Pioneer Clubs eNewsletter Printer-Friendly

September 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'd like to help you think through how an appealing atmosphere or environment will benefit your club. Here are nine ways to create an inviting atmosphere.

1. Display pictures of all the children where you meet. Show individual, up-close pictures of all the kids who attend club. A group shot, located in a common area, would also be inviting. Or take photos by club groups and post them on the club room doors. If the pictures need to be removed after club each week, you might laminate them and hang them on an over-the-door hanger. Kids like to see their pictures posted, and the postings will make the children feel as though they belong. Update the pictures periodically so all newcomers feel welcomed.

2. Identify the club room. Post signs on the doors that say "Scooters," "Voyagers," and so on. This will help newcomers find their room and make regular attenders feel like they belong. Even if you can't keep those identifiers on the room doors all week, you can hang them at club time. Or, if your club meets in designated areas in a larger room, put signs on dividers or walls.

3. Display Bible memory verses and/or club attendance records on a poster on the club room wall. The children will feel the accomplishment of verses learned. If they mark their weekly attendance as well (or put on a sticker, depending on their age-level!), they will sense a feeling of ownership. If you're able to keep these records up in the room all week, it will serve as a visual reminder to other church members of what is being accomplished in club. If the room has bulletin boards, you can also show photos of special club events or activity award projects.

4. Provide a unique look or feel for each age level that you run. For example, use a sailing theme for Skippers with sailor caps, ropes, and anchors. Create something that portrays how the kids can be "anchored" in God's Word. For an older group, such as Trailblazers, create something that would reflect a young-adolescent mentality. This unique look would say that a particular child is not just a member of Pioneer Clubs, but also a member of a specific age-group. Another way to accomplish this is to have club members wear their age level's club crest (catalog p. 23).

5. Have greeting packets and name buttons available for visitors. Create an inviting packet that can be given to visitors throughout the year. A name button (catalog #6780) will help everyone know the child's name. Give a gift, like a Pioneer Clubs sports water bottle, to help the newcomer feel welcome. Or include a ribbon bookmark (catalog p. 26), ideal for marking Bible Exploration passages.

6. Provide decorations that change with the seasons. If your club starts in autumn, decorate rooms in a theme that says "fall" even if you're not holding a special event. You could use corn stalks, pumpkins, gourds, and so on. Use lots of perky and bright colors, especially during the dark, wintry months.

7. Display the awards kids earn. Either in the club room or on a wall close by, provide a list (or poster) of the awards the kids are earning. Or, even better, hang up an award banner (#7000) for each child. This visual highlights each kid's ongoing achievements. Add to the banner as the awards are earned. Use glitter to show the kid's name at the top of the award banner. Add a few words that portray the heart of your Pioneer Clubs program.

8. Surprise the club members. Everyone loves a surprise. Do something unexpected. Change decorations when children aren't expecting it. Blow up balloons for a regular club meeting.

9. Put up welcoming items outside the church. Providing a positive environment can begin before the children even enter the church. An outdoor welcome banner (#6700) or flag (#6702) not only promotes your program to those who pass by the church, it also promotes excitement for the kids who are regulars or first-time visitors.

Changed Lives
"We have a boy who would faithfully come to Pioneer Clubs. He and his brother were invited by neighbors, who are church members. At first, he did not speak and was not knowledgeable about the Bible. Now he's in his second year of Pioneer Clubs. Recently he came to club with the names of the first five books of the Bible memorized, and he requested to say the closing prayer." —Joyce Brown

Today’s Kids...
. . .need environments that are safe and welcoming in order to learn and grow. Establish club guidelines that ensure that each kid is treated with respect and kindness by peers and adults.

Announcements

Keeping in Touch. . .

Representatives from Pioneer Clubs will be calling some of our friends in early October to thank you for your past giving, let you know what's going on in the ministry, and ask for your continued support. We look forward to chatting with you!

Autumn Kids for Kids Hike

Did you miss the Spring 2004 Kids for Kids Hike? Join us October 16, 2004* for the Autumn Kids for Kids Hike!

An autumn hike is a great way to kick off your club year. It also allows you to get unchurched kids involved in club early and helps you increase your club's visibility.

All the information you need is at 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 by e-mailing Carlene at csmith@pioneerclubs.org.

*or whatever date best suits your church

Scholarship Winner Named

Allidah Benay Hicks of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, is this year's scholarship recipient of the Virginia C. Patterson Continuing Education Fund. She attends Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Lakewood, Colorado. She was a Pioneer Clubs member for six years and served as a junior leader and assistant leader for another six years.

Reflections

“He [Jesus] took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.'" —Mark 9:36-37

Lighter Side

Note from a church bulletin: "Someone has checked out the book Please Don't Tell My Parents by Dawson McAllister from the church library without signing their name. If you have it, please let someone in the library know or return it in the box by the library door."