FAQs about GEMS Girls' Clubs

What ages of girls can join a GEMS Girls’ Club? Where do clubs meet? How long do meetings last? What does a typical meeting look like? Who are the leaders? What materials are needed? How do parents feel about GEMS Girls’ Clubs? Is there a program for boys? What is the church’s/organization's role in sponsoring a GEMS Girls’ Club? What does GEMS Girls’ Clubs provide member churches and other Christian organizations?

What ages of girls can join a GEMS Girls’ Club?

While not every church or Christian organization begins their club program at the same grade level, materials are available to girls in first through eighth grades.

Where do clubs meet?

Most clubs meet in the sponsoring church or Christian organization and utilize classroom space as well as larger meeting spaces.

How long do meetings last?

Most clubs meet for 2 hours every week or every other week from September through April or May.

What does a typical meeting look like?

Clubs are free to design their meeting so that it meets the needs of the girls in their program.

Typical programs include the following components:

• 6:30 Opening (Large Group)
• Welcome and Object Lesson or Devotional Thought
• Praise and Worship
• Prayer
• Announcements
• 6:55 Bible studies in Small Groups
• 7:35 Activity Time in Small Groups
• Badge Work, Games, Service Projects, or Crafts-with-a-Purpose
• 8:15 Snack (Large Group or Small), Closing Prayer, Clean-up
• 8:30 Dismissal
  

Who are the leaders? Women of faith who desire to see girls know Christ better and who are willing to work at developing a loving, nurturing relationship with a small group of six to eight girls become the leaders, or counselors, in GEMS Clubs. What materials are needed? Each level of the program – Awareness for girls in first through third grades, Discovery, for girls in fourth through sixth grades, and Advanced for girls in seventh through eighth grades – has its own set of exciting, age-appropriate materials. For more information, go to Program at a Glance.

How do parents feel about GEMS Girls’ Clubs? Over and over again parents express sincere appreciation for the caring, encouraging, faith nurturing environment their daughters experience at GEMS. Lasting friendships are made and decisions are made in advance about how they will live their lives in the future. Is there a program for boys? Yes, the Cadet Corps is the name of a club program for boys with the goal of helping boys grow spiritually in all areas of life. The Christian Service Brigade is another ministry that seeks to build young men to love and serve Christ. Both ministries utilize men to reach and disciple boys for Christ.

Whatis the church's/organization's role in sponsoring a GEMS Girls' Club?

• Uphold and seek to accomplish the mission of this ministry – to help bring girls into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ.

• Embrace and hold as truth our Statement of Faith.

• Provide for regular and consistent Bible study in club by utilizing the materials produced by GEMS Girls’ Clubs.

• Provide Christ-inspired and Christ-directed leadership to the girls in club through the prayerful selection, supervision, and support of mentors (counselors).

• Ensure that the club meets regularly throughout a designated season.

• Support the international ministry of GEMS Girls’ Clubs through regular and consistent prayer.

• Support the ministry of GEMS financially by ensuring that annual club dues are sent to the GEMS Service Center.

• Support the ministry of GEMS financially by collecting and forwarding to the GEMS Service Center one annual offering.

What does GEMS Girls’ Clubs provide member churches and other Christian organizations? Provide Christ-inspired and Christ-directed leadership to the overall, international ministry. Develop effective, inspiring program materials for girls and their mentors (counselors) which are Biblically based and culturally relevant. Organize, plan, and provide multiple training opportunities annually for mentors (counselors) so they can be prepared and fully equipped to lead. Develop, implement, and oversee the "Sister Club" Program which provides financial support to African Clubs. Regularly pray for the girls and counselors in GEMS Clubs everywhere.