Pull back the wheel chocks, our new Sparks program is
about to take off. For decades Sparks has helped kids in kindergarten
through second grade explore and understand the truths found in the
Bible. Clubbers this age are becoming more aware of their need to trust
Jesus as their Savior. In Sparks, they have many chances to hear the
gospel, invite friends to join the adventure and let their faith soar!
Program Update Sparks will soon roll out of the hangar newly
refurbished with a fresh curriculum outline and appearance. Program
revisions reflect the feedback of parents, leaders and clubbers,
and answers to the Biggest Questions survey. Current club materials
will gradually be phased out, making way for an exciting new flight
theme.
New Ranks Lifting off the tarmac, Sparks will
feature three brand new books, introducing each one over
the course of three club years. Beginning in fall 2008,
each new Sparkie will float skyward in HangGlider™ (formerly
Skipper). In fall 2009, clubbers completing HangGlider™ will
soar among the clouds in WingRunner™ (formerly Hiker).
Finally, in 2010, Sparkies who completed the first two
handbooks will streak across the hemispheres in SkyStormer™ (formerly
Climber). Current Sparkies should continue in their present
handbooks and award systems, progressing as before to Hiker
and Climber as appropriate. Integration of the new Sparks
ranks will proceed as follows:
2008 HangGlider
Hiker
Climber
2009 HangGlider
WingRunner
Climber
2010 HangGlider
WingRunner
SkyStormer
New Handbooks HangGlider, WingRunner and SkyStormer will
take Sparkies on a chronological journey through Scripture — Genesis
through Revelation — with regular layovers to meet important
Bible characters along the way. Each book includes verse memory
sections, Bible biographies, and activities. The handbooks are
enhanced with an audio handbook CD.
New Characters Children will love meeting Sparky’s three
new friends: Chloe, an outspoken girl who focuses on God’s
bigger picture; Joel, a smart techie and the practical joker of
the group; and Jacob, a compassionate boy who always sees the good
in people. All three characters have names that are both contemporary
and biblical.
New Award System The familiar Sparks vest will remain, but with
an updated logo and new rank emblems. Parents will no longer have
to remove the clubber’s previous rank emblem before applying
the new one. Now Sparkies will receive pilot wings instead of crowns
to display their achievement jewels. (The jewels and jewel tool
have not changed.)
New Multimedia Each handbook contains an audio handbook
CD that includes dramatic readings of the Bible biographies
and a helpful timeline.
An optional animated DVD, called “In-flight Movie,” will
entertain Sparkies. “In-flight Movie” features eight three-minute
segments starring Chloe, Joel, Jacob and their precocious friend, Emma.
A CD with verse music for each Sparks handbook will
also be available. It includes the updated Sparks theme song! Add it
to the curriculum for even more gospel-centered fun.
New Leader Guides Brand new to Sparks are the FlightPlan handbook
leader guides, beginning fall 2008 with HangGlider FlightPlan.
This FlightPlan corresponds directly with the clubber handbooks
telling the leader everything they need to know to lead their Sparkies
effectively on each leg of their Sparks journey.
