In a Church of the Brethren Workcamp, adults should strive to be an example of wisdom, grace and servanthood to all those younger than themselves, giving them encouragement and guidance. The following covenant, therefore, applies to all adult workcamp participants, whether or not they are serving as advisors.
 
 
1. Verbal or nonverbal sexual behavior with any youth is inappropriate.
 
2. Dating or "going out" with any youth is inappropriate.
 
3. Physical contact should be limited to the hand, shoulder, or upper back. Stroking, massaging or kissing is inappropriate. Adults should not give back rubs to a youth unless another adult is present, and then only with everyone fully dressed. Any appropriate display of affection (hug, pat on the upper back, etc.) should be made in public in front of other group members.
 
4. Two adults should be present when working with youth.
 
5. One-to-one counseling with a youth should always occur in a public place -- never alone in a car or private place. Do not use private rooms with the doors shut. Stay in sight of others and let the coordinator, director, or another advisor, know that you will be talking.
 
6. When in the car with a youth, do not sit close to one another or have any physical contact. Do not stop the car to talk. If you must stop, turn on the inside light of the car.
 
7. Romantic or sexual attraction for a youth by an adult should be brought up and discussed with a pastor or counselor. Knowledge or suspicion of an adult having an inappropriate relationship with a youth should be reported immediately and the adult should be removed from his/her responsibilities while an investigation takes place.
 
8. Adults should not share details of their personal lives with youth, such as personal relationships, dating, and sexual activity.
 
9. Overnight events should have at least one adult present of the same gender as the youth. Adults should not share the same bed or sleeping bag with each other or with youth. Separate sleeping and bathing accommodations should be provided for both males and females.
 
10. Suspicions of sexual abuse should be reported to the coordinator who is regarded as a mandated reporter.

I understand and accept the following:

1. Adults may under no circumstances hit a workcamper.

2. Adults may not use abusive or derogatory language with workcampers.

3. Adults will ask for help from the director or coordinator if needed.

4. Adults who encounter a particularly difficult workcamper will seek the assistance of the coordinator or the director.

5. In all dealings with workcampers, adults will strive to respond as opposed to react to workcampers.

Advisors are encouraged to attend with groups of youth, and are expected to fully participate in all aspects of the workcamp. Advisors are also expected to act as role models and mentors for the youth, and are often asked to take on extra responsibilities such as leading work crews.
 
I understand that I am a care-taker of children.
 
I understand that there is a clear power difference between myself and workcampers (money, mobility, authority, experience, knowledge, different set of rules).
 
I understand that inappropriate physical contact with or physical abuse of a workcamper can have severe emotional and psychological effects on that workcamper that can last a lifetime. These reactions can be so severe they can require intensive professional intervention which can be disruptive to the workcamper’s life as well as time consuming and expensive.
 
I understand that it is my duty to watch for signs of stress in myself and others as a way of maintaining a safe environment at workcamp. It is also my duty to help other staff who seem at risk for hurting or abusing workcampers. I must alert the director or coordinator when more careful supervision, intervention, or support is needed.
 
Furthermore, by typing my name below, I am attesting to the fact that I have read over, understand and accept the rules, guidelines and standards of conduct outlined above in the Guidelines for Adult & Youth Interaction, Guidelines for Discipline, and Adult Covenant. I attest that I have never been convicted of child abuse.