Do you want to change the world?
Invest in a girl.
Statistics can be sobering. Like the statistic that shows 7 out of 10 girls believe they don’t measure up in some way. Or that a girl’s self esteem peaks at age 9, and girls as young as 5 worry about their weight. Those are the stats, but GEMS Girls’ Clubs knows the facts. The fact is: Girls are valuable, worthy, and strong. At GEMS we show girls the truth of God’s Word—the truth of who He is and what He says about them. Because when girls know that God loves them and is for them, we know they can change the world.
It Starts Here When you start a GEMS Club in your church, school, or Christian organization, you are saying, “Yes!” to helping girls discover their purpose and potential. The added benefit is you are also creating a supportive community for the women who volunteer to lead.
What others are saying:
GEMS is committed to: Being easy to join—you can sign up and start any time. Creating materials that make biblical truth accessible to all girls—no matter their background or exposure to God and His Word. Designing straightforward lessons that require minimal preparation for volunteers. Remaining affordable; you can start a club for less than $9 per girl.
“[With GEMS], the response from our girl has been far greater than any response I have had from them over the past three years. The change that has occurred in our girls has been nothing short of amazing—they are engaged, asking questions, getting clear answers, and giving their hearts to Jesus.” – Jasmine Labombard, GEMS Leader
“The impact our club has had in and through the girls is remarkable. So many God-orchestrated blessings have come from our decision. GEMS has positively impacted the school climate and has not gone unnoticed by staff.” – Laurie Postema, GEMS Leader (hosts her club at a public school)
Fun. Girls want to come back for more—and will bring their friends! GEMS has options for girls in grades 1-8, but you can pick the levels you want to include in your club. All of the materials are flexible, and you can tailor the program to meet your needs.
Less than $9 per girl
Find us on social media!
Want to learn more? Contact GEMS today!
616-241-5616 | servicecenter@gemsgc.org | gemsgc.org
GEMS Girls’ Clubs | a division of Dynamic Youth Ministries 1333 Alger St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | PO Box 1100 Norwich, ON N0P 1P0
STARTI NG & O RGAN IZI NG A NEW GEMS GIRLS’ CLUB
TABLE O F CO NTENTS WHO WE ARE ............................................ 4 OUR PROGRAMS ........................................ 6 CLUB LIFE ................................................ 7 HOW TO BECOME A CLUB ............................ 8 GETTING STARTED ................................... 10 ORDERING SUPPLIES . . .............................. 11 TRAINING .......................................... 12-13 OUTREACH MINISTRIES ............................ 13 CURRICULUM AT A GLANCE. . ...................... 14 FAQ........................................................ 15 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION. . ..................... 18
HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US AT: (616) 241-5616 ext. 2 | hello@gemsgc.org gemsgc.org
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OUR NAME AND MISSION
WELCO M E
9. We believe that the Holy Spirit abides with and comforts us until Christ’s return (John 14:16).
The name GEMS stands for Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior. Our mission is to help bring girls into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ.
GEMS Girls’ Clubs is a relationship-building club program that offers girls a place to learn and grow as they discover who God created them to be! Clubs are offered through local churches and Christian organizations for girls in grades 1-8.
10. We believe that when Jesus returns from Heaven all will be raised—those who believe will have eternal life in Him; those who do not believe will be eternally condemned (John 5: 28-29).
We seek to embrace our mission by:
At its heart, GEMS is a place to belong. At club, girls are welcomed into a vibrant community of mentors and peers who genuinely care about them. In this context, they are free to learn about God and His amazing love for them.
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partnering with churches and other Christian organizations to establish thriving club programs where girls feel valued and loved as they learn about God and His Word.
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providing biblically-based, culturally-relevant materials.
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training, equipping, and inspiring teams of women to serve as effective leaders and mentors to girls.
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partnering with parents to help them as the primary faith nurturers of their children.
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promoting the growth of clubs so more girls can know how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:18).
TITUS 2
GEMS was founded on the principles defined in Titus 2, and we want to grow teams of women closer to God and closer to each other as we equip them to show girls how to live God-honoring lives. While girls will encounter plenty of situations in church and life where they will interact with all of their peers, GEMS provides a safe, like-gender environment where older women live out God’s command to teach younger women what is good (Titus 2:3).
OUR VISION AND GOAL
Our vision is to see girls around the world actively and enthusiastically expressing love for God and others—girls equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith. Our goal for every club meeting is to grow bigger hearts. Together, we will learn how to love and care for our relationships with God, one another, other people, and ourselves. And we’ll do this by learning about Jesus Christ, what He has done for us, and His plan for each of our lives.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
The following statement of faith outlines the basic tenets from which all of the curriculum and materials for GEMS are developed. 1. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1- 2; John 1:1, 5, 14). 2. We believe the Bible to be the infallibly inspired Word of God.
WH O WE ARE GEMS began in 1958 with one club and has since grown to include clubs around the world. Each week, thousands of women give their time and talents to mentor girls through GEMS. With its roots in the reformed tradition, GEMS currently has many different churches and organizations actively participating in club life. Reformed, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Mennonite, Brethren, and other denominational and non-denominational churches are part of the ministry, and the Christian Reformed Church recognizes GEMS as its official youth-serving organization for girls. Clubs also exist in other Christian organizations including homeschool associations and Christian schools. The GEMS Global Office is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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3. We believe that God created all things from nothing. He created men and women in His image and without sin (Genesis 1:27). 4. We believe that man rebelled against God and sinned. Therefore all humans are sinners (Romans 3:23). 5. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is truly God and truly man (Luke 1:35). 6. We believe that Jesus died on a cross to pay the price of our sins; those who accept Him as Savior are justified by His blood (Isaiah 53:5 and Romans 5:8-9). 7. We believe that Jesus arose bodily from the grave and returned to Heaven where He is our High Priest (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 4:14 16).
PARTNERSHIPS
GEMS sees it as an honor and privilege to partner with the churches and organizations that host clubs as well as the parents of the girls who attend. These partnerships are realized in the following ways: PARENTS are encouraged and supported by GEMS as their daughters grow in their understanding of biblical principles, develop life skills, uncover their unique design, and foster relationships with friends and mentors. Parents also have access to materials that allow them to take conversations started at GEMS to the next level at home. CHURCHES find that GEMS becomes a key
part of their children’s programming and is an effective outreach tool. Churches often report that when girls from the community attend club, their families show increased interest in attending worship and other church events as well. In addition, the training GEMS provides for leaders (counselors) is an influential part of a woman’s spiritual development—a fact that impacts the entire faith community.
CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATIONS—including
homeschool associations and Christian schools— find the skill development and biblical concepts taught and practiced at club compliment the teachings offered in the girls’ other educational environments. For all of our partners, one of the most important things to know about GEMS is that it is a place to belong! In a society where isolation, bullying, and cliques are commonplace, GEMS offers girls a place they can feel valued and loved for who they are—a child of the King!
8. We believe that the Holy Spirit bestows the gift of faith whereby mankind is born again in Christ and becomes a child of God (1 John 3:1; Romans 8:16-17). 5
CLUB OVERVIEW
CLUB COORDINATOR
Each club has the ability to structure its time together to meet its unique needs. Many things are the same at each club meeting, but there is always something new and different to explore, discover, and do! The basic structure for club is:
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OPENING (large group): Greet and welcome
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BIBLE STUDY (small groups): The large group divides into small groups of six to eight girls. The girls meet with their leader (counselor) to complete the selected Bible lesson or badge work. In this small group setting, relationships are formed and the lesson is discussed and applied to daily life.
As a church or Christian organization, one of the first things you will want to do is recruit just the right woman to serve as the Club Coordinator. She will organize the club, provide ongoing oversight, and serve as the team leader for counselors. The Club Coordinator has three primary responsibilities:
everyone, complete an object lesson or devotional thought, pray, and spend time in praise and worship (creative movement and motions are encouraged at club!).
