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 the 2025 Convention Rules 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 Camp Brain application form: 

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

Click here to complete the Camp Brain application form:

Click here to complete the Springhill Camp Waiver:

Chaperone Guidelines: 2025 PRYP Convention

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 to use only the KJV Bible translation.  All 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 but don’t require it of them. No one should feel pressured.

Quiet Time

Quiet time begins at the time devotions are scheduled to begin. 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. Report to the Discipline Committee any conventioneer found outside during quiet time.

Convention Rules (See below)

Chaperones and conventioneers alike must abide by the convention rules. 

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. 

Interactions with Conventioneers

One chaperone may not be alone with one conventioneer in an area not directly viewed by others. At least two unrelated adults must be present in interactions with any one conventioneer. When this is not possible, there must be at least two (preferably more) conventioneers present with the one adult. If counseling is needed, consult the Chaperone Committee for support. A chaperone is not allowed to date or be otherwise romantically involved with a conventioneer.

Instruction and Discipline

Chaperones are expected to instruct and shepherd the Conventioneers to keep the Convention Rules, but not to discipline the Conventioneers. 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.

As examples of godliness, Chaperones must not encourage or be complicit in conventioneer(s)’ violation of these rules. Chaperones must not reduce, diminish, or otherwise compromise these rules in the minds of conventioneers.

Enjoy your time with the Conventioneers!

Objectives and Methods of Chaperoning a PRYP Convention

Adapted from 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)
    – Be attentive to camp policy and church program.
    – 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).
    – Protect the emotional safety of each person.
    – 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
    – Personalize the devotions according to age group characteristics, prior spiritual growth, and the conventioneer’s practical needs.
    – 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. Review the day and matters for prayer which arise from it.
  2. Review the speeches, discussion groups, or sectionals and make those matters for prayer.
  3. Remember their families and churches in prayer. Ask if there are matters for prayer in their
    congregations.
  4. Encourage them to lead in prayer.

2025 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, Hudsonville 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. No illegal drugs, smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, or alcohol.
  4. No over-the-counter sleep inhibitors such as No-Doze, Monster, etc.
  5. No knives, matches, lighters, fireworks, explosives, or any type of weapon.
  6. 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.
  7. No pets or other animals are allowed in buildings.
  8. No unauthorized swimming without lifeguard supervision, and no use of activities for which SpringHill requires staff when no staff are present.
  9. 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.
  10. Boys are not allowed in girls’ buildings, nor are girls allowed in boys’ buildings.
  11. Conventioneers and chaperones are expected to stay on SpringHill grounds at all times, and off any private property within the camp.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.