New Info for Fall 2013

Fall 2013 Volunteer Schedule
Volunteer Roles Described

We've expanded the Adventure Camp Ministry by developing 5 major teams or groups:

1. Registration Team
2. Nursery (birth-3 years not potty trained) Team
3. PreK (3-5 years potty trained) Team
4. Lower Elementary (Kindergarten-2nd grade) Team
5. Upper Elementary (3rd-5th grades) Team

We've also adjusted the room assignments to meet the needs of our growing ministry. The following ministries will now meet in the following areas each Sunday:

• Registration Team - at the red Registration Desk
• Nursery (birth-3 years not potty trained) Team - in the Small & Large Nursery Rooms, using Adventure Heights as overflow space
• PreK (3-5 years potty trained) Team - in Education Rooms C & D with an adjoining door and bathroom
• Lower Elementary (Kindergarten-2nd grade) Team - in the Children's Worship Room
• Upper Elementary (3rd-5th grades) Team - in Education Rooms A & B, entering and exiting through the new entrance by the Kitchen

Drop-off and Pick-up:

• Those under 3 will continue to drop-off and pick-up in their respective Nursery Rooms. Adults will need to show a numbered security ticket.
• Adventure Heights will be open for the drop-off of children ages 3-5th until the worship countdown begins. It will then close and children will be escorted through the Children's Worship Room to their assigned rooms.
• After countdown begins: 
• PreK - will drop-off in Education Room D (Classroom off Children's Worship Rm) and pick-up by an adult with a numbered security ticket.
• K-2nd - will drop-off at a Small Group circle inside the Children's Worship Room. Children will be assigned to a circle by the Large Group Leader/Facilitator s they enter the room. Helpers will be assigned to a group circle and lead the children in an Icebreaker Game as they arrive. Pick-up will happen at these same circles by an adult with a numbered security ticket. 
• 3rd-5th - will drop-off inside Education A & B (off the kitchen) using the new entrance. This group is also "self-releasing" - students can leave on their own at the end of class without a parent pick-up.

Curriculum:

We will be using Elevate Jr. (for PreK & Lower Elem) & Kids' "Kingdom Tales" from September through December. This exciting theme & curriculum explores The Armor of God and God's desire for our character. 

Small Group/Large Group format:

PreK & Elementary age groups will now meet in the same room for both Large Group videos, worship & activities and for Small Group discussions & games. Each room will be  strategically decorated and equipped to maximize the effectiveness of both the Large Group and Small Group experience. Leader/Facilitators will guide helpers and kids through the morning's lesson and activities and encourage small group huddles to continue to develop relationships within the groups. 

Sample Schedule A:
(those leading the activity are in parenthesis)
9:00 - Volunteers arrive in rooms to prepare for morning activities
Drop-off Time
9:10 - Adventure Heights closes
9:10 - Students can now drop-off in their respective rooms
9:10 - greet students in small groups as they enter (helpers) &
          assist with small group assignments (leader)
9:10 - 9:20 -  small group huddle - icebreaker game (helpers)
9:20 - 9:30 - Welcome: announcements, greet  visitors & prayer (leader)
Lesson Time
9:30 - 9:35 - Introduce the day's lesson (large group leader)
9:35 - 9:45 -  Show Bible Story video (leader)
9:45 - 9:50 - Small Group Q &A (leader & helpers)
9:50 - 10 - Show Bible Verse & Memory Game (leader & helpers)
10-10:10 - Show Lesson Skit (leader)
Pick-up Time
10:10-10:15 - Ending prayer requests in small groups & pick-up (helpers)

Sample Schedule B:
(those leading the activity are in parenthesis)
9:00 - Volunteers arrive in rooms to prepare for morning activities
Drop-off Time
9:10 - Adventure Heights closes
9:10 - Students can now drop-off in their respective rooms
9:10 - greet students in small groups as they enter (helpers) &
          assist with small group assignments (leader)
9:10 - 9:20 - small group huddle - icebreaker game (helpers)
9:20 - 9:30 - Welcome: announcements, greet  visitors & prayer (leader)
Lesson Time
9:30 - 9:40 - Worship songs (video/leader)
9:40 - 9:45 -  Review Lesson (leader)
9:45 - 9:55 - Small Group Activity 1 (leader & helpers)
9:55 - 10 - Small Group Huddle (helpers)
10 - 10:10  Small Group Activity 2 (leader & helpers)
Pick-up Time
10:10 - 10:15 Gather in small group for final huddle & pickup (helper)

Volunteer Opportunities for Fall 2013

Volunteering on Sundays:

Fall 2013 Volunteer Schedule
Volunteer Roles Described

What's NEW this Fall?
We have made some awesome updates and want to give you the full details on them all by following this link:


What are the volunteer opportunities for Sundays in Adventure Camp?

