2025 YOUTH TRIP
BEHAVIOR COVENANT

BEHAVIOR COVENANT -

This covenant is a commitment that you are making to God, St. Paul, your youth leaders, and your fellow youth in order that our trip/event may be a good experience for all. Every trip/event we participate in should reflect what we understand the Christian life to be. In some ways many of these “rules” are already implied, but they are listed as a reminder that Christianity looks different.

Going on a trip with the Youth Department at St. Paul should be viewed as a gift. It is not to be abused. Participants ought to be encouraged to grow in their faith throughout the trip/event. If you breach the confidence of any of the following items the staff member(s) of St. Paul reserve the right to send you home. This is not to come across as heavy-handed but rather to demonstrate the integrity of this ministry. There are standards and expectations which we follow as we grow in our love for God and each other. By signing this document, you agree to be held accountable to these standards. You also take responsibility for any financial liabilities incurred as a result of poor behavior.

Youth Covenant: I acknowledge and accept that community life at a St. Paul sponsored trip/event is based upon mutual trust, respect for God, myself, and others. In addition to this, I acknowledge and commit to adhere to the standards and expectations set by the leadership of this trip/event.

Standards/Expectations:

  • The use or possession of alcohol, vaping, or illegal drugs is prohibited

  • The use or possession of tobacco in any form is prohibited. Lighters are also not appropriate on youth events.

  • The use or possession of any weapon, including pocket knives, is prohibited.

  • Riding in or driving a motor vehicle (even if it is yours) without specific permission from the Associate Pastor or another adult youth leader is prohibited

  • Participants are expected to remain on the property we are visiting during the time we are scheduled to be there. You are expected to participate in ALL worship services, small groups, and activities. I understand that I am held responsible for any property that I break, damage, or otherwise alter intentionally.

  • Sexual behavior, be it implied, consensual, or verbal is not acceptable. I understand that I cannot engage in inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to physical interaction, sexting, the sharing or displaying or pornographic, lewd or otherwise offensive images, etc.

  • Inappropriate language and gestures will not be used. I understand that profanity, inappropriate joking, or hurtful words will not be tolerated.

  • Quiet Hours: During quiet hours, you will be expected to stay in your room all night. If security catches you out of your room or has to ask your room to be quiet after hours, you will be sent home with no warning. Quiet Hours are strictly enforced.

  • Provide a trusting environment for my peers.  When students share something about themselves in a group discussion, I will not repeat that information to other friends outside of the group.

Consequences:
Consequences will focus on restoring peace with reconciliation among the parties involved.  The goal of resolving each problem will be growth and learning through repentance and forgiveness.  Any problems encountered will be handled within the group and by the adult leaders to the extent that this is possible.  However, should a situation persist or become uncontrollable, the parent/guardian will be contacted and informed of the problem.  Should the situation be urgent, the parent/guardian will be contacted immediately and will be responsible for picking up the student from an event or trip.

I understand that I am expected to follow these guidelines, and the breaking of them could result in being sent home, dismissed from the group, or other appropriate actions as deemed appropriate by Associate Pastor, Ethan Oltremari, in collaboration with St. Paul Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee.