Mountain Madness Chaperone Guidelines

The minimum age for an Adult Chaperone is 21 years prior to the start of the conference.

All Adult Chaperones must comply with their home Diocesan Child Protection Policies.  Unapproved adults will not be permitted on campus.  It is the responsibility of the Group Organizer to ensure all chaperones are in compliance.  A completed “Adult Chaperone Application” must be filled out for every chaperone.

Summers days in Colorado will be hot, however the evenings cool down to as low as 40 degrees.  Because Denver is at a higher elevation, precautions must be taken to avoid altitude sickness, arrive well rested, drink plenty of water and do not skip meals.  Pop and caffeine are discouraged at least 1 week prior to the conference as both of these cause dehydration.  The conference weekend itself is very demanding physically.  The conference has an intense schedule with long days and short nights filled with times of loud music and large crowds.  It is recommended that adults with serious health problems not participate as chaperones.

Because the conferences are very spiritual and chaperones serve as the primary facilitators of this experience, Adult Chaperones need to be spiritually mature.  The words and actions of the Adult Chaperones should reflect the values of the Catholic Church at all times.

• The Primary role of the chaperone is to provide a safe and healthy environment for the youth participants.  Full awareness and enforcement of the rules and policies governing participant behavior as set forth by Steubenville of the Rockies is mandatory.  Adult Chaperones are the primary disciplinarians and are responsible for their youth at all times, during both sessions and free time.
• Chaperones need to be aware of the physical, emotional, and spiritual state of their youth during the conference.  Being present and engaged with the youth during free time and designated small group time will greatly aid in this.  Chaperones need to communicate any serious problems or issues to conference staff.
• Chaperones need to be present with their youth during all the scheduled sessions.  The only exception is during the entertainment time when youth ministers and chaperones meet.  By experiencing the conference together, chaperones and youth will be able to talk about the different topics and issues.  The chaperones will also be able to help young people with any confusion or doubt as well as pray with them.

All participants (youth and adults) are expected to dress in fashion that represents modesty and good taste, respecting other participants and our Lord.  Clothing must cover all undergarments and midriffs.  Clothing that displays profane or offensive messages or images are not allowed.  The Group Leader and Chaperones are expected to communicate these expectations to the youth prior to the conference and to enforce the dress code at the conference.  Violators will be asked to change clothing at the discretion of conference staff.

Participants are expected to use positive and up building speech during the conference.  Foul and abusive language will not be permitted, and appropriate discipline measures will be taken.

For any medical or health issue, all participants will be directed to First Aid.  This includes migraines, asthma, exhaustion and dehydration.

All state laws governing alcohol, drugs and tobacco will be strictly enforced.  Possession and/or consumption of alcohol and drugs is not permitted during the conference.  The facility and the hotels are non-smoking facilities.  Smoking is prohibited.  Please be aware that Colorado State Law prohibits vendors from selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.

It is expected that youth and adults will follow all directions of all Conference Staff, Safety, and Volunteers.  Any instances of lack of cooperation or insubordination will not be tolerated and will be subject to appropriate discipline.  The first and primary method for dealing with discipline problems will be to work through the Group Leader.

Reporting of Incidence

If you witness any youth or chaperone violating any policy in regard to Child Protection or Steubenville of the Rockies’ guidelines, you are required to report it immediately to a member of the conference staff.

The Archdiocese of Denver’s Mountain Madness Conference Staff reserves the right to deny entrance to, or request the ejection of, any group or individual who does not comply with the regulations and policies of the Archdiocese of Denver’s Mountain Madness Conference.  In the event that an individual/group is denied entrance or is ejected for violating any rule or policy, NO REFUND will be made.

If you witness any youth or chaperone violating any policy in regard to Child Protection or Steubenville of the Rockies’ guidelines, you are required to report it immediately to a member of the conference staff.

The Archdiocese of Denver’s Mountain Madness Conference Staff reserves the right to deny entrance to, or request the ejection of, any group or individual who does not comply with the regulations and policies of the Archdiocese of Denver’s Mountain Madness Conference.  In the event that an individual/group is denied entrance or is ejected for violating any rule or policy, NO REFUND will be made.