What do Teddy Grahams, 30 to 40 kids, empty toilet paper rolls and a trained Gorilla have in common? The correct answer would be Pioneer Clubs. Pioneer Clubs happens at our church every Wednesday night from 6:30 til 8:00. In that time span, 30 to 40 excited kids meet together for Bible instruction, fun and snacks.
The Club, or more properly the Clubs consist of a series of age graded groups that meet with separate teachers and worship God and learn about His Word. The clubs are well organized with a veriety of activities.The Head Organization's description and vision is as follows:
Each of these programs helps boys and girls build healthy relationships with caring Christian adults, peers and most importantly, Jesus Christ. Thousands of churches across North America count on Pioneer Clubs materials to be Christ-centered, Bible-based, kid-focused and flexible—helping them create a children's ministry that transforms lives.
Pioneer Clubs Distinctives
- Christ-centered and Bible-based
- Meaningful Bible study and Bible memory
- Participative learning
- Non-competitive
- Age-appropiate curriculum
- Relationship oriented
- Flexible
- Complement to Sunday School
- Serves the local church
- Affordable
Now here are the initial items I described at the start and how they relate to our Pioneer Clubs.
- Teddy Grahams are a typical snack item that the kids eat on a Wednesday night. Sometimes they have some home made cookies or cupcakes.
- Empty toilet paper rolls are one of the all time staples of Pioneer Club craft making (and VBS as most helpers know).
- A trained Gorilla doesn't really apply except in how it illustrates the level of fun and excitement that we have at a typical night at our Pioneer Clubs.
- One great item I forgot to mention is all of the nice hugs that are passed out between the younger kids and the teachers.
