1. THE ADVENTURER FAMILY NETWORK
Sharon Wallace-Wilson
MSN/Ed, RN
Adventurer Zone C Administrator
Adventurer Manual

2. Objectives At the end of this session, the attendee will:
Define the term family network
Discuss the composition of the plan
Relate the need for a family network to your club
Recognize the advantages of the family network
Express understanding of the presented information
Plan to start a family network for your adventurer club
Adventurer Manual

3. Outline Definition Introducing the Idea Rewards for parents
Planning a meeting
Sample program
Possible topics
Themes
Subtopics
Advantages of The Family Network
Adventurer Manual

4. INTRODUCTION Improve their understanding of what makes families strong
Philosophy of the Adventurer Club
Two objectives of the club:
Improve their understanding of what makes families strong
Develop parental support for the training of children
The philosophy of the Adventurer club is to assist parents in making the development of their children a richer and more meaningful experience.
Adventurer Manual

5. children for Jesus Christ.
BACKGROUND - PURPOSE
The Adventurer Club exists for the purpose of supporting parents in the task of raising
children for Jesus Christ.
Adventurer Manual

6. The world of the Adventurer-age child is centered around the family.
Reminders
The world of the Adventurer-age child is centered around the family.
In order to change children's lives for God, the cooperation of the parents and family must be enlisted, wherever possible
Adventurer Manual

7. Two or more people who share goals and values
Families : Definition
Two or more people who share goals and values
Have long-term commitments to one another
Adventurer Manual

8. Family Network A regular event An opportunity Parent-based Worthwhile
The Adventurer Family Network is:
A regular event
An opportunity
Parent-based
Worthwhile
Simple to start
Regular event- may be held monthly during the club meeting or at any other time that is convenient to the staff and parents. May involve speakers, book and study groups, sharing times.
An opportunity, especially for parents to share inspiration, support and information which will help to make families happy, healthy places for kids to grow in Jesus.
Parent based: Parents have a part in choosing topics and activities, finding speakers and resources, sharing and listening from their own experiences.
Simple to start: The Adventurer Club director or the family network coordinator meets with parents to set the direction for the club, then uses the parental input and materials to find presenters and resources that will make the plan successful
Adventurer Manual

9. Advantages of Family Network
Improved Communication
Family Atmosphere
Increased Commitment
Improved Participation
Improve Social Skills and Habits
Spread of Information
Communication
Communication is established between the club and the parents through personal talks, phone calls and letters. Parents are made aware of the goals of the club and their role in fulfilling those goals. Use this as an opportunity to listen to any concerns that they may have as this is communication- two way. Parents have many reasons for enrolling their children in the Adventurer Club and even though some may not sit well with us, we realize that we have two hour each time we meet that child to make an impression on the child. Maybe the only time they will hear about God.
Family Atmosphere
Parents use their special gifts to assist the Club in many ways, as counselors, assistant teachers, advertisers, fundraisers, supporters
Spread of Information
Information is sometime lost when notes and notices are given to he children. The parents will be there to get the information firsthand.
Improved Social Skills
Not everyone was fortunate to grow up in a home where social skills were taught and expected. Many of our children are grown by individuals who are not very graceful or sociable. This allows for poor and unwelcomed behavior that may make us feel uncomfortable. This may be a chance to involve these people and give them a voice. I am sure that when we socialize with them, they will learn from others who have more graceful behaviors and hopefully pass it on to the children.
Adventurer Manual

10. Steps for Organizing an AFN
Learn about the AFN
Have a talk with Adventurer staff and parents
Talk with your local Pastor
Review the suggested topics in year #1
Determine when you want to start and plan the first program
Studying the resources in the Adventurer manual which is prepared by the NAD, or consult with your conference director
Discuss how to coordinate with other ministries of the church (family life)
Adjust the topics as seen fit:
Adding topics parents may be interested in
Eliminating topics that you choose not to deal with for that particular year
Changing the wording of topics to make them more attractive to your group of parents
Solicit the parent’s input on choosing topics , volunteering, time and nature of succeeding meetings
Make a schedule of planned meeting dates and topics
Decide what the learning outcomes for this first session will be. Remember, the success of all the other meetings may rest on this first meeting. Make it interesting.
Arrange publicity speakers and needed materials for each meeting. Snacks, paper, ask parents to help , most individuals like to know that they were considered important to be asked to do something. Get feedback to help you know what is working and the changes that need to be made
Adventurer Manual

