shelter. Sing and have bible stories by the camp fire, (a single light) and snack.
Candy Cane Night
Clubbers use regular candy canes as batons for relay games, smaller ones to pick up and carry items around the circle and larger (plastic) canes to push balls around the circle.
Have a leader dress as an old shepherd and tell the history of Christ’s birth as if he had been a participant. He used candy cane lawn ornaments and explained how they reminded him of Jesus Christ. An upside-down cane makes a “J”
for Jesus. The red stripe is for the blood Jesus shed on the cross. The white stripe is the purity we have when we are saved. He also handed out candy canes for everyone to take home.
Card Board Box Night
Leaders gather shoe boxes and big boxes. That night game time is played in boxes (e.g. tape boxes on feet and run races). Use two giant boxes to stuff as many clubbers in as possible during a timed period (e.g. 15 seconds).
Large group time: The Man of God
Before club is dismissed hide Pastor or leader in box and let clubbers guess what is in the box for a prize.
Card Night
Good anytime, but Christmas time works well. Bring a card for the home-bound, nursing home, or hospital. Share the news of HIS birth with many!
Carpet Capers
Have everyone bring a rug to club. Use rugs in your games.
Caveman Calamity
Everyone dress as cave people. Award prize for the best costume.
Cherry Jubilee
Allow all the clubbers passing sections play this game for a prize. Place four cherries on the top of their left hand. race to a designated place and back. If the cherries fall off, pick them up and keep going. Winner takes prize.
Chocolate Kiss Night
Give chocolate kisses to anyone who passes a section. Clubber with most section earns large chocolate kiss.
Christmas Activities Geared Toward Families
One church hosted a Christmas program and party for parents and families of clubbers, many of whom don’t attend church. Sparkies quoted John 3:16, sang the “Sparks Theme Song” and gave the Sparky Yell. Second-graders paired up and recited Scripture directly to the parents. A guest speaker gave a salvation message and the clubs put on a few skits. The evening ended with refreshments and time for leaders to fellowship with the parents.
Christmas Mitten Tree
Clubs bring in pairs of gloves and mittens (or hats) and Decorate the tree for kids that need them. Watch the Love grow and the tree come to life with colors of Gloves and mittens. Donate to groups in need. Send some letters with them.
Christmas Caroling
Take your club to a nursing home to sing Christmas Carols. Be sure to get signed permission slips.
Have some clubbers or leaders walk around during the night caroling.
Christmas Play Night
Have clubbers act out the Christmas story for council time.
Christmas Store Night
Ask people in church to donate items and/or purchase items for Awana Christmas store. Children get to buy things with their shares for their family and friends.
Clown Night
OPTION 1 – Have a Christian clown come and do council time. Clubbers dress as clowns.
OPTION 2 – Make up clown faces (happy and sad clowns). Leaders entertain with bad juggling, slapstick, confetti in water buckets, scarves up sleeves, etc.
OPTION 3 –Clubbers make up leaders as clowns. Best clown wins a prize.
Game Time -Games would include juggling, painting clown faces on balloon as team without breaking, riding tricycle with bell around cones
Large Group Time Message -“God Gives Us the Ability to be Happy, Not Sad”
Scripture references: Galatians 5:22; Romans 14:17; James 1:2; I John 1:4
Awards and Treats -Suckers (big ones if you can afford them)
Coat of Many Colors Night
Like Joseph, dress in your Coat of many Colors. Make one with crape paper, cloth, tape and construction Paper. Color and decorate it special. Prizes for all and great Council Time lesson.
Color Night
Choose any color and have everyone dress in that color, i.e. green night, blue night, purple night, etc.
Cookie Night
OPTION 1 – Clubbers bring cookies to share at snack time. See how many different kinds you get. Sparks love this one!
OPTION 2 – Bake a giant cookie (or four giant cookies – one for each team). Count how many chocolate chips you put into the cookie. For every section a clubber says, they get one guess as to how many chips are in the cookie. The clubber who comes closest gets to take the cookie home (wrapped in Saran wrap) or he/she might choose to break it into pieces and share it with his/her team. Large Group Lesson could be on sharing.
Count Your Blessings Night
Wear something with a number on it.
Cow Night
Clubbers dress in black and white. Play “Dead cow, sick cow” during Game Time. (A quick web search will provide the rules.) Large Group Lesson – Psalm 50:10 – He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
Crazy Boots Night
Come to club with boots on! Mix and match, over sized, big & small. Games will never be the same as you play safely in your boots. Try a three legged race!
Crazy Clubber Night
A compilation of many “crazy” nights. Wear crazy clothes, shoes, hair, hats, etc.
Crazy Gloves Night
Come to club wearing gloves. Mix and match, different colors, and hole covered gloves, baseball gloves, etc. Prizes for the most unusual pair.
Crazy Hair Night
Style, color, fix up, put down, and create your crazy Hair look for the night.
Crazy Hat Night
Is it large? Colorful? Flowery? Pointy? Let’s see who has the craziest Hat in town!! Wear the craziest hat you can find or make! Wear a hat you made yourself or just some crazy hat you have. Wear a bunch of hats and have them hanging all over yourself.
Crazy Hearts Night / Share the Love Night
Best near Valentine’s Day, have the clubbers dress in heart clothing if they have it or pin paper hearts on their clothing. Or wear red or pink. Heart tattoos work great. Also works to make this night leader appreciation night as well so the clubbers can bring Valentine cards for their leaders.
Crazy Legs Night
Wear wild pants or decorate pants to be crazy
Crazy Socks Night
Wear crazy socks and lots of them. Wear them all over, in your hair or hanging from your pants. Tuck your pants into your socks if you’re not wearing shorts. Mix and match, different colors, and hole covered socks. Prizes for the most unusual pair.
Cupcake Night
Bring cupcakes of all types
Gametime: cupcake walk, cupcake eating contest, making and icing cupcakes as a team, etc.
Council Time Message -“How Many Ingredients Do I Need to be a Christian?” (Share that the right mix of ingredients put together in order make a much more tasty treat rather than drinking the batter through a straw OR have one of your female leaders mix a batch of cupcakes [microwaveable] and as she puts in the ingredients share her testimony.) Scripture references: Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16
Awards and Treats -Cupcakes (if you don’t have any made, you can go by a Hostess or Dolly Madison Thrift and buy several boxes of cupcakes check the freshness dates)
Decorate the Leader (Christmas theme)
With boughs of holly, tinsel, ornaments, etc. We’ll have fun as we remember why we celebrate this Holy season.
