Commentary
Emergency Plans
It is strongly recommended that the Coordinator develop an Emergency Action Plan for various crises that can arise while away from the parish on a youth ministry event or program. Emergency Action Plans should be developed for the following emergencies: fire, someone becoming lost, physical injury, drowning, hurricanes, tornadoes, car breakdown, etc. Before leaving for an off-site event, the Coordinator and adult chaperones/team members should be familiar with the strategies outlined in case of an emergency. All adults accompanying the young people as chaperons, drivers, team members should have in their possession a copy of the itinerary, directions, and necessary phone numbers.
Adult leaders should provide an emergency contact number to parents of participants. Parents should be instructed to contact the adults with news of a family emergency rather than calling the young person directly.
Security Plan
Coordinators should develop a security plan for their meeting place or activity area. Every youth must know where to go and how to act when confronted by strangers or intruders, and be able to sound an agreed-upon alarm.
Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment includes hitting, pushing, shoving, and slapping. Christian principles do not support the use of corporal punishment.
Related Policies
5.29 The use of corporal punishment is forbidden in the Diocese of Wilmington.