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ACTIVITY TIME (large or small groups): Games, demonstrations, further badge participation, or craftswith-a-purpose might be included during this time.
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SNACK AND CLOSING (large group): Distribute a snack and issue a closing challenge and prayer.
1. Organize the club. She helps recruit counselors, develops a yearlong schedule and budget, orders supplies, and ensures the club operates smoothly and all membership requirements are satisfied (including dues, an offering, and submitting a counselor list). 2. Foster the development of caring, supportive relationships among counselors. Recognizing that faith is more often caught than taught, it is critical for GEMS counselors to model sincere faith for the girls by loving and caring for one another. 3. Support parents in their role as the primary faith nurturers of their children. By communicating regularly with parents and by hosting events that create opportunities for families to grow in their faith together, (i.e. father-daughter nights, mother-daughter teas, etc.) parents feel supported, encouraged, and valued.
WHERE AND WHEN TO MEET
Whether you have five girls or 250, whether you want to meet in classrooms in a church or school, a fellowship hall or gym—GEMS can work for you!
OU R PROGRAMS
To accomplish our mission, GEMS creates curriculum and materials that foster spiritual growth in all areas of a girl’s life: mental, physical, emotional, devotional, and social. Multiple program levels are available, all of which include age-appropriate curriculum. Our Supply Catalog and our website (gemsgc.org) offer additional information on the curriculum options for each level outlined below.
ACTIVE CLUB PARTICIPATION
ANNUAL THEME
Grades 1-3 (Awareness Level) Grades 4-6 (Discovery Level) Grades 7-8 (Advanced Level)
In addition to the various curriculum options for each level, every year GEMS develops an Annual Theme. Collectively, all of our clubs study a passage of Scripture throughout the season by utilizing a variety of Bible lessons, badge work, songs, and other activities that teach the passage and demonstrate how to apply it to life.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Counselor-in-Training (CIT)—a program for girls in grades 9-12 who want to continue in GEMS and learn more about servant leadership.
The Annual Theme is a great way to highlight a specific spiritual topic that resonates with girls today. Girls of all levels earn the Annual Theme Badge.
KINGDOM GIRL
Since the spiritual emphasis for the theme is new every year, multiple resources are developed annually. Theme materials supplement the main curriculum for each program level and are created to work with the other GEMS resources a club uses. Clubs are not required to utilize the theme materials, but it is highly recommended because of the value they add to both girls and counselors’ lives alike.
A line of curriculum suitable for all clubs but developed specifically with those clubs in mind whose girls have a diverse knowledge of Scripture.
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The Club Coordinator Guide is a helpful resource that will train and equip your Club Coordinator to be successful in her role. The GEMS ReFresh website is a great online training tool for both Club Coordinators and Counselors. See page 12 for more information about GEMS ReFresh.
Some clubs meet all year, some only meet during the school year, and some choose to only meet in the summer. Most clubs meet for the nine months of the school year; however, you can choose the months that will work best for your group.
COUNSELORS
Because GEMS is all about reaching girls through relationships, it is important that the small groups in club are kept small. We recommend recruiting a minimum of one counselor for every six to eight girls. When groups are larger, it is wise to recruit additional leaders so each girl has the opportunity to really know and be known by her counselor.
You may also choose the meeting days and times that work best for you—midweek evenings, after school, Friday nights, Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoon, or Sunday evening. Some clubs meet every week and some every other week. Simply choose a program schedule that meets your needs.
When recruiting counselors, it is important to remember that women of all ages make wonderful mentors and leaders. All they need is a sincere love for God and for girls! Counselors who truly love each girl, are seeking God, and who come prepared each week make all the difference! They determine the strength of each club. So recruiting the right counselors is a very important task.
LENGTH OF CLUB MEETING
You may choose what works best for you. Most clubs adopt a 1-2 hour format; however, the program is designed to be adaptable to your needs. There is enough material and recommended activities to fill an expanded time frame.
