The Cabana & Hut

 Following are some guidelines for serving:

TEAM HUDDLE:  We gather for a team huddle 25 minutes prior to each service. This is an important time for the team to connect with each other, hear what’s going on in the ministry and clarify information about the lesson. If something comes up and you are running late, it is imperative that you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start of service so we can begin receiving children into the room.

Arrival:  If you have your own kids with you and they go to class in a different room, you can have their labels printed before going to K-3 and once we have the volunteer team in place to accept them into their rooms, you can take them down there.  A nametag will be provided for you, you can keep it on the provided hooks in the room.  We require all team members to wear it to identify you in the ministry.  If you haven’t received a team T-shirt please see Laura, we would love you to wear that when you serve as well!

Lesson Plans:  Each weekend there will be a new Lesson Plan written specifically for K-3.  Our Lesson Plans include everything needed for the Small Group application where a more intentional learning time happens.  Each small group leader will take a group of 8-10 children to a carpet and follow the Lesson Plan during Large and Small group times.  

Supplies:  Supplies for the Lesson Plan activities will be in a bin labeled for the specific age group (K-1 or 2-3).  If supplies are missing, let the Service Manager know.

Activity Stations:  The room is set up to allow children to have a free play time at the beginning of service time until Large Group Time.  There will be standard toys and some “theme” related toys that will be switched out with each theme change. During this time, the role of room volunteers is to greet children, help them transition into the room and get to know them a little better.

Large Group Time:  Each weekend there will be a Large Group Leader that will lead the kids in an interactive Worship and Bible learning time from the stage. The role of other room volunteers during this time is to help children stay engaged. Early during the Large Group time, the Large Group Leader will divide kids up into age-related groups and you will take your group and where you’ve placed you small group bin on a carpet.

Small Group Time:  Each small group leader will take a group of kids (based on grade) to a blue carpet and follow the Lesson Plan provided. Both Large Group & Small Group Lesson Plans are sent out by email in advance and it is very beneficial to review these plans ahead of coming into the room. Our potential new team members will shadow another seasoned leader before taking a group on their own. Students Helpers may need to shadow several times before they are comfortable leading.

Group Management – If you have a child who is disrupting your group and you’ve attempted to re-direct with no success, please let the Service Manager know.  We will do what we can to help everyone have a successful time.

Food:  We typically do not offer food in the elementary rooms. When a snack or edible item is used, we will put a sign on the door to notify parents. Note:  Food allergies are listed on children name tags. Please take a quick glance prior to passing out food items to reconfirm no one has allergies.  Also, please DO NOT bring any food/candy for kids from home due to allergies.  We are a peanut-free classroom environment.

Bathroom:  There are bathrooms located in the room. Children should notify their small group leader that they will be using the bathroom. If a child is taking too long, the small group leader should check on them. Knock on the door and ask the child, by name, if he/she is okay. If assistance is needed, ONLY ADULTS may assist as per our Safe Sanctuary policy.

Checkout:  Children are to remain with their Small Groups until parents come in to pick them up unless a change in programming is made. Parents will be directed to the rug where you will release the child and give them the papers they have completed. Parents are then to take their child to the adult checkout person at the exit side of the room where they will match the parent tag to the child’s tag. If at any time you notice that a child has lost his/or her name tag, please let the Service Manager know so a new tag can be printed.

Cleanup:  Please make sure to return your Small Group bin to the counter. Projects that have been left can be placed on the exit side of the stage.  After the 11:00 service please roll up your carpet and place it in the “hut” on the other side of the divided wall.

Some final thoughts:  Every week, you can expect organized chaos. It is often loud and the kids have a lot of energy. There are lots of surprises. Each child has a different story, which means they bring different strengths, emotions and behaviors to the room. Serving can certainly be challenging at times. On the flip side, every week you can expect that your presence allows you the unique privilege of impacting the children with a purpose. You get to meet them where they are and demonstrate God’s love to them. You get to speak spiritual truths so they begin to build authentic faith beyond the home. You get to be silly and see things through the eyes of a child. Most likely, you will not see immediate results of your efforts or how you have truly influenced the children, but don’t underestimate the fact that you have done so. Every once in a while, though, you get to see a child come to a moment of realization or take a next step. Be sure to take a picture of these moments in your mind so you can remember that EVERY time you serve, you most definitely are making an eternal investment!