Discovering God’s Goodness

Leader Planbook

3I N T R O D U C T I O N

This book has been written to provideyou, a Pioneer Clubs leader, with completelesson plans that will ensure your club min-istry is accomplishing the Pioneer Clubscurriculum goals:

1. To enable children to enter into apersonal relationship with Christ and toknow his Word.a. By presenting Christ as Savior and

Lord, the club program gives childrenopportunities to experience salvationand grow spiritually.

b. By training children to studyScripture and apply it to daily life,club prepares them to exerciseChristian responsibility in theirchurch, community, and world.

2. To enable children to form healthy rela-tionships.a. By teaching biblical purposes for the

family and by recognizing sociologicalinfluences, this program helps chil-dren learn how to be contributingmembers in various family situations.

b. By teaching that God created peopleto be interdependent, the clubprogram leads children to develophealthy relationships with both peersand adults.

3. To enable children to grow as wholepersons.a. By presenting biblical values and

characteristics of persons made inGod’s image, club assists children indeveloping positive attitudes towardGod, themselves, and others.

b. By providing opportunities to developa variety of skills and abilities, clubhelps children experience achieve-ment and grow physically, mentally,socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

4. To enable adults to understand childrenand help them develop.a. Through its curriculum and supple-

mentary materials, the club programteaches child development andChristian values.

b. Through involvement in the club min-istry, adults are encouraged in theirpersonal and spiritual growth.

Pioneer Clubs’ Philosophy of Christian Education

Children are whole beings created inGod’s image, with spiritual capacity to havea relationship with Jesus Christ that devel-ops as they grow and mature in a nurturingChristian community.

Pioneer Clubs’ Psychology of LearningChildren are holistic learners—knowing,

feeling, and doing—and are eager to partic-ipate actively in meaningful learning experi-ences appropriate for their developmentand learning style.

Pioneer Clubs’ Theological BeliefsJesus Christ, the Son of God, died and

rose again to provide redemption for eachperson. Children will be given opportunitiesto make a personal commitment to Christaccording to their spiritual readiness.Children will be taught that God’s Word isour rule for faith and practice, and they willdecide how to apply it to their everyday life.

Meeting Plans for Pathfinder Leadersand the Pathfinder Handbook for clubmembers are essential resources for aneffective and successful Pioneer Clubs min-istry.

Meeting Plans for Pathfinder LeadersEach plan book contains resources for a

kickoff meeting, 28 regular meetings andone holiday meeting; reproducible ParentPages; a reproducible Award Record Sheet;an age characteristics chart; club organiza-tional tips; and suggestions for games.Each participating leader in your clubshould have a meeting plan book.

Pathfinder Handbook for Club MembersHandbooks are used in all regular club

meetings during the Bible Exploration &Award time and for activity awards. The twohandbooks correspond with the two leaderplan books: Discovering God’s Care andDiscovering God’s Goodness. Each hand-book lists requirements for 7 Bible awardsand 20 activity awards (for Discovering

• learn Christian values• grow spiritually• study, memorize and apply

Scripture• learn practical life skills• develop lifelong Christian

friendships

Pioneer Clubs Theme Verse“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,and a light unto my path.” (Psalm119:105, KJV)

AimThat we may glorify the Lord Jesus.

Motto“Looking unto Jesus.” (Hebrews12:2a KJV)

SloganChrist in every aspect of life

Theme Song“Thy Word”

ColorsBlue and red

Salute

M E E T I N G P L A N S F O R P A T H F I N D E R L E A D E R S

IntroductionIntroductionPIONEER CLUBSCURRICULUM GOALS

ESSENTIAL PROGRAMRESOURCES

PIONEER CLUBSIS A FUN PLACE WHERE KIDS...

“Thy wordis a lamp

unto myfeet,

and alight untomy path”

God’s Care) or 19 activity awards (forDiscovering God’s Goodness).

Every participating club membermust have a handbook to record his orher thoughts, ideas and responses toBible Exploration & Award discussions.Club members will also use handbooksto complete the skill-building activityaward requirements. Pioneer Clubsrecommends that you have one or twoextra handbooks on hand for guests orvisitors to use.

Bible AwardsBy participating in the Bible

Exploration & Award portion of theclub meeting, your club members willearn one Bible award for each unitcompleted. Club members have theopportunity to earn 14 Bible awardswhile they are Pathfinders. SevenBible awards are covered in thisleader plan book. The remainingseven are in the other Pathfinder planbook.

You’re encouraged to distribute allawards earned in a unit during thelast meeting of each unit.

Bible Memory Cards & StickersClub members will memorize 21

verses during the Bible Memory partof the meetings in Discovering God’sCare and 18 verses plus the books ofthe New Testament in DiscoveringGod’s Goodness. An additional 21optional verses are included each yearif your group is ready for this addedchallenge.

Because all main memory versesare discussed during Bible Exploration& Award time, club members willhave a good understanding of whatthe verses mean and how the verses

apply to their daily lives. Give club members Bible Memory

Cards to take home, to help themreview their verses throughout theweek. When club members demon-strate they know a verse, give them aBible Memory Sticker to put in theappropriate spot on the chart insidethe back cover of their handbook.

Activity AwardsEach unit includes requirements to

complete at least two activity awards.The activity awards cover five cate-gories:

Arts & CommunicationMyself, My Family, and OthersHobbies & ProjectsOutdoors & NatureSports & Games

Pioneer Clubs skill-building activi-ties are a wonderful way to introduceclub members to new skills, strength-en areas of interest, enrich their lives,and provide fun with friends in aChristian environment. Leaders areencouraged to invite other adults withexpertise in appropriate skill areas toassist with activity awards.

Bible awards and activity awardsprovide a meaningful way for clubmembers to sense accomplishment,broaden interests and abilities, andgain self-confidence. Since Bibleawards and activity awards are com-pleted during club meetings andevents, all regularly participating clubmembers will receive awards. The

Pioneer Clubs atmosphere is one ofcooperation, teamwork and mutualsupport, not competition or rivalry.

To ensure that the awards providelasting positive reinforcement for clubmembers, select an award displaymethod that will be meaningful toyour group. Pioneer Clubs offers sev-eral fun and creative award displayoptions from which to choose.

Units may be completed in anyorder. Once you select a unit, the fourmeetings within that unit must bedone in sequence to maintain conti-nuity. There is enough material ineach meeting to last 1 1/2 to 2 hours.If you meet for less time, adjust theplan to make sure you cover thesecore meeting essentials: BibleExploration & Award, Bible Memory,the 1st or 2nd Activity Award, andPrayer.

Meeting Preparation Before each meeting: Review the

Bible Exploration & Award aims, readthe entire meeting, assign meetingpart responsibilities, select one BibleExploration Focus option, prepare allthe “Do Ahead” parts, read theScriptures used, read the PathfinderHandbook sections used in the meet-ing, gather supplies, and prayerfullyconsider the Prepare Your Heartsection.

D I S C O V E R I N G G O D ’ S G O O D N E S S4

GET READY—5-10 minutes1st ACTIVITY AWARD— 20-30 minutesBIBLE EXPLORATION & AWARD— 15-25 minutesBIBLE MEMORY—5-10 minutes2nd ACTIVITY AWARD—20-30 minutesGAMES (optional)SERVICE PROJECT (optional)— activities suggested in the firstmeeting of each unitPRAYER—5-10 minutes

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Meeting ScheduleAll Pathfinder meetings follow the

same general schedule, although thetimes allotted may vary by 5-10 min-utes depending on the size of yourgroup and the needs of individualmeetings’ Bible Exploration & Awarddiscussions or activity award projects.

Meeting Options You are encouraged to organize the

meeting schedule to meet your timeframe, facilities, club structure, andclub member needs. Many clubsbegin or end their meetings with anall-club singing time. If your groupchooses to do this, you will need toadjust your meeting plan accordingly.Snacks can also be a part of your clubtime.

Because many of the units useskits as part of the Bible Exploration& Award discussion or in an activityaward, you may want to set up a cos-tume box to help your club membersget into character. Collect old clothingand a variety of hats and accessories.Old sheets, towels, and odd lengths ofmaterial can combine with rope,belts, or sashes to make Bible-timescostumes.

Suggested Extra EventsConsider holding one or two special

events during the year. These eventsmay be done with other PioneerClubs age divisions or justPathfinders. Many activity awardExtra Credit options recom-mend projects or activitiesyour club could do as specialevents. Other suggestionsinclude:

• Kids for Kids Hike (seewww.pioneerclubs.org)

• Bowling Party• Camping or Cookout• Christmas Caroling• Camp Cherith® infor-

mation event (seewww.pioneerclubs.org)

For additional ideas, orderParties and Special Events (item#2721) from Pioneer Clubs.

Involving ParentsPhotocopy the corresponding

Parent Page for each unit you use anddistribute to parents at the beginningof a new unit. Encourage parents to

discuss with their child the ideas andquestions listed, and ask them to helptheir child learn the memory verses.Invite parents to help with specialevents or skill-building activityawards. Parents could also provide asnack or help with transportation. Besure to invite parents to meetingswhen children are receiving theirawards.

Salvation OpportunitiesSalvation is a relationship with a lov-

ing Lord who changes our lives whenwe confess our sins and express beliefin Jesus Christ. At least one BibleExploration & Award time in each unitcontains a Salvation Challenge, with anappropriate salvation prayer. You’reencouraged to adapt other lessons toinclude the plan of salvation. Dependon the work of the Holy Spirit to guideand prepare your club members’ hearts.

You will find numerous opportunitiesto talk about spiritual things with clubmembers during formal BibleExploration & Award times, informalactivity times, and throughout themeeting. Scheduling time to talk indi-vidually with club members about theirspiritual concerns would also be help-ful. You may wish to ask questions suchas:

• How did you learn about PioneerClubs?

• Where do you and your fami-ly attend church?

• What are you learning aboutJesus during our BibleExploration & Award times?

• What questions do you haveabout God, Jesus, and theBible?

Helpful ScripturesClub members need to

know some simple, basicfacts so they canappreciate Jesus’sacrificial death andaccept him as their

Savior and Lord. Be sure these pointsare clear:• God loves us. —John 3:16; Romans

5:8; 1 John 4:9• We have done wrong and this wrong

is called sin by God. Sin prevents

a relationship with God, who is holy.—Romans 3:21; 6:23; Isaiah 53:6

• Jesus died to pay for our sin.—1 Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 7:27;1 John 2:2

• To receive God’s forgiveness, wemust accept Jesus as our Savior.—John 3:36; Acts 13:38-39

• When we do this, we become God’schildren. —John 1:12; 5:24; 10:28

• God gives us new and fulfillinglives. —John 10:10, 2 Corinthians5:17; 2 Peter 1:3When explaining salvation to a club

member, you may wish to use PioneerClubs’ Becoming a Child of God (item#6794). Also remember to:• Use language your club member

can understand.• Make the Scripture personal by dis-

cussing it in terms of your clubmember.

• Let your club member explain whatthe Scripture means.

• Don’t pressure a club member tomake a decision; wait until he orshe is ready.

• If a club member has prayed toreceive Jesus into his or her life,review the Scripture and be sure thechild understands what has hap-pened and that now he or she is amember of God’s family.

• Continue to encourage your clubmember to grow spiritually by hav-ing him or her read Pioneer Clubs’Learning More About Jesus salvationfollow-up brochure (#6792) or oneof the Daily Watch daily devotionalbooks (#6793, 6795).

• Encourage attendance at Sundayschool and church.

Arrive early.Be prepared.Accept individual differences.Listen to children.Know club members’ names.Provide choices.Be friendly and loving.Establish a few rules.Tell club members what to call you.Praise and encourage children.

Discipline TipsIf you’re well prepared, know your

EXPLAINING SALVATION

TEACHING TIPS

5I N T R O D U C T I O N

Lesson theme and Bibleaward title.

Outlines advancepreparation for each

section of the meeting.

Suggests resourceson the Pioneer

Clubs website tohelp you lead club.

Each part of the meeting planindicates a suggested duration forthat part. Your actual times willdepend on factors like how manyclub members you have.

Each lesson corresponds witha requirement from the clubmember’s handbook. Unittitles are the same as Bibleaward titles. Club membersearn one Bible award whencompleting a unit.

Encourages personalreflection for the leader

States lesson aims.When you finish

leading the lesson,you can determine if

aims were met.

Lists Scripture that willbe studied and memory

verses. May providebackground Scripturefor leaders to review.

Lists all suppliesneeded for each part

of the meeting,except for Bibles,

pencils, scratchpaper, and an easelpad or board, which

will be needed inmost meetings.

Introductory section of the Bible Exploration & Awardtime. Two Focus options are given. Select the one youfeel would best help your group.

Gives advance notice ofunusual preparation or

supplies. NOTE:Sometimes you maywant to schedule anextra meeting beforethe end of a unit, tohelp club members

who have missed oneor more meetings

complete awardrequirements.

Two activity awards are included in most meetings. You may do one or bothas time permits. Requirements come from the club member’s handbook; youmay replace any activity in the plan with other options listed in the hand-book. Club members may complete one to three activity awards in a unit.

Provides a get-acquainted game or

warm-up activity relatedto the study topic.

Creative teaching techniques help clubmembers learn Scripture. Verses to be memorized are discussed during BibleExploration & Award, ensuring comprehension.

Two activity awards areincluded in most meetings.You may do one or both astime permits. Requirementscome from the club member’shandbook; you may replaceany activity in the plan withother options listed in thehandbook. Club membersmay complete one to threeactivity awards in a unit.

Helps you sense whatwas accomplishedduring the BibleExploration & Awardand where you cango from there.

A variety of closingprayer methods encourage participationin a non-threatening way.Prayer time will bringclosure to your meetingsand help club membersthink about what God isteaching them throughhis Word.

One service project issuggested for each unit.Clubs choose those theywant to completethroughout the year.Do as many as you wish.

The games section ineach plan book hasmany game suggestions.

Provides opportunity for club members to consider how God’s Word applies to theirlives. They will take steps to actually live according to the biblical principle taughtduring the study.

Explores what the Bible says on agiven topic. Club members will needtheir handbooks, Bibles and pencils.

plan for the meeting, have suppliesready, and start on time, disciplinechallenges will be reduced. PioneerClubs views discipline as a tool tonurture children and help them grow.

Discuss what behavior will beacceptable in club and plan your dis-cipline guidelines before the firstclub meeting. Create a disciplineplan that builds and encourages posi-tive behavior in children. Determinewhat the consequences will be forunacceptable behavior. Invite clubmembers to help develop your group’sdiscipline guidelines and let parentsknow the rules, too.

Club rules should:• total no more than five • be easy to understand• describe observable, measurable

behavior• be stated positively• be age appropriate

Pioneer Clubs provides severalways for you to receive training as aclub leader.

TrainingPioneer Clubs offers training peri-

odically dealing with specific topicsof interest to club leaders, such as:

• basic training• group discipline that worksPioneer Clubs informs leaders of

special training through email, so besure to provide Pioneer Clubs head-quarters with your email address. Ifyou don’t have email, ask your clubcoordinator to let you know whentraining sessions are offered.

eNewsletterAs a registered leader, you are enti-

tled to receive Pioneer Clubs’ FREEmonthly email newsletter, which pro-vides helpful suggestions and ideasthat will enhance your club experi-ence. You may sign up for this spe-cial newsletter on the Pioneer Clubswebsite: www.pioneerclubs.org.

Website—www.pioneerclubs.orgPioneer Clubs’ website has lots of

helpful information and resources,such as:

• special meeting plans• tips on discipline and promoting

your club• Kids for Kids Hike information

and planning suggestions

Leaders from registered churchesmay order material in four ways:

Phone:800-694-CLUB (2582)

Online Store:www.pioneerclubs.org

Fax:800-619-CLUB (2582)

Mail:PO Box 788Wheaton, IL 60187-0788 USA

8 D I S C O V E R I N G G O D ’ S G O O D N E S S

TRAINING RESOURCES &RECOMMENDATIONS

HOW TO ORDER MATERIAL

SAMPLE CLUB RULES