A Counselor Manual is available that helps women understand the overall ministry, their role as a counselor, the different developmental stages of girls, and the curriculum choices offered for the level they will lead.
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APPLYI NG FO R M E M BE RSH I P Churches and Christian organizations that share our mission, embrace our statement of faith, agree to provide prayerful selection of and support for leaders, and that help encourage the ministry with prayers and financial support are warmly invited to start a club. By applying for membership, you agree to the following: 1. Uphold and seek to accomplish the mission of this ministry—to help bring girls into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. 2. Embrace and hold as truth our statement of faith. 3. Provide for regular and consistent Bible study in club by utilizing the materials produced by GEMS Girls’ Clubs. 4. Provide Christ-inspired and Christ-directed leadership to the girls in club through the prayerful selection, supervision, and support of mentors (counselors). 5. Annually equip and prepare counselors for their leadership role by making available to them training opportunities offered through the GEMS ministry. 6. Ensure that the club meets regularly throughout a designated season. 7. Support the international ministry of GEMS Girls’ Clubs through regular and consistent prayer. 8. Support the ministry of GEMS financially by ensuring that annual club dues are sent to the GEMS Global Office. 9. Support the ministry of GEMS financially by collecting and forwarding to the GEMS Global Office one annual offering/donation. STEP ONE: The application process is easy! Simply fill out the Membership Application (on page 18 and as a separate
form in the Promotional Packet), and return it to the GEMS Global Office. Please have two individuals sign the agreement. Once your Membership Application has been reviewed, you will be contacted via letter officially welcoming you to the ministry. You may begin to purchase club supplies at this time.
STEP TWO: As soon as the needed counselors have been recruited, you will want to send a list of their names and
addresses to the Global Office so they can start receiving Cable, our quarterly newsletter, as well as other helpful club and ministry-related information.
STEP THREE: Finally, start reviewing and selecting the curriculum you will use in club. Samples of every curriculum are available on the GEMS website (gemsgc.org).
If you would like to explore the curriculum in greater depth before deciding to become a club, you can order a Curriculum Review Pack. We will send you a copy of our curriculum for the three main program levels—girls in grades 1-8—including the Counselor Helps (leaders’ guides). You can check the website for current costs, but the Curriculum Review Pack is always priced at a substantial discount to the actual cost of the materials. And, upon receipt of your completed Membership Application, one half of this amount will be credited to your new club account and all the materials are yours to keep. This is a great value! To order the Curriculum Review Pack, contact the GEMS Global Office: In US: 1333 Alger St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507
In Canada: PO Box 1100 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0
Phone: 616-241-5616 ext. 2 Email: hello@gemsgc.org
Phone: 519-424-9007 Email: gems@dejong.com
If you would like to see our CIT Manual for high school girls, simply request these be shipped as well. You can check the website for the current costs of these additional pieces. If for any reason you choose not to start a club at this time, you can return all the materials in excellent, saleable condition within 30 days of the original shipping date to receive a full refund.
COSTS There is no start-up cost involved in becoming a club. In comparing the costs of GEMS with similar programs, you will find that the costs to operate a club are modest. Depending on the program level(s) your club includes and how much of the curriculum you choose to use, the average annual cost in materials per girl can be anywhere from $3.50—$22.00. Clubs are also required to pay annual dues based on the number of girls attending, and to take one annual offering/donation each year. These funds help keep costs low for all of our clubs. Visit the GEMS website (gemsgc.org) for current dues. Churches, Christian organizations, and individuals are also invited to help support the ministry of GEMS. We are a part of Dynamic Youth Ministries (DYM)—a registered 501c3 nonprofit in the US and Canada (#88992 0799 RR 0001) and all donations are tax deductible in both countries. DYM is the incorporated name of four divisions (GEMS Girls’ Clubs, Cadets, Youth Unlimited, and The Esther School) that collectively serve young people from preschool through high school.