Dessert Night!
Clubbers can invite their parents to come and share in a special Council Time. Have them bring a dessert to share and Parents can share in the message. You could lead a parent to Christ!
Dodge Ball Night
A fun night of dodge ball and games. Use different size balls, colors and types to add to the fun. Fun at Game Time with Balloons!
Donut Night
Life without Jesus is like a donut: it leaves a hole in the middle of your heart! Play games with donuts and the snacks are donuts. Hang donuts from our ceiling with strings at different heights for the clubbers. They would have to eat their donut without using their hands.
Council Time: Prodigal Son
Double Friend Night
Give double shares for the clubber who brings two friends to Awana club. It works!
Dot The Leader / Measles Night / Awana Fever
One sticker to put on your leader for every verse you say.
Dots and Stripes Night
Kids dress in polka dots or stripes. For every section said, clubbers get to “dot” their leader with a dot sticker. Large Group Lesson – Joseph and his coat of many colors. Explain that the big deal about the coat was it’s embroidery and the fact that it was longer – not short such as a shepherd’s coat. These were the types of coats given to privileged people who didn’t have to work. (Shorter shepherd’s coats allowed the shepherd to quickly climb over rocks and jump over streams.) No wonder Joseph’s brothers were jealous. Genesis 3
Dress Like Your Dad or Mom Night
Clubbers dress like a parent. Large Group Lesson – Ephesians 6:2 (To help kids get ideas, suggest they model a uniform if their parents wears a uniform to work, or if their parent is an Awana leader. Or they could carry a “tool” of their parents employment – a book if she’s a teacher, a stethoscope if she’s a doctor, etc.)
Drive in Movie Night
Clubbers plan ahead of time to make a cardboard car for two, three, or four kids. Plan to have a special movie ready to show. Have popcorn and sodas. A Veggie tale movie or bible story is great! Turn the lights down and have leaders with flashlights manage the clubbers.
Double Share Night
This night clubbers can earn double share values for sections completed, and projects completed. Bring a visitor for extra Shares!
Duct Tape Night
Clubbers come with duct tape on their clothes (such as making a hat or bracelet from tape) or have duct tape in various colors and design and allow the kids to be creative. Large Group Lesson – Proverbs 18:24 – a true friend “sticks” closer than a brother.
Easter EGGstravaganza
Earn a chocolate Easter egg for each section you say. Dress in Easter colors. Lessons center on Christ’s trial, death and resurrection and Salvation message.
Eat Around the World Night (Missions)
Have leaders and other people from church bring in different foods from around the world. Each clubber has a suit case (made from construction paper) and they go around to different tables and taste everything. Give the clubber a sticker (you can get ones with flags or kids from across the world) for each item he tries. Examples: tortillas from Mexico, grape leaves from Greece, fish from Hong Kong, etc., be creative. At the end give a small prize to everyone who tried everything or to the one who tried the most.
E.T. EXCLUSIVE
For all clubbers who pass a section, have a M&M eating contest. The catch is they must wear a sock on each hand that they will eat with. Put two holes in the sock so that the index and small finger stick out. They can only eat with these two fingers. Prize for winner.
F.R.O.G.
Everyone wear something green & be ready to Fully Rely on God
Fall-Out Night
Wear fall colors: orange, brown, red, yellow. Talk about how God made the season, possibly share on Ecclesiastes 3, there is a time and a season for everything.
Family Festival Night
A special way to start clubs or end them. Have parents help and make popcorn, pies, cakes, and snacks. Have games for all. Hold parents meetings. Have fun.
Family Pot Luck Night
A old fashioned Pot Luck. Bring something dinner, for families of leaders and clubbers. Great idea for end of year or Christmas break!
Farmer Night or Down on the Farm
Everyone dresses up like a farmer or things on a farm – scarecrow, animals, tractors, feed sacks. Play games with items you would find on a farm.
Fashion Disaster Night (good for girls)
Clubbers come dressed as mismatched as they can. Large Group Lesson – 1 Samuel 16:7
Favorite Hat Night
Wear your favorite hat. Play games with hats.
OPTIONAL LESSON 1 – Council Time message with different hats the last one being a crown of thorns that Jesus wore explaining salvation.
OPTIONAL LESSON 2 – Share with the club why the hat is special which can lead into why we should share Jesus with others.
Fear Factor Night
Is Fear a Factor for you? Come prepared to face those fears. Much like the show, the clubbers have to eat things quickly in a race. Everything needs to be safe to eat but with proper presentation many clubbers will be grossed out before they even start. One favorite is worm dirt and gummy worms (chocolate pudding and crumbled Oreo cookies with gummy worms hidden inside). Calamari rings and fish sticks work well especially when combined with bubble gum. (Don’t swallow the gum but start with gum in their mouths). Sometimes having them drink small amounts of things, which of course they don’t know what it is, conjures up their imagination and increases taste sensitivity (vinegar, hot sauce, soy sauce, pure vanilla, Mountain Dew). You can use just about anything to eat or drink but you must always consider safety (choking hazards and food allergies) so think about what you are using and know your clubbers allergies. One variation is Nineveh Fear Factor Night where we blindfolded the clubbers and they had to feel some pretty slimy and smelly stuff while we walked them through the story of Jonah.
Feed the Hungry / Awana Feeds You
During the month of November, around Thanksgiving, clubbers will be challenged to bring in canned goods for the hungry. Which ever Clubber brings in the most canned items will win a free pizza (there is room for options here). Clubbers will be competing with each other as well as leaders (obviously we expect a Clubber to win). What a way to teach about sharing and helping others in need. During council time, this would be a good time to talk about the feeding of the 5000.
Field Day Night
Play outdoors games such as broad jump, sack race, high jump, 50 yard dash, 100 yard dash, ball throw, etc. Station leaders at each location to supervise and instruct. May award ribbons for each event.
Council Time: Compare the Christian life to a race (1 Corinthians 9:24, Philippians 2:16, 3:14; Hebrews 12:1)
Fish Bowl Night
OPTION 1 – For every clubber who completes a section, they fish for prizes. Use magnets as hooks or make a paper clip hook to catch your fish! You may even get live goldfish as prizes in baggies! Have some small fishbowls handy as prizes!
