Commentary
What follows is a quick list of tips that one who works in ministry should always keep in mind.
- Model for youth behavior that is expected of them.
- Be respectful and courteous to youth and to other adults. Never put down or make fun of youth or other adults.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at events where young people are present, even if the only young people present are your own.
- Do not use profanity and please discourage the young people from using it.
- Do not smoke when with young people.
- When you are driving, model good driving habits.
- Follow all the schedules, rules, of the program and facility.
- Enjoy being with young people and let them know you care about them.
- Do not allow youth to bend the rules (such as curfew, check-in, leaving the grounds etc.)
- Do not play favorites or give different youth different rules.
- Do not hesitate to stop irresponsible or dangerous play (Don’t let young people do things where they could get hurt – even if they say they do it all the time. Don’t ask them to do things that could leave us open to liability. If in doubt, ask).
- Do not be afraid to discipline – but do it with love (never put down a young person). Learn the names of all young people and call them by name.
- 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.
- Enjoy the young people and have fun.