More than twenty years ago the PCA endorsed Pioneer Clubs as the children’s club ministry that we recommend. Some 175 PCA churches have Pioneer Clubs, including the congregation with which I am associated. We began in late August with thirty children, but we are working and praying that we will soon have fifty and I've been dreaming of seventy-five. Pioneer Clubs has been proven to be a great outreach tool. This issue's “Equip Tip” comes from Judy Bryson, a long-time friend who is the executive director of Pioneer Clubs. She works out of their national office in Wheaton, IL. If your congregation is investigating a possible kids' program, give Pioneer Clubs a look. For more information call 800.694.2582. Tell them you represent a PCA congregation.--Bob Edmiston, Coordinator of Training

Several summers ago I counseled junior high students at Western New York Camp Cherith^®. One of the camp traditions centered on clean cabins. Each day the camp nurse inspected the cabins and reported the results at lunch. The cabin with the highest score received a trophy.

Since my campers were responsible junior highers, I decided they could clean without my supervision. During cabin cleanup I’d be elsewhere. The first day their idea of a clean cabin was a far cry from what the camp nurse had in mind. In fact, I think we owed points!

The campers weren’t discouraged. They made plans to get up earlier and start cleaning before breakfast. Getting up early was not something the junior highers did easily, but they were determined. 

I suggested they stop by the nurse’s station, review the inspection list with her, and find out her standards of performance. I encouraged them to keep working at their goal. (I also mentioned it wouldn’t hurt to bring the nurse a treat from the camp Tuck Shop!)

So they set their goal. They wanted the trophy. Each day their cleaning skills improved. And finally the cabin was cleaned to the nurse’s satisfaction. When she presented my campers with the trophy, their cheers could be heard all the way to Buffalo! Their efforts were finally rewarded. Some days it had looked impossible and even appeared that it wasn’t worth it. But they kept at it. Now the trophy was theirs—a toilet brush mounted in a coffee can and spray-painted gold. Not much, you might think, but it was their goal, and they accomplished it.

I believe my campers learned a lot along the way. Teamwork and cooperation get the job done with satisfaction. Sticking to the task, even when it looks like an uphill battle, brings fulfillment. Plans and goals are healthy and rewarding.

I learned a few things, too. It’s okay for kids to take responsibility for a task I probably could do a lot easier. Encouraging others to reach their goal is rewarding in itself, even if it takes awhile before the goal is attained. The results of teamwork and cooperation are more important than the tangible reward. Rewards don’t have to be expensive or flashy (although our gold-sprayed brush was awesome and gaudy!).

Similar learning happens in Pioneer Clubs. Club leaders guide club members all year. They encourage them in their learning experiences, fan their interests, work with them to develop new skills, and help them set and meet goals. Ultimately, they recognize their accomplishments all along the way.

For some children, Pioneer Clubs may be the only Christian activity they are exposed to. Others may find it a harmonious reinforcement to what they have been taught at home and church. 

Thank you for partnering with us to reach, mentor, and guide children for Christ.

“Let me tell future generations about your mighty power.” (Psalm 71:18b, CEV)

Judy Bryson

President, Pioneer Club

 Reprinted by permission from Summer 2003 inContact, Pioneer Clubs(R), PO Box 788, Wheaton, IL 60189-0788, (630) 293-1600.

Back to Equip Page