Author Jack Eggar gives the inside scoop on new Sparky Shines His Light book

Our new Sparks® program is nearly at cruising altitude. For decades, Sparks has helped kids in kindergarten through second grade explore and understand the truths found in the Bible. Children 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
In 2008, Sparks rolled out of the hangar newly refurbished with a fresh curriculum outline and appearance. Program revisions reflect the feedback of parents, leaders and Sparkies, as well as answers to the Biggest Questions survey. Classic club materials are gradually being phased out, making way for an exciting new flight theme.

New Ranks
With the three year update completed in 2010, Sparks will feature three brand new books. Beginning in 2008, each new Sparkie leaps skyward in HangGlider® (formerly Skipper) after completing Flight 3:16, the updated entrance booklet. In 2009, clubbers completing HangGlider 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). Integration of the new Sparks ranks has proceeded as follows:

New Handbooks
HangGlider, WingRunner and SkyStormer will take Sparkies on a sequential 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 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 remains, but with an updated logo and new rank emblems. Parents no longer have to remove the clubber’s previous rank emblem before applying the new one. Now Sparkies 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. View trailer

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 guide books, beginning with HangGlider FlightPlan. These FlightPlans correspond directly with the kids’ handbooks, telling the leader everything they need to know to lead their Sparkies effectively on each leg of their Sparks journey. Also there is the new the WHO Do I Need to Know From the Bible? three-book series, great resources for teachers to use during Large Group Time. These books contain even more biographies of Bible characters not included in the handbooks.

Questions?
Contact Customer Care at
(866) 292-6227
or sparks@awana.org