Decision will have to come from AWANA missionaries, club commanders, etc will but I am aware of the situation. Old books still appear usable from the perspective of 2 Ti 3:16 which says all scripture is given by inspiration of God. Therefore, the bible verse in the old book is still valid, just not the one being converted to. Also, the AWANA achievement records and cumulative achievement record cards do not require a specific book version. They only require a certain amount of discoveries and sections which have remained constant even through past book changes.
Generating a change list between the old and new versions is a little effort but allows a clubber to prepare for bible quiz even with the old book. Assuming most of the sections remained the same, and only a few changed, a change list adds the extra few verses for adequate preparation. It might take me 15 minutes to generate a change list for the first 3-4 discoveries typically covered at quiz.
Limiting use of the old books might be expected to remain part of the regular AWANA program. Delays in converting might be minimized by limiting the inventory stocked. Depending on your churches requirements for Sunday school, it might be possible to use the old books in that curriculum to deplete the old stock quicker. I assume AWANA officials wouldn't mind this adjusted use because it uses the resources instead of loosing them to a recycle bin or trash can?
Mr Greg Smith
T&T boys leader