First of all, we think of Friends "keys" as affirmations more than rewards or something kids earn. We want to catch kids in the act of doing something positive (like demonstrating gentleness), and then celebrate that with them.

In terms of other ideas to affirm kids, you could also use the Friends affirmation stickers. Or verbal affirmations or written notes from leaders (like in the journals where there is a place for an encouraging note from your leader). In other words, lots of affirmation is good, too!

I would suggest, though, that you consider trying the Fruit of the Spirit keys. Perhaps there is someone in your church that would be willing to be a key sponsor, contributing to your program in that way. One of the neat things beyond the affirmation about the Friends keys is how kids show them to others. It is a great way to talk about their Friends program -- and about their faith!

I hope these ideas have been helpful for you. Please let me know if I can be of service in any other way. God bless you and your ministry!

Deb Bernard

Curriculum Senior Marketing Manager

I must say that I am using them at the end of the quarter as affirmations as to what they learned. I did a presentation with the Fruit of the Spirit key for winter.

The children went into the church on the platform. four of the children had posters with a balloon attached. When they popped the balloons they spelled out the word L o v e and then everyone yelled Love, The fruit of the spirit is love, Love one another.

I told the congregation that these children are receiving the keys for a affrimation, that when they look at the key they will remember the fruit of the Spirit.

I also told everyone that sense they have seen this presentation of the balloons, If they have a fallout with anyone, that now the Holy Spirit can use a simple thing like a balloon to remind them that the fruit of the spirit is love and to love each other.

I have decided to use one of the keys, the friends key, the one with the faithweaver cross on it. When someone accepts the Lord, we will be giving them a bible and this key. I think that it is a good affrimation of their salvation. When they look at it, it will remind them that they gave their heart to the Lord.

Have fun and enjoy this program, It is great, I love it. Sometimes I feel so guilty that I like it so much.

I have seen so much growth in the short 7 week we have started.

At first my group just said they need God to help them with homework, and everyone said the same thing. Now they are asking God to help them to clean their room, with homework, to be more friendly with their neighbors.

My assistant last night, on her own had the children in our group pray while had to get something. When I returned she was praying with the children. Praise the Lord, I see such a growth. I have one little boy who is basicaly a one on one or he rolls around, doesen't pay attention. Last night he was an angel, he did his journal, and some of the children even helped him with out asking while I helped another.\

We started with 23 children and now have 31.

They love the wackey Holiday, I started a kackey door prize, just a dollar toy. I was a clown last night and the kids went wild. I love this program and best of all the kids love it too.

sorry I am so long, but I can't stop talking about this program

Just Have fun and like I tell my leaders, let the kid out.

Evalen

Let us know if we can be of service in any way. And God bless you and your ministry!

Deb Bernard

Curriculum Senior Marketing Manager