11. Steps to organize an AFN cont’d
Distribute attractive flyers to all parents
Solicit parents input
Make a schedule of planned meetings
Plan first meeting
Advertise the meetings
Adventurer Manual

12. Attracting Parents to AFN
Obligation
Time of meeting
Childcare
Personal invitation
1. Obligation: expect all parents to attend the meetings as a condition of membership obligations
2. Hold meetings at the time when parents and Adventurer Club staff can be present
3. Providing childcare may be a plus but is not mandatory
4. Send out invitations by mail to catch the attention of the parents, attach a schedule of the proposed plans for the year. Let the parents know that you see them as being an integral part of the Adventurer Club.
Adventurer Manual

13. Attracting Parents to AFN cont’d
Attractive advertisement
Solicit help of the church to advertise
Attractive plans
Media advertisement
1. Advertise in the church bulletin , ask other individuals at church to help.
2. Plan to hold a parent program once a year in a non-church setting, invite community or social groups to co-sponsor event.
3. Plan to host an event where guests are invited to see what the network is doing
4. Ensure that everyone feel at home when they come to a meeting. Icebreakers will help them to interact and get to know each other.
5. Serve refreshments which are in conformity to our health standards.
6.Stay in contact with the parents after the meetings to illicit feedback
Adventurer Manual

14. Network Reward Award Pin Adventurer Class Pins Awarded at investiture
A series of pins are given to parents in recognizing their commitment to the Adventurer Club and the Family Network.
Pins are crafted in the likeness of the class pins of the Adventurer Club
Adventurer Manual

15. Award Criteria Attendance at Network Meetings
Supporting the Adventurer Club leadership
Participation in Adventurer Club functions
Child participation and investiture in Adventurer Club Class
Adventurer Manual

16. Planning an AFN Meeting
Keep the goal in mind
Positive reinforcement for parents
Communicate not lecture
Have a main event, remember the interests
Use projector, Power Points to aid presentation
Demonstration of key points
Support group anyone?
Plan follow-up activities
Joint venture with Family life and Youth ministries
Emphasize prayer
Adventurer Manual

17. Curriculum Four Year Cycle Themes Family Relationship
Anchoring in Christ
The Developing Child
Growing Through Challenges
Sub Topics are seminar titles
The Adventurer curriculum is related to the suggested topics. May I suggest that the topics for that set of meetings could be related to what the child is doing in their adventurer class.
Adventurer Manual

18. Family Network Curriculum
Year 1: Family Relationships
Positive Parenting
Family Fun Activities
Time Management: Finding time for what is important
Respect is for Everyone
This set of topics recognize that the parents are the most important teachers of the children.
No parent is perfect, parents are dealing with a myriad of issues which may affect how they are and react to situations, low self-esteem, stress, lack of education, family background.
The information received in the programs will help to foster characteristics that will make up strong families where individuals are respectful to each other, appreciative, supportive.
Families will appreciate the warmth of family togetherness and the joy of pleasant memories shared through family fun
Share ideas on activities that families can enjoy together.
Each meeting will have a planned outcome and everyone will work towards that goal.
Know how to use several time management skills such as prioritizing, goal-setting towards complete tasks
Learn how to spend time with God
Establish regular family times
Recognize that mutual respect is a strong part of strong families
Adventurer Manual

19. Respect
“REMEMBER THAT CHILDREN HAVE RIGHTS WHICH MUST BE RESPECTED” AH 306
Parents should practice what they preach, Show respect to the children.
Adventurer Manual

20. Family Network Curriculum
Year 1: Anchoring in Christ
Leading Your Child to Christ
Raising Kids Who Really Care
Teaching Kids About Prayer
Making Christian Standards Make Sense
With each topic, there are specific active learning activities that are related to the topic of the day
Adventurer Manual

21. Family Network Curriculum
Year 1: The Developing Child
Physical Development: Growing Healthy Kids
How Children Differ: Temperament and Personality
Teaching Kids About Sexuality
Setting Realistic Expectations
Parents will understand the basic physical development to expect
Adventurer Manual

