Guidelines for Chaperones

The RetreatTeam members are responsible for facilitating the spiritual aspects of the retreat.  They can only do this effectively if you, as a chaperone, take responsibility for the behavior of the retreatants.  Below are some guidelines to help you understand your role.  If your have any questions or concerns during the retreat, your first point of contact should be the retreat Contact Person (a representative from your parish, school, or diocese) then a Team Leader.

Qualifications of Chaperones

During the retreat, chaperones are fully responsible for the behavior and needs of the youth entrusted to their care.  This means chaperones must be at the retreat with their youth AT ALL TIMES!  In the case of an overnight retreat, this includes staying with the youth at night, as well as being present at the retreat sessions during the day.  Leaving the retreat is not permitted as it puts your youth at risk.  The retreat Contact Person is responsible for making sure each chaperone has the proper permission slips and emergency medical authorizations in their possession for each youth they chaperone.  In case of emergency medical authorizations in their possession for each youth they chaperone.  In case of emergency, it is the chaperone, not the Retreat Team member, who takes responsibility for the transportation and emergency treatment of a youth.

In addition, it is the chaperone that enforces curfew and helps with “crowd control.”

Team members will take the lead in this area and will try to set the tone by their own behavior, but they need you to reinforce what they say, and by your own example, convey the importance of “entering in” to the entire retreat experience.