1. Adventure Heights Volunteer – supervising children between the ages of 3 years to 5^th grade at our indoor playground, between the 9:15am and 10:45am worship times (from 10:15-10:45am). Serve at least one week/month for 30 min.
2. Camp Registration Desk / Greeter – welcoming new families, answering questions, entering information into the computer system and assisting other families with check-in. Serve at least one week per month for 1 hour 30 min. 
3.  Infant Room Helper– care for, play with and hold babies ages birth to 1.5 yrs (not walking).  Assist the Nursery Staff. Serve at least one week per month for 1 hour 30 min.
4. Toddler Room Helper – play with and comfort Toddlers ages 1.5 (solid walkers) to 3 yrs, as well as assisting Staff with weekly Bible Story Time activities & Shaker Song. Assist the Nursery Staff. Serve at least one week per month for 1 hour 30 min.
5. PreK Helper – assisting the Leader/Facilitator with activities and games for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years. Select dates & times that work for you.
6. PreK Group  Leader/Facilitator – leading preschoolers, ages 3 through 5 years (potty trained), through games and activities with the assistance of helpers. Serve for at least 6 two week sessions for 1 hour 20 min.
7. Lower Elementary Helper – welcoming K-2nd grade students into a Small Group as they enter, guiding children through easy games and activities, assisting Leader/Facilitator, & helping with checkout. Select dates & times that work for you.
8. Lower Elementary Leader/Facilitator – leading Large Group activities for K-2nd grade students & helpers, introducing DVD driven lessons and themes and engaging kids & helpers in worship. Serve for at least 6 two week sessions for 1 hour 3 0 min.
9. Upper Elementary Helper – welcoming 3rd-5th grade students into a Small Group as they enter, guiding children through easy games and activities, assisting Leader/Facilitator, & helping with checkout. Select dates & times that work for you.
10. Upper Elementary Leader/Facilitator – leading Large Group activities for 3rd-5th grade students & helpers, introducing DVD driven lessons and themes and engaging kids & helpers in worship. Serve for at least 6 two week sessions for 1 hour 3 0 min.

How can I get involved?

1. Contact the Director of Children’s Ministries at children@ChristChurchMequon.org.
2. Sign up for a age level or ministry area within Adventure Camp and choose your rotation schedule before the last Sunday in August.
3. Sign a background check release form. We perform a background check on all volunteers over the age of 17 who work with children in ministry.
4. Make a commitment to serve when you can during the Fall of 2013 (Sept-Dec) and place those dates on the schedule asap.
5. Consider making a deeper commitment to the program by volunteering to serve:
1. For a committee within your age level or ministry team (TBA).
2. For more than 12 weeks total.
3. For both the 9:15am and 10:45am time slots on your scheduled Sunday(s).
4. As the Team Leader for your age level or ministry team.

What is expected of a volunteer?

1.      Make a commitment to attend worship regularly when not volunteering.

2.      Continue to grow in the areas of personal Bible Study and prayer.

3.      Prepare for each week by reading the Ministry Updates on Director’s Blog, praying for the children and families you will serve and by reading through the lesson materials & activity descriptions (when applicable).

4.       Arrive inside at least 15 min before each Worship Hour begins, ready to greet the children and their families. Be inside the room where your kids will gather or be dropped off.

5.      Stay in assigned area until all children are safely delivered to their parents or a relief volunteer arrives (usually 10 min after each service ends).

6.      When you need to miss a Sunday, please find your own sub or trade Sundays with another volunteer from our approved list.

7.      In an emergency, try to contact the Team Leader for your Ministry Area or for the Sunday you were assigned to serve.

8.      Communicate your concerns, needs, and questions to your Team Leader first.

9.      Understand, agree with and strive to further the mission and vision of Christ Church and the ministry area in which you serve.

Are there any behind the scenes or non-Sunday volunteer opportunities?

1. Yes!!!
2. We have needs for  
• closet, supply & toy organizers  
• toy & furniture cleaners, 
• weekly lesson supply gatherers & prep-ers , 
• skit actors, 
• thematic decorators , 
• puppeteers, 
• musicians, 
• helping hands at our midweek events and more.
3. Contact the Director of Children’s Ministries at children@ChristChurchMequon.org, and let us know how you’d like to help. Look at our schedule for fall -  Fall 2013 Volunteer Schedule.