22. Family Network Curriculum cont’d
Year 1: Growing Through Challenges
Discipline as Discipling: Sharing The Victorious Christian Life
Single Parenting
Safety Issues in Today’s World
Peer Pressure
Adventurer Manual

23. Family Network Curriculum YR 2
Family Relationships
How Your Family of Origin Can Affect Your Family Today
Enhancing Sibling Relationships
Growing a Support Network
Strengthening Family Communication
Adventurer Manual

24. Family Network Curriculum YR 2
Anchoring Children in Christ
Exploring Nature: God’s Second Book
Helping Kids Deal With Prejudice
Teaching Kids How to Use the Bible
Positive Sabbath Keeping
Adventurer Manual

25. Family Network Curriculum YR 2
The Developing Child
Social Development: Helping Your Child Be a Friend
Building Self-Esteem
Teaching Kids About Money
Play is for Real: Encouraging Healthy Play
Adventurer Manual

26. Family Network Curriculum YR 2
Growing Through Challenges
Constructive Discipline: Encouraging Positive Behavior
How to Thrive as a Non-Traditional Family
Raising Drug-Proof Kids
Creative Conflict Resolution
Adventurer Manual

27. Family Network Curriculum YR 3
Family Relationships
Styles of parenting
Latchkey Kids and Other Child-care Issues
Keeping Marriage Fresh
Family Meetings
Adventurer Manual

28. Family Network Curriculum YR 3
Anchoring Children in Christ
Directing Your Child’s Spiritual Growth
Fostering a Mission Spirit
Creative Family Worships
Occult, New Age and Kids
Adventurer Manual

29. Family Network Curriculum YR 3
The Developing Child
Emotional Development: Nurturing Your Child’s Emotional Health
Developing Talents and Gifts
Teaching About Work and Responsibility
Preparing Kids for Adulthood in the 21st Century
Adventurer Manual

30. Family Network Curriculum YR 3
Growing Through Challenges
Dealing Positively With Negative Behavior
Nurturing the Special Needs Child
What You Need to Know About Child Abuse
Stress and the Family
Adventurer Manual

31. Family Network Curriculum YR 4
Family Relationships
Family Bonding: Growing Warm Relationships
Changing Family Roles
Taking Care of You
Encouraging Statements: Words that Make a Difference
Adventurer Manual

32. Family Network Curriculum YR 4
Anchoring in Christ
Passing on Christian Values
Teaching Christian Courtesy
Growing a Spiritual Life: Involving Kids in Private Devotions
Adventurer Manual

33. Family Network Curriculum YR 4
The Developing Child
Teaching Kids to be Faithful Stewards
Intellectual Development: Learning in and Beyond School
Nurturing Creativity
Steps to Independence
Toys and Things for Kids
Adventurer Manual

34. Family Network Curriculum YR 4
Growing Through Challenges
Anger Management for Parents and Kids
Dealing with Grief
Guiding Entertainment Choices
Family Finance
Adventurer Manual

35. Sample Program Topic: Teaching Kids About Sexuality
Program Outcome: Parents will feel more comfortable about when and how to talk to their child about sex
Prayer
Activities : Watch Video/Game
Snack
Discussion
Closing with Prayer
Supplies needed: note cards and pens, video on how to talk to child about sexuality
Children should be taught that God created sex and it is good
Parents will also realize that their children receive many messages from the media
Adventurer Manual

36. Recommended Readings
Flowers, Ron & Karen., Empowering Families to Growth and Change, Advent Source, #351252
White, Ellen, G., Adventist Home
White, Ellen G., Mind, Character and Personality
Kuzma, Kay., Helping Kids Deal with Death
White, Ellen, G., Child Guidance
North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist, Adventurer Manual, Chapter 7, pp
Many more reference books and videos, cds, DVDs are available in Christian bookstores.
Adventurer Manual

37. QUESTIONS ?
Adventurer Manual

38. ARE YOU READY TO START AN ADVENTURER FAMILY NETWORK IN YOUR CHURCH?
CHALLENGE
ARE YOU READY TO START AN ADVENTURER FAMILY NETWORK IN YOUR CHURCH?
YES! I AM
Adventurer Manual