Pioneer Clubs eNewsletter Printer-Friendly

October 2004

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 provide you with club discipline tips.

1. Prepare. The issue of discipline involves everyone who works with children. So don't be caught without a plan. Experts say 80 percent of success in running a well-managed club depends on preventing problems by being prepared. A discipline plan needs to be in place for each club group, but it's also a good idea to have in place a procedure for the overall club program. Check with your DCE or pastor. They may already have in place a plan for the children's ministries in your church.

2. Set rules. Start with a set of rules that the kids can understand and follow. Three to five rules should be sufficient; otherwise, the kids will forget them. Even then, it's a good idea to review the rules with the whole group regularly (or after a long break, such as Christmas). State the rules positively: "Use indoor voices" instead of "No shouting or screaming in the hallways." Make the rules age-appropriate. A Voyager's understanding will vary widely from a Trailblazer's.

3. Create ownership. Allow the kids, especially the older ones, to help choose the rules. A respectful style of discipline allows children to get involved. And when they are allowed to give input, they will be more likely to follow the rules. Ownership leads to a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. Often children can size up a situation and offer their own creative problem-solving suggestions. Don't underestimate their role.

4. Plan logical consequences. Sometimes the kids won't follow the rules, so you have to plan for those times. Logical consequences are ones connected to the behavior, reflecting the needs of the particular situation. Such consequences are respectful, because they allow children to choose. The responsibility for club members' behavior is thus where it belongs—with them. The purpose is to avoid unrelated, punishing responses. For example, a punishment response would be: "I've had it. Go back to the club room." Instead, the leader could use the concept of logical consequences: "You may walk quietly in the hall, or you may go back and wait in the club room with Mrs. Jackson. You choose."

5. Implement the consequences when necessary. Give the choice just once, and then implement the consequence, if need be, in a firm but friendly way. Children will respond to logical consequences; they tend to fight back against punishment. But use caution if the consequence is separating a club member from the group. Set a time limit, and communicate that the child is cared about and wanted in club.

6. Show faith in club members. Children behave more acceptably if they believe in themselves. Ask club members' opinions. Examples: "It's been hard for you all to calm down when Bible Exploration starts. Do you have any suggestions?" "Which color do you think I should use for the poster, blue or red?"

7. Be positive. Make sure positive reinforcement follows correct behavior. When you notice correct behavior, and mention it, club members are more likely to behave in those ways. When you give compliments–or even prizes–don't do it in a way that sounds manipulative, as in the following example. "Remember, if you're really good today, there will be treats at the end." Instead, be affirming with no strings attached. Don't forget nonverbal communication. A pat on the back, smile, or thumbs-up also works wonders.

8. Model positive qualities. Show genuine concern and respect for the kids. Take their feelings and opinions seriously. Display the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Most of all, pray for the kids privately and with them.

Changed Lives
"Last year Joey joined Pioneer Clubs as a Scooter. He enjoyed what he learned so much that he kept sharing all his experiences with his mother, Brandy. She became so intrigued she began bringing Joey to club, and she started to talk with other moms and workers. Before long, she was using her talents to make props for our Christmas pageant. Brandy was searching for Jesus. She continually asked about Jesus and what her son was learning. She began attending our Sunday morning church services. It wasn't long before she dedicated her life to Christ. Brandy always gives the glory to God for her new life, but she never hesitates to add that it was her son Joey's experiences at Pioneer Clubs that started it all." –Rhonda Wright, New Life Church, Ilwaco, Washington

Today’s Kids...
. . .want to feel understood and accepted, even when they're upset. Invite club members to express themselves. Listen for the feelings underneath the words and try to pinpoint the real issue, which may not be the surface issue. When children feel understood, positive behavior begins to replace negative behavior.

October Announcements

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 www.pioneerclubs.org, or call 800-694-2582 and ask for the Development Department. Be sure to let us know your hike plans!

Fall Phonathon

Many thanks to all who responded to our Fall Phonathon. We appreciate your generous support! Remember, if you fulfill your pledge by November 8, you'll receive a special thank-you gift!

Trailblazer Handbooks

Due to a printer error, the inside back cover of the Trailblazer handbook was printed with the wrong Bible memory verses. To help your Trailblazers record their Bible memory progress, you may download a copy of the correct chart from the Pioneer Clubs Web site. Simply visit www.pioneerclubs.org/trailblazer_fix.pdf to download the file, print a copy for each Trailblazer club member, and paste the correct chart over the incorrect verses. Memory Verse Stickers can then be applied as usual. Thank you for your understanding, and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Reflections

“It used to be that if we didn't reach kids by high school, it was too late. Then junior high and then elementary. Now if we don't reach them as kids—5, 6, 7, 8 years old—we will lose an entire generation." —Josh McDowell

Lighter Side

Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough

"You're not supposed to talk out loud in church."

"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.

Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers."