Awaken Student/Parent Handbook and Safety Guidelines

Awaken Student Ministry exists to love all students as Christ loved us! We want all students to Know Christ, Grow in God, and Go in Power! It is our goal to provide a safe environment for all students. In order to do that, we have established this code of conduct to keep students’ safety our top priority while discipling them in their walk with Jesus Christ. By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read all guidelines and safety measures laid out in this document and agree to adhere to them while participating in Awaken Student Ministry. 

PURPOSE: To support a safe and enjoyable environment for all. To provide clear and explicit expectations for social behaviors in all youth settings. Provide leaders, students, and staff with appropriate actions that address student behaviors. 

Awaken Student Ministry’s Commitment: We commit to acting in a professional and orderly manner, providing a safe and wholesome environment for all activities. - Pastor Stephen Braswell, Youth Pastor 

Accountable for your actions - “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” - Colossians 3:17 

I will be ACCOUNTABLE for my actions by… Participating and contributing to Awaken Student Ministry in a positive way. Not being a distraction to others (by talking or playing around during service, being on my phone unless using it to participate in service, and leaving during service unless there’s an emergency). Remaining in service the entire time unless permission has been granted by youth staff to leave early (In order to provide a safe environment, youth staff need to know where students are on campus and why they are there. If a student leaves service unexpectedly, they will be asked for information about where they are going and this information will be confirmed with parent/guardian as needed.) If a student is leaving early, parent will be required to come in and speak with our team captain to pick up their student. If a student has their license and has to leave early, then an adult leader will make sure that student makes it to their car safely. This is to make sure all of our students safety is ensured. Respecting church and event property, as well as, other student's and staff’s personal property (including but not limited to others’ phones, personal items, or playing pranks with personal items). 

Wise in your decisions - “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” - Philippians 4:8 

I will be WISE in my decisions by… Using electronic devices in the proper way. Any content being viewed or listened to must be appropriate and is subject to approval by the youth staff (including music, videos, pictures, images, games, etc.). Using social media in a respectful way by not posting or communicating in any way that is disruptive to Awaken Student Ministry or Princeton Church and its environment. Posting or forwarding any content or online pictures that may be embarrassing, derogatory, demeaning, or threatening toward another individual including students and staff is unacceptable. Out of respect, please do not continue passing on information that is offensive or inappropriate in any way, but report it immediately to a parent/guardian and youth staff. 

Aware of your surroundings and behavior - “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” - 1 Corinthians 16:13 

I will be AWARE of my surroundings and behavior by… Being vigilant and reporting any suspicious behavior or item immediately to youth staff. Not using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, vaping, or other illegal substances. Do not share these substances or any prescription medication with other students. Never possessing guns, knives, or other items that may be used as a weapon on the church grounds, during ministry events, or at outside youth activities. 

Kindness toward others - “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 

I will show KINDNESS toward others by… Being an encourager and treating others with respect and kindness. Never make fun of or criticize others. Do not use words (in person or on social media) and actions that include aggression, negative language, and behavior, intentional exclusion, threats, insults, discrimination, bullying, etc. Reporting to a youth staff member if any conflicts arise between students that disrupt the Awaken Student Ministry environment, where it will be addressed appropriately and follow biblical teaching. 

Example of Christ to others “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 11:1 

I will be an EXAMPLE of Christ to others by… Respecting myself and dressing in a modest way. Never wear clothing that is sexually suggestive, spiritually degrading, vulgar, or has inappropriate content. We understand that there are different definitions of appropriate which is why we do not have specific measurements, however the simple rule is if what I have on draws attention to my body, for example, you are not able to participate in specific events because you are afraid of something showing or you have to be conscious of moving or bending in a manner that may expose inappropriate body parts then these things should not be worn. Some examples of these may include: short-shorts, short or mini skirts, tank tops, spaghetti straps, spandex, cropped shirts, tube tops, shirts that show belly, back, or privates, low cut shirt, pants with holes in inappropriate places, tight clothes that reveals body parts, no undergarments should be visable, no one-shoulder tops, etc. We should always focus on honoring God in every aspect of our lives not ourselves. Swimwear should always be appropriate and modest in appearance. All clothing decisions will ultimately be up to the discretion of the youth staff. Taking care of my body and maintaining good personal hygiene (brushing my teeth, using deodorant, and bathing on a regular basis). If you need help obtaining any of these items, please let the youth staff know. Remember your words and actions should always reflect Christ. Respect yourself and others by not cursing or using vulgar or inappropriate language. Striving for purity as an example of Christ by not engaging in sexual intimacy or harassment, as well as not possessing or sharing any pornographic materials. Conducting yourself in a respectful manner when involved in youth services and outings by doing the following: Keeping hands and feet to yourself. Not engaging in inappropriate tickling, wrestling, piggyback rides, or touching any areas of another’s body. Do not engage in physical displays of affection such as kissing, sitting on laps, excessive hugging, lying or sleeping next to each other, or being alone with another student. 

Never stop having fun!!! “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23 

I will NEVER stop having fun by… Committing to always participate, engage and have fun while at youth services, activities and outings! Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior and Violations of the Code of Conduct Violations of the code of conduct will result in consequences determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the youth staff. 

1st Offense - The student will receive a verbal warning from youth staff. 2nd Offense - The parent/guardian will be contacted regarding the student’s behavior. 
3rd Offense - A meeting will be scheduled to discuss behavior between parent/guardian, student, and youth staff. 

*In the event that a student/volunteer is suspected of possessing/using/selling substances/weapons/inappropriate material or anything that may deface or harm Awaken Student Ministry/Students/Volunteers, youth staff may conduct a search of bags, pockets or any other item that could contain said items or have information about said items. If a student refuses a search then the parent/guardian will be contacted and the student may lose the right to attend youth services, events, trips, meetings, and projects including meeting up with youth groups at other locations.

*I understand that the church staff has the authority to permanently suspend me if I engage in any unsatisfactory behavior that is violent, criminal, or otherwise jeopardizes the safety and well-being of the group. I also understand that depending upon the nature of the infraction, law enforcement authorities may be called, and charges may be pressed. *************************************************************************** Image Release: I hereby grant permission to Princeton Church to use this student’s likeness in photographs, video recordings, or electronic images in any and all its publications including website entries, without payment or any other consideration. I understand and agree that these materials will become the property of the organization and will not be returned. I hereby irrevocably authorize the organization to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish or distribute these images for purposes of publicizing the organization’s programs or for any other lawful purpose. In addition, I waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product, including a written or electronic copy, wherein my likeness appears. I hereby hold harmless and release and forever discharge the organization from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization. Personal Property: All personal property is the sole responsibility of the student. The church has no liability for lost or stolen items.