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Welcome!
Sharing Your Passion for Kids
Early last spring we conducted a survey of Pioneer Clubs coordinators and leaders. The response was overwhelming. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas. One of the most revealing truths that came out of the survey was your passion for children. That's what motivates you to devote your precious time to them each week in Pioneer Clubs.
Pioneer Clubs gives you the tools to make your passion a reality in the lives of the children at your church. And this year, our focus is to provide you with an ever-expanding array of tools to make your Pioneer Clubs year the best yet.
For instance, you'll see some changes in this eNewsletter. You asked for more clip art. We're adding it. You need special event ideas. We're going to provide them. You're busy. We're responding with an even easier-to-read eNewsletter. And those are just a few of the upcoming changes. I invite you to continue to tell us what you think and need. Email us at newsletter@pioneerclubs.org.
Whether you're a new coordinator or leader, or a seasoned veteran, I join you in your desire to see children develop a life-long relationship with Christ. Together, we're going to reach out with God's love to the children in your church and community-and see him transform their lives.
Blessings!
Judy Bryson
President, Pioneer Clubs ®
P.S. Make sure every coordinator, leader and volunteer who helps with Pioneer Clubs at your church subscribes to this eNewsletter. Forward it so they can sign up. |
| Just for Coordinators
August is a key month for planning your upcoming club year. The time you spend planning beforehand will more than pay off in the months ahead. Here are some essential items to consider this month.
- Review the contents of the registration packet that will arrive by mail in August.
- Make sure you have a copy of the Club Coordinator's Manual
- Meet with your leaders and committee members to plan the year's goals and annual calendar.
- Ask leaders to send Pioneer Clubs postcards to former club members and potential new members, inviting them to club.
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News You Can Use
Voyagers: Get Set for an Awesome Year!
The new Voyager curriculum is in the warehouse-but not for long! It's being shipped out daily to churches in the United States and Canada as leaders get ready for an exciting year of helping first and second graders grow with God. The new materials include completely revised club member handbooks overflowing with color and three new leader plan books with new features such as service projects, Parent Pages, "Prepare Your Heart" ideas for leaders and more. To learn more about the new Voyager curriculum, go to www.shoppioneerclubs.org.
Lace Up Your Hiking Boots
As you map out your club year, why not add a fall or spring Kids for Kids Hike. The date for the fall hike is September 29, 2007 and for the spring hike is April 26, 2008. Or select another date that is more convenient for your club.
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What's Up at Pioneer Clubs?
Pioneer Clubs aren't just in North America. Shown here is the growing Pioneer Clubs program at Christ Bible Fellowship in Tamuning, Guam. On this tiny Pacific Ocean island, they end club in July and then use their Vacation Bible School week as a recruitment kickoff for the next year's Pioneer Clubs. "Everyone gets so excited about children's ministries and that enthusiasm just it pours over into Pioneer Clubs," explains Club Coordinator Joyce Larmore.
Will your club be the next one to make it into the pages of the Leadership eNewsletter? Send your stories and digital photos to newsletter@pioneerclubs.org. When you send your story or photo, include the name of your church, a description of the activity and how to contact your club for more details. |
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It Worked at Our Club
Laura Dodson, club coordinator at LifePoint Church in Indianapolis, IN, says she really doesn't have too much trouble getting leaders. Why? Most likely, it's because Laura employs an important "rule" of recruitment. She clearly states to each leader what their volunteer commitment will involve. In addition, she follows another "rule"-she lets leaders know what they can expect from her as a club coordinator. And finally, she lets each volunteer know that the "job" has a definite beginning and end.
Click here to read Laura's "Pioneer Clubs Expectation Contract."
If you have ideas worth sharing with other leaders and coordinators, please send them to newsletter@pioneerclubs.org. |
| Special Event Idea: Kickoff Fun
Need a special event idea? Check this column each month for an idea you can adapt to your club. Have your own favorite special events? Even better! Send us your ideas and how they've worked for you so we can share them with clubs across North America. Drop us an email at newsletter@pioneerclubs.org.
School Days Kickoff
Preparation
Instruct club members to come dressed as football players, referees, cheerleaders, band members, or fans. Divide kick-off into four 15-minute quarters.
Get complete plans for this kickoff theme here... 
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| Dowloadable Clip Art
Find loads of new free clip art, sorted by categories, at www.pioneerclubs.org. To access it, go to the Leader Resource Center (password: kids) and select the clip art option.
This month, pick up the Pioneer Clubs logo and the club crests for use in your startup publicity and handouts. You can also use the Kids for Kids Hike logo in your fall hike publicity. |
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Free Downloadable Tools
In each issue, this column features a downloadable tool you can use immediately. This month, you'll find a Registration Form and a Photo Release Form.
And remember: Whenever you plan to adapt and use a new form, please consult your church administrative staff to verify that the form is in line with your church's existing policies and procedures. |
| Getting to Know You Games
Group & Regroup
Make a list of topics (favorite food, favorite color, favorite season, first initial, last initial, birth month, etc.).
When you call out the first topic, players begin calling out their answers. When players hear someone else calling out the same answer, they grab hands until all players are in groups. Then call the next topic, and have players regroup. Keep the game moving by calling topics quickly, sometimes even before players have completely finished grouping.
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