Understanding the Adventurer

Adventurer Basic Staff TrainingSection 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.

What is an ADVENTURER??

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

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

I have BOUNDLESS energy

I am developing coordination

MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

I learn by doingI am curious about EVERYTHING!I understand what I see & touchI use my imaginationI can memorize easilyI like variety

SOCIO-EMOTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

I am learning social skillsI’m becoming more independentI need approval from youI need successI can easily get

overexcited!I am VERY social

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

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

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

Model the behavior you want

Provide a peaceful, organized room

Be prepared

Set specific expectations

Consistently redirect misbehavior

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

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

“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

CHILD ABUSE & SEXUAL ABUSE

Proper ScreeningVolunteer FormsSix Month Rule

Education and TrainingEncourage staff to learn how to identify abuse

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.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE FACTSAge of victims

1 in 3 girls by age 181 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!

A website that can be used to search for Sexual Offenders –http://www.nsopw.gov/Core/OffenderSearchCriteria.aspx?Advanced=1