AMPED YOUTH MINISTRY Program Form Youth participant s full name: Date of Birth: Sex: Male Female Address: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email: School: Grade: May the youth ministry leaders/ volunteers contact the youth participants by: Home Phone: Yes No Cell Phone: Yes No Email: Yes No Social Media Yes No Is the family a member of Epworth UMC? Yes No (If not, please contact the church office for a registration form) Father s / Guardian s full name: Home phone: Cell phone: Email: Mother s / Guardian s full name: Home phone: Cell phone: Email: Teen lives with: Parents Father Mother Guardian Other Emergency contact name: Home phone: Cell phone: Teen has received the sacraments of: Baptism Confirmation Please indicate any specific concerns that our Youth Ministry Team should be aware of for your teen. Academic, Physical, Behavior etc Health Insurance Information Insurance Company Policy Number Insurance Company Phone Number Family Doctor Phone number Special medical needs or concerns (allergies, conditions, dietary needs, medications, etc.): Other information leaders should know about the participant:
AMPED YOUTH MINISTRY A Ministry Preparing Extreme Disciples EXPECTATIONS & GUIDELINESA The AMPED Youth Ministry is for youth in grades 6 12 and is led by Rev Bill Jones along with a team of adult leaders. AMPED meets Sunday evenings during the school year (September to June) from 6:00pm- 7:30pm in the Catacombs building next to the main church. Throughout the year there will also be occasions for the youth to participate in retreats, Christmas and Sonrise services and other outreach opportunities. Our focus is seeking God's call and will, so that we can live in His grace and make a difference in His world. The first time you come you're a guest and the second time you are family. Come be a part of our family and allow God to do extreme things in your life. Below we have provided you with the guidelines for the AMPED Youth Ministry. Please read and sign to confirm that both youth and parent/guardian understand and agree to the guidelines. Guidelines/Policies WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM: Friendships We will provide a Christian peer group. We will make every effort to provide an environment where spiritual growth and fellowship can occur in the midst of Christian friendships. Leaders We will strive to provide a team of responsible adult leaders who desire to serve others with hearts and hands and model a devoted and passionate relationship with Christ. Transportation You can expect safe and dependable transportation while traveling with the youth group. Responsibility While on youth functions, we will take the responsibility of the youths in our care. We take that responsibility very serious while they are under our supervision. However, responsibility of youth during worship service, before and after gatherings, on the church parking lot, etc. lies in the hands of parents. When youth actions are brought to our attention during these times, we will direct those comments to you as parents. Communication We will make every effort to communicate to you as a family. Communication will be provided to you concerning what is going on in the AMPED Youth Ministry through email, Facebook, Epworth UMC website, Google Calendar, phone and or print copy. Cooperation We will involve you in any discipline situation that may arise involving your youth. We strongly believe that a cooperative approach to correction returns the God- given responsibility of discipline to you as parents.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM THE YOUTH: Participation We expect each youth to participate in activities with the entire group when deciding to be a part of a particular event, trip, or class in order to be in community with one another. Exceptions for this are made in case of illness, injury, and other special circumstances. Responsibility & Respect We expect each youth to take responsibility for his / her actions. We expect each youth to cooperate and respect all adults and adult leaders, other youths by lifting each other up rather than tearing them down, the property of others, the church building and the areas and property we visit while away. Our actions should always demonstrate appreciation and respect for chaperones, drivers, hosts, and other youth leaders whether or not they are from our congregation. Their instructions should be followed without complaint or resistance. Rules and guidelines Rules and guidelines are not put into place to hold people down and use authority over them, but to help maintain the group and shine as Christian examples out of love for God. The following are rules and guidelines that we will work from in everything we do in order to minimize conflicts among the group and maximize spiritual growth. Jesus Christ is to be lifted up in all actions and attitudes of those participating in events and activities Respect the church s property including the building itself, the landscape, the furniture and or items within the building Respect all locations where AMPED is representing Epworth UMC No drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, fireworks, weapons, pornographic material will be allowed Never leave the supervisory presence of the adult leaders/chaperones without permission Wear a seatbelt at all times when riding in vehicles for any church event Male/female pairs are not allowed to be alone in a room, on a walk, or in any other capacity without the permission of the supervising adult Prescription and non- prescription medicines should be discussed between a parent and the appropriate adult leader attending the event - Instructions in writing are always preferred No disruptive behavior will be allowed, this includes, but is not limited to fighting, cussing, vandalism, pranks, disrespect of authority, etc. Speech that is inappropriate, crude, sexual in nature, insulting, downgrading, etc. will not be tolerated Provisions are made to satisfy basic first aid needs Permission / Medical Release forms must be on file for each youth in order to attend events and activities Public display of affection (PDA) is not acceptable at any time while on youth group events or activities Dating couples should remember to set a Christian example to everyone - Physical contact should be kept to a minimum - Holding hands and appropriate hugs are the limit of PDA that is allowed of all in the youth