Helping Children Celebrate - Ministry Mag.

[Liz]

I can see both sides of this, but maybe it's because I am still in the trenches so to speak.

As for helping children understand certain services. I don't think it should happen while the special service is being conducted. I do however, think that during their SS class or children's church, that the teachers aught to discuss and teach what will happen and why and work it into the lesson plan.

As for having Adventures and not waiting for Pathfinders. I know that if I couldn't take my youngest then my oldest that is in Pathfinders couldn't participate either. There are several families in the church that are in the same boat as I am. It would be to much of a burden to make sure that the Pathfinders were there, and then have no where for the younger children to go.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I agree with Gladussee. Kids who are in Adventurers will start getting bored with Pathfinders. The programs shouldn't be babysitters for parents. Pathfinders should be something the younger children look forward to getting into.

And as far as blowing bubbles and throwing rose petals over babies at dedications or dunking plastic people in a tub of water to simulate baptism.... oh brother...

Why not have families that are involved in the baby dedications or baptisms take over part of the church service, i.e., prayer, sermon, music, etc. Get them involved with the church that way.

The idea of children partaking of communion is totally out of line, IMHO. If it is thought that they need to understand communion and the symbology, let it be done in Sabbath School...not during Communion and Worship services.

[Liz]

I agree with Gladussee. Kids who are in Adventurers will start getting bored with Pathfinders. The programs shouldn't be babysitters for parents. Pathfinders should be something the younger children look forward to getting into.

Kid burnout really hasn't been our experience, rather the only time there has been a lapse is when their hasn't been an adult to lead out. Most parents don't use these programs as babysitters, they are generally busy helping out in some capacity.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

MOST parents drop their kids off at Pathfinders - they don't help out. But some do help, which is appreciated. That's been my experience over many years of seeing Pathfinders in action. It is very difficult to get adults to help with Pathfinders, in general.

[Outta Here]

Just a quick 'two cents' about Adventurers and Pathfinders. In my experience with these two clubs (seven years), I have found that the Pathfinders who had been part of the Adventurer club for years were very excited to join Pathfinders. They were ready to move on to the experiences the 'older' club enjoys.

The key is finding age appropriate activities for all youth. As children grow in stages, they need to have their needs met accordingly.

I think it was GLG who said it best in this thread when it was mentioned that people of all ages need to feel loved and appreciated. This being of utmost importance in keeping people in the church.

[Dottie]

I went on Sunday with my boy to a large Adventurer activity which included many clubs from our state. I found that not only is there an Adventurer club, but, also a group of "Little Lambs" who appeared to probably not be quite out of diapers yet. I think it was mainly to include younger siblings of the Adventurers.

As for dropping children off, it doesn't happen much in our area because our membership is spread over a very large area. One grandparent who brings her grandson to church, has to drive at least an hour to get him to the club meetings.

I like having my son in the Adventurers, because it is a time for him to actively be part of a group of Adventist children. Sabbath School for him is mostly sitting still and listening. He can have a greater part during Adventurers. Because of his "differences," he attends a government school.