OPTION 2 – Clubbers names go in fishbowl for every section passed. Draw for prizes.
Fishers of Men Night / Fish ‘n Ships Night / Fisherman Masquerade
You need to get your clubber to make a simple rod with twine. Buy a bag of magnets at a craft store and tie one to each line. Have paper fish with paperclips in the “water” area. Each fish has a memory verse or question for them to respond to. Award candy, for correct answers. Council Time message on Matthew 4:18, 19
Flashlight Night
We have the clubbers bring flashlights and play games in the dark (almost dark). For council time, we have a message on the Light of the World. We also have used a message on the anatomy and usage of a flashlight -battery for power/clear glass for testimony/switched on to be connected to the power source/give light to others not self/etc. We sing The Light of the World is Jesus. This Little Light of Mine.
Football Night
Wear your favorite team colors or gear
Foreign Lands Night
We planned this night around our Mission Conference time. Each clubber came dressed in an outfit of a country of their choice. Some came as Arabs, Mexicans, Koreans, etc. We also paraded them across the platform so that all could see. Some clubs might also want to give an award for the best costume. Our message was from a missionary who spoke about getting the gospel around the world.
Freckles Night
Leaders can cover their face and hands with washable freckles. Clubbers, who complete verses, may guess as to how many there are. Award Awana shares.
Friendship Tree
February is friendship tree month (or pick any month you want). We decorate the branches of an artificial (so we can slide it into a closet for the next week) tree with prizes: lizard key chains, glow pens, glow-in-the-dark ceiling stickers, jump ropes. When a clubber brings a visitor, he or she gets to choose a prize from the tree. The friend receives a visitor’s pack that also includes a prize.
Frisbee Fling
Play games with Frisbees
Fruit of the Spirit Night / Fruit Night
Clubbers bring a favorite piece of fruit to club. They can share them with each other as leader shares the message of the Fruits of the Spirit.
Game: Play Fruit Basket Upset or plan a fruit relay. The first player runs around the circle with an orange and apple. That player gives each to the second player, who is already holding a banana and grapefruit. The second player runs around the circle and gives all the fruit to the third player, who is already holding a tangerine and pear. That player runs around the circle and in for the pin with all the fruit.
Golf Night
Have a man or woman who plays golf come and demonstrate putting and the proper swing of the club as well as the proper stance to keep your balance. Also, have someone else come and be a terrible golfer to show how practice and skill makes a difference.
Game Time includes golf clubs, bags, shoes, and golf balls and perhaps a putting contest.
Council Time Message -“How to Stand and Keep Your Balance” OR “Practice and Study
Make the Difference” Scripture references: Romans 14:4; I Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:14
Awards and Treats -Sam’s Wholesale Club sells golf balls bubble gum in buckets for awards
Glowstick Night
Play games with glow sticks (in the dark, of course, though do have some light for safety.) Kids stand on a predetermined line and toss their glow sticks into a bucket (line the top with glow sticks). Or, you could play glow-stick “pick-up-sticks” or glow stick ring toss. Large Group lesson could be on letting your light shine for Christ. Matthew 5:16
Go Bananas
Come dressed in Yellow. Game time is all about bananas. After club, Banana splits are a good way to finish the night!
God & Country Night
Write a card or letter to send to a service man or woman serving our country. Show our love and thanks and send them our prayers. Have a color guard from military or law enforcement, at the flag ceremony.
Good Sam Night
We have Good Sam Night (Good Samaritan) where all the kids bring a nonperishable food item or toiletry item for a local charity.
Good Steward Night
We have a Good Steward night which we use as a night to gather aluminum cans to recycle. This then helps with raising money for where ever you may need funds for something.
Goofy Glasses Night
Wear a pair of glasses that are decorated, colorful, and goofy. Sun glasses are ok. Let clubbers judge the winner. Give prizes for the goofiest. Large Group Lesson – Hebrews 12:2 Here we’re told to look to Jesus.
Grab Bag Night
One night during the month at Commander or Directors discretion, they announce that tonight is Grab Bag night. For every section said, (up to 5 sections) you may pick that many grab bags after council time or upon leaving. Grab bags will have inexpensive toys, games, candy bars and maybe a special prize like a five dollar bill or a silver dollar.
Gram Cracker Night
With several brands and types of grams out there, this theme night should have plenty of crackers for everyone! Use them at snack time or as a treat for section passed.
Great Outdoors Night
Come dressed to camp. Build a campfire, eat Smores and sing camp songs. Play flashlight tag and “Wandering in the Wilderness”. In the latter, clubbers run between “Egypt” and the “Promised Land” and drop to the ground when the Game Director yells “Gather manna”. The last clubber on the ground is out. Continue until one clubber is standing. Have groups follow instructions to assemble tents for handbook time. Teach them the Bible is God’s instruction book for life.
Half Night
Halfway through the year have Half Night. Award small prizes to clubbers who are halfway through their books (on track). During game time, clubbers run halfway around the circle. Have snack time where each clubber receives half a cookie. Large Group Lesson – You could do this one right after King and Queen Night and once again talk about Esther and how the king offered her anything up to half his kingdom.
Happy Birthday, Jesus / Jesus Birthday Night
As a Christmas theme, have clubbers bring a gift for the new born king. (can goods) Wear red and green. Have Cmdr. Or Director read aloud the Christmas Story from the Bible to the clubbers. Can goods are given to the needy afterward.
Harvest Night
Come to club as a pilgrim, Indian, farmer etc. Have hay bales and pumpkins about. A time to be thankful theme for Council Time also works well.
Hobo Night
Everyone dresses up as Hobo’s and we play hobo games. Make a campfire in the middle of the game circle. We hang a large pot from an easel. Put firewood with a flashing light under it for the fire.
Hobo Stew: Place potatoes, celery, carrots, and turnips halfway between each color on the game circle. Play a relay where each clubber picks up a vegetable puts it in a large coffee can and passes it to the next clubber and they add a vegetable. The last relay member goes into the circle and dumps it into the pot. Then play a relay with a large wooden spoon. Last member goes in to stir the hobo stew.
Hobo sweep relay: Make paper wads for the hobo’s to sweep up. Each relay member has to add a paper wad until there are 4 wads to sweep into the center.
