Pioneer Clubs eNewsletter Printer-Friendly

October 2003

Dear Christian Leader,

Welcome to the latest edition of the Pioneer Clubs eNewsletter, where we provide resources to help you build your Pioneer Clubs ministry.

This month we want to give you ideas for reaching more kids through your club ministry. There are lots of kids in your community who need the benefits your club can provide–caring adults, good friendships, and the life-changing love of Jesus!

10 Ways to Attract More Kids

1. Help kids invite friends to join. Most churches find that word-of-mouth is their best advertising method. Kids listen to other kids. But do your club members know what to say to their friends? Use a Bible Exploration or activity award in club that helps kids practice inviting friends to join the club or telling them about Jesus. Examples:
Voyagers–Manners award
Pathfinders–Sharing My Faith award
Trailblazers–Meeting 24 in Exploring Together

2. Build excitement. When club members are excited about club, it’s natural for them to spread the word. One club coordinator built excitement by “interviewing” one club member each week. Then the interview was posted on a “club member of the week” bulletin board at church. This kept Pioneer Clubs in the kids’ minds, as the honored child felt special and all the others also looked forward to reading the board each week.

3. Provide incentives. Kids like the opportunity to do new things and be a part of a group. When a kid joins a club, he or she will feel even more ownership by having a club outfit. Tell how club members can receive their own official Pioneer Clubs painter’s cap, vest, T-shirt, or polo shirt. (See pages 22-25 in Pioneer Clubs’ Ministry Resources Catalog.)

4. Schedule meetings that cater to newcomers. Choose a fun theme, plan get-acquainted games, or serve a great snack. Go to http://www.pioneerclubs.org/lrc/cmi_index.asp for complete plans for a Bring-a-Friend Meeting plus customizable invitations. Or brainstorm with your club members about what their friends would like. At the meeting, explain how kids can join club. Provide registration forms. Meeting ideas:

Bad Hair Day (everybody comes sporting the wildest hairdo they can create)

Homemade Petting Zoo (church members bring pets for kids to meet–or kids bring stuffed animals)

Christmas Craft Party (kids go from station to station making crafts to take home)

5. Have a Secret Surprise meeting. Choose a regular club meeting where visitors would feel especially comfortable. Then encourage club members to bring friends. Explain that there will be a surprise for everyone who comes. (Make the surprise for everyone, since some kids may not be able to bring friends for reasons beyond their control. Or maybe all their friends already come to club.) Provide newcomers with information about club and registration forms to take home. Surprise ideas:

cookie-decorating party during the last 15 minutes of club
special guest, such as a clown or illusionist

6. Partner with your church’s outreach team. Make sure church members involved in activities such as visitation have club information to pass along to families with club-age children.

7. Video/Newspaper ad. Make (or help club members make) a video or newspaper ad that shows and tells about your club. Include shots or stories of typical activities and special events. Interview kids and club leaders about what they like about club. Give contact information. Include something like, “There’s only one thing missing from our club program–YOU!” (Trailblazers or Challengers could take on this project for their Videography Activity Award or Visual Promotion Activity Award.)

8. Invitations. Spend part of a club meeting helping kids make flyers or invitations encouraging other kids to join club. Personalize ones in the “Club Member Publicity” section of the Promoting Your Club Program book (item #2771 - to order, use the links in the Featured Product section below), or let club members use their imagination. Mail the invitations to neighborhood homes. Or take your club members on a “hike” to deliver them door-to-door (if it’s allowed).

9. Recruit adults to recruit kids. Visit adult Sunday school classes and Bible studies. Help adults think through how to invite children in their neighborhood to join club. Help them know what to say to parents who want to know more. Give them flyers or invitations to use (see #8 above), plus information about Pioneer Clubs. Provide them with information to pass along to the parents about carpooling.

10. Provide a trick-or-treat venue. How many unchurched kids will pass by your church this Halloween? Set up a table out front with a big sign saying, “Yes, we’re giving out treats!” Along with a treat, stick a club brochure into each child’s bag. You may want to include kids tracts, too.

For even more promotion ideas, read the 11/02 eNewsletter on “Community Outreach” located at http://www.pioneerclubs.org/lrc/newsletter/pioneer_print-nov-02.html.

Changed Lives
“I enjoy Pioneer Clubs because it gives me the opportunity to minister to unchurched kids. We encourage kids to bring friends every week and thus we have a lot of unchurched kids attending Pioneer Clubs. Last year alone we had 12 kids make decisions for the Lord.”
–Sharon Wilson, Litchfield, Minnesota

Today’s Kids...
...like to plan and carry out projects. Let them help plan parts (or all) of the Bring-a-Friend activities you hold. Give guidance, but don’t do things for them that they can do themselves. Let them take on responsibility that’s appropriate for their age. Help them appreciate the skills they bring to the tasks.

Pioneer Clubs Announcements

Fall Phonathon--Many thanks to all who responded to our Fall Phonathon. We appreciate your generous support!
Autumn Kids for Kids Hike--It’s not too late to participate in the Autumn Kids for Kids Hike. For information on our quick and easy hike option, which takes only a couple weeks to prepare, visit Pioneer Clubs’ Web site at http://www.pioneerclubs.org, or call 800-694-2582 and ask for the Development Department. Be sure to let us know your hike plans!
Pioneer Clubs Week 2004--The dates for Pioneer Clubs Week are February 1-8, 2004. We hope you will celebrate with us as we mark 65 years of ministry to children.

Reflections

“You teach a little by what you say. You teach the most by what you are.”
–Henrietta Mears

Lighter Side

“Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they’re going to catch you in next.”
–Franklin P. Jones