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GETTI NG STARTE D We have prepared this checklist to guide you in ordering supplies as you begin. Be sure to review the descriptions of each curriculum provided online and in the Supply Catalog. As you decide, you will want to consider the size of your club, how often you will be meeting, and what emphasis you would like for your year.
O RDERI NG CH ECKLIST: A. CURRICULUM see page 14 for Curriculum at a glance GRADES 1-3 (AWARENESS LEVEL)
epending on the size of your D club and the number of girls in each grade level, select one of the five Activity Books available for girls in grades 1-3. Order one Activity Book for each girl. o Order a subscription to Sparkle Magazine for each girl. o Order one Counselor Helps for each counselor that corresponds with the Activity Book(s) she will be teaching. o Another option is the reproducible badges in the Awareness Place Badges. Counselors will work through six badges with their girls. o
GRADES 4-6 (DISCOVERY LEVEL)
Order one Discovery Place Badge Book for each girl. This book will be used for three full years. o Order a subscription to SHINE brightly Magazine for each girl. o Order one Discovery Place Badge Book Counselor Helps for every counselor. o
GRADES 7-8 (ADVANCED LEVEL)
epending on the maturity level D and interests of your girls, order one of the various curriculum options for this level (see Supply Catalog or website for more information). o Optional: Order a subscription to SHINE brightly Magazine for each girl. o Corresponding with the choice of girls’ curriculum, order one Counselor Helps for each leader.
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counselors will wear GEMS t-shirts or other GEMS logo item, counselor scarves with pins, or both and order one for every leader. Uniforms are not required, but they are highly recommended.
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HIGH SCHOOL (CIT)
Order one CIT Manual for each girl. o Order one CIT Manual Counselor Helps for each counselor. o
See page 8 for more information about receiving a Curriculum Review Pack.
B. UNIFORMS o
IRLS: Decide whether girls will G wear GEMS t-shirts, scarves with tie slides, or both and then order one for every girl.
COUNSELORS: Decide whether
C. ANNUAL THEME Order one Theme Badge Booklet for every girl. Awareness Level girls have their own book and Discovery/Advanced Level use the same booklet. o Order the Theme Starter Kit for your club, which includes the Annual Theme Song CD and Creative Movement DVD o Order the Theme Resource Book for each counselor, which includes Counselor Helps for Sparkle and SHINE brightly Magazines. o
D. ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES o
ign up for GEMS ReFresh, S online training membership. Visit gemsrefresh.org
See page 15 for more information about all of the Annual Theme resources.
O RDE RI NG SU PPLI ES All registered clubs receive a Supply Catalog and order form from the GEMS Global Office each summer. The specific supplies you order will depend on the program levels you include in your club, the number of girls and counselors, uniform plans, plus other organizational and recognition plans. Some clubs choose to stock samples of all program materials. Others choose to order just what they need to begin. Before ordering curriculum, a signed Membership Application must be received by the GEMS Global Office. Clubs in Canada place their merchandise orders through: GEMS Canadian Supply Center DeJong Enterprises, Inc. PO Box 1100 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0 PHONE: 519-424-9007 FAX: 519-424-9331 E-MAIL: gems@dejong.com
Clubs in the US and other locations place their merchandise orders through: GEMS Girls’ Clubs Global Office 1333 Alger St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507 PHONE: 616-241-5616 ext. 2 FAX: 616-241-5558 E-MAIL: hello@gemsgc.org
Orders can also be placed quickly and easily via the GEMS website. Visit gemsgc.org for more information. Subscriptions to both SHINE brightly and Sparkle Magazines can be placed by anyone at any time by contacting the GEMS Global Office in Grand Rapids, Michigan (see above). 10
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TRAI N I NG
GEMS CONFERENCE
GEMS Conference is an exciting, weekend event held at a different college or university every summer. Counselors from across the US and Canada come to experience renewal, encouragement, training, and fellowship. Every summer hundreds of women gather to experience this amazing time of refreshment and growth. Many churches and Christian organizations allocate funds to ensure their team can experience Leadership Conference because of the deep impact the training has on their entire faith community. And, because of its high value to the ongoing success of a club, every new club is offered one complimentary registration to Conference with a paid registration*. Please take advantage of this generous offer! Conference attendance contributes to your team’s ability, enthusiasm, and confidence!
d st an Easie ffective e most to invest y a MS w ur GE in yo nteers! Volu
Check out gemsgc.org/conference to see when and where we’ll be holding our next conference!