group To encourage the growth of relationships and interaction among those in the youth group while traveling, no audio players, video games, and/ or cellular phones will be allowed at any time without the permission of the supervising adult Clothing should be modest at all times - If you have doubts about what you are wearing or taking to wear, it is probably not acceptable No bare anything that is normally covered by clothing will be acceptable at any time. If in doubt, please first check with your parents or if already in attendance at an event or activity, check with an adult chaperone In regards to swimming attire; girls should wear a modest one- piece swimsuit - A tankini is permitted if it covers your body like a one- piece swimsuit would or two piece with a tee shirt over top - Boys should wear modest swim shorts with a tee shirt Playing rough especially in areas of water in not allowed, pushing someone into water or pushing their head under water is NOT allowed, safety should always be of upmost importance. We understand that each family determines what is modest for their youth. However, while on youth group events, there are guidelines that must be followed or the youth will be asked to change clothes or they will not be allowed to participate.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM PARENTS: Support We ask you to help and support us in this ministry. When decisions are made that the youth may not like, please help us by supporting us (knowing that we are making these decisions to help the group as a whole). If there is something that we do that you do not agree with, please come to us personally and share it with us so that we can grow and learn together. Please do not go to someone else and share it with them. You can be assured that we are supporting you and will also come to you with disagreements that may arise. We are making every effort with the youth to help them in the area of gossip and talking about others. We need your help in this as we model this principle to our youth. Feedback Please provide us with any feedback that could be beneficial to us and this ministry as a whole. Let us know of special needs and prayer requests for your youth and your family. Rules & Discipline We need your support and understanding in the enforcement of these guidelines and rules. Please remember that these are in place for reasons that benefit the group as a whole and not necessarily your individual youth. Please also support us in conveying to your youth the importance and Biblical principle of respect to all the adult leaders that help out in this ministry. Problems As unforeseen problems arise, please do not hesitate to contact the AMPED leaders and let us know. We are here for YOU. Communication is a key element to all aspects of life and ministry. We realize that there are things that cannot be helped and situations that must have special attention. Please let us know when those come up. Though the majority of our youths are raised to respect authority and rules and are a joy to be with, there are those occasions when (for a variety of reasons) it becomes necessary to enforce a degree of discipline on certain individuals who are not cooperating. While on an AMPED sponsored event, we ask that all participants understand that we represent Christ first, then our congregation, and our family. We ask that youth conduct themselves in the best possible manner. While in classes, small groups, or participating in events and /or activities we expect youth to behave appropriately and with respect. If a youth is guilty of inappropriate behavior or if they have not adhered to a given rule or guideline, the only recourse is for us to send them home (at the parents inconvenience and / or expense). In these circumstances, we will inform parents of the reasons for the discipline and why the actions were taken.
PUNCTUALITY It is important when working with a large group that we get going on time. We will always communicate a time of departure and arrival. This is to help both you as parents and us as ministers / leaders. If your youth is late, they may find that we have already left. We do not wish to leave anyone behind, but we also have reasons for leaving at a designated time. We need your help in this. We also commit to you to be on time ourselves. We will be early to meet the youths and we will make every effort to arrive back at the designated time. If, for some unseen reason, we will not make it back at the designated time, we will communicate to you as soon as possible. While on trips, communication will be available by contacting / calling from the cellular phones of the AMPED leaders. ONE OTHER NOTE: After events we have adult leaders who are tired and ready to go home. Please make sure to be here promptly to pick up your youth to help us out with this. PAYMENT POLICY Honor payment deadlines. Students who have not paid a deposit or the full amount by the stated deadlines will not be allowed to attend the event/activity. Money cannot be recovered if a student drops out after the deadline. SCHOLARSHIP POLICY We recognize that youth events can create a strain on a family s budget, but we don t want the cost of an event to prevent someone from attending an activity. The youth ministry has a scholarship fund to help defray the cost of events, and you can apply for financial help by following the rules and procedures below. 1. Scholarships are given only for youth- group sponsored events & missions. 2. Scholarships are limited by the availability of funds. 3. The person requesting the scholarship will be asked to pay a portion of the total cost. 4. The person needing a scholarship must express their need to the AMPED Youth Ministry leader before the payment deadline for an event. This information will be kept confidential. 5. If the person does not attend the event for which they have received scholarship money, they are responsible for paying back into the Scholarship Fund the full amount received. The AMPED Youth Ministry leader will work with the person to set up a payment plan or work program to pay back the amount owed. INFORMATIONAL NOTES All drivers during youth ministry- related events must be at least 21 years of age with a good driving record. While we understand that older youth may drive themselves to and from events, we will not give any youth permission to ride home with any other youth; this must come from the parents themselves.
