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Minimum Age Requirements

The minimum age for an Adult Chaperone is 21 years prior to the start of the conference. There must be one Chaperone for every 5 youth of the same gender. No more, no less. (Example: If you have 6 females and 4 males you need 2 female Chaperones and 1 male Chaperone).

Compliance with Diocesan Child Protection Policy

All Adult Chaperones must comply with their home Diocesan Child Protection Policies. Unapproved adults will not be permitted on campus. It is the responsibility of the Group Organizer to ensure all Chaperones are in compliance. A Chaperone compliance form must be signed by each Chaperone and the Group Leader attesting to their compliance to their home Diocesan Child Protection Policy. This form should be included in this package. Please check with your diocesan centre for your Diocesan Child Protection Policy.

Chaperone Training DVD

All Chaperones are now required to watch the Chaperone Training DVD created by Steubenville Atlantic. This will allow all Chaperones to receive equal training to prepare them for the conference. These DVDs will be sent out to the group leaders and they are encouraged to watch the video together. If any questions arise out of this information do not hesitate to contact Steubenville Atlantic.

The Health of Chaperones

Summer days in Nova Scotia are entirely variable. They can be very hot one day perhaps cold and rainy the next. Arrive well rested, drink plenty of water and do not skip meals. The conference weekend itself is very demanding physically. The conference has an intense schedule with long days and short nights filled with times of loud music and large crowds. It is recommended that adults with serious health problems not participate as Chaperones.

The Spirituality of Chaperones

Because the conferences are very spiritual and Chaperones serve as the primary facilitators of this experience, Adult Chaperones need to be spiritually mature. 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 Chaperone is to provide a safe and healthy environment for the participating youth. Full awareness and enforcement of the rules and policies governing participant behavior as set forth by Steubenville Atlantic is mandatory. Adult Chaperones are the primary disciplinarians and are responsible for their youth at all times, during sessions, free time and at lights out.
  
• 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. 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 is during the entertainment time when youth ministers and Chaperones meet. By experiencing the conference together, Chaperones and youth will be able to talk about the different topics and issues. The Chaperones will also be able to help young people with any confusion or doubt as well as pray with them.
  
• Chaperones/Group Leaders are strongly discouraged from taking youth away from the conference site except in emergency cases. Chaperones and Group Leaders take full responsibility for a youth when they are off site. Chaperones are also discouraged from leaving their group, specifically while on the conference site or at conference housing sites.
  
• Adults Chaperones should avoid any situation where they might be compromised (i.e. being alone with a youth behind closed doors).
  
• Chaperones and Group Leaders should prepare spiritually for the task of chaperoning. Group leaders may want to have a retreat, training day, a weekly prayer meeting, or something that provides support and encouragement to Chaperones.
  
• Chaperones should meet with their group at least two months before the conference. This gives the Chaperones the opportunity to get to know the youth and for the youth to get to know each other. This will begin to build the trust and support that is needed for the weekend.
  

Seat Assignments

Seat assignments are arranged by color-coded sections that rotate during each of the main sessions. The color of your groups' bracelet will indicate which section you are to sit in for each session. We ask for the cooperation of all Chaperones in this matter.