* Limit one offer per club
ADOPT-A-CLUB This online video-driven membership site will provide year-round support for you and your club, no matter what role you serve in. GEMS ReFresh is three-fold: Equip. You’ll receive the training and tools you need to: • Reach today’s girls • Utilize best practices for running a club, including fundraising and building a strong team • Prepare the Annual Theme and gain tips for all volunteers
The Adopt-a-Club program allows clubs who are struggling financially to be assisted by other clubs. Funds raised for the Adopt-a-Club program allow clubs in North America who struggle financially to receive Curriculum and/or SHINE brightly and Sparkle Magazine subscriptions. This can become an immensely rewarding service project as your club serves other girls around the US and Canada. If you feel called to get involved, simply visit the giving form on the GEMS website (gemsgc.org).
Encourage. You’ll be refreshed as you: • Discover how to cope with the messes and stresses of life • Study Jesus’ example for practicing self-care • Learn how to avoid the comparison trap
If you feel your club would qualify to receive supplies through the Adopt-a-Club program, please contact the Global Office in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Engage. You’ll engage in conversation with leaders across the globe to: • Discover what’s working well in other clubs • Brainstorm new ideas • Support each other through prayer • Celebrate victories together
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
Visit gemsrefresh.org to sign up today!
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GEMS Girls’ Clubs is a global ministry active in 17 countries, and counting! We seek to help bring girls everywhere into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ! In order to support our global work, we offer a Global Partnership. Global Partners are passionate about helping GEMS find additional ways to minister to girls around the world. From Kenya to Kansas, GEMS is committed to making sure all of our resources point every girl—no matter her location or her background—to the truth of who she is and Whose she is. Visit gemsgc.org/gems-global for more information.
FREQU E NTLY ASKE D QU ESTI O NS Theme Badge Booklets are used by girls to earn the Annual Theme Badge. Books are available for grades 1-3 and grades 4-8.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
GEMS Girls’ Clubs does not currently have a startup fee for a club. As part of the Ministry Agreement each club signs when starting, clubs agree to pay Annual Dues by November 15 of each year. The dues are a per-girl fee determined by the GEMS Executive Board. Dues are sent to the GEMS Global Office and the funds are applied for ministry operations and outreach efforts.
Theme Song is used throughout the year to help girls
understand and remember the theme. The song and a creative movement video are available within the Theme Starter Kit.
Theme Badge is awarded to each girl who completes the activities in the Theme Badge Booklets.
WHAT IS THE ANNUAL THEME?
(GRADES 4-6)
DISCOVE RY LEVE L
Clubs also have the opportunity to become Global Partners and receive Global Boxes. Global Partners make a donation to the GEMS ministry specifically to support global outreach in starting new clubs. In return, clubs receive a box of resources to help girls and counselors gain a global perspective and learn how God is working in GEMS across the globe and receive quarterly updates on the ministry’s global activities. Learn more at gemsgc.org/gems-global.
KI NGDO M GI RL ADVANCE D LEVE L
As part of the ministry agreement, clubs also agree to send an Annual Offering to the GEMS Global Office, often collected during GEMS Sunday. The offerings are an important area of support for the GEMS Ministry. Each club can select their own offering schedule. The offering is required by December 31 of each year (waived for the calendar year your club begins).
Theme Bulletin Covers and Inserts are available to use
during your GEMS Sunday or other events to help your congregation understand the main points of the Annual Theme and offers updates on the overall GEMS ministry.
HOW DO WE HANDLE INSURANCE/LIABILITY AND SECURITY?
