Adult Volunteer Guidelines

Adult volunteers play a critical role in formation ministries by showing young people of our diocese that there are older people in their communities who care about their well-being and spiritual development. At the same time, adults who volunteer with young persons get the opportunity to learn from younger generations and be inspired by their stories. Our children and youth programs can grow only as much as our pool of adult volunteers allows, so please consider joining our contact list of volunteers. If you have any questions, contact Katelyn Kenney.

Expectations and Responsibilities

Volunteers must

  • be at least 22 years of age to chaperone high school events, and at least 18 years of age for middle school
  • participate fully in the event as is appropriate for your role
  • observe participants to ensure they are abiding by the Community Covenant, and report any inappropriate behavior to the adult-in-charge
  • adhere to all Safe Church policies as set forth by the Diocese
  • keep an open mind and positive attitude throughout the event

Supervision Updates

The following is language added to the EDUSC Safeguarding manual on September 10, 2022.

Supervision

At any gathering of children or youth, there shall be at least two unrelated adults with one being age 25 or older, preferably reflecting the sex and gender identity of the participants.

Minimum ratios of adult to child/youth shall be in accordance with American Camp Association (ACA) guidelines as follows:

  • 5 years & younger — 1 adult for each 5 overnight-participants and 1 adult for each 6 day-participants
  • 6–8 years — 1:6 for overnight, and 1:8 for day
  • 9–14 years — 1:8 for overnight and 1:10 for day
  • 15–18 years — 1:10 for overnight and 1:12 for day

Additional adults can provide skills, mentorship, support, encouragement, spiritual guidance, and joy. When you have new leaders-in-training, the leadership teams should also have a reasonable number of experienced adult leaders to provide support.

Travel

Minimum ratios of adult to youth need to be greater due to the possibility of leaving an adult behind with a participant in the event of a medical emergency.

  • 9–14 years — 1:5
  • 15–18 years — 1:7

Regardless of group size, no group should travel with fewer than three adult chaperones.

Formation Volunteer Interest Form

Name:(Required)
Email(Required)
Are you 22 years of age or older?:(Required)
Do you consent to a background check?:(Required)
Do you consent to having your Safeguarding training verified, and if it's not current, to complete training prior to the event?:(Required)
Do you consent to a leader at your church being contacted as a reference?:(Required)
Privacy:(Required)