1. Understanding the Adventurer
Adventurer Basic Staff Training
Section 2

2. Purpose – To help Adventurer leaders and parents meet the challenge of leading Adventurer children Christ.
Objective – To recognize the developmental needs of Adventurers and learn how to deal with them effectively.

3. What is an ADVENTURER??
An Adventurer is an unique and special person. BUT… there are several characteristics which are typical of Adventurer-age children.

4. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
I have BOUNDLESS
energy
I am developing
coordination

5. MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
I learn by doing
I am curious about EVERYTHING!
I understand what I see & touch
I use my imagination
I can memorize easily
I like variety

6. SOCIO-EMOTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
I am learning social skills
I’m becoming more independent
I need approval from you
I need success
I can easily get
overexcited!
I am VERY social

7. SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTICS
I am concerned about learning
right from wrong
I’m still motivated more if it’s about me!
I soak up Biblical knowledge

8. THE IMPORATANCE OF BELONGING
Despite so much change in today's society, the fundamental tasks of growing up still endure - to find a place in a valued group that gives a sense of belonging; to identify and master tasks that are generally recognized as having value and therefore can earn respect by acquiring skill to cope with them; to acquire a sense of worth as a person; and to develop reliable and predictable relationships with other people, especially a few close friends and loved ones.
Hamburg, David. Today's Children-Creating a Future For A Generation In Crisis

9. EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE
“Discipline is not primarily punishment, but a way of helping the child learn self-control and caring for others as a disciple of Jesus.” Adventurer Manual pg.2

10. Model the behavior you want
Provide a peaceful, organized room
Be prepared
Set specific expectations
Consistently redirect misbehavior

11. SAFETY
Each director or counselor must accept the moral obligation of protecting from physical injury those who are under his/her care.
Adventurer leaders must educate themselves to observe and recognize potential hazards. Pg.19

12. We are entrusted with the care of the
Adventurers
We are responsible to be sure our
facilities are properly maintained and
hazards are identified
We are responsible for proper planning
and supervision
We are responsible that proper safety
equipment is used during activities.

13. “Accidents will happen. Injuries will occur
“Accidents will happen. Injuries will occur. But don’t let them happen through your negligence in allowing the use of dangerous premises or faulty equipment or lack of skilled or adequate supervision.”
Pg 19

14. CHILD ABUSE & SEXUAL ABUSE
Proper Screening
Volunteer Forms
Six Month Rule
Education and Training
Encourage staff to learn
how to identify abuse

15. We have the duty to protect the children from harm and abuse at our churches
Likewise we have the duty to protect the church employees and those that volunteer to work with kids from the harm of false accusations.

16. CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE FACTS
Age of victims
1 in 3 girls by age 18
1 in 8 boys by age 18
Over 80% of the time the Abuser is known by the victim
75% of all crimes committed against children are sexual in nature
If abuse occurs in a church a respected member will most likely be the molester
Sexual abuse occurs in all races, socioeconomic and religious groups
Sexual abuse is rarely a one time offense
The average age of the victims is 8-11 years old
And this information is a couple of years old!

17. A website that can be used to search for Sexual Offenders –