Good Night Hobo relay: Take four sticks and four bandanas (red, green, blue, & yellow). Stuff the bandanas with paper and tie to sticks. Tell the clubbers the hobo’s have had a long day and are very tired. They must walk slowly around the circle and pass off their stick. The last hobo goes into the circle and lays their head down on the bandana.
Gather around the campfire and sing songs at the end of game time.
Honor Your Military Night
Wear military uniforms. No weapons allowed. Make cards for our deployed military members and send that with a care package. Consistently pray for their protection. You can also have them wear red, white and blue clothing.
Horse Show
Clubbers make a stick horse decorated with yarn mane, cardboard head, colored and painted for show. Have games like races, best of show, tricks, etc. Award prizes. Maybe club can have a rodeo later.
Hot Dog Night (Progress Night)
Invite parents for a club social night. Have dinner and ask clubbers to sing and say verses. Give progress reports to parents and show how important it is to help at home! Use Progress charts. Teach parents!
Hugs and Kisses Night
We like to do this one the week before Valentines Day. The clubbers have Valentines Day on their mind and we play on that. The week before we play this up by telling all the kids that next week the boys have to hug and kiss the girls and vis a versa. The first year we did this it was a lot of fun to see their reactions to this. Now they know we are just joking. On our promotional flier though, we tell the parents that their will not be any hugging and kissing, only that we will be handing out hugs and kisses next week. We also play our games with them as well as make sure that every
clubber gets at least one of each before they leave club. Of course, I am talking about the Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses chocolate candy.
OUTREACH IDEA: We took this night one step further and bought the snack size zip lock bags. I printed labels up on the computer that had a Valentine heart that says ‘I Love You’ and then put this message on it as well -Jesus Wants To Be Your Valentine and them put our church name and address on it as well. We stuck this to the outside of the bag. On the inside we put some candy message hearts, hugs and kisses as well as a simple, children’s gospel track.
Human Hotdog
Clubbers who pass the most sections (or who pass the section for the night) gets to squirt mustard and ketchup on a Leader.
Hygiene Night
Messy game night using hygiene items like toothpaste, shaving cream and soap.
I Want to be … Night
Have your club dress as who they wish to be one day! You’ll have fireman, nurses, doctors, Pastors, and yes Maybe an Awana leader or two!!
Ice Cream NIght
Have different kinds of ice cream and flavors. If a clubber completes a section, they get a scoop of ice cream.
Inside Out Night
Clubbers wear their uniforms inside out. Leaders are asked to join in the fun. Wear your clothes inside out and backwards. You can have your pockets pulled out. You can wear a hat. Shoes are pretty tough to do this with. Please don’t wear your underwear on the outside.
Jelly Bean Night
Jelly beans are awarded for verses, and sections.
Jeopardy Night
A game night of Jeopardy for Awana shares! Build a cardboard game grid with Bible, Church, Club and Awana questions. Play by teams or by a player from each team.
Joke Night
Bring a GOOD joke for your leader.
Jonah & the Whale Night
Dress as Jonah might have, or as one of the crew on the Sea tossed ship. Council Time Lesson on running away from God’s Will and plan for our lives.
Joseph’s Egyptian Storehouse
The Flyer-We sent flyers home with the clubbers the week before with a verse in hieroglyphics. Just using the font “Wingdings.” The verse was Genesis 50:20 “ But as for you, ye thought evil against me,. but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive”. On the back of the flyer was a code key. The clubbers were to decipher the code and memorize the verse, for extra points that week. The content of the flyer told clubbers not to miss out on Joseph’s Egyptian Storehouse. And be sure to come to find out how Joseph saved Egypt and the Hebrew nation. The flyer used Egyptians boarders to draw interest in something different.
The Event – The clubbers were given a pass to Joseph’s Egyptian Storehouse after passing a section. This took the place of the pieces of candy we usually give them. The clubbers were then allowed to go to the Awana Office Window which was decorated up with Egyptian stuff just for the occasion. There they were allowed to choose their own candy for the treat they earned for passing their section. Council Time: You guessed it! The story of Joseph and how God brought him to the position he did, just to save his own people!! 🙂
Journey to Meet Jesus
The song, “Children, Go Where I Send Thee” is the theme for the evening. We sing a new verse as each event in the Nativity is told. At each point in the story, the characters recite Bible verses that describe the events. We begin in the Story Time area and watch Mary and Joseph leaving on their trip to get counted. After they leave, shepherds enter. An “angel” declares to them the good news of Jesus’ birth. All the clubbers then travel to Bethlehem, a second room in the church with a small crèche. Mary, Joseph and the baby are there and tell of their experiences. We all then follow the family as they take Jesus to the tabernacle (in our sanctuary) to be presented and to meet Simeon and Anna. We then follow Mary and Joseph to another room representing their home. We watch as Joseph is awakened by a dream and told to flee to Egypt. They leave, and soon four soldiers arrive to look for the baby. We then return to the Story Time area and listen as several leaders share their testimonies. Afterwards, we celebrate with a birthday cake for Jesus.
Joyful Noise Night
Clubbers are asked to bring a noisemaker whistle, bell, homemade drum or horn for a night of rejoicing and music! After a short opening noise time, start with your singing and music program!
Jungle Night
Wear an animal print or a shirt with a jungle animal (lion, monkey, etc.)
Junk Night
One of our clubs favorite theme nights of the year is Junk Night. We tell the clubbers the week before to fill their pockets with all kinds of different items. The next week I take a list of various items and ask for those items at different times during the club night. The first person to bring me the item gets points or a prize. We always have to be clear that we will not be asking for sharp items or other things that might be dangerous for them to bring.
King and Queen Night
Clubbers can dress as kings or queens. (Younger girls will especially like this.) Large Group Lesson – Esther or any other Bible event that involves kings and queens.
Kiss Night /Chocolate Night
Award Candy kisses, candy bars, and lots of chocolate for passing verses and bringing guests.
Lamb Night
Tonight clubbers will bring in a stuffed lamb, or make one with cotton balls and paper. Judge the lambs and award winners with candy or shares. Make your Council Time message dwell on the Lamb of God.
Leaps and Bounds Night
A night of jumping ropes, leaping Games, and hopping around the handbook night! Yes Awana shares can be given to those who can quote the verses from two or three Sections or discoveries ago! As you leap and bound through these verses, you will see how many your clubbers have remembered! This is a good surprise for leaders to use. Catch them unaware. Have fun!
