CLUB ORGANIZATION Adventurer Basic Staff Training Section 4

Purpose – To introduce the standards and requirements of the Adventurer Club organization. Objective – To explain basic procedures and policies relevant to the establishment and maintenance of the Adventurer Club

Get the Church committed Get the staff trained

FUNDING The Adventurer Club is financed by the local church and club membership fees. The child (family) should pay the membership fees and monthly dues. “Every family pays a moderate amount per Adventurer quarter or year as part of membership obligations. The dues should not cause any prospective member to forego the privilege of membership, but every member must realize that everything worthwhile costs something. ” NAD Adventurer Manual pg 16 Parents or friends may help with the needed materials and/or uniforms The church board should help provide finances, leadership, and a meeting place. Fund raising can help make up the difference that is needed for the budget.

Planning the Budget WHO? The Director and staff WHEN? At an organizational staff meeting WHAT? Answer the following questions to help plan your budget: 1. What programs are upcoming this year? 2. What charges are there for these programs? 3. What should our budget include? crafts supplies, certificates, outreach programs, field trips, patches, etc…. 4. Where is the money going to come from? application fees, dues, subsidy, fund raising

PUBLIC RELATIONS Publicize by----Bulletin Boards Newsletters Church Bulletins Personal Contact Church Board

OPERATING POLICIES Adventurer Director is a member of the local church board SDA Church Manual 2005 Edition pg 91

Parental Involvement – “A ‘parent’ may be defined as the adult caretaker or sponsor of the Adventurer child. ” “The Adventurer leader needs to understand the world of the Adventurer parent. He/she must be able to relate effectively to the parents…. . To work for the good of the Adventurer. ” #2, #4, #8 of the requirements of membership refer to how parents are to be involved in the Adventurer Ministry. “The Adventurer parent will participate and cooperate in these activities as a member of the Adventurer Club. ” Adventurer Manual pgs 17, 18

There are 10 requirements of membership, they can be found on page 18 1. 2. 3. 4. Families with children in grades 1 -4 (Little Lambs & Eager Beavers include PK 4 & K) Parents will be involved in Club activities Regular attendance Parents will cooperate with the Adventurer regulations, including supplying money & time to support the club 5. Members will pay registration fee & dues 6. Adventurers will own an Adventurer uniform and wear it as instructed 7. Adventurers will obey the rules and instructions of the Adventurer staff 8. Adventurer & parents will participate in community projects 9. Adventurers will learn & live the Adventurer Pledge & Law 10. The Adventurers will receive a Adventurer Membership Card at Induction Service

CLUB UNIFORM The uniform becomes a builder of club spirit. Staff shirt Conferences can opt for white shirts for Adventurers

PLANNING YOUR CALENDAR The Adventurer year is a minimum of 9 months, but many clubs use a 12 month program. Be sure the Adventurer Curriculum is covered during your Club year. Adventurer meeting should not be longer than 90 minutes. There should be at least 1 regularly scheduled meeting per month. Suggestions for quarterly meetings might include: 7 meetings/quarter 3 meetings for children 3 for children/family 1 for parents only 8 meetings/quarter 6 meetings for children 1 for children/family 1 for parents only 9 meetings/quarter 3 meeting for children 3 for children/family 3 for parents only

15 minutes 10 minutes 5 minutes 20 minutes 10 minutes 20 minutes 5 minutes 1. 2. 3. 4. Worship & songs Opening Exercises (Pledges, Law, etc) Transition time Adventurer Class Level Work snacks/break Awards, games, special activity of the meeting Clean-up Closing announcements, closing devotional thought, Prayer Plan a theme for the year or quarter Plan Awards that work with that theme Plan your weekly meetings HAVE FUN!!!!!

Suggestion – add a line for email address.

Even though parents are with the Adventurer the Medical form is important to have. It lists allergies, physical restrictions, and if the parent is hurt also – treatment for the child can be started. ALWAYS have a copy of each Adventurers Medical form at all meetings and outings. Be sure to have the form notarized if required by your state.

SAFETY EVERYONE SHARES IN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF KEEPING OUR ADVENTURERS SAFE – Parents, Leaders and Volunteers IT IS OUR MORAL AND LEGAL DUTY TO KEEP THEM SAFE It is our privilege in Service to Others in helping mold young minds for eternity

• We are entrusted with the care of children • We are responsible to be sure our facilities are properly maintained and hazards are identified • We are responsible for proper planning and supervision • We are responsible that proper safety equipment is used during activities.

IF AN SOMETHING DOES HAPPEN • JOB #1 is for you to safely evacuate the children from the building or area. Be sure they are safe! • Re-group and take a head count so parents and emergency personnel will know that everyone is accounted for • Have a adequate First Aid kit available at all times • Each Club should have at least one adult trained in First Aid at all meetings, events and outings. • Show respect and concern to the family involved but DO NOT make any statements or admission of guilt to them. • Be sure the report of any incident comes from the Director – not passed through the “grapevine”. Be sure the Pastor is informed also. • Report the accident to the Florida Conference Pathfinder Dept within 24 hours.

PROTECTING FROM ABUSE • Proper Screening • Volunteer Forms • Six Month Rule • Education and Training • Encourage staff to learn how to identify abuse We have the duty to protect the children from harm and abuse at our churches Likewise we have the duty to protect the church employees and those that volunteer to work with kids from the harm of false accusations.

1. Someone, usually a parent, realizes the importance of the Adventurer Ministries Conference Adventurer Leader about getting a club started. 2. A presentation is made to the Pastor and Church Board to get approval and support. 3. Let the Church know that an Adventurer Club is being started. There is a staff recruitment form on pg 322 of the NAD Manual. 4. An Organizational Meeting is called, this would include staff, parents and church members interested in the Adventurer Ministries. Plan at least 6 months in advance. It may change – but it’s easier to have something planned and change, then have nothing planned at all! “This may be the most important step in the entire organizational process. Program building consists of long range planning. The objectives of the club over a period of months and years should be brought into focus. The club activities should conform to these overall objectives. Each meeting should be planned in detail weeks in advance” NAD Adventurer Manual pg 3 5. Attend or host an Adventurer Staff Training Course.

6. Choose a Director and Associate, this is usually done by the Church Board or nominating committee. As of the 2000 General Conference Session – the Adventurer Director is part of the local Church Board (2005 SDA Church Manual, pg 91) 7. Designate an Adventurer Executive Committee 8. Start building your Adventurer Program – long term goals 9. Hold and “Open House” let the kids know what Adventurers is about. 10. Get them registered. NAD Manual pg 329 11. Visit with all that registered answer questions. 12. Have your first meeting. 13. Have and Induction Service. 14. CONTINUE to invite the church and community into your program. BE EVANGELISTIC!!! HAVE FUN!!!