In 1941, the children's program at the North Side Gospel Center in Chicago laid the foundation for the principles of Awana.

[1] Lance Latham, North Side's senior pastor, collaborated with the church's youth director, Art Rorheim, to develop weekly clubs that they believed would appeal to all children.

[4] Awana offers resources and Bible-based training programs for children ages 2 to 18 in churches.

Children are encouraged, but not required, to memorize Bible verses for credit or to redeem for small prizes.

[5] Each Awana program is arranged into different groups that are separated by the ages and grades of the children attending.