Lifesaver Night
Everyone brings a pack of life savers to club. At Council Time pass them around. Begin by sharing flavors and Colors. Have a story about Lifesavers and who they are in Real life. Invite Fireman, rescue squads, Policeman, and then ask about Jesus Christ! Only through him can any of us really be saved. Invite local police & fire personnel that night. Let them wear their gear and tell about their service!
Long Line Night/ T&T Tin Can Tally
Bring non perishable goods. Which team can make the longest line? Fill your church pantry for the needy with this event. Set your goal and try to get plenty of can goods. Can also be donated to a local food bank.
Love Bears All Things Night
Clubbers bring their favorite teddy bear. We put bear paw prints on the floor to mark the path to our room. We usually do this one for Valentines Day. We have teddy bear snacks and crafts.
Lunchbox Night
Clubbers bring their lunch box filled with canned goods for needy families. Council Time: The boy and his lunch he shared with Jesus.
M & M Night– Martyrs and Missionaries
Lessons focus on sacrifices made to serve God.
Marshmallow Night
Get a marshmallow for each section recited. If you can find the shaped marshmallows = fun. WP= Giant, 1 help= Jumbo, 2helps= mini.
Messy Night
Clubbers wear dirty clothes. This is not only fun, but gives the game director the freedom to play messy games. Large Group Lesson could either be about Jeremiah 17:9 (the deceitful heart) or Isaiah 64:6 (our righteousness is as filthy rags).
Mexican Fiesta Night
Bring some pinatas to club. We filled each with candy. We pulled it by a rope thrown over our basketball goal and pulled it up and down while they were blindfolded. Each clubber got a certain time to hit at it. When all the candy was out, they all had bags to put the candy in.
All clubbers passing section, or brings a friend gets to take turns hitting the pinata then shares the candy.
Miniature Night
Everything is small. Mini bean bags, mini bowling pins, small dowels for batons, golf pencils, etc.
Mission Country Night
Pick a country to visit. Look up the country and its people. Find out who your missionaries are in that country. Study the people from that region and dress up like they would in their country, as best you can. Read of mission stories and challenges you might find from that area and how would you take the gospel to the people if you were there. Prizes for the best dressed.
Missionary Night
1) Have a missionary give the council time message. If they have children close to the age of your clubbers have them come in and tell about their life as a missionary kid. Let the clubbers ask them questions.
2) Have your Awana missionaries visit. Do something special for them such as a canned goods drive, office supplies, or a book of postage stamps for each clubber family could be brought to club for them. Even if your missionary cannot come, you can do something special for them.
3) Plan your program around a mission theme. Have a Missionary visit and talk to the clubs maybe show a video of their work for the Lord. Share some of the culture of the country they have visited. Our guests have given out money, art, and pictures!
Mission Night
One year we traveled by train, another by plane and another by boat. We “build” the transportation and “travel” from country to country. We make passports for each child to get stamped. Each room is a country. We put a missionary in each room. The kids travel from country to country.
Mr. (or Mrs.) Potato Head Night / Potato Night / Veggie Tales night
Clubber dresses a potato. Provide material scraps, sequins, etc. and then give them categories. Dress your potato as: an Awana leader, a well-known person, a dog, etc. Give prizes for the most creative. Large Group Lesson – no, there are no potatoes in the Bible, however, you could talk about the variety of food God provides for us and talk about thankfulness for all the good things we have to eat.
For a lesson, you can introduce them to the Tater Family. Decorated paper potatoes, but real potatoes would work as well. As you introduce the Taters, tell the clubbers about each one’s personality, read a verse that applied and discussed with them whether we should try to be like that Tater or not. Here are the Taters:
- Spec Tater — just likes to watch, never helps out.
- Iri and Agi Tater, the “Terrible Two Twins” — always stir up trouble.
- Commen Tater — always talking, usually making negative comments.
- Dic Tater — bossy.
- Hesi Tater — goes to Awana and church and hears the gospel, knows she’s a sinner, but has never trusted Christ as Savior.
- Regurgi Tater (the clubbers’ favorite) — been in Awana for years, knows all the verses, finishes all the books but never stops to think about what he’s learned.
- Medi Tater — loves to think about God’s Word day and night.
- Imi Tater — always tries to follow Christ’s example.
Mystery Night
Clubbers do not know what the night will be but make sure it is something they do not want to miss.
Name That Food Night
Leaders bring in many different food items, some tasty and some not so tasty. Clubbers are divided into two teams: Each team member is given a number. Food items are covered and put in similar containers. A covered food is brought out, and a number is called. The two players with that number (one from each team) face off. The first one says, “I can eat that food in 10 (or whatever number) bites.” The other one says, “I can eat that food in 9 bites.” This goes on until one clubber stops and challenges the other clubber, “OK, eat that food.” The “winning” clubber then gets to see the food and must eat it in however many bites he or she said. If he or she eats all the food, then the team is awarded 10 points. But, if the clubber sees the food and refuses to eat any of it, the other team is awarded 50 points. Some “fun” foods for the containers: pickles, sardines or tuna, lemons, chocolate, hot dogs, yogurt, snack pack box of cereal, or cottage cheese.
Name That Tune Night
Clubbers try to guess song by how many notes they hear. Use “Christian” songs or hymns.
NASCAR Box Derby
Every one will make a car out of a card board box. Parents may help. They can be painted, glued, taped, bolted, rivets, wired, or sewn together. You must be able to pull it up around your waist. No straps maybe used to hold car up. It must Be held by your hands. At game time, kids are chosen in heats and race around a circle, make checkered flags and use empty oil cans for atmosphere. Winners are chosen by team colors or Individual clubs, or boys against the girls. After winners are Picked have a car contest. (Design, color, most original etc). Finally end with a race picking some of the leaders to compete.
Nautical Night
Everyone dresses up in something that has to do with a ship. Examples Captains hat, fishing vest or pole, sailor’s hat, etc (no real fish hooks please!) Then we explain to the kids how the captain directs and guides the ship and without him we would get lost. Then we tell them how Jesus is the captain of our ship and directs us spiritually on where and how to go. We have a little contest for the dressed-up people: most original, creative, etc and we give out Gumi fish as a treat after game time.
Nerd Night
Pretty basic. Everyone dresses up like a nerd. Hair slicked down for the guys. Unbalanced ponytails for girls. Thick glasses, half tracked shirts, flip flop shoes with white socks. Pocket protector overstuffed with pens. Dark blue eye shadow and poorly put on lip stick. The list goes on and on.