Your church or Christian organization is responsible for providing insurance protection for your club as well as providing proper background checks for your leaders. You may order our booklet Protecting the Children...Protecting our Volunteers for safety guidelines and instruction.
WHAT IS GEMS SUNDAY?
Clubs may also choose to Adopt a Club and make a donation to help support clubs with financial constraints. Adopt a Club donations help support annual dues and curriculum needs for clubs who request assistance.
An annual event often scheduled for the last Sunday in April or the first Sunday in May, GEMS Sunday is set aside to recognize the GEMS ministry in your church or Christian organization. It is used to inform the congregation or organization about your club and what happens throughout the year. It is the Sunday when most clubs elect to schedule their annual offering.
(GRADES 7-8)
Each year clubs collectively study a passage of Scripture. This spiritual emphasis is called the Annual Theme, and it is explored through a variety of Bible lessons, badge work, and other activities. Girls of all levels may earn the Annual Theme Badge. The new theme is introduced to counselors each year through GEMS ReFresh, our online membership training site, and at the GEMS Conference.
WHAT TRAINING DOES GEMS GIRLS’ CLUBS OFFER LEADERS?
GEMS ReFresh: ReFresh is an video-driven, online
membership training website where women receive yearround equipping, encouragement, and the opportunity to engage with women across North America. Visit gemsrefresh. org to view a sample lesson, learn more, and sign up.
The Annual Theme offers a variety of resources working together to implement this spiritual emphasis including:
Annual GEMS Conference: An exciting weekend training
Annual Theme Starter Kit includes one of everything a club
event held at different college or universities each summer, leaders from across North America attend the GEMS Conference for training, spiritual refreshment, encouragement, and fellowship. Nationally known speakers, GEMS leaders, and staff lead keynote sessions and workshops to equip leaders for the upcoming year.
(GRADES 1-6)
will need to get started with the Annual Theme including digital resources available for printing and reproducing, the theme song and creative movement video, and one copy of each Theme Resource Book, Theme Badge Booklet, Theme Badge, and more. Complete listing of items in the kit is released each year in the Supply Catalog and on the website.
CIT
(GRADES 9-12)
Theme Resource Book contains instructions to host a theme night, lead theme-focused large and small group object lessons and Bible lessons (teaching aids for Sparkle and SHINE brightly Magazines), crafts, service projects, and family fun nights.
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WHAT OTHER SUPPORT AND RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR A CLUB?
HOW DO WE DISPLAY BADGES?
GEMS does offer neckerchiefs, t-shirts, tote bags, and a scrapbook that can be used to display badges. Clubs may also come up with their own unique and creative way to display badges each year.
For leaders: The GEMS Global Office is continually offering support
and resources for your club. You can always contact us at hello@gemsgc.org, find resources and supplies at gemsgc.org, or call us at 616-241-5616 ext. 2. We are open Monday-Friday from 8 AM-4:30 PM Eastern Time.
M I N ISTRY AGRE E M E NT
WHAT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS DOES A CLUB NEED?
The Club Coordinator is a woman who has been approved by her church or Christian organization’s leadership to lead a GEMS Club. Her three primary responsibilities are to organize the club, serve as the team leader, and support parents in their role as the primary faith nurturers for their children.
Cable is a quarterly newsletter mailed to all registered
counselors. It contains news, upcoming events, leadership tips, and ideas from other clubs.
E-news is a monthly e-mail newsletter sent to all registered
counselors. It offers timely encouragement, inspiration, and updates for new resources and helps.
Counselors (leaders) are women who have been approved
by the leadership of her church or Christian organization to lead in GEMS. Counselors typically lead small groups of 6-8 girls through the Bible lessons and work with the same girls all year long.
Club Coordinator Guide is a basic training resource for all
Club Coordinators. It provides detailed information about how to organize a club, serve as an effective team leader, and support parents.
