Chaperones

Chaperone Signup and Guidelines

Before signing up as a chaperone, please carefully read the Chaperone Guidelines, Objectives and Methods of Chaperoning a PRYP Convention, and 2026 Convention Rules below. Please also read the Camp Chautauqua Participation Release Waiver in the link below. You will be asked at the end of the online application if you have read and agree to each of them.

Once you’ve reviewed the guidelines and are ready to register as a chaperone, please complete the Chaperone Application Form in the link below: 

→ Click here to download the below Guidelines and Objectives in a printable PDF

→ Click here to read the Camp Chautauqua Participation Release Waiver

→ Click here to complete the Chaperone Application Form

Chaperone Guidelines

Be a Spiritual Role Model

Please read the Objectives and Methods of Chaperoning a PRYP Convention.  

Devotions

In all programs, discussions, and devotions, leaders and chaperones are expected to use the KJV Bible translation. Prayers should be reverent and respectful to our Heavenly Father. Lead nightly devotions in your room with your group. Encourage the young people to participate in devotions. They may lead in prayer, but don’t require it of them. No one should feel pressured.

Quiet Time

Quiet time varies from 10:30 pm – midnight depending on the day.  Please refer to your convention schedule for details on each day. Once quiet time begins, all conventioneers must remain in their rooms until breakfast.  Each chaperone is responsible for their group during this time and must ensure they are properly rested for the following day. Anyone found outside during quiet time may be reported to the discipline committee.

Convention Rules (see further details below)

Chaperones and conventioneers must abide by the convention rules.  These include your appearance, conduct, and the “No Smoking” rule. Chaperone t-shirts are not to be ripped or changed in any way. You are to stay on the Camp Chautauqua grounds. You are expected to observe and report any misconduct.  Chaperones are not allowed to date conventioneers. A chaperone should never be alone with a conventioneer of the opposite sex.

Discipline

Chaperones are not expected to discipline conventioneers.  If you see or are aware of a problem, contact the discipline committee and they will handle it. Examples:

  • If a conventioneer is not meeting the dress code in public, two same-gender chaperones together ought to instruct him/her to change. Failure to comply, second violations, and concerns from opposite-gender chaperones ought to be brought to the Discipline Committee.
  • Conventioneers found outside their building during quiet time should be instructed to return to their rooms, and the Discipline Committee should be notified of the conventioneers’ names

The committee composed of Trinity PRC Steering Committee members and a Fed Board member will be determined prior to convention.

Activities

Team Leaders and helpers will be assigned, but all the chaperones are expected to help with the activities and serve the conventioneers as needed.

Enjoy your time with the Conventioneers!

Objectives and Methods of Chaperoning a PRYP Convention

Compiled by Eldon Brock in CHRISTIAN CAMPING

OBJECTIVE:

  1. The glory and honor of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ.
    – Whatsoever ye do in work or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. (Col. 3:17)
    – Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. (Col. 3:23)
  2. Help the conventioneer
    – The Convention is for the young people. It is not necessarily for the convenience, ease, or enjoyment of the chaperones.
    – By providing edifying and satisfying experiences in lectures, Bible studies, devotions, discussion groups, sports, nature, and fun.
  3. Therefore, the chaperones are to be ready and available to help the conventioneers…
    – Express themselves in legitimate ways
    – Face their need for personal and spiritual growth
    – Acknowledge Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord.
    – Recognize the Bible as the only reliable source for guiding our faith and life.

IDEAS FOR MINISTERING EFFECTIVELY TO THE CONVENTIONEERS:

  1. Be a good example, demonstrating the reality of Jesus Christ by conduct and attitude (Phil. 4:9)
    a. Be attentive to camp policy and church program.
    b. Be cooperative with leadership.
  2. Be with the conventioneers; not separated or segregated from them.
  3. Respect each conventioneer (as one for whom Christ died).
    a. Protect the emotional safety of each person.
    b. Demonstrate love and concern for each conventioneer by getting acquainted with the needs and interests of each and leading them accordingly.
  4. Instruct in devotions
    a. Personalize the devotions according to age group characteristics, prior spiritual growth, and the conventioneer’s practical needs.
    b. Lead them in prayer asking for understanding and help to overcome a problem
  5. Anticipate problems and try to motivate the conventioneers to positive and enjoyable actions. Be a leader of good things.
  6. Use the Bible as your authority to present Christ’s Lordship, not yours.
  7. Give personal attention to prayer: for self and the conventioneers.
  8. Chaperones must be consecrated; concerned; compassionate; competent; cooperative.

