Chaperone Information

Chaperone Policy

Requirements and Role of an Adult Chaperone

Minimum Age Requirements
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 their home Diocesan Child Protection Policies. Unapproved adults will not be permitted on site. 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 adult chaperone, priest and group leader and must be signed by both the chaperone and the group leader.

Adult Chaperone Meeting There will be an adult chaperone meeting scheduled during the weekend. This meeting is especially important for the group leader and/or first-time adult chaperones to attend. This meeting time/location will be communicated at check-in.

The Health of Chaperones
Summers days in Colorado will be hot, however the evenings cool down to as low as 40 degrees. Because Denver is at a higher elevation, precautions must be taken to avoid altitude sickness, arrive well rested, drink plenty of water and do not skip meals. Pop and caffeine are discouraged at least 1 week prior to the conference as both of these cause dehydration. The conference weekend 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 spiritual and adult chaperones serve as the primary facilitators of this experience, adult chaperones need to be spiritually mature. Adult 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 and 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 chaperone is to provide a safe and healthy environment for the youth participants. They should help to facilitate order and to serve as a network of support for the youth. It is important that adult chaperones act as an example of obedience and cooperation with the policies and procedures as well as with conference staff onsite. Full awareness and enforcement of the rules and policies governing participant behavior as set forth by Steubenville of the Rockies is mandatory. I t ensures the good order and positive environment for all particiapants. 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 the conference site without an adult chaperone. Adults are strongly discouraged from taking youth off site except in case of an emergency. If any adult chaperone takes a youth off site, the said adult chaperone 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. 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.