Pioneer Clubs eNewsletter Printer-Friendly

SEPTEMBER 2002

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 with

helpful ministry ideas, tips, and tools
a deeper understanding of today’s kids

We trust you found the August edition on “Time-tested Recruiting Ideas” helpful. If you didn’t receive last month’s Pioneer Clubs eNewsletter, you can read it now by visiting the Leader Resource Center at www.pioneerclubs.org/lrc.htm. Use the password psalm119:105 (no spaces).

This month we want to share with you 10 tips for building positive behavior in your club members. A good discipline plan provides order so both leaders and members can participate in the planned activities and have fun. It also helps kids feel secure. Here’s a suggested approach:

10 Tips for Managing Your Club

1. Prepare. Preparation is the key. As in any endeavor, you’ll want to make sure that your discipline program is in place when the year begins.

2. Set Rules. Setting rules will ensure that club will function smoothly. Decide what is acceptable behavior and what is not. State the rules positively. “We keep hands and feet to ourselves” rather than “No hitting or kicking.” Keep them understandable and observable. Once the rules have been established, post them in a visible place. Make sure leaders, kids, and parents clearly understand the rules. Review them regularly. Make sure your rules are in line with your church’s policies.

3. Keep Them Simple. It’s important to keep the rules simple. That’s all the younger kids will be able to handle. And even the older ones won’t forget them. Use five rules or fewer. Base them on mutual respect for one another. Of course, make them age-appropriate. A Scooter’s understanding will vary widely from a Trailblazer’s.

4. Get Children Involved. Allow the kids, especially the older ones, to be a part of the rule-making process. A respectful style of discipline allows children to get involved. And giving input will likely make them more willing 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.

5. Use Logical Consequences. Once club members know what’s expected, they are responsible for their behavior. And remember to follow the rules yourself. But when they aren’t followed, use logical consequences related to the behavior. Avoid unrelated, punishing responses. For example, a leader might punish a child for not raising his or her hand and say, “You’re not going to get any snack later on!” However, in responding to the needs of the situation, the leader could say instead, “When you raise your hand, then I will call on you.”

6. Implement the Consequences. This may be done with words or just actions. You should be firm and friendly, not cold and disapproving. Understanding the reason for the poor behavior can give you compassion and clues for dealing with it and redirecting it. Using the example above, for instance, the consequence could be to have the club member sit apart from the group for a while in a “time-out chair” if the outbursts continue.

7. Have a Backup Plan. Be prepared if a situation occurs that you haven’t anticipated or isn’t covered by your rules. Know when you need to involve your coordinator, a CE staff member, or a pastor. If you need to involve the parents, keep things on a positive note.For example: “We’re glad your child is involved in Pioneer Clubs. We’re wondering if there were any tips you could give us in handling him or her when (state behavior) happens.”

8. Build Unity. To avoid some pitfalls in the first place, work at team unity. Promote caring. Spend time together. Make each child feel a part of a bigger whole. Children who feel left out or unneeded may see little reason to participate or contribute. That feeling could lead to acting out in inappropriate ways.

9. Be Positive. Make sure positive reinforcement follows correct behavior. Verbal feedback is great, but don’t forget nonverbal communication. An appropriate pat on the shoulder or a smile commends the child and encourages improved behavior.

10. Model Positive Qualities. Children look to club leaders as trusted adults and role models. Ask yourself: Do I cooperate with other leaders? Do I show concern and respect for the kids? Do I take their feelings and opinions seriously? If you display the fruit of the Spirit in your life, you may head off some of the discipline problems that could crop up.

Resolving disciplinary challenges takes time and effort. But it is time and effort well-spent. The way you approach these challenges is critical. Employ biblical principles to attain a system of discipline that is grounded in love and servanthood.

For more information on building positive behavior, you can purchase Group Discipline That Works from the link in the Featured product section.

Pioneer Clubs Announcements

IMPORTANT – Place your order now for club resources. Since it’s the busy season, it will take approximately two weeks to receive your order. No express shipment requests will be taken during September and October. So order today!

Club and leader registration forms are due by October 1. Be sure to complete and return your registration forms to ensure that you and your church receive full benefits: eligibility to place orders, free Pioneer Clubs^® eNewsletter for your leaders when you include their e-mail addresses, Perspective magazine, and other leader support resources.

Online training, ordering, bulletin board, clip art, Perspective^®, and much more are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week when you visit the Leader Resource Center at www.pioneerclubs.org. Use the password psalm119:105 (no spaces).

Fall Phonathon: We hope you will "answer our call" during the fall phonathon. In late September, we will be calling our Pioneer Clubs friends to thank you for your faithful service and to ask for your continued support.

Reflections

A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on..

Carl Sandburg

Lighter Side

During the children’s sermon at the First Congregational Church in Klamath Falls, Pastor Jim Hawkins asked, “What is gray, has a bushy tail and gathers nuts in the fall?” Five-year-old Adam Bronson raised his hand. “I know the answer should be Jesus,” he stated, “but it sounds like a squirrel to me.”

From An Encyclopedia of Humor by Lowell D. Streiker. Published by Hendrickson Publishers, 2000.