SUGGESTIONS FOR DEVOTIONS:

  1. Read Scripture together: Begin by reading a short passage from the Bible—just a few verses that connect to the day’s theme or issues young people face.
  2. Reflect on the day: Talk about the events of the day and bring any needs, joys, or concerns to God in prayer.
  3. Connect with what they learned: Review the day’s speeches, discussion groups, or sectionals and pray about the truths they heard and how they can respond to them.
  4. Pray for home and church: Remember conventioneers’ families and home congregations. Ask if there are specific needs in their churches that you can pray for together.
  5. Encourage participation: Ask conventioneers each night to help lead in prayer so they can grow more comfortable praying together.

2026 Convention Rules

Convention week is intended to be a time of spiritual enrichment and fellowship for the young people of our denomination. We believe that all conventioneers know what is expected of them. However, we all need guidelines to govern us at times. As host, Trinity Protestant Reformed Church will require all conventioneers and chaperones to abide by these rules so we can honor Christ, respect each other, and have an enjoyable time.

  1. Choice of clothing for all events including swimming and the banquet will be modest and demonstrate love for God and the neighbor:
    • For Men: Shirts with sleeves torn or cut, or sides cut out, are not allowed. Shirts must be worn whenever you are not swimming.
    • For Women: Swimsuits must have full-covering tops & bottoms and no bare midriffs. Shirts and shorts must be worn over suits whenever you are not swimming. Clothing must not expose the trunk part of the body in any position (e.g. shirts that can leave a bare midriff, chest, or sides). Shorts or skirts must be at least mid-thigh length. Sports bras and leggings are not independently-sufficient coverings.
    • Shirts, shorts, and footwear must be worn when inside all buildings.
    • Hats may not be worn during prayers, devotions, speeches, or discussion groups.
    • If a Chaperone thinks your clothing is inappropriate, you will be asked to change. Additional violations will be referred to the Discipline Committee.
  2. No water or food fights in the camp facilities and dining hall.
  3. Absolutely NO power strips or extension cords.
  4. No illegal drugs, smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, or alcohol.
  5. No over-the-counter sleep inhibitors such as No-Doze, Monster, etc.
  6. No knives, matches, lighters, fireworks, explosives, or any type of weapon.
  7. No pranks, theft, vandalism or graffiti. You will be responsible to pay for any damage or loss. We will show respect for other people and their property.
  8. No pets or other animals are allowed in buildings.
  9. No unauthorized swimming without lifeguard supervision, and no use of activities for which Camp Chautauqua requires staff when no staff are present.
  10. Cell phones will be allowed during free time and games for phone calls or taking pictures. They may not be used during speeches or discussion groups, except for singing and Bible reading. Chaperones have the right to take away phones if they feel you are abusing this privilege.
  11. Boys are not allowed in girls’ buildings, nor are girls allowed in boys’ buildings.
  12. Conventioneers and chaperones are expected to stay on Camp Chautauqua grounds at all times, and off any private property within the camp.
  13. At the time devotions are scheduled to begin, all conventioneers must stay in their buildings. If you leave your building after this time, your parents may be notified, and you may be expelled from the convention.
  14. If you are expelled from the convention, you and your parents are responsible for getting you home.

Discipline:  The young person who was expelled will be held responsible for sending a letter of apology to the Federation Board and the host church Steering Committee showing true remorse for their misconduct. Upon receiving this letter, the Federation Board may grant the young person reinstatement toward future conventions.