Fall 2013 Volunteer Schedule

Please follow the link to access our Adventure Camp Volunteer Schedule & sign up by Sept 1st. This is our committment renewal time. We will repeat this each year and may include a committment review time in January.
Link to Fall 2013 Schedule

Adventure Camp Volunteers

(our Sunday Morning Program for kids birth through 5th grade)

Getting Started:

Thank you for volunteering to help on Sundays in Adventure Camp. We have a variety of roles and schedules available for you. To get started on our schedule, please put your name and info directly into our online document. Thank you for giving your time and energy to this ministry!

1. Select the correct tab to begin. There is a seperate tab for each age group and volunteer team.

2. Choose the dates (Sept-Dec) & times (9:15am or 10:45am) you'd like to serve. Nursery, Registration & Adventure Heights: Choose one Sunday per month. PreK, Lower Elem & Upper Elem: If possible sign up for at least two weeks in a row (Parts A & B of a lesson as listed).

3. Review your info on the Team Contact Sheet or add it if it is not listed.

10 Requirements for Volunteering:

1. Middle School & above can serve as helpers in Nursery, PreK & K-2nd Tech. High School & above can serve in all areas.

2. Complete a background check form before your 1st Sunday (17 years and above. Return to Anne' in the Christ Church office).

3. Observe another leader in your area before you are on the schedule (if possible)

4. Review the lesson materials for your week If applicable (posted online at www.christchurchmequon.org/lessons or sent via email).

5. Pray for the children and families you will serve.

6. Arrive in your room 10 minutes before your service begins.

7. Wear a CC tshirt or grab and Adventure Camp apron when you arrive.

8. Be flexible...children's ministry can be unpredictable and we make plans that are usually altered based on what each Sunday brings. That's why they call it an "Adventure"!

9. Remember that your role is to "love on" children and share the love of Christ with them - that's your primary role. Everything else flows from that one principle :)

10. If for some reason you can't serve on your committed Sunday, we request that you contact a sub from the Team Contact Sheet or trade Sundays with another volunteer.

Contact Melissa Barnett (Dir of Children's & Fam Ministries) with any questions or concerns

262-339-1313 - cell

children@christchurchmequon.org

Fall 2013 Ministry Vision Notes

All 1st time and return Adventure Camp Volunteers, please review the notes from our Fall 2013 Vision Casting Meeting. Contact Melissa at children@christchurchmequon.org with questions.
Notes from Fall 2013 Vision Casting Meeting

Check-in System Update July 2013

Hi - you are receiving this email if you are part of the team that uses the check-in system on Sunday mornings.

I have 2 updates or reminders:

1. Please print labels for families who bring diaper bags. This option can be found next to each child's name under "badge options" (far right button). This can be found on the same page where "special needs & allergies" can be recorded and printed. These labels can also be used on sippy-cups, bottles, allergy med bags, etc.

2. Please include the following fields on the reports: check-in time, parent's name & phone. You should be able to do this by moving the fields over to fit on one page. If you don't know how to do this, please ask me to show you how on Sunday. 

Thanks again, Melissa

Registration Desk Updates - Summer 2013

Hi, Registration Desk Volunteers & Staff Assistants,

Since we have so many new people on both of our teams, it the perfect time to send out some updates and reminders to everyone who helps with registration in Adventure Camp on Sunday mornings. Please read the notes below...

Your Role:

Your primary role, when at the Adventure Camp registration desk, is to greet families with a smile and then speedily & efficiently help them get checked into Adventure Camp programs.

Registration Desk Volunteers: Stay at the desk throughout the hour monitoring the doors, printing reports for the various age groups, watching the time & alerting PreK & Nursery for Shaker Song.

Staff Assistants: Help to train volunteers on registration procedures and provide support or extra staffing at the desk when needed. During the worship hour, staff will float into Nursery or PreK rooms.

New Families:

- Before entering a new family into the computer check for their name in the system...they may already be there from a previous event.

 - When entering new families please just enter names (leaving other fields blank to be filled in by the office). This will allow you to process new families as quickly as possible.

- Make sure all forms are completely filled in. In your down time, please review the forms and complete ALL the blanks. YOU are the host that morning. ANY extra info or details you gathered while talking to the family, can and should be noted in the special notes section at the bottom (ie - who they know at the church, why they came, if there are youth or older siblings in the family).

