– 5-Day Club FAQ
What is a 5-Day Club?
5-Day Club is an exciting, fun-filled one hour Bible club held each day for five consecutive days. It includes: dynamic Bible lessons, creative learning activities, inspiring missionary story, meaningful songs and life-changing Scripture memorization.
Who sponsors the club?
5-Day Club is sponsored by CEF, an international, Bible-centered organization, which has been in existence for over 75 years. CEF currently ministers in over 180 countries, teaching biblical principles to more than ten million children each year.
Who can attend?
5-Day Club is open to all boys and girls between the ages of five and twelve, regardless of religious background. You are welcome to attend the club with your child.
Who teaches the club?
Christian teens and adults who are concerned for the spiritual well-being of your child teach the club. These teachers have received specialized training from CEF and are carefully screened as required by CEF’s child protection policy.
Is there any cost?
There is no charge for your child to attend. An optional missionary offering will be taken each day to support overseas mission work.
How will the club benefit your child?
Your child will learn: Biblical principles, moral values, character qualities and respect for authority.
Will your child be safe?
CEF has taken specific steps to insure the safety of your child. All club workers have been carefully screened as required by CEF’s child protection policy.
Christian Youth in Action™ (CYIA™) is a program designed to train young people in effective and engaging ways to teach children about God. The young people attend one week training school where they learn to present the Gospel clearly on a child’s level, guide a child for salvation and lead a dynamic club ministry for kids. Components of this club include teaching a Bible lesson, a real-life missionary story and a Bible verse as well as leading songs, games and a fun review time.
After this training, they will return to their local community and teach clubs at various locations with a team of other young people. These clubs take place out in the community with predominantly unsaved kids who don’t regularly attend church. They take the light of the gospel to them in their apartment complexes, daycare centers, neighborhoods, schools and other community locations.
– CYIA FAQ
Can anyone join?
Well, yes and no. Yes, anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior may apply. You should be growing in your faith and have a consistent walk with God. You must also be in agreement with our Statement of Faith which is included in our application. However, if you have not yet gained a relationship with Christ, this program is not for you yet. Speak with a Christian friend or Pastor to find out how you can enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Take about a year to really grow in your faith and then try us again. Oh, yeah – you must be between the ages of 13 through college age.
Is there any cost?
Yes. The cost for training school is $350 plus your materials. This provides all your lodging, meals, recreation, and instruction for your 8 day, 7 night school experience. Some of CEF’s local offices may provide some financial assistance with this cost. Check with your local CEF office and speak with a representative to see how they may be able to assist.
What is the deadline to apply?
Deadline is April 1st to apply for new students (see dates above.) You should download and completely fill out your application and submit it to your local CEF office by this date. There are some reference forms that must be completed as well so you shouldn’t wait until the day before the deadline to download your application.
Can I serve in my hometown?
Although we have opportunities for you to serve in other countries, yes you will begin here at your own hometown. This gives you the experience of missions work with the convenience of home. Also, children in your own hometown need Christ as badly as children from other areas so you’ll be doing a great and needed work.
I need a summer job. How can I do both?
Well, you may not be able to do both. You should first carefully pray about this decision and be sure this is God’s will for your summer. If you feel sure it is then don’t let anything stop you from obeying – even if it seems impossible. But you also can receive a salary for being in this summer missions program. Contact your local CEF office for details on receiving a salary while working in missions this summer.
I’m going on a missions trip with my church. Can I do both?
That depends. You should contact your local CEF office. Normally, arrangements can be made but a clearer answer could come from your local CEF.
When does this take place?
Your local CEF sets up a pre-training, usually in the month of May. Then you will go to the Christian Youth In Action state-wide training school in June. After your week of school you will have some refresher courses and practical experience the following week. Then the real fun begins – 5 weeks of ministry reaching boys and girls with the Gospel in your own community along with other students from your area. This, my friend is simply awesome. Nothing like it!
Who is in charge of this program?
Child Evangelism Fellowship is the world largest children’s ministry reaching over 10 million children last year with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We’ve been around for over 75 years and boy, has God taught us a thing or two about children’s ministry. You can learn more by visiting our international website at www.cefonline.com/ministries/5dayclub.
What will I be doing in this program?
You will be learning how to share your faith, the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, with boys and girls ages 5-12 in local hometown day cares, apartment complexes, community centers, and homes. Normally you will be assigned with other students to go to three or four locations a day for five consecutive days meeting with the same children. You’ll sing songs, play games, teach memory verses and Bible lessons with a gospel emphasis and invitation. You could reach literally hundreds of children with the Gospel this summer and even watch as many accept God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life!
I have taken a class in sharing my faith before. Do I really need to go to the training school?
Yep. It’s good that you have some training under your belt but we teach you how to share the Gospel in very simplistic terms we call “childrenese”. Plus, for you to really use the materials provided for you this summer, it may be good to know how they work. Not only that, but do you really want to miss out on the great speakers, live music, and new friends you’ll gain at the training school? I didn’t think so.
What is my first step to become a summer missionary?
Your first step is prayer. Ask God for his wisdom and guidance about this major decision. Don’t take this lightly. This is a major commitment – to God. Like God’s Word says, you need to count the cost. Then, you should download the application, fill out your part and have your references fill out their part. Finally, get it turned into your local CEF office before the deadline date of April 1st. You’ll have an interview process and may have a few other things that your local CEF office can cover with you but these are your first steps.
I’m not sure about this. Is there someone I could talk to?
Sure. Call our office at (757) 589-6210. We have representatives ready to answer your questions, pray with you, and assist you. Hey, don’t be afraid – they’re pretty nice folks who really care about people just like you!
What about family vacations?
That depends. You should contact your local CEF office. Normally, arrangements can be made but a clearer answer could come from your local CEF.
When will I find out if I’ve been approved to serve this summer?
Application processing can take 2 to 4 weeks so be patient. Your local CEF representative will contact you as soon as a decision has been made.
Why do you have an application process?
Honestly, we are looking for students who are sincere about their faith and desire to make the name of Christ famous. The application process helps us to get to know you. We also take great care to be sure that we are sending students that are ready for the demands of missions service. We don’t want to send you out to fail knowing you may not be quite ready for this type of adventure.
Can my friend come with me and be a summer missionary also?
That would be great! Of course, just like you, your friend will need to count the cost of a full summer of service and fill out an application. Then, pray for one another, seeking only that God’s Will be done for both of your lives.