We love teens! We want teens to have fun. The following expectations and boundaries exist for the
good of the individual and the group. We are also making parents and teens aware of our
expectations so that we are consistent in our treatment of all our teens. Our hope is that Christ will
change our lives, not just our behavior.
ADEQUATE ATTIRE
Our expectation is that students dress in a modest and appropriate manner. We believe the first place
this should be addressed is in the home. As the youth ministry we will encourage appropriate attire,
but consider this a parenting issue. We DO have certain expectations on out-of-town youth trips, for
example, Winterfest. We feel that on out-of-town trips the sponsors are asked to fill the role of
parents. Thus, we ask that no shorts be worn that are not fingertip length. Also, tops are not to be
worn that reveal the stomach area or are low cut. Spaghetti straps should not be worn. Clothing
should not have any offensive writing or symbols that are contrary to what Christ would want for us.
We encourage this dress code all the time BUT we will seek to enforce it on out of town youth trips.
Should this be a concern on an out-of-town trip the teen will be addressed individually and if
necessary parents will be consulted on how we can reach a solution.
Many of our teens attend Camp Deer Run and understand appropriate attire on trips or at camp. This
awareness is what we are seeking on youth trips.
ALCOHOL, DRUGS, & SMOKING
We believe our bodies are the Temples of the Lord. Therefore, we expect students to refrain from the
abuse of illegal or prescribed drugs, alcohol, and smoking. Not only does it have negative
physiological and spiritual results, but such use is against the law. If one of these abuses takes place
DURING a church sponsored activity the process of dealing with it will be: (1) Parent(s) are notified,
and student(s) is sent home. (2) The teen will be asked not to participate in LA out of town trips for
time period of no less than one month and up to one year, and a strategy for professional,
congregational, and personal care and support shared with parent(s)/guardian(s).
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
We expect students to have fun, interact, and participate in an appropriate manner. Therefore, any
teen whom youth teachers or leadership considers uncooperative or disruptive will be addressed as
such: (1) Teen will be addressed by youth sponsor, teacher, leader (2) Next, teen will meet with
Jered if meeting has not already occurred (3) Next will result in a meeting between Jered, parent(s,
adult leader(s), and the student(s). (3) Final action will result in a spiritual mentor being assigned to
the teen for encouragement, support, and accountability.
FIGHTING
Lamar Avenue Youth Ministries attempts to be a safe place where students can feel accepted,
affirmed, and loved. Therefore, if fighting occurs, here is our solution: (1) Jered or an available adult
leader will discuss the dispute with the involved students and a resolution will be sought. (2) Jered or
an available adult leader will discuss the dispute with the involved students and their parent(s) (3)
Final action will result in a spiritual mentor being assigned to the teen for encouragement, support, and
accountability. A break from youth group activities for a period of time may also be considered.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
The displaying of affection among members of the opposite sex (regardless of whether or not the
students are "a couple") is not condoned. The results of P.D.A. is two fold:
1) It makes everyone around very uncomfortable, and
2) It is a concern that the couple may be too physical in their relationship.
If this dilemma arises, the process of dealing with it will be:
1) Adult leadership will talk privately with the individuals/couple.
2) Will result in adult leadership talking with the parent(s).
3) Will result in a spiritual mentor to provide encouragement, support, and accountability.
TEEN DRIVERS
We are excited about your student's ability to drive. However, for Lamar Avenue's safety and the
safety of your child, we would like to operate under the following: If the Lamar Avenue Youth
Ministries event IS NOT an in-town event, your teen(s) are strongly encouraged to utilize Lamar
Avenue's provided transportation unless accompanied by an adult or otherwise consented by
parents.
TREATMENT OF SPONSORS
Sponsors are a vital piece of Lamar Avenue Youth Ministries. Many times, sponsors give up a large
portion of their time and energy to minister to students. Students are expected to show consideration,
cooperation, submission, kindness, courtesy, and respect to all of our sponsors. In addition, sponsors
are expected to exhibit the same qualities during their interactions with the students.
Sponsor/student(s) disputes will be handled this way: Jered will meet with the sponsor(s) and
student(s) in order to seek resolution and if necessary include the teen's parents.