-  If you make a mistake in the computer or a correction is needed, just describe the correction completely on a guest form. Make sure to include your name.

- Don't forget to address any questions the new family may have, direct them to the appropriate rooms and give them any related flyers or brochures that are on the desk.

General Notes:

-  For the summer & possibly going forward, we have narrowed the activity/age group selections to fit on one screen of CC Connect. We no longer need to choose a "time period". 

-  Allergies and special needs are entered in the "Special Needs Box" after you check each participant into their correct group. This will get them printed on the name tags.

- At the end of each worship period, all completed forms should be placed inside the manila envelope. 

- During the summer, all 4th & 5th grade students will not go upstairs, but are still self releasing at the end of worship.

- Children will promote to a new grade on the LAST Sunday in Aug. Until then they may continue to check into their current grade.

After the 11am Worship:

- Check out everyone.

- Shut down all computers - even those in the Atrium

- Bring envelope with completed forms to the Info Desk and place in the large plastic tub OR bring it upstairs and place it in the "In Box" on the office desk.

Trouble Shooting:

- Long lines at the desk: Have new families fill out forms, but hand write name tags and parent receipts using the last 4 digits of their phone as the security number (write on the child's tag as well).

- Printers won't print: open the cover and check for a paper jam. Once the jam is cleared, the remaining name tags should print. If out of paper, get a new role from nearest drawer, or from cabinet behind Registration Desk, or from cabinet behind Info Desk.

- Printing out of alignment: Turn off printer. Press & hold yellow button on top while turning printer back on. Continue to hold yellow button until printer beeps 3xs quickly. Release button and printer should align itself. Also make sure paper role is under they grey plastic guides and that they are securely against the edges of the paper.

- Computer appears to be frozen: Restart by holding down power button for several seconds. Reopen Check-in System (User = Volunteer, Password = Thanks). Select "Self Check-in" at Kiosks in Atrium and "Staffed" at those at the desks. Select "All Events".

- Screen looses touch sensitivity - try to use mouse, or make sure wires behind screen are securely plugged in (they often wiggle loose).

- Someone at kiosk can't complete check-in: Make sure they have actually selected an event in the "Select Events" button next to each participant's name.

- A name tag just didn't print: Reprint name tag at the desk by checking their name in the "Checked In" list and clicking "reprint tag for selected person."

Final Notes: 

Christ Church is hiring a part time "Early Childhood Ministry Coordinator" at the end of this summer. This new leader will coordinate the Nursery, PreK, Registration and Staff Assistant Teams and each related ministry. I will remain the "Director of Children's and Family Ministries" but over time, you will be working more closely with this new leader. Also, we are hiring a "Technology Coordinator". This new staff member & his/her team will be the "go to" on Sunday mornings for all technology related questions or problems. I'm so excited about this advancement in our ministry and look forward to continuing to grow as a team!

If you are new to the team and have not had a chance to read through the Adventure Camp blog. Please do so asap as a good way to familiarize yourself with the procedures particular to our ministry http://www.ccadventurecamp.blogspot.com/

Thank you for all you do. Please contact me if you have any questions,

Melissa

Adventure Camp - Your journey with Christ begins here!: Summer Volunteers in Adventure Camp

Adventure Camp - Your journey with Christ begins here!: Summer Volunteers in Adventure Camp: June through August is Summer in Adventure Camp. Vacations are just around the corner...but we'll still have kids joining us at camp an...

Summer Volunteers in Adventure Camp

June through August is Summer in Adventure Camp. Vacations are just around the corner...but we'll still have kids joining us at camp and so we need your help. Please consider signing up to volunteer this summer 2013. Attached is the summer schedule (which may look a little different from our school year schedule). Please make sure you click on the correct tab at the bottom of the page to view the age group or area you are interested in volunteering with.
Add your name to the 2013 Summer Schedule

Security Procedures for Registration Desk

Security Procedures for Staff & Registration Desk

As we grow as a church, we are reminded of our mission - to reach the lost and hurting of this world. Reaching the lost, means welcoming people from all walks of life, with all sorts of histories - some of which are not so pretty. It is with this in mind that we need to refresh our Security Procedures inside Adventure Camp and to make sure that we implement them every Sunday for the safety of the children and of our volunteers and staff.

Following are some important Security Procedures that should be followed each Sunday by the Staff & Registration Desk Team:

• Two people should be at the Registration Desk when the doors are open (ideally - one staff & one volunteer). 
• Shut the glass doors promptly after the Worship countdown has ended and the last family leaves for Worship. At this time the staff person may leave the Registration area for their second post. 
• If a family arrives late, they can be buzzed in by the Registration Desk Attendant.
• If an adult wishes to enter Adventure Camp during the service (and they don't have a child with them) they must show a "receipt or tag" for entry. Basically, only parents and volunteers should be allowed inside Adventure Camp during it's "Secure Lock-down" time. 
• Volunteers can be identified by their shirts. We also have a link to the current volunteer and staff schedules on the desktop of the computer closest to the Toddler Room. Volunteers not wearing a shirt, must wear an apron.
• In the event of an emergency, the phone on the Registration Desk can dial 911 and other outside numbers. Also, use the "Spark" instant message tool to send a "help/911" message to the tech room.
• If at any time a volunteer or staff member feels insecure or threatened, they should leave their station and seek help immediately.
• The Registration Desk volunteers and staff have the right to ask adults who are not parents to leave the Adventure Camp wing during "Secure Lock-down" and/or to refuse entry for any non-parent adult.

Safety Procedures UPDATE

Updated Adventure Camp Safety Procedures:
Published December 19, 2012

• Main Entrance Locked - continue to shut and lock the main glass doors into Adventure Camp as soon as each service begins and the crowd checking in has dispersed. If you leave to enter the Atrium, close the door behind you, and use the key located in the west side ushers closet (hanging on a hook).
• Emergency Procedures -
•  If there is a Fire Drill or fire while in Adventure Camp, help the children in your room (or the nearest room) exit out the nearest Emergency Exit. There is an exit at the end of the hallway in the stairwell and one at the end of the Fellowship Room.  Once outside, lead all the children to the Flag Pole on the East side of the building. If possible, bring your printed roster/list with you to take attendance.
• If there is a Tornado or Weather Emergency - Shut all doors, turn off lights and gather all children inside the Children's Worship Room (away from windows). The adults will gather inside the Registration Hallway and Fellowship Hall.
• If there is a Lock-down or Intruder Emergency - Shut & lock all classroom and exterior doors and gather children close to the nearest exit and away from windows. The first level location would be inside the Children's Worship Room with the option to move into the Fellowship Hall and out the door if the situation escalates (or when the police arrive).
• Emergency Phone Calls - all the phones located in Adventure Camp have the capability of dialing 911. The phone at the Registration Desk can dial any number. This should be used to contact parents on their cell phones in case of an emergency or to call the police departments non-emergency number. 
• Intercom System - our phones can also be used to call other extensions in the building or be used as an intercom system. This is important for communication if an emergency should occur. Please leave the phones with their "mic" on so that the intercom feature will function properly.

Registration Team Update

Following are notes I took at our Nov 25, 2012 Registration Team Meeting & answers I've received from the Check In System Help Desk:

Agenda for Registration Team Meeting 11/25/12

Notes for Melissa:

• order a new scanner to make cards at the Adventure Camp Registration Desk.
• create a shortcut to our blog & our Staff Time Sheet on the desk top of the Reg Desk computers.
• Make a blank roster for Adventure Heights (see notes below).
• ask if Playground Waivers are necessary for Sunday or if that can be added as a line on the Visitor Form.
• Create & communicate Fire Drill & Emergency Procedures for Adventure Camp (see below)

New Procedures:

• Adventure Camp Key - a key to open the doors on this wing (and the copy room upstairs) is located in the drawer of the West Side Check-in Station in the Atrium. The Registration Team can bring it to the Registration Desk to use throughout a Sunday morning, locking/unlocking doors as necessary. Please do not forget to return it at the end of the day.
• Registration Desk Shutdown - after 11am, please checkout all remaining children & volunteers and "x" out of any open programs. You can also shut down the computers. Those in the atrium, also need to be shut down. 
• Pass Codes - To get out of the self check in screen the code is "316". To enter the Check-in program the code is "volunteer" and "thanks".
• Communicating Issues - It is vital that you communicate any questions, suggestions or issues you may be having. 
• Servant Keeper issues should be directed to Anne' our Admin Assistant in the front office office@christchurchmequon.org. Please alert her anytime you have to enter a duplicate name, notice a duplicate, a problem with an entry etc. Never delete anything in Servant Keeper. All of what you need should be available through the Check-in system. 
• Procedural issues, volunteer issues, parent or child issues, should be directed to the Director of Children's Ministries children@christchurchmequon.org or the current Registration Team Leader.
• Notes for other team members or general notes can be written on the new "Adventure Camp Weekly Notes" sheet. Be sure to create a new sheet each Sunday, sign your name and give the date it was fulfilled. 
• Nursery Numbers - As we grow in numbers (especially in the nursery) we need to spread out the kids and make better use of the back nursery room. Make sure all kids under 2 are in that room and not in Large Nursery room. This will lesson the need to turn families away.
• Adventure Heights Safety - To ensure safety of kids in Adventure Heights the official Staff or volunteer attendant  needs to write down the names of the kids who enter the room and cross them off as they exit. Also do a sweep of the room and bathroom before shutting the door - looking for kids. Also, send an older kid into the play structure to make sure all kids are down. If sign is flipped to "Red side" do not allow kids to enter the playground without a parent. The door can remain shut or locked as well.
• Emergency Procedures -
•  If there is a Fire Drill or fire while in Adventure Camp, help the children in your room (or the nearest room) exit out the nearest Emergency Exit. There is an exit at the end of the hallway and one at the end of the Fellowship Room.  Once outside, lead all the children to the Flag Pole on the East side of the building. If possible, bring your printed roster/list with you to take attendance.
• If there is a Tornado or a Lock-down Emergency - Shut all doors, turn off lights and gather all children inside the Children's Worship Room (away from windows).
• New Attendance Lists to Print - the "events" have new names so they could be printed in time and alphabetical order. All 8am events begin with "A:" or "Ac:" and are located on page 1 under the "Select Events" tab. All 9:30am events begin with "B" or "Bd" and are located on page 2. All 11am events begin with "C" or "Ca" and are located on page 3. All special events (Children's Choir) are on page 4. 
• Check-out - the Registration Team at the 9:30am service will check out kids for the 8am service and the 11am Team will check out kids from the 9:30am service. UNLESS they are listed for more than one event. If you can't see their events, then leave them in the system and sort them by the time they checked in. This column is located to the far right side of the "check-out" screen. Some columns may need to shrink in order to see it. 
• Attendance Count - Generally there should be 12 adults in the Adventure Camp wing during a service. If you have trouble counting who is signed in as a volunteer, use this number. Our new attendance system should virtually eliminate the need for counting heads (especially within Adventure Camp).
• T-shirts & Aprons - please make sure each volunteer is in a t-shirt or apron as they arrive. If they are not, offer them one to wear & make sure they have checked into our system. T-shirts should be worn so the logo & name tag show (not under a jacket). New shirts and aprons are located behind the Registration Desk.
• Children Who Attend Multiple Services - As we grow, more families may choose to serve for one service and attend another service. When this happens children may not be picked up at the end of a worship hour and this is ok. Usually these parents are serving as volunteers or ministering to another's needs. Nursery aged children should just stay in their rooms and be allowed to play until their family arrives. PreK and Elementary aged children can be escorted by a volunteer to Adventure Heights if their Small Group leader must leave (and AH is open with an attendant), or may be handed over to another volunteer for the upcoming service. Make sure no child is ever left alone or unattended. Please make a note that these children are still "checked-in" - the Registration Desk should be made aware of their status and location.

Children's Ministry Conference Nov 3

Join me at CONNECT Milwaukee - Saturday, Nov 3rd 8am-3:30pm.

CONNECT Milwaukee Children's Conference is held at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, and offers interest based mini-sessions as well as a fabulous keynote speaker. Michelle Anthony, author of Spiritual Parenting and Dreaming of More, will speak on how to reach and shepherd families in our ever changing world. All Christ Church Children's Ministry staff, leaders, volunteers and those just interested are invited to attend.

http://incm.org/connect/milwaukee/speakers-and-artists/

RSVP to Melissa Barnett if you are interested in attending:  children@christchurchmequon.org
We will plan on taking the church van. The cost will be between $25-30 and scholarships are available.

