Start a GEMS Club

Being involved in a club is an exciting opportunity. But before you begin, here is some information you will want to be aware of.

What Does a GEMS Club Look Like?

Clubs are places where girls gain a shared identity—with their counsellor and other girls in club, and with their GEMS ‘sisters’ all over the world. Most importantly, GEMS girls are increasingly aware of their identity in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as they participate in club activities.

Club is a safe place where girls can form strong friendships and are guided by counsellors they can trust. Girls know, grow, share, laugh, and play as they read and study the Bible, and examine important life decisions together.

Club meetings combine large and small group sessions and often follow a format like this:

OPENING: Everyone meets together for the welcome, singing, prayer, and to repeat the GEMS Aim

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS:

• Bible Lessons: Girls and counsellors separate into smaller groups for Bible lessons based on their age and programme level
• Activity: Younger girls remain in their small groups for colouring and games; older girls remain in their small groups and learn about an important practical life skill and do a related activity
  
  

CLOSING: Everyone comes back together for Scripture memory review and prayer

• Snack and Dismissal: Everyone enjoys a snack together before helping to clean up and go home

Getting Ready for Club

The process of starting a club is quite simple. But it also includes a lot of decision-making. Follow these steps to make your start as smooth as possible:

You can first review the curriculum (lesson materials) before you make any purchases by viewing or downloading a free GEMS International Review Packet. For the first meeting, clubs start using the International curriculum with Lesson 1 in Year 1 of either or both programme level(s).

Before your first club meeting, get together with your leadership team a few times. Go through the training videos. Review the instructions with your team and discuss how best to use them in your club and with your girls.

Here are a few more steps to consider as you begin club:

• Spread the word about GEMS International in your church and community to generate interest in club participation
• Invite other women to volunteer or help
• Obtain financial support (see our fundraising section for related information)
• Get a general sense of how many girls you expect before you purchase curriculum
• Pray for God to be honoured and for many girls to come to know Him through your club

You are now on your way to a great start, and we pray for God’s blessings on you and your GEMS Club as you move ahead!

Maintaining a Club

Once your club is set up, you need to make sure it has all it needs to keep going.

Club leaders are in charge of maintaining club and should meet regularly to review rules and vision, discuss how meetings are going, solve problems together, and encourage one another. It is essential to pray together, to uphold and strengthen each other—to grow together as GEMS leaders.

 

Keeping track of club records is also necessary:

• Maintain a list of what funds and resources you have, what is in use, and what is needed
• Important updates, needs and praise reports from club should be shared with your church leader or pastor
• Inform the GEMS International Service Centre with similar updates, needs, and praise reports

Please review our Training and Resources section on a regular basis for creative and inspiring ways to keep your club strong and active and to keep yourself encouraged and motivated as a leader in the GEMS ministry.

Read our club FAQs for more details about running a GEMS Club, or email us with any additional questions you have.

Go to the Partnership Agreement page if you are ready to send in your club application.

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