Epworth United Methodist Church Permission/Media/Medical Waiver Participants Name: PARENT/GUARDIAN AGREEMENT Functions, Activities, Special Events and Field Trips Prior to my participation in activities, I acknowledge that there are certain risks associated with the activities, including, by way of example, physical injury due to activity- related accidents, and physical injury due to transportation- related accidents, illness, or even death. In addition, I acknowledge that there may be other risks inherent in these activities of which I may not be presently aware. I give permission for the youth named above to participate in the activities of Epworth United Methodist Church, including any special events/activities. I understand that the youth named above may be participating in local service projects and fellowship events during church youth events. I understand that during this period my youth/ward may take part in activities such as: minor yard work, cleaning, painting, and other activities consistent with the purposes of the church. Release of Liability By signing this Permission/Waiver Form, I expressly warrant that the youth named above is capable of withstanding both the physical and mental demands of the activities discussed above. I also expressly assume all risks of the youth participating in the activities, whether such risks are known or unknown to me at this time. I further release Epworth United Methodist Church and its ministers, leaders, employees, volunteers, and agents from any claim that my youth may have or that I may have against them as a result of injury or illness incurred during the course of participation in the activities. This release of liability shall exclude any gross claims of negligence. This release of liability is also intended to cover all claims that members of the youth's or my family, or estate, heirs, representatives, or assigns may have against Epworth United Methodist Church or its ministers, leaders, employees, volunteers, or agents. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Epworth United Methodist Church and its ministers, leaders, employees, volunteers, or agents from any and all claims arising from my participation in its activities and programs, or as a result of injury or illness of my youth during such activities. First Aid and Emergency Medical Treatment I recognize that there may be occasions where the youth named above may be in need of first aid or emergency medical treatment as a result of an accident, illness, or other health condition or injury. I do hereby give permission for agents of Epworth United Methodist Church to seek and secure any needed medical attention or treatment for the youth named above, including hospitalization, if in the agent's opinion such need arises. In doing so I agree to pay all fees and costs arising from this action to obtain medical treatment. I give permission for attending physician(s) and other medical personnel to administer any needed medical treatment, including surgery and, again, I agree to pay for the medical treatment.
Media Epworth United Methodist Church may post a photograph and/or video of my youth on the church s website or use a photograph of my youth in their publications. I understand that photos will not be labeled with names. Possible Expenses If it becomes necessary for my youth to be sent home early from an event, this will be done at my own expense. I understand that my youth s continued participation in church activities depends on my youth s support of this agreement. I represent that I am the parent/guardian of and I have read the above Permission/Waiver Form and am fully familiar with the contents thereof and I acknowledge that I have read and understood the AMPED Guidelines/Policies. I give permission for the youth named above to participate in the activities of EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, including any special events/activities described above. In consideration for allowing the participation of the youth in the activities of Epworth United Methodist Church, I hereby consent to the Permission/Waiver Form, including the Release of Liability above, on behalf of the youth, and agree that this Permission/Waiver Form shall be binding upon me, my family, heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns. Signature of Parent/Guardian Date Print Name YOUTH S AGREEMENT I agree to participate in the functions and activities of Epworth United Methodist Church, to cooperate with the leaders and other young people, and to conduct myself as a Christian. I promise to respect God, respect myself, respect other persons, and respect property. If it becomes necessary for me to be sent home early from an event, this will be done at my parents/ guardians expense. I understand that my continued participation in church activities depends on my support of this agreement. I acknowledge that I have read and understood the AMPED Guidelines/Policies, and I agree to carefully abide by them. Signature of Youth Date Print Name