PreK (3-5yrs) Volunteers Please Read

Important for PreK  Leaders and Assistants of Jr. Kidz:

1. Please watch the "Elevate Jr.: Watch this video to learn how to use Elevate Jr." before volunteering for the first time this year.  http://www.elevateatchurch.com/
2. The theme for September 2nd through December 16th is "Allaso Ranch":
• Come join us as we go to Allaso Ranch, the best summer camp in the universe! At Allaso Ranch we will join Sydney, Haley, and the Dirty Jacket gang and learn about all the things God made us to do. So, grab your sleeping bag and backpack, and come camping with us at Allaso Ranch!   
• Preview the lessons at:   http://www.elevateatchurch.com/allaso-ranch-jr.html
• Allaso Ranch Lesson Overview PDF
3. We have a new schedule for teaching/leading each two week lesson unit. Essentially, Week A is the "teaching week" which is largely spent watching the lesson video with a shorter time for application activities. Week B, is the "application week" which begins by reviewing the songs and Bible story of Week A. The leader can choose to reading the story from a book or re-watching the Bible Story portion of the video. Then more application activities are completed and there is potential for a longer "Free Play" time during which the lesson of the week can be applied to "every day life".
4. Training DVDs and Lesson Scripts will be available the week before week A of each Lesson Unit.
5. We are test driving this new system and may need to make adjustments along the way. Please be prepared to make adjustments to the schedule & the lessons based on your needs and the needs of the children you are leading.

Jr. Kidz (PreK) Week A:

·   10 min - Opening in Gathering Room (worship, prayer, announcements)

·   PreK are dismissed to begin their lesson

·   20 min+ Lesson DVD

·   2 application games or activities

·   Free play

·   last 10 min – clean up, Shaker Song, pick up in rooms

Jr. Kidz (PreK) Week B:
·   10 min - Opening in Gathering Room (worship, prayer, announcements)
·   PreK are dismissed to begin their lesson
·   15 min Lesson Review & read Bible story (or re-watch on video)
·   2+ application games or activities
·   Free play
·   last 10 min – clean up, Shaker Song, pick up in rooms

K-5th Volunteers Please Read

Important for K-5th grade Small Group and Large Group volunteers of Kidz Camp:

1. Please watch the "Elevate Kids: Watch this video to learn how to use Elevate Kids" before volunteering for the first time this year.  http://www.elevateatchurch.com/
2. The theme for September 2nd through December 16th is "Allaso Ranch":
• There's something for everyone at Allaso Ranch! Whether you like hiking, swimming, paintball, riding down zip lines, or riding horses, this camp is where you want to be. Pack your suitcase, and don't forget your pillow, because at Allaso Ranch we're getting away and getting to know God.  
• Preview the lessons at: http://www.elevateatchurch.com/allaso-ranch-kids.html 
• Allaso Ranch Lesson Overview PDF
3. We have a new schedule for teaching/leading each two week lesson unit. Essentially, Week A is the "teaching week" which is largely spent inside the Large Group Room with time for only one very short Small Group Activity. Week B, is the "application week" with a short review time spent in Large Group and a longer time spent in Small Groups with multiple games & activities.
4. Small Group Training DVDs and Lesson Scripts will be available during week A of each Lesson Unit.
5. We are test driving this new system and may need to make adjustments along the way. Please be prepared to make adjustments to the schedule & the lessons based on your needs and the needs of the children you are leading.

Kidz Camp Week A:

·   10 min - Opening in Gathering Room (worship, prayer, announcements)
·   Jr. Kidz are dismissed to begin their lesson
·   35 min Large Group DVD
·   4^th & 5^th dismissed to Youth Room for Small Groups
·   10 min - short Small Group activity in rooms
·   5 min – clean up/pick up time in rooms

Kidz Camp Week B:
·   10 min - Opening in Gathering Room (worship, prayer, announcements)
·   Jr. Kidz are dismissed 15 min Lesson Review in Large Group
·   4^th & 5^th dismissed
·   30 min Small Group games & activities
·   5 min – clean up/pick up time in rooms

Volunteer Schedule Sept 2012 - Aug 2013

Volunteer Schedule Sept 2012 - Aug 2013

Link to online sign-up for volunteering

General Directions:

1. Please sign up for your chosen dates, units & weeks by the last Sunday in August (Aug 26th).
2. Please contact me directly if you need help filling in the online form. children@christchurchmequon.org
3. Please note all the changes in the rotation procedures for each volunteer area.
4. If you need to keep your rotation similar to your current schedule, please sign up before August 19 to ensure openings. If you are more flexible on your schedule, please wait until after August 19th to sign up.

Jr. Kidz & Kidz Camp Volunteer Schedule:  

1. Please sign up for at least 6 different 2 week slots (12 wks total) within the same age group or area. (Major holidays are single week slots).  

2. You may choose to serve for an entire thematic UNIT, for an entire quarter (3 mo.), for an entire calendar month or just by the 2 week lesson.  

3.  Use your first & last name and put a phone number under your first entry. 

4.  If you find can't serve on a Sunday you chose, please use this list to contact a sub, arrange a trade with another volunteer in your area or contact the "Camp Large Group Leader" for that week (in an emergency).

Two Week Units:

Date     Lessons       Notes  

9/2/2012   1A  ..........NEW UNIT

9/9/2012          1B            Kickoff Sun 

9/16/2012 2A

9/23/2012 2B             Family Retreat Weekend

9/30/2012 3A

10/7/2012 3B

10/14/2012 4A

10/21/2012 4B

10/28/2012 5A

11/4/2012 5B

11/11/2012 6A

11/18/2012 6B

11/25/2012 7A ......... Thanksgiving 

12/2/2012 7B

12/9/2012 8A

12/16/2012 8B

12/23/2012 Christmas    Christmas Eve

12/30/2012 New Years                       

1/6/2013         1A ...........NEW UNIT

1/13/2013 1B

1/20/2013 2A

1/27/2013 2B

2/3/2013         3A

2/10/2013 3B             Valentines

2/17/2013 4A

2/24/2013 4B

3/3/2013         5A

3/10/2013 5B

3/17/2013 6A

3/24/2013 Palm Sun Parade   Palm Sunday 

3/31/2013 Easter Sunday

4/7/2013   7A

4/14/2013 7B

4/21/2013 8A

4/28/2013 8B

5/5/2013         1A .............NEW UNIT

5/12/2013 1B              Mother's Day

5/19/2013 2A

5/26/2013 2B

6/2/2013        3A

6/9/2013         3B

6/16/2013 4A .............Father's Day

6/23/2013 5A

6/30/2013 6A

7/7/2013         7A ..............4th of July

7/14/2013 8A

7/21/2013 Family Week Party Family Week Sun 

7/28/2013 Summer 1

8/4/2013         Summer 2

8/11/2013 Summer 3

8/18/2013 Summer 4

8/25/2013 Summer 5.......Promotion Sun 

Registration Desk, E.A.G.L.E.S. Nursery & Adventure Heights Volunteers:

1. These three Adventure Camp volunteer areas now have a "week of the month" rotation system. 2. Please choose to serve on at least one week & worship time per month.
3. Write your first & last name and phone number under the time slot(s) of your choice. 4. If you find can't serve on a Sunday you chose, please use this list to contact a sub,  arrange a trade with another volunteer in your area or contact the Team Leader for your area of ministry (in an emergency).

Link to online sign-up for volunteering

About Me

Melissa Barnett - Director of Children's and Family Ministries at Christ Church

I think it’s important to know the people you work with, their idiosyncrasies, their talents and their faults. I think the more you know about each other, the stronger you are as a team. And this year, 2012-2013, is all about TEAMS…so here’s a little bit of info about me. Maybe it will help you decide weather or not you want to take the leap and join the team J.

Some things you should know about your leader….

1. I’m a creative perfectionist - a rare combination which leads to a very interesting office space.
2. I’m passionate about growth – all kinds including: organizational, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional. I believe we never stop learning and growing.
3. I get bored easily and this drives my need to always do and try new things!
4. I value family and thus have a strong commitment to my husband and to raising my two young children. This value also fuels my desire to inspire growth and development within families at Christ Church.
5. I’m a little “high strung” – please bear with me. This is what happens when you put a passionate, creative, perfectionist in one body!
6. I’m an ever growing, NEVER perfect, follower of Christ who is sold out on the mission and vision of Christ Church!

My top Spiritual gifts

1. Faith
2. Discernment
3. Administration/Guidance
4. Leadership
5. Hospitality

My Core Values

(from the “Chazown” experience – www.Chazown.com)

• Authenticity
• Creativity
• Family
• Leadership
• Learning
• Transpareny

Some personal history…

• I’ve been at Christ Church as a member since July 2008, and have been working as the Director of Children’s Ministries since August 2009.
• This is my third position as a Director of Children’s Ministries in a church. I also served in Milpitas, CA at Mount Olive Ministries and in Valdosta, GA at House of Joy.
• I grew up down south in Mississippi & Alabama as the daughter of a Lutheran Pastor and a Kindergarten teacher. I’m also the oldest of three sisters.
• I studied Visual Arts and Education in college at Auburn University in Alabama.
• I married my husband, JJ, on July 13, 1996. He was 21, and I had just turned 20 five days earlier. (We were babies.)
•  Nine years later, we had Abigail (2005) and then Charlotte (2007). I am done “having” children, but we are not convinced that God is finished building our family. Stay tuned for more!