Games can be explained to where only mathematical/physics/engineering professors would understand (then explained for real). Add a twist to any event (bean bag carried on forehead instead of head).
Council time explain how God makes all of us different, but yet no matter our differences we should care for each other and work together to share the gospel.
Nickel and Dime Night
Clubbers bring nickels and dimes for your local Awana missionary or another missionary your church supports. (Let leaders and clubbers know about this night several weeks before hand so they can begin saving.) Play games with the coins: tossing them into a bucket; seeing how many a clubber can balance on the end of a spoon etc. Large Group Lesson could be about missions or you could ask your Awana missionary to speak.
Noodle Night
Bring pasta and/or sauce for the food pantry. Have no hands spaghetti eating contest with clubbers wearing bibs. Give a prize of Italian ice cream to the clubber who eats the most in three minutes. For younger clubbers, use noodles for crafts. Clubbers can glue noodles on cardboard or in freestanding statues to form animals for noodle zoo. Younger clubbers can make noodles-on-string necklaces. The Council Time message could show different types and shapes of noodles from different countries and talk about how people are different but God loves everyone. Use pool noodles for games.
Nose Nightmare
Prize for the funniest nose. Can be hand-made or store bought.
Obedience Night
Invite a Christian dog trainer to come to club and talk about training dogs. You could play games such as Simon Says. Large Group Lesson – on the importance of obeying God or obeying parents (Ephesians 6:1)
Old Fogey Night
Dress up very old fashioned. Award prizes.
Olympics Night
Have teams (or individual clubs) represent a missionary serving in the US or internationally. The club or team represents the country where they serve that night. Each team/club is given a prayer card (or information) about the missionary to pray for them.
Orange Crush Night
During game time, provide a table for each team with one five-ounce cup for each team member. Fill cups with soda and give each clubber a straw. At signal, the first player runs to table and sips all the soda in his cup. He then tags the second player who repeats the action. Play continues until all players have emptied their cups. First team to finish wins. 2) Also, play games with oranges. Serve Orange popsicles.
“Orange” You Glad Night
Wear something orange, Lesson can focus on being Joyful.
PB&J Night
Bring peanut butter or jelly for the food pantry.
Pajama Night
Wear your PJ’s Just for Fun. (with sneakers, please) Can combine with a movie that night too.
Paper Airplane Night
Bring a paper plane covered with your own colors and design. Prizes for the farthest, best looping and straightest flight.
Paper Race Night
Draw or cut out a racetrack and place on the wall. Have clubbers bring a picture of their favorite NASCAR driver or local hero, (Maybe even Dads) car and correct verses will advance their car around the track to Victory and a candy treat! Maybe a Picture of a driver signed!
Parent Night
Invite parents to club and have them included in all activities of the evening.
Pastor’s Popcorn Night
Pastor and his directors prepare bags of popcorn for clubbers as they sit around and hear a special message from their Pastor or Special guest. Music is always a good idea and use lighting to give the evening a special glow. Pop corn warms the spirit!
Patriotic Night
wear red, white and blue.
Pastor Appreciation Night
Ask the clubbers to write a note of appreciation to the pastor, collect them and give them to your pastor during Pastor Appreciation Week. If your clubbers don’t know your pastor (or even if they do), invite him to speak at club.
Pick Your Leader’s Nose
Guess which nose belongs to your leader. Can use pictures or have them guess live.
Pirate Night
Kids dress as pirates. Play games with gold-covered chocolate coins or have a scavenger hunt. Large Group Lesson – the Bible doesn’t talk about pirates, but we do have an account of Paul’s shipwreck. We also have other verses that talk about treasure. Acts 27/28 or Proverbs 2:3-5
Plaid & Polka Dots
Wear as much Plaid and polka dotted clothing as you can.
Pleasing Pennies Night
Place a penny in a bag for every good deed you do during the week. Parents need to help. Pennies go to AwanaGO or your Awana missionary. Winner gets a special award!
Pocket Scavenger Night
Put some junk in your pocket, see if Game Guy pulls the same thing out of his pocket
Pudding Feast Night or Pudding Plaster Night
We had two games on this night. First we would line up a clubber with a bowl of chocolate pudding in front of him. The only problem was he could not use a spoon or hands. They had to eat it by licking it out of the bowl. We did use trash bags to cover their clothes and we had wet ones for clean up. Our second game was to have two clubbers blindfolded. One clubber would feed the other clubber the chocolate pudding. Since neither clubber can see, it does make for a very fun experience.
Praying Pumpkin Night
Clubbers decorate a (small) pumpkin with praying Hands. They may carve, draw, color, or paste the Praying hands on them. Select winners. Use them to decorate the Church for harvest Festivals & Dinners.
Prince & Princess Night
It’s ok to go all out! We will have a “Princess” & “Hero” of the night Lesson might include how we are now Children of the King of kings.
Puppet Night
Clubbers make their own hand puppets and on this night, their team will give their part of the Council Time message. They may tell a bible story, or use their own special story to share with the club. You may have a youth puppet team that can help. Give clubbers a few weeks to plan their story. Good team building theme.
Purple Robe Night
We wear our purple robes to remember what Christ did for us. An Easter message is good, but this can be used anytime during the year. Have clubbers bring a purple sash to wear that night. Again, a tissue paper robe is fine.
Puzzle and Riddle Night
Each clubber is asked to bring a small puzzle or riddle to present in club. Have fun solving them.
Race to the Checkered Flag
Wear something black and white GRAND PRIX Lesson can be on finishing the race set before us.
Rain Gear Night
As Christians, we can weather any storm with the Lord to guide us. Dress up in your best or craziest rain gear. A good umbrella will do. Water balloons, buckets, and Sprinklers add to this water filled challenge outside of Course!
Riddles and Giggles Night
Everyone brings a joke to share. Large Group Lesson – a merry heart does us good. Proverbs 17:22
Rock Night
Clubbers are asked to write a verse on a small to medium size rock. You can spray these with a clear medium and seal the words. Place the verse rocks in your special Prayer Garden outside or in a small clay pot etc. in your church. Someone may need your special verse! This will work with Prayer rocks as well.
Rock the Vote
During election years, have club directors run for the “Most Fun Leader” (or something). HAve the directors campaign that night and have the clubbers vote to decide a winner.
