HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE OF THE ADVENTURER PROGRAM Basic Staff Training Course Section #1

INTRODUCTION PURPOSE To develop an awareness of the mission and uniqueness of the Adventurer Ministry and its relevance to today’s families. To recognize the philosophy, goals, and uniqueness of the Adventurer Ministry and gain an overview of the history of Adventurers.

Adventurer Club roots reach back to the early days of children’s ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 1890’s -Our Little Friend is published 1917-Primary Reading Course developed for young children

1930 - C. Lester Bond, the World Junior Youth 1930 - C. Lester Bond, the World Junior Youth Director, introduced a group of four Pre- JMV classes - Busy Bee, Sunbeam, Builder, and Helping Hand. These had age-related requirements that included learning from the Bible, basic health practices, recreational principles, and an understanding of their part and contribution to their family. Each class had a special pin, scarf and slide which were presented at annual investitures which were usually held at the same time as the JMV investitures.

1939 - The General Conference endorsed the four classes. 1957- Primary Treasure began to be published 1972 - Washington Conference under the directorship of Carolee Riegel sponsored a club for children called “Beavers” 1975 - There are reports that the Northeastern Conference was having a children’s club concept

1980’s - by the 1980’s many of the Conferences 1980’s - by the 1980’s many of the Conferences were having Clubs for children 1988 - North American Division Church Ministries Department invited interested conferences and child specialists to study and evaluate the Adventurer Club concept 1989 - A committee met to update the Adventurer curriculum, develop Adventurer awards and write guidelines for the Adventurer Club organization

The committee involved children’s Sabbath School leaders, educational personnel, conference and union Children’s Ministries coordinators, and child and family specialists. Chaired by Norman Middag, the committee membership included Debra Brill, Terry Dodge, Sarah Fanton, Merrill Fleming, Joyce Fortner, Donna Habenicht, Jasmin Hoyt, Noelene Johnsson, Kathie Klocko, Barbara Manspeaker, Kathy Martin, Dixie Plata, Julia Raglin, Toini Shobe-Harrison, Emma Lee Tillman, Claude Thomas, Ruth Walker, Al Williamson, and Bob Wong. The Adventurer curriculum was written by Teresa Reeve.

1990 – The Adventurer Program piloting program began in the NAD 1991-New administrative manual and awards manual; awards poster in four languages   1993 - Adventurer Club officially recognized in NAD; Eager Beaver program re-piloted 2000 – GC voted the Adventurer Club Director is part of Church Board; NAD creates a department for Youth Ministries including Adventurers with PastorJames Black as the Directer

  2004 -Eager Beaver and Little Lamb programs are adopted by the NAD Adventurer Committee 2006 -Eager Beaver manual is copyrighted; new Adventurer, Eager Beaver, and Little Lamb songs adopted and copyrighted by the General Conference 2007- Little Lamb manual created and copyrighted

PHILOSOPHY --------- The Adventurer Program was created to assist parents in their important responsibilities as a child’s primary teachers and evangelizers. The program aims to strengthen the parent/child relationship and further the child’s development in spiritual, physical, mental, and social areas. In this way, the church and school can work together with the parent to develop a mature, happy child.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” Proverbs 22:6 NIV

WHO SHOULD BE YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE? PARENTS!!!

“THE ADVENTURER PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT PARENTS IN ASSISTING CHIILDREN WITH THE CHALLENGING TASK OF DEVELOPING FULLY AS FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST IN TODAY’S WORLD.”

ADVENTURERS AS A MINISTRY YES, IT’S A MINISTRY!!!

MISSION STATEMENT The North American Division Adventurer programs serves an intercultural community of children in grades 1-4 (now with Little Lambs & Eager Beavers PK4 & K too ) their parents and caregivers through a holistic ministry. The purpose of the program is to support parents and care-givers in leading and encouraging their children in a growing, joyful love relationship with Jesus Christ. It offers instructional curriculum, family enrichment, supplementary resources, and volunteer training from within the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy. The Adventurer program should work to fulfill the gospel commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and depends on the support of a congregation strong in mission and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Adventurers should provide fun and creative ways for parents to help their children: Develop a Christ like character Learn that it brings satisfaction to do things well To learn ways to express their love for Jesus To learn how to get along with others To discover their God given abilities and how to use them to help others To help make families stronger

INVOLVEMENT = + Church Family/Home - teach classes special events at church help with outings stories/devotions teach curriculum/awards drive on outings stories/devotions Parent Networking = +

THE GOAL???? That the Adventurer will commit their hearts and lives to Jesus. Remember – this will come in their own way in their own time. That the Adventurer will learn the benefits, joy and responsibilities of living a Christian life. That the Adventurer will learn the habits, skills and knowledge needed to live for Jesus today. That the parents will do all of the above – PLUS become more confident and effective as co-laborers with Christ for their children.

“One of the Adventurer Club objectives is to provide a meaningful and exciting experience as the children look forward with anticipation to some day becoming Pathfinders.”

RELAX --- you don’t have to do this without help. The Adventurer Club Manual gives you suggestions and helps to accomplish all of these goals and objectives, plus many more!

OTHER RESOURCES Other Staff Parents Other Directors Pastors Area Coordinators Conference Office Other Conferences