Disciples Home Missions
A ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Connecting the WHOLE Body to the WHOLE Mission
8. Off Campus
&
9. Behavior
At some point children will leave the premises. It is an unsafe world out there, but we are called in our faith to face it and love it.
Transportation
Insurance Board: Includes insurance issues, driver selection, inspection, vehicle maintenance and accident reporting, and qualification forms
Guidelines for Transportation for the Insurance Board (Highlights)
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No employee or volunteer shall transport a single child that is not his/her own, except as may be required in an emergency with the approval of a supervisor.
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Communicate!
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Adult-child ratios shall be maintained and within the safe loading limits of the vehicles being used.
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Vehicle logs!
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Employees and volunteers are to be seated on larger vehicles in a way that permits them to supervise young passengers.
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All passengers shall be required to complete a trip on the same vehicle to assure accountability .
Camps
Most camp professionals already have multiple resources to make sure camps remain safe and sacred.
Here are some starting points. If you need more updates and information, please check out our Association of Outdoor Ministries Facebook Page.
Insurance Board Guidance
American Camp Association
Resource: Safe Gatherings: The Trouble with Camp
Mission Trips
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Educate guardians beforehand about the mission project
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Make sure to have the forms needed, and waiver forms for high adventure activities (See Templates)
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Have parents and youth sign an agreed upon covenant prior to journey. (Behavior)
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Guidelines for Off Campus Trips
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All overnight activities include a minimum of two adult chaperones over 21 years of age.
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All volunteers and employees under 18 years of age must be supervised at all times.
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The guardian providing permission shall indicate who will receive the child on return if other than the person signing the permission.
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Trip leaders or other designated adult shall conduct routine walk-throughs (day and night).
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For the event of a building evacuation, an outdoor rally point will be designated in advance.
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A roster will be maintained of the room assignments for each child and adult.
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Adult-child ratios are to be maintained for outings away from the lodging site.
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A daily schedule of events shall be maintained.
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Double-queen lodging is preferred at hotels, four to a room. Children in each room will be of similar age. No adult will share a bed with a child.
Make sure your are insured. (Click here)
Behavior
Every person who has ever worked with children/youth has given the "Don't forget who you are representing speech." Many basic behaviors can be taught in repectful ways by communicating clear expectations of everyone early on. Safety is not just a physical need, but a mental and spiritual need that also requires guidelines. Write down the expectations, review, and sign.
Sometimes difficult moments in ministry can be avoided if the basic respectful standards are discussed as a community prior to working together.
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Cell Phone Use
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Respectful Photos
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Engaging Behavior (Technology, etc.)
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Appropriate Language and Clothing
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Bullying
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Accessibility
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Mercy, Love, Forgiveness, and Patience