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Programming

Special Programs

In addition to weekend programming, there are various special programs that we offer for kids, parents and volunteers.

Real Friends

This is our ministry for special needs kids and families. Our heart behind this ministry is to create a place for children who have different abilities and needs that require closer attention during our weekend services. We believe that all children can and should experience the gospel in their own unique way, and we want to provide a place for all children to have that opportunity.
STANDARD VERSION: We will have a "buddy system" in place at every campus. Kids will be mainstreamed with their age group during weekend services, and they will be assigned a leader who can provide individual care and attention.
FULL PROGRAMMING: We will have a full program in place only at select locations based on the space, resources and people available. This will include a sensory room, dedicated programming and trained leaders.
WELCOMING A NEW FAMILY
As a Sandals Church Kids Staff when we prepare to launch Real Friends it is important to gather the right information from parents in order to best serve their child(ren). In most situations, you will be checking the family in as a new Family Check-In. In that case you will follow the same procedures for a new Family/Child Check-In and also have them fill out the Real Friends
Parent Questionnaire
⁠
. You can utilize this form via the iPad given to you as a SC Kids Staff.
SUPPLIES
Click
HERE
⁠
to see what items you can purchase to get a baseline starter kit as you prepare your team members to serve in Real Friends.
ROLES
STAFF: As a Sandals Church Kids Staff member, it is your responsibility to ensure proper care and communication to the parents of our children with special needs and different abilities that participate in Real Friends. If a parent or guardian is in need of assistance or has questions it is your responsibility to be available for them as the staff member is the first point of contact for the family.
REAL FRIENDS TEAM LEADER: The Real Friends Team Lead is the go-to person for any Real Friends Buddies or Team Members. As a Real Friends Team Lead, you are responsible for training, equipping and caring for the team members who serve on the Real Friends Team. This team member reports directly to the Sandals Church Kids Lead for their campus when there are any needs, concerns, or even exciting wins!
BUDDY: Real Friends Buddies are on the front lines of the ministry loving on and caring for our children that participate in the Real Friends Ministry. During a service, our buddies will wear the yellow Real Friends lanyard in order to indicate that they are a part of the Real Friends Team. This allows for parents, other team members, and staff to easily identify those who can pair up with a child who has special needs. Our Buddies are designated team members who give intentional and personal care to the child who arrives at your campus who is in need of special assistance during their time in Sandals Church Kids.

Kids Serving Teams

We want to engage kids in the mission of our church by giving them opportunities to serve. 2nd-6th Grade kids will be get a chance to volunteer within our kids ministry as greeters, worship leaders, production team members and more. Kids must fill out an application in order to join this team.
GUIDELINES
Serving is a privilege. Kids must recognize that they are here to help, not to create additional distractions. If kids become a distraction to other kids/volunteers they may be asked to take a break from serving.
Serving is a commitment. Kids must commit to attending church every week in addition to their volunteer role. Our expectation for them is the same as adults: attend a service, serve a service.
Maintain age gaps. Volunteering in a role with their own age group presents all kinds of challenges. That's why we want at least 5 years of separation between their age and the age of the kids they serve. For example, if a child is 11 then we will want them to serve with kids who are 6 and younger. (This only applies to small group settings.)
Nursery limits. No matter how responsible a child may be, we will avoid placing them in a nursery room with babies and toddlers.
Inside our kids environments. We will not place a child in a volunteer role outside of our kids area unless they are serving with their parent.

AVAILABLE ROLES
Check-in: Help with electronic check-in and/or welcome kids as they arrive.
Production: Help run the lighting, sound and media.
Worship: Lead worship on stage during Large Group.
Small Group Helper: Assist a small group leader.
Create your own! You are free to create your own volunteer role for kids as long as it fits within the guidelines above.

PRO TIP
Enlist a volunteer to manage this team. They can take on the scheduling and communication with kids/parents.

Real Adventure Team

This is a midweek service that takes place on Wednesday nights.* It is designed to help kids grow deeper in their faith and closer to each other.
*This program is only offered at select campuses that have hosted it in the past. It will be implemented at new campuses moving forward.
Real Adventure Team teaches kids age 3 up through 6th grade how to love being real with God through energetic games, Bible teaching experiences and group time with friends. We use Awana curriculum.
It is on Wednesday nights from January 8 through May 13 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. The cost is $40/child per semester. The registration fee includes handbooks, uniform, badges, awards and week-to-week fun! (And a multiple child discount is available.)
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Protocols
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