In the Adventure Zone Ministry, we remain diligent in our desire to partner with parents in reinforcing the spiritual truths that parents are teaching and living at home. The Volunteer Team in Adventure Zone is committed to loving children and leading children in worship and praise, presenting Stories and Scripture in ways that capture a young person’s mind and heart and in forming meaningful connections through small group Shepherding.
This ministry is currrently coached by:
Tom Lasley, 376-7745
Shepherding Coach, Melanie Barham
Before you bring your child to Adventure Zone…
Before a child can attend a Adventure Zone Class, he/she must register at Children/Family Registration in the Lobby. Every child 6 months-2nd grade must be issued a 2-part name tag. One tag is for your child and one is for the parent who will be picking up the child. This is the only way your child may be picked up from class…give the matching tag to an adult volunteer in the classroom.
*When applicable, an “Allergy Alert” Tag will be issued for Severe Allergies. This tag will need to be attached to the Tag the Child is Wearing.
Sundays in Adventure Zone 9:00-10:15 Room 106
When children arrive, they are welcomed by a Greeter in the Zone.
After entering Adventure Zone, children are given the opportunity to engage a time of free play with age appropriate toys, games and manipulatives while waiting for other classmates to arrive.
Large Group Time: The “Clean Up Song” is then played and children are gathered for the time we call “Large Group Time.” During this time, children engage in Praise and Worship and they experience the Bible Story presented by our very creative Teaching Team. Children also practice hiding God’s Word in their heart through a variety of fun presentations. Zoners focus on 1 Key Verse of the Month. Adventure Zone uses the “The Beginner Bible” by Karyn Henley as a guide for the stories it presents. Following Large Group Time, we transition to “Small Group Shepherding.”
Small Group Shepherding: In Adventure Zone, children are divided into small groups of 8-10. Each group has at least one leader that we call, a Shepherd. A Shepherd has the same group for the entire School Year. Small Group Shepherds are their to greet their “sheep” as they arrive, sit with them during Large Group Time and then lead a Small Group Time following. That Group Time is a very special time for Shepherds and their Sheep. It is during this time that Shepherds “check in” with their kids to see how they are, what’s been happening at home or at school, what they’d like the group to pray about, etc. Also in Shepherding, the Shepherd may lead the children in a game or activity that helps children apply the story that they have just heard. Yes, we want our children to hear God’s stories AND we want them to know that God has a purpose for those stories. And, of course, a favorite part of Shepherding is…the-snack-of-the-day! ~A Shepherd’s commitment to his/her group extends beyond what happens on Sunday mornings. Shepherds do their best to contact their children through notes put in the mail and/or phone calls to parents. Shepherding takes place during the School Year, breaks for the Summer and then resumes when the new School Year begins.
Class ends at 10:15. Children need to be picked up no later than 10:25.
Only parents/caregivers or responsible older siblings presenting the matching tags will be able to pick up their children.
Wed. Evenings in the Zone 6:30-7:30 Room 106
On Wednesday evenings, we are diving into the lives and stories of Samuel, Saul and David by exploring the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel. The teachers will also use crafts and games to help children apply the lessons God has for us in those stories.
Some FAQs about Adventure Zone…
When do my children promote to Adventure Zone?
Children promote to Adventure Zone in June prior to beginning 1st Grade. Families will receive a Promotion Day post card in the mail prior to Promotion.
What does my child need to bring to his/her Adventure Zone Class?
Be sure your child has his/her name tag on and that you have the matching tag. If you are visiting, a volunteer at Children/Family Registration in our church lobby, will be able to help you register your child and issue your child’s 2-part nametag.
We want our children to be safe. The purpose of a two-part tag is so that a parent or caregiver has one tag and the child has the other. At pick-up time, only the person showing the matching tag may pick up a child.
May I visit my child’s class?
Absolutely! Parents are ALWAYS welcome. We do ask that when you visit with your child that you wear your child’s matching tag. This is for security purposes. It lets our Team of Volunteers as well as other parents know that you are a Parent Visitor. Thank you!
When do my children promote to JAM “34″?
Children promote to JAM “34“ in the September of their 3rd Grade school year. Families will receive a Promotion Day post card in the mail prior to Promotion.
When is “Zoner Day Camp?”
“ZDC 2010″ is Monday, June 21st- Wednesday June 23rd and takes place in Adventure Zone. Students who have completed Kindergarten, 1st Grade or 2nd Grade are eligible for attending ZDC. Applications will be available at Children/Family Registration on the first Sunday in May.
