Please Carefully Read Through the Following Acknowledgements, Policies, and Conditions of Participation for the Saint Peter Youth Ministry Program. When finished, please type your name below which is the legal equivalent to a handwritten signature. If you are a teen filling out this form, ask your parent or guardian to complete this remaining section.
General Assumption of Risk and Liability Release In consideration for my teen’s participation in Saint Peter Youth Ministry, and intending to be legally bound, myself and my teen agree and understand that we assume all risk of our participation in Saint Peter Youth Ministry, and with full knowledge of the risks inherent in such a program, we do hereby release and forever discharge Saint Peter Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and their employees, volunteers, chaperones, agents, administrators, and any official representatives from any/all liability, damages, actions or suits in law or equity which we might hereafter have by reasons of personal or bodily injury, and/or property damage arising from or related by our teen participating in Saint Peter Youth Ministry. In case of emergency, we give permission for our teen to receive necessary medical treatment until the emergency contact can be notified and we agree to be responsible for payment of said medical treatment. If the need arises, I give permission for my teen to be given over-the-counter medication supervised by adult staff or volunteers of Saint Peter Youth Ministry. Examples of over the counter medication for day events include but are not limited to ibuprofen or acetaminophen for day events, and tums, dramamine, dayquil or nyquil, benadryl, claritin, etc. for extended events. Contact our youth ministry team with any over the counter medication questions or concerns.
Photography and Media Release I give consent for my teen’s photo or video to be taken as a part of Saint Peter Youth Ministry. I give consent for my teen’s photo, video, name, and likeness to be used or posted on any parish, school, or organizational website or social media account within Saint Peter Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I hereby consent to the use of any videos, photographs, slides, audio or any other audio or visual reproduction in which the teen registering on this form may appear by Saint Peter Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I understand that these materials may be used for promotional purposes including recruitment and fundraising efforts or general publication. Promotion may include but is not limited to slide presentations, photo displays, social media promotions, and electronic multi-media display and video. I agree that the photograph image or video shall be free for use and release Saint Peter Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, its employees, volunteers, and agents for any liability connected with the use of said photograph, image, or video recording.
Electronic Communication with Minors Consent
Life Teen High School Ministry Guidelines I give permission for my teen to communicate electronically and have contact information shared with adult staff, volunteers, and other teens participating in Saint Peter Youth Ministry. I give permission for my teen’s email and cell phone number to be shared with the Saint Peter Youth Ministry staff and adult volunteers utilized for the purposes of relational ministry including messaging and phone calls. I give permission for my teen to communicate with the Saint Peter Youth Ministry staff and adult volunteers via text message and voice or video call. I give permission for my teen to utilize and download other group messaging apps which may be used to assist in communication within Saint Peter Youth Ministry. I understand as a parent or guardian that all messages in which my teen is involved will be documented and saved for a period of at least one year and that I am able to review the electronic communications in which my teen is involved at any time. I give consent for my teen to follow the official Saint Peter Youth Ministry Instagram Account. I understand this is a public account that I, as a parent or guardian, am also free to follow. I give consent for my teen to interact with all posts from this account and to be tagged in posts from this account. The Saint Peter Youth Ministry Instagram is run by multiple adult staff and volunteers who monitor the account regularly.
Standards of Behavior Saint Peter Youth Ministry desires to create a joyful, welcoming environment where all teens can come to encounter Christ. We strive to use our speech to uplift, affirm, and show gratitude to others. We commit to receiving and welcoming one another as if we were welcoming Christ Himself. As such, each teen commits to upholding the standards of this environment and following all the directives of the youth ministry staff and volunteers. There is a zero-tolerance policy for any bullying, threats, harassment, or any other kind of behavior deemed inappropriate. Repeated disregard for these standards will lead to potential consequences up to and including dismissal from the Saint Peter Youth Ministry program.
Conflict Resolution Agreement Every teen and parent or guardian within Saint Peter Youth Ministry commits to intentionally loving all people within the Saint Peter Youth Ministry Community, reconciling quickly and forgiving as often as God forgives us. Conflicts are a part of the world in which we live. If a conflict arises between teen participants or a group of teen participants, all those involved will be required to enter into conflict resolution mediated by the staff and adult volunteers of Saint Peter Youth Ministry. These conflict resolution sessions will be handled on a case by case basis with parents or guardians of those involved potentially required to be present. Within conflict resolution, each party involved in the conflict commits to loving the other person or group, and focusing on the issue and not the person. Each party involved will take responsibility for their part in the conflict or situation and work towards making things right and moving forward. Parents, guardians, and teens unwilling to enter into conflict resolution when requested by Saint Peter Youth Ministry staff or volunteers, regardless of their part in the situation, will be dismissed from the Saint Peter Youth Ministry Program and can return only when willing to enter into conflict resolution dialogue.
