Chaperone Policy
Requirements and Role of an Adult Chaperone

These policies must be read by and discussed with all Adult Chaperones prior to attending a Franciscan University Youth Conference.

SECTION 1 – Requirements and Role of an Adult Chaperone

Minimum Age Requirements
All participants of the High School Youth Conference must be registered and must meet the minimum age requirements. As of 9/1/2004, the minimum age for an Adult Chaperone is 21 years prior to the start of the conference.

Compliance with Diocesan Child Protection Policy
All Adult Chaperones must comply with your home Diocesan Child Protection Policies. Unapproved adults will not be permitted. It is the responsibility of the Group Leader to ensure all Chaperones are in compliance. A completed “Adult Chaperone Application” must be filled out for every Chaperone.

The Health of Chaperones
Because of the physical demands of the weekend, it is necessary that the Chaperones be in good health. The conference has an intense schedule and there is loud music and large crowds. It is recommended that adults with serious health problems not participate as Chaperones.

The Spirituality of Chaperones
Because the conference is very spiritual and Chaperones serve as the primary facilitators of this experience, Adult Chaperones need to be spiritually mature. Chaperones should be constantly assessing the Youth in their group to be aware of any difficulties, problems or special needs. They should be comfortable talking and sharing with the Youth, helping them deal with points of confusion or doubt. They should also be willing to pray with the Youth in their group. The words and actions of the Adult Chaperones should reflect the values of the Catholic Church at all times.

The Role of Chaperones

• The primary role of the Adult Chaperone is to provide a safe and healthy environment for Youth participants. They should help to facilitate order and to serve as a network of support for the Youth. It is important that Chaperones act as an example of obedience and cooperation with the policies and procedures as well as with our staff onsite. Full awareness and enforcement of the rules and policies governing participant behavior as set forth by Steubenville Florida is mandatory. It ensures the good order and positive environment for all participants. Adult Chaperones are the primary disciplinarians and are responsible for their Youth at all times, during both sessions and free time.
• At no time should a Youth participant leave campus without an Adult Chaperone. Adults are strongly discouraged from taking Youth off campus except in the case of an emergency. If any Adult takes a Youth off campus, the said Adult accepts full responsibility for the Youth.
• Chaperones need to be aware of the physical, emotional, and spiritual state of their Youth during the conference. Being present and engaged with the Youth during free time and designated small group time will greatly aid in this experience. Chaperones need to communicate any serious problems or issues to conference staff.
• Chaperones need to be present with their Youth during all the scheduled sessions. The only exception would apply to Group Leaders and first time Adult Chaperones attending the orientation meeting on Friday night and Youth Ministers attending the Youth Ministers’ Ministry Time on Saturday afternoon. By experiencing the conference together, Chaperones and Youth will be able to talk about the different topics and issues.

Infants and Young Children
With the best care of the Youth in mind, children and infants are not allowed. The Group Leader and all Adult Chaperones must be made aware of this policy. Although we strongly support Catholic family life, our staffing, facility constraints, and insurance regulations do not allow us to provide for infants and children. The focus of the Adult Chaperones/Group Leader needs to be on the Youth participants. If these adults bring their own children, their focus will be split.

SECTION 2 – General Guidelines for Adults and Youth

Appropriate Dress
All participants (Youth and Adults) are expected to dress in a fashion that represents modesty and good taste, respecting other participants and our Lord. Clothing must cover all undergarments and midriffs. Bikini tops, low cut tops, mini skirts, short shorts, or other inappropriate attire are not to be worn at any time during the conference. Gentlemen are required to wear shirts at all times. Footwear is to be worn at all times. Clothing that displays profane or offensive messages or images, promotion of alcohol and drug use, or suggestive material of a crude, sexual nature is not allowed. Pants or shorts that sag to the point of revealing one’s undergarments while standing or sitting are not allowed. Group Leaders and Adult Chaperones are expected to communicate these expectations to the Youth beforehand and to enforce the dress code at the day rally. Violators will be asked to change clothing at the discretion of conference staff. The conference staff will have extra clothing on hand for special circumstances.

Participants are expected to use positive and up building speech during the conference. Foul and abusive language will not be permitted.

Respect
During all liturgies and prayers, every male, youth or adult, must remove any headwear at that time. This includes all hats, visors, headbands, and bandanas.

First Aid
For any medical or health issue, all participants will be directed to First Aid. This includes migraines, asthma, and exhaustion. Note: First Aid will not dispense medication (Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin, etc.) to participants. All Youth visiting First Aid must be accompanied by the Group Leader or an Adult Chaperone.

Saving Seats
Signs or items cannot be used to reserve seats. To reserve one row, there must be a person at each end of the row.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco
All state laws governing alcohol, drugs and tobacco will be strictly enforced. Possession or consumption of alcohol and drugs is not permitted during the conference. Lynn University and Pope John Paul II High School are non-smoking facilities. Please be aware that Florida State law prohibits vendors from selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.

Insubordination
All Youth and Adult Chaperones are expected to follow the direction of conference staff, security, and volunteers. Any instances of lack of cooperation or insubordination will be subject to appropriate discipline. Disciplinary action will be directed primarily through interaction with the Group Leader.

Reporting of Incidence
If you witness any youth or chaperone violating any policy in regard to Child Protection or Steubenville Florida’s guidelines, you are required to report it immediately to a member of the conference staff.

The Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach Conference Staff reserves the right to deny entrance to, or request the ejection of, any group or individual who does not comply with the regulations and policies of the Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach Steubenville Florida Conference. In the event that an individual/group is denied entrance or is ejected for violating any rule or policy, NO REFUND will be made. Thank you for your cooperation.