Strengthening your Pioneer Clubs program and building relationships are only a few of the benefits when parents get involved.

Parents who fully understand what goes on in club become more committed to club. As you build relationships, you’ll also get to know more about children and home situations. Here are seven super ways to make it happen.

Just ask! Don’t be shy about asking parents to help. They may be very willing to do so but only need to be asked. Let them know about your needs.

Help with activity awards. Send home a survey asking about parents’ abilities, hobbies and skills. A woodworker, for example, could help with a building project. A nurse or doctor could assist with an award on health.

Help with Bible Exploration. If a meeting calls for someone to play a Bible character, recruit a parent. Or ask a parent to guide kids in planning a skit or working in their handbooks.

Extra hands on deck. Encourage parents to arrive early to set up the room or stay late to clean up and store supplies. Or they could provide snacks or glue awards to banners.  The opportunities are endless.

Serve at special events. Have parents sign up for a special event planning committee.

Parent and child. Find activities that club members and their parents can both do, such as a club bike ride or caroling party.  Or walk together on the Kids for Kids Hike.

Create a parent newsletter.  Keep parents informed not just about what’s happening at club but also about where adult volunteers are needed. Consider an email newsletter that goes directly to the parents.

One helpful Pioneer Clubs position you may want to consider is that of a Parent Pal. At the beginning of the club year, this person’s responsibilities are to greet parents as they bring their children and begin building relationships.

Unchurched parents and parents on the fringes of your church will especially benefit. Dr. Charles Arn, president of Church Growth, Inc., points out that when parents build relationships with church people, they are more likely to receive Jesus and become involved in the church.