Volunteers can serve in a variety of capacities within a club. From organizing snacks, offering prayer support, serving as helpers to Counselors, organizing crafts, or leading the opening devotional, clubs may utilize a variety of volunteers based on need and availability.
Counselor Manual is a basic training resource for all counselors. It provides detailed information about ministry of GEMS Girls’ Clubs. Annual Supply Catalog is produced each year and sent to Club Coordinators with updated curriculum, Annual Theme, club supplies, additional resources, and gift options. All purchases made through the Supply Catalog or on the Online Store at gemsgc.org help support the global GEMS ministry.
WHAT OVERSIGHT DOES GEMS GIRLS’ CLUBS HAVE? The GEMS Executive Board consists of 10-12 women selected to provide leadership and oversight to the GEMS Girls' Clubs ministry. The board meets five to six times per year to establish policies and oversee their implementation.
Connection Point newsletter is mailed three times a year
to pastors, friends, and supporters of GEMS ministry to communicate the stories, vision, and impact of the ministry.
Dynamic Youth Ministries (DYM) is the official,
incorporated name of the four divisions (GEMS Girls’ Clubs, Cadets, Youth Unlimited, and The Esther School) that collectively serve young people from preschool through high school. The four divisions share a building and services such as bookkeeping, printing, and mailing. Each division is completely autonomous in programming and budgeting.
For girls: Badges are awarded for girls in grades 1-8 and to girls who
participate in the Annual Theme. They are used to recognize a girl’s effort and achievement and to help her grow in a wide variety of areas.
The GEMS Staff provides key support for clubs and carries out the mission, vision, and direction set by the GEMS Executive Board. Staff is primarily located at the GEMS Global Office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a few employees working remotely from locations across North America.
Sparkle and SHINE brightly Magazines are produced
throughout the club year. Sparkle is for girls in grades 1-3 and helps girls discover who God is and how He works in their lives. SHINE brightly is for girls in grades 4-6 and aims to equip, motivate, and inspire girls to become activists for Christ. Each magazine for both Sparkle and SHINE brightly offers theme-related Bible lessons. Counselor Helps for the Bible lessons in the magazines are found in the Annual Theme Resource Books.
GEMS GIRLS’ CLUBS AGREES TO: Provide Christ-inspired and Christ-directed leadership to GEMS global ministry. Develop effective, inspiring program materials for girls and their mentors (counselors) that are biblically-based and culturally-relevant.
Develop and implement programs that provide financial support to clubs that need it around the world. Regularly pray for the girls and counselors in GEMS Clubs everywhere.
Organize, plan, and provide multiple training opportunities for mentors (counselors) annually so they can be prepared and fully equipped to lead.
THE APPLYING CHURCH OR CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION AGREES TO: Uphold and seek to accomplish the mission of this ministry—to help bring girls into a living, 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 global 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 Global Office. Support the ministry of GEMS financially by collecting and forwarding to the GEMS Global Office one annual offering/donation.
Annually equip and prepare counselors for their leadership role by making available to them training opportunities offered through the GEMS ministry.
DOES GEMS REQUIRE UNIFORMS?
Uniforms range from GEMS logo t-shirts or sweatshirts to neckerchiefs with tie slides. Options are available in the Supply Catalog and in the online store at gemsgc.org.
Please fill out form on the back of this agreement.
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M EM BERSH I P APPLICATI O N Name of Church/Christian Organization Denominational Affiliation (if any) Church Website Street Address City
Zip/Postal Code
State/Province
Phone
Email Name of pastor or organization’s leader Signature
Date (pastor or organization’s leader)
Name of Club Coordinator Street Address City
(Must be different from pastor or organization’s leader)
Zip/Postal Code
State/Province Phone
Please mail completed application to: GEMS Girls’ Clubs, 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507 or email hello@gemsgc.org
For office use only: Church/Organization No.
Area #
A Ministry of Dynamic Youth Ministries Grand Rapids, MI Printed in the USA gemsgc.org
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US: 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 CAN: P.O. Box 1100, Norwich, ON, N0J 1P0