Vehicle Transportation Agreement Saint Peter Youth Ministry regularly holds events and trips to locations off the Church property. I give permission for my teen to be transported to and from these events in a personal vehicle by a driver authorized by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, understanding this driver is insured and covered through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Risk and Insurance Program. I understand that I will have the option to allow my teen to drive themselves in their personal vehicle if licensed. I understand that I also have the option to allow my teen to drive other teens in their personal vehicle. I understand I also have the option to allow my teen to ride as a passenger with other teen drivers or other young adult core members under the age of 21. I understand these forms of transportation are not insured by Saint Peter Youth Ministry and I assume all risk in this regard. I understand that these forms of transportation not insured by Saint Peter Youth Ministry are optional agreements that are not a requirement for participation in Saint Peter Youth Ministry. For off-property events requiring transportation, the default arrangement is for teens to be traveling in groups in which a teen would not be alone with an adult volunteer or staff member. Limited exceptions to this rule apply to teens employed at Saint Peter Church as sacristans and to Saint Peter Youth Ministry Teen Missionaries. Any additional exceptions to this rule will be expressly authorized by a parent or legal guardian ahead of time. Exceptions also apply to a severe emergency in which Saint Peter Youth Ministry staff or volunteers are unable to get in contact with a parent or legal guardian.
Additional Waivers Saint Peter Youth Ministry regularly holds events at other venues that require a waiver and facility use agreement. I give permission for Saint Peter Youth Ministry to sign these waivers and agreements for events on behalf my teen. I assume all liability and risk in this regard and agree to all of the terms and conditions within these third party waivers for my teen. I understand these events will be communicated ahead of time and that I can discuss these waivers before they are signed if desired.
Extended Event Guidelines
Overnight Accommodation Agreement Saint Peter Youth Ministry regularly holds events and overnight trips throughout the year. I give consent for my teen to participate in these overnight trips and retreats, with the specific details and circumstances shared with parents and guardians ahead of each trip or retreat. I give permission for my teen to travel via commercial airline, ride share service, airport shuttle, train, twelve passenger van, or any other form of transportation utilized within these trips. I give permission for my teen to stay overnight at a retreat facility, property rental, or hotel, and to share a room, cabin, and/or bed with other teens of the same gender. Sleeping and restroom facilities are always separated by gender. Adult staff and volunteers sleeping and showering space will always be separated from teens.
Prescription Medications I give consent for my teen to possess and supervise the administration of their own prescription medication on any retreat or extended overnight trip, and assume all risk and liability in this regard.
Extended Events and Travel Standards of Behavior Saint Peter Youth Ministry events and trips require a high level of personal responsibility and maturity. Teens will be required to respectfully follow all the directives of the Saint Peter Youth Ministry staff and volunteers. Repeated disregard for these standards will result in dismissal from the trip, retreat, or experience without refund. Saint Peter Youth Ministry will determine these standards in its sole discretion. Parents or guardians also accept financial responsibility for any intentional or unintentional vandalism or destruction of property caused by their teen at any event on or off Church property. If a teen is dismissed from a retreat or experience, a parent or guardian will be responsible personally and financially for arranging travel for their teen to return home, which, depending on distance, can be a personal vehicle or commercial airline ticket that will not be the responsibility of Saint Peter Youth Ministry. Saint Peter Youth Ministry may also collect and hold teens cell phones for certain events on or off the Church property to allow teens to more fully enter into the experience. I give permission for my teen’s cell phone or other electronic device to be collected and held by the staff and or volunteers of Saint Peter Youth Ministry and assume all liability and risk for the loss or damage of this cell phone or other electronic device.
Prohibited Items and Consent to Search As the parent or legal guardian of the participant named above, I understand and acknowledge that Saint Peter Youth Ministry prioritizes the safety and well-being of all. As such, prohibited items within Saint Peter Youth Ministry include but are not limited to, alcohol, marijuana, any other illegal drugs, cigarettes, cigars, vapes, nicotine pouches, weapons, or any other illegal or age restricted product. I grant Saint Peter Youth Ministry employees, volunteers, or designated representatives, the right to search the belongings of my teen at a day event or extended event, including but not limited to bags, suitcases, and room accommodations, if there is a reasonable suspicion that my teen may possess any prohibited or illegal items. I understand that this search will be conducted with the utmost respect for my teen's privacy and belongings. In the event that prohibited or illegal items are found, they will be confiscated, and appropriate action will be taken, which may include immediate dismissal from an event, retreat, or trip without a refund, potential involvement of law enforcement, and potential suspension or dismissal from Saint Peter Youth Ministry.
Pre-Existing Friendships Exemption Some adult volunteers within Saint Peter Youth Ministry are college-age young adults that have pre-existing friendships with high school participants outside of Life Teen. In the case of these friendships, rules governing electronic communications and interactions on social media and one on one interaction will not apply to these specific adult volunteers and specific high schoolers. Questions regarding high school pre-existing friendships with college-aged young adults can be directed to the youth minister who will provide information to a parent or legal guardian.
Commitment to Safe Environment Saint Peter Youth Ministry is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all teens. All adult volunteers serving teens in Saint Peter Youth Ministry will have all required clearances per the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Child and Youth Protection. Any suspected allegation of any inappropriate activity will be immediately handled and investigated in accordance with the policies set forth by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Child and Youth Protection. All teens, parents, and adult volunteers, are encouraged and empowered to report any concerns to the youth minister by emailing youth@saintpeterchurch.net. Concerns can also be reported to the pastor or any other member of the Saint Peter Church Staff. A complete listing of safe environment policies can be requested from the youth minister at any time.