Rose Garden Night
Have your clubbers bring in a flower or rose. Place them in your Rose Garden. Make that section of your room a special place. Tell how Jesus Loved the garden and what Took place there. Have clubbers go there to pray if they wish to. Do they have a special place to pray?
Ruler Night
All clubbers bring a ruler. You could start the night to see which team has the longest amount of inches (represented by their rulers). This would be especially fun if some brought yardsticks or tape measures. Give a point for each inch represented. You could have competitions where the result needs to be measured such as throwing a ball or frisbee (or if inside, a cotton ball). Large Group Lesson could be about a ruler such as Solomon or David. Or it could be about Colossians 3:15 on allowing the peace of God to rule in your heart.
Scavenger Hunt Night
Clubbers complete verses and sections to get a list of items to be found at home or at church tonight! Award shares or prizes to winners.
School Shirt Night / School Spirit NIght
Allow the clubbers to wear their school t-shirt (t-shirt with the name and mascot of their school).
Clubbers come dressed in all school colors. We even had some kids color their hair, skin, etc.. with their school colors! The clubber with the most spirit won a prize of the commander’s choice and everyone else that participated got 5 Awana shares.
Shoebox Night / OCC Night
We take part in Operation Christmas Child each year. We encourage each clubber to bring a new item from home that they are asked to earn the money for. Parents are encouraged to send extra shoeboxes to club. The kids will love working with wrapping paper and Placing needed items in the boxes along with a letter from them for the children overseas! You may receive replies to say thanks to the kids!!! Can be done as an individual, Team or Club.
Shoe Fly Night / Old Shoe Night
Wear your silliest, ugliest, biggest, goofiest shoes. Decorate old ones, wear someone else’s. Be creative and win a prize and points for your team. Wear your oldest shoes, mix and match or have them too small or too large! Message can be Walk the Christian walk. Have fun at Game Time with one on and one off shoe.
Put all their shoes in the middle of the room with all the players facing the wall while the game director mixed up the shoes. Then as they turned around, we turned out the lights. Every ten seconds we would turn the lights on and off. It was a very exciting game. The first team with all their shoes on won. (Make sure the lights come on quickly and that the sudden on/off of the lights will not cause seizures or other implications with the children participating.)
Show & Tell
Clubbers and/or Leaders bring an item to club that is meaningful and share.
Silent Night
This night is a challenge. Clubbers are asked to remain quiet after the flag ceremony and Book time. They may talk only to give sections! They may pass Notes. This is a night for leaders to give testimonies and praise. Clubbers must remain quiet thru the rest of club! Those who stay quiet will receive Double shares! You can try this at game time too, but it’s got to be tough!
Slipper Night
Everyone ears slippers for the night.
Snow Fun Night / Snowball Bash / Indoor Snow Carnival
- Have a huge paper fight using paper. Divide the room with chairs. Give equal amounts of paper to both sides. Typing paper or used computer paper is good.
- Games with Styrofoam snowballs. Council Time: Job 38:22
- Clubbers and Leaders should dress in as many layers of clothes as they can. When they arrive they should be taken into one large room and the number of articles of clothing taken off and counted until they get down to their normal uniform. Give shares accordingly.
Game Time – Make hundreds of snowballs out of plain white tying paper. Store them in large trash bags. Have team snowball fights. Team with the least snowballs in their circle wins. Have teams make snowmen out of one in their group or a leader. Bring several brooms, carrots, raisins, hats, etc. Have two people from your church come and judge the best snowmen.
Council Time Message -“Am I hot or Cold?” Scripture references: Revelation 3:15-16.
Awards and Treats -Winning teams get hot chocolate with marshmallows or Ice cream.
Snowman Night / “I want to be a Mummy” / Cocoon Night
Come help dress your Leaders as a snowman (wrap them in TP)
Soup-er Bowl Night (Super Bowl)
Wear your favorite team colors AND bring a can of soup for the food pantry
Flashlight Night / Sparkie Night / Fire fly Night
Clubbers bring their flashlights and light up the night for Christ! Bible stories and special snacks can make this evening very special. Turn out the lights at Council Time and let the flashlights set the mood for a special message! Use the (Blessed Beacons) flashlights at game time, to light the circle. Be alert and safe. Use low lights too. Use them at Council Time to present your message. Have clubbers turn Flashlights on every time they hear a special word. It will challenge you to create that message. All activities will be done by flashlight. Bring a flashlight and be the light that shines in a dark and weary world.
Sports Night
Clubbers come to club dressed in their favorite sports outfit. Swimmers may wear trunks over clothes. Play ball hockey, bowling game, or sponge football (foam ball)Or wear your favorite team outfit AND bring a can of soup for the food pantry
State Fair Night (Awana Fair Night)
Decorate room & have clubbers bring stuffed animals to judge, pies, stories to share, and have balloons to give away. You can have clubbers say a verse to earn a balloon, candy, or popcorn! Have a good message on Christian Fellowship and why we rejoice in knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior every day! Can also be used as an end of year celebration and allow clubbers to spend shares for game tickets and prizes.
Stuffed Animal Night / Zoo Night
All clubbers like to bring their favorite stuffed animal to club.
Stump the Pastor Night
Let the clubbers ask the Pastor questions.
Super Hero Night
Dress like your favorite Super Hero. (Jesus is our Super Hero)
Super Size Night / Big Night
EVERYTHING IS BIGGER- Play games with supersized game equipment, Double bucks, Lesson on how God is bigger than everything. Wear big clothes.
Super Sundae Night / A Month of Sundaes
Clubbers earn toppings and scoops for sections said. A good way to encourage clubbers to catch up if they’ve fallen behind in the handbooks.
Surprise Guest / Mystery Guest
Have an outsider come in and do council time. ( Policeman, fireman, nurse, doctor, dentist, builder, dry waller on stilts.) Have them give a message about how their jobs can reflect Christ.
T&T Taco Night
Dads and clubbers will have a good time as the Boys hold Council Time and give testimonies and praise. A good night for sharing and fellowship. The tacos can be prepared before club if need be and they will go quickly as will the time! Have fun.
T&T Tea Night (Mother & Daughter Tea)
Just for the girls and their Moms. Serve tea and cake, or a punch while the Girls give the Council Time message on Mothers and love & share their Testimonies.
T&T Telegram Night
Have your clubbers from each team, write to another Awana club. Select one from a church web site. Send pictures and a prayer for their club. Maybe they will want to write back and you can share yearly stories of fun worship and sharing the Gospel with others!
T&T Tree Night
As a special challenge to the clubs, on this night have them present a list of all the trees found in the Holy Lands. What trees played a part in bible stories? What trees were used to make Noah’s Ark, The Cross, or the boats used by Christ and his Disciples.
Tacky T-Shirt Night
Also known as ratty shirt night, this is for that one very special, old torn up, I don’t want to part with it, T-Shirt! Award prizes to best story about their shirt.
Tacky Tie Night
Raid Dad’s closet and wear the Tackiest tie you can find or make.
Talent Night
What a great self esteem builder and this is a great way to get parents and families to come and see what AWANA is all about! This activity takes a little more pre-planning than most, but it is worth it all.
1) Have a sign up sheet for the clubbers and leaders to put down what they want to do several weeks ahead. Everything from singing, playing an instrument, gymnastics, fly casting, decorating, etc. Clubbers who don’t feel they have a talent can be production or stage assistants helping get things moved and ready for the next act.
2) Important: Make sure someone in Leadership approves all the music and talent acts before hand. Parents or family members are invited to the evening and can be in the act with their family members. This activity only allows for 45 minutes of handbook time and the remainder of the evening is for the Show.
Council Time Message -“How can I use my talents for Christ?” Scripture references: Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4:13; II Timothy 2:15-16.
Awards and Treats -Serve a simple punch after the Show so the actors and participants can mingle with friends and family.
Team Color Night
Wear as much of your team color as you can. Other decorations are allowed and encouraged. Take team pictures.
Testimony NIght
Encourage clubbers to bring a friend for extra points. Have leaders and clubbers share brief testimonies of faith and praise.
Time Capsule Night
The first night of club gather together items for a time capsule. If you plan to open the capsule at the end of the year, you could have the clubbers write down two or three goals and simply put those in the capsule. You could also have the clubbers guess the results of upcoming happenings of the year: How many nights will Awana be called because of snow? How will the local sports team do in the final rankings? Will Leader Katie have a boy or a girl? How many total verses will be said during the year? (Of course, then you do need to keep track.)
Or, you could do a longer capsule – one to be opened when most of the kids are graduating from high school. Include a current event update, goals the kids have, goals you have for your Awana club and anything else you would like to put in the capsule.
Large Group Lesson could be about redeeming the time. Ephesians 5:16
Tin Can Line Up
Clubbers bring cans of food. Line them up on their game line. See which color line makes the longest line. Give the food to needy families or a food bank.
Toilet Paper Night
Bring toilet paper for the food pantry.
Town Night
What’s happening in your town right now? Are you having a pumpkin festival, a winter festival, a cheese festival? Is the new mall opening? Is the high school basketball team heading for the state championship? Think of ways you can incorporate that into a theme night. Perhaps you could collect food for a community food bank as part of the theme.
Treasure Chest Night
Lock a chest full of secret treasure away and have clubbers earn keys (combination numbers) by weekly completing their sections. When they reach a goal, (quarterly or sooner), have this night set up for clubbers to say a verse and try their numbers on the lock! You can even have a box of numbers for clubbers to pick from no one may win first time out!
Twins Night / Bring a Friend
Dress up like a friend or for more challenge your whole group
Biblical twins = Jacob & Esau
Ugly Sweater Night
Wear your ugliest sweater to clubs. Ask Mon and Dad to look in the attic for a real favorite!!
Veggie Game Night
Do relay races having the children eat the raw vegetables. They have to eat their veggie before the next person comes out. Have them run around the circle before eating not after eating. We us baby carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers and my favorite brussel sprouts. I don’t recommend hot peppers. Use small paper plates to keep everything off the ground and for ease of cleanup. It is a lot of fun and they get some healthy food along the way. Make them eat only one food item at a time to prevent choking hazards. This is also a good time to show a short Veggie Tales video during the counsel time.
Verse a wheel
Make a large wheel with a spinner in the middle. Place verses references around the wheel and let Clubbers spin to win! Change the verses weekly.
VIP Parent Night
Do this very early in the year. Invite the parent to spend the entire night with the children during game time, counsel time and handbook time. At the end of the night do the longest ice cream sundae. Use rain gutters and set them on tables so the clubbers can get to either side. Have the entire club (let Cubbies do their own ice cream separately) gather around the ice cream sundae, welcome all the parents and invite them to join in, say a quick prayer and them let nature take its course. You can put Styrofoam bowls inside the rain gutter to keep it cleaner but have the clubbers and parents eat out of the rain gutters. You can add cherries, candies and chocolate syrup. If you use whip cream wait until the very last moment to put it on or it will just melt away. Check for food allergies ahead of time or you will have a disappointed child, or worse yet, a sick one. It only takes about 10 minutes to devour about 20-30 gallons of ice cream. You need to get all the ice cream and fixings ahead of time and have freezer space to store it. You will need some people to help dish the ice cream out and prepare it. Wait until about 15 minutes to chow time to allow enough time to make up the ice cream but not too long so everything is melted. Check the ice cream ahead of time in case it is too hard to scoop out. Oh yeah, let them use spoons.
Watermelon Night
Clubbers have a feast on watermelon, but must keep the seeds. The winners will have the most seeds.
Wet Sponge Night / Pie the Commander
Throw a wet sponge (or other Gooey items) at your Leader/Director/Commander. Suggestions- Wet car sponge, spaghetti, pudding, whipped cream, shaving cream, mud, mealworms, earthworms, the grosser the happier the kids.
? duz ur <3 belong 2– Who does your heart belong to?
Gospel message, Council Time can be loving hearts, keeping Christ in our heart.
Winter Wonderland Night
Wear something with a snowman or a snowflake on it.
Wise Men Still Seek Him Night
Dress as of one of the three Wise men seeking the new born King! How will you seek the Lord Jesus? Where can you find Him? What gifts do you bring to our Lord and Savior? A night of fun & lessons. Wear something with a star on it.
Yo-yo and Frisbee Night
Clubbers may bring their yo-yos and Frisbee’s to club to be used at Game Time. Yo-yo games and skills, with Frisbee throws into boxes with slots cut in them. Pick Awana colors.
Zoo night
Bring one of your favorite stuffed animals to share with your team. Lesson on Creation or Noah’s Ark.
