Sponsors/Chaperones

Adults and Young Adults
Chaperones assist their parishes and Diocese in providing an event that is fun and safe for young people. Specific roles and responsibilities will vary depending on the needs of the parish. Chaperones, as well as youth, are expected to attend all conference activities. The Youth Code of Conduct details the specific expectations of youth during the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) and it is to be reinforced by chaperones.

During all conference activities, especially the dance and other recreational/social activities, chaperones should be available to supervise all youth. View the DCYC schedule.
 
Compliance with Diocesan Child Protection Policy  
All Adult Chaperones must comply with their home Diocesan Child Protection Policies.
Unapproved adults will not be permitted on site. It is the responsibility of the Group
Leader to ensure all chaperones are in compliance.

Adult Chaperone Meeting  
There will be adult chaperone meetings scheduled during the
weekend. These meetings are especially important for the group leader and/or first-time adult chaperones to attend. The meeting times/locations will be communicated at check-in.

The Role of Chaperones  
The Primary role of the chaperone is to provide a safe and healthy environment for the youth participants. They should help to facilitate order and to serve as a network of support for the youth. It is important that adult chaperones act as an example of
obedience and cooperation with the policies and procedures as well as with DCYC (aka:youth rally) staff onsite. Full awareness and enforcement of the rules and policies governing participant behavior as set forth by the Diocese of Amarillo is mandatory. It ensures the good order and positive environment for all participants.

Adult Chaperones are the primary disciplinarians and are responsible for their youth at all times, during both sessions and free time. At no time should a youth participant leave the DCYC site without an adult chaperone. Adults are strongly discouraged from taking youth off site except in case of an emergency. If any adult chaperone takes a youth off site, the said adult chaperone accepts full responsibility for the youth.

Minimum Age Requirements  
The Diocese of Amarillo requires that chaperones be at least 21 years of age or older and appropriately screened and trained for service according to the diocese’s policies for youth protection. Chaperones are expected to follow the Adult Code of Conduct. Young adults between 19 and 21 can be Chaperones helpers.

The Spirituality of Chaperones  
Because the youth rally is spiritual and adult chaperones serve as the primary facilitators of this experience, adult chaperones need to be spiritually mature. Adult chaperones should be constantly assessing the youth in their group to be aware of any difficulties, problems or special needs. They should be comfortable talking and sharing
with the youth, helping them deal with points of confusion and doubt. They should
also be willing to pray with the youth in their group. The words and actions of the adult
chaperones should reflect the values of the Catholic Church at all times.

Please help?
You can help us by selling some ads so we can be used to purchase a tangible resource to enhance youth ministry at a parish. PLEASE if possible purchase one for your parish or youth group. Deadline – April 2, 2023 and please download the posters and put up in traffic areas so everyone can see the dates. 8.5 x 11 Poster can be  DOWNLOADED - see link