The Children’s/Junior Youth Ministries department coordinates training to assist the local ministries of those who work with children from birth through the early teen years. This department brings together all the activities of the home, school, and church to teach and train young people to know Jesus Christ. The department is directed by John Swafford, who is assisted by regional Pathfinder coordinators. Nancy Martling serves as the administrative assistant.

Children’s Ministries
The Adventurers program aims at strengthening the parent-child relationship and furthering the child’s develpment in spiritual, mental, and social areas. It has grown from 323 members in 2002 to 575 members in 2006.

An annual Adventurer Ministries Convention is held in September and an annual Adventurer Family Fun Day is held in March. In 2002, attendance at the Family Fun Day was 295. By 2006, it had grown to 649.

The Children’s Ministries department provides resources for children’s health, Sabbath School, stewardship and Vacation Bible School to local leaders at the annual Children’s Ministries Convention, which is held in February. One to three Children’s/Junior Youth Ministries regional workshops are also held each year.

Junior Youth Ministries
The Pathfinder and Teen Leadership Training programs include value-centered activities, instruction, recreation, and Christian fellowship that help teach  young people how to be leaders in their local churches and Pathfinder clubs. In 2002, these programs had 1,242 members. In 2006, they had 1,451 members. Training for Pathfinder leaders is offered at the annual Pathfinder Leadership Convention in August.

Pathfinders are encouraged to take part in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference Pathfinder Campout each year. At the 2002 campout, 1,099 Pathfinders participated, and in 2006 the number grew to 1,465. One of the highlights of the past five years has been “The Fire Within,” a drama telling the story of Joseph held in Chattanooga, Tenn., during the 2005 camporee. Pathfinders also had the opportunity to participate in the 2004 International North American Division Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, Wis., where the Georgia-Cumberland Conference hosted six countries.

The annual Children’s Ministries Convention along with regional workshops also provide valuable information for leaders of the Junior Youth age group.