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*For More Information About Royal Ambassadors You May Email Us Here
- What
is Royal Ambassadors (RAs)? RAs is a Christian missions
education program designed for boys in grades 1 through 6.
It was started by Southern Baptists in 1907. Although the program has gone through many changes over the years, it remains focused on missions.
- When do the RAs have activities? The RAs meet on Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 7:25 p.m. Mission events are generally scheduled for Wednesday evenings; however, some special events (such as the Wake Forest Game, Christmas Parade, RA Congress, and Camp) are scheduled on weekends or school holidays. The RA program follows the school calendar, and runs August - May. There are no Wednesday night meetings during the summer.
- Where do the RAs meet on Wednesday? As of this school year, we will meet in the downstairs area, under the Sanctuary, formerly used by the youth (i.e. “youth place”).
- What do RAs do? Most Wednesday evenings RAs enjoy activities related to missions around the world. Activities may include playing games, doing skits, studying the Bible, watching videos, listening to guest speakers, going on field trips, working on missions projects, building race cars, running races, having special snacks, etc. RAs also have the opportunity to go to a Wake Forest game, ride a float in the Christmas Parade, compete for ribbons at the annual car race, compete in the annual RA Congress, and go camping.
- Do RAs have to do a lot of “school-type” work? No. The overall goal of our RA chapter is to learn about missions through as much active participation as possible. This year we have even more “hands-on” activities planned.
- Do I as a parent/guardian have to do anything for the RAs program? More than anything, our boys and leaders need your prayers and encouragement. There may be times throughout the year that the Leaders ask you to help us with such things as gathering materials for a crafts project, helping your child complete his missions project, volunteering to supervise special events, etc.
- Does my son have to be an “official” member of Ardmore Baptist Church to participate in RAs? No. The RAs program is open to all boys 1st-6th grade.
- How many leaders are there? Currently there are about 11 adult RA Leaders/Assistant Leaders who work with the boys. All our Leaders work with RAs in a volunteer capacity.
- Do the RA Leaders provide supervision to my child before and after the RA meetings on Wednesday evenings? No. The RA Leaders will provide your child with supervision during the regularly scheduled meetings (from 6:30 until 7:25) and during special field trips. Beyond these times, it is the responsibility of individual parents to provide supervision. Keep in mind that many of the RA Leaders must leave promptly at the end of the meetings to pick up their own children from other missions activities.
- What behavioral expectations do RA Leaders have for my child? In order to accomplish the exciting activities and make missions education interesting for all RAs, the Leaders expect each boy to: (1) Act with respect toward the Leaders and other RAs, (2) Follow instructions, and (3) Refrain from inappropriate or excessive talking when Leaders are talking. We want RAs to be fun for everyone, and we believe that every boy deserves a chance to participate in a meaningful way.
- What happens if an RA becomes a significant behavior problem? In the unlikely event that an RA becomes a significant and/or chronic behavior problem, the Leader will issue a clear warning. If that does not correct the behavior, a call will be made to the boy’s parents/guardian. If the behavior continues to be a problem, a Leader may escort the boy to his parents.
- How much does it cost to join RAs? Nothing. Boys may join and be active members in RAs for free. Generally, the only costs incurred are associated with things such as buying a T-shirt, contributing to a mission activity or special project, registration for RA Congress, and camp.
- Is there anything special my child needs to bring to the RAs meeting? Not usually. The exception would be when an RA is bringing something related to a mission project he is working on. Bibles and materials are generally available at the meeting.
- How can I keep up with the RA program throughout the year? In the past, I have tried to keep parents informed by way of newsletter a few times each year, and through the church publications. This year I hope to go “high-tech” and send information via email and/or get a webpage set up so parents of RAs can access scheduling information. This is still in the planning stages so it may take a while to get up and running.
