Participating in Youth Ministry events and activities is a privilege. Participants and adult volunteers are encouraged to enter fully and cooperatively into community life. A WEMO Community Covenant was created with Romans 12:10 in mind and focuses on respect. Standards 1-7 are ideals toward which we strive. Standards 8-12 are non-negotiable and will be enforced on a zero-tolerance basis; if these standards are violated, the violator will be sent home at the expense of the parent/guardian.

1. Respect the other participants and their property

2. Respect whoever is speaking.

3. Respect the adult leaders.

4. Respect the event staff.

5. Respect the people encountered at the event.

6. Respect myself.

7. Agree to remain with the group during activities-An absolute!

8. I agree not to commit acts of theft or violence.

9. I agree not to be involved in bullying- WEMO events should be a safe space!

10. I agree not to use or possess any tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs.

11. I agree not to bring or use fireworks, firearms, or any other kind of weapons while at this event.

12. I accept that sexual behavior is not tolerated, this includes public displays of affection (i.e. holding hands, excessive hugging, kissing, sitting on laps- and anything else that is seen as crossing a line of sexually inappropriate behavior.)

Adults who work with children and youth are expected to model the patterns of healthy
relationships that children and youth deserve in all settings. Interactions should meet all
requirements outlined above, and adults should be discouraged from initiating a private
relationship with any unrelated child or youth from the church away from sanctioned church
activities.

a) Adults are encouraged to do the following:

i) have ongoing spiritual practices, which
might include daily prayer, regular
participation in corporate worship, and
Bible study;

ii) spend time with and listen to children and
youth and advocate for their ministry within
the Body of Christ;

iii) offer appropriate physical expressions of
care, which may include high fives; fist
bumps; hand-holding while walking with
small children or in prayer; brief touching of
shoulders, hands, or arms, handshakes; “
“laying on of hands” under appropriate
pastoral supervision; and brief hugs and
arms around shoulders; and

iv) model appropriate affection with other
adults and be accountable to the
community for behavior.

b) Adults shall not, under any circumstances, do the following:

i) provide children or youth with marijuana,
non-sacramental alcohol, drugs, cigarettes,
tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vapes, or
pornography;

ii) arrive under the influence of alcohol, illegal
drugs, or misused legal drugs at any
children’s or youth event or when they are
responsible for children or youth at an
event;

iii) consume non-sacramental alcohol or
illegal drugs or misuse legal drugs at
any children’s or youth event or when they
are responsible for children or youth at an
event;

iv) engage in illegal behavior or permit other
adults, children, or youth to engage in
illegal behavior;

v) engage in any sexual, romantic, illicit, or
secretive relationship or conduct with any
child or youth; or

vi) apart from planned, pre-approved
educational programs, discuss their own
sexual activities, fantasies, or their own
use or abuse of drugs or alcohol with
children or youth.