What we do

The actual program of Sidewalk is the same as Kidz Klub, but instead of being inside a building - it is done on the side of a specially converted truck. We drive to the site, park up, and the side of the truck comes down to make an outdoor stage from which Kidz Klub is run. We turn up at the same place at the same time every week - the kids know that we will be there. A couple of days before the Klub starts, we visit the kids ourselves and give them flyers to let them know whats happening at Kidz Klub that week - it's also an incentive as the best coloured in flyer that week wins a prize. It's great to meet the kids and families in their homes and on the streets - we get to know them and they get to know us in ways that can never happen at an ordinary children's club.

So here's what we do:

COUNTDOWN: During set up on site the team is constantly chatting and messing around with the kids - some of them help us set up and set down as well as be involved in the dramas and games. Then the countdown begins....3...2...1..-

RULES: A solid five minutes is spent explaining the four rules every week - it's a process of education and discipline.

SONGS: Fast paced Gospel actions songs are sung - made varied and exciting.

GAMES: The primary reason many first time kids come to Sidewalk. The games are in competition between the boys and the girls - and they love it! The games are fast, fun and often totally messy. Our aim is not to do the same game twice in one year!

MEMORY VERSE & BIBLE LESSON: The verse for the week is explained followed by a Bible Lesson supporting that verse - it is usually a drama and often some of the kids get involved in the drama.

OBJECT LESSONS: Three object lessons are given - one after the other. In each lesson we have a visual object to illustrate the teaching we give - just like the parables of Jesus. Object lessons often have teaching on not bullying, standing up for what's right, not giving in to drugs, keeping out of crime, respecting your parents and so on. The lessons are short, to the point and can be very hard hitting. It has to be - our goal is to give these kids one truth each week that they can take home and make a part of their lives.

POINT OF DECISION: This is all tied up at the end in a point of decision - often a prayer. Recently we got all the kids to hold all the problems they were having out in their hands and at the count of three to throw it up into the air and give it to God. The point was not to hold onto their problems and worry about it but to give it to God and move on.