Youth Team Application

Contract

We are here to serve the Weekenders and to praise God through word and action. These rules need to be honored by every team member.

1. You are asked to attend all team meetings prior to the weekend. Absences are discouraged. Any absences must be cleared with the Adult Coordinators (ACs) prior to being gone. No more than one absence will be allowed.
2. Team members are expected to be present for the entire TEC weekend, from Thursday afternoon (the team gathers at the church at 4:00 PM) through Sunday evening after cleanup.
3. No driving after the weekend begins without permission from the adult team leaders.
4. Team members will refrain from displaying overly affectionate behavior toward other team members or Weekenders.
5. T.E.C. is a tobacco-free activity. We must respect the tobacco-free policies of churches and the law. This includes adults.
6. Sleeping is required and allowed only in the designated male and female sleeping rooms, not in common areas or in the team rooms. Please be courteous to those who wish to sleep.
7. Team members are expected to remain in their work area and perform tasks as directed by the team leadership.
8. Any phones brought to the weekend can only be used in sleeping rooms and must not interfere with responsibilities of the weekend. If they become a problem, they may be confiscated and returned Sunday following closing.
9. Cameras, other than the weekend photographer, are only allowed in Team-Only areas. The use of cameras should not interfere with your responsibilities on the weekend.
10. All music played during the weekend must be Christian music. The ACs, Rector, and Rectora must approve all secular music with a Christian message before the weekend begins.
11. Team members must adhere to the guidelines of the weekend dress code.
12. Team members and Weekenders should be respectful in conversations throughout the weekend. Report uncomfortable situations to an adult.
13. Please be reminded that we do not want to see postings to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or any other social media site from a team member during a weekend. Once you're at the church on Thursday afternoon, know that social media can wait until after the weekend so as not to distract you from serving. Any team members found to post to such social media sites during the weekend will be ineligible to work the next weekend.

As a member of the team, you are expected to abide by all of the above items. Failure to do so could result in dismissal from the team.

Most of all, the TEC Council wants you to have fun while serving the Weekenders and praising God.

Clothing Policy

If you are on team or are a Weekender, your clothing has the potential to influence people's perception of you and, more importantly, Christ. Choosing modest clothing helps to avoid distractions and misunderstandings. You are asked to choose apparel consistent with the following guidelines during team meetings and at the weekend:

Please Bring

• Modest length shorts, skirts, dresses, or pants. This also applies to sleepwear.
• Modest swimsuits/swim trunks. Please note that although there won't be swimming every weekend, swimsuits are a good idea for additional privacy in the showers.
• Closed-toed shoes for team members working in the kitchen. To prevent injury, you need to bring a pair of shoes that completely cover your foot.

Please Don't Bring

• Clothing that reveals undergarments, midriffs, or too much of the chest or buttocks.
• Apparel that:
  • Includes obscene, vulgar, abusive, or discriminatory language or images
  • Advertises or promotes alcohol, chemicals, tobacco, or any other product illegal for use by minors
  • Represents hate groups, is gang-related, or contains threatening language

Why Is This Clothing Policy Important?

Each person represents Christ in the communities that they belong to, including the TEC community. While those outside of TEC may choose to wear these clothing items, doing so can work against efforts to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. It is for this reason that you are asked to refrain.

Your youth and adult leaders do not want to be the "clothing police" during the TEC weekend. You are asked to abide by this clothing policy.

Your help is appreciated in creating a safe, respectful environment for your TEC experience.

Youth Expectations

We're so excited that you're part of Teens Encounter Christ! TEC weekends are all about growing in your faith, creating leaders, building friendships, and having an amazing experience together. To help make sure everyone has a fun, safe, and meaningful weekend, there are some important expectations we ask everyone to follow.

This is a community where we support each other, show kindness, and create a safe place for people to open up and be themselves. Please read through these guidelines carefully — they're here to help keep everyone safe, respected, and cared for.

Why This Matters

At TEC, we believe God works through relationships. Many of the people who come to TEC — both teens and adults — have experienced hard things in life. That's why it's so important to treat each other with kindness and respect. Our words and actions should never make someone feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or hurt in any way.

Expectations for Teens at TEC

To help make this weekend safe, supportive, and fun for everyone, here's what we ask of you:

1. Look Out for Each Other

We want TEC to be a place where everyone feels safe and cared for. Here's how you can help:

• Stay in public areas of the church. Don't go into locked rooms, dark spaces, or off-limits areas.
• If you see someone struggling, looking upset, or acting differently, check in with them — or let a trusted adult know.
• Avoid risky behavior like roughhousing, climbing on things, or playing physical games that could get someone hurt.
• No vaping, smoking, drinking, or using any kind of drugs at TEC. If you're feeling tempted or know someone else is, talk to an adult leader you trust right away.

2. Respect Personal Space and Boundaries

We want everyone to feel safe and respected — emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Physical Boundaries

Hugs can be awesome, but no one should ever feel pressured to give or receive one. A handshake, high-five, or even just a smile is perfectly fine too.

Privacy Matters

Don't share other people's personal stories or private information inside or outside of TEC unless they say it's okay.

Appropriate Behavior

Avoid flirting, teasing, or making jokes about people's appearance, gender, or sexuality. Everyone deserves to feel respected and accepted.

Dress Code

Choose clothing that's modest and respectful of others. If you are unsure about a piece of clothing, it's best to avoid it and choose something you are confident is appropriate for a church event like TEC.

3. Communicate Safely and Responsibly

Even after TEC weekends, many people stay connected through texting and social media — and that's awesome! But it's important to communicate in a way that's safe and kind.

• Be positive, kind, and appropriate in all your messages.
• Never send or share anything you wouldn't want your pastor, parents, or principal to see.
• If someone sends you something that makes you uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult.

4. Speak Up If You're Worried

If you hear or see something that makes you worried for someone's safety — whether it's about self-harm, bullying, abuse, or anything else serious — don't keep it to yourself. Tell an adult leader right away. This includes:

• If someone talks about hurting themselves
• If someone says they're using drugs or alcohol
• If someone shares about being hurt by someone else
• If someone threatens to harm another person

Even if you're not sure it's a big deal, it's always better to say something.

5. Integrity Matters

At TEC, honesty and integrity are essential for building trust and keeping everyone safe. Always be truthful in your words and actions with others. Here's how you can live out integrity at TEC:

• Keep your word — if you commit to something, follow through.
• Be truthful in your conversations. Don't spread rumors, exaggerate stories, or say things that could cause confusion or hurt.
• Be completely honest on your health form when listing medications, allergies, or any health issues. Providing accurate information ensures leaders can care for you properly and respond quickly in case of an emergency.
• If you make a mistake, own up to it instead of hiding it — that's how we learn and grow together.

Remember, integrity protects not only you but also the entire TEC community.

6. Be a Supportive Friend

Jesus said, "Love one another as I have loved you."

At TEC, we want to be people who lift each other up, encourage each other, and help each other grow in faith. If you need help, have questions, or just need someone to pray with you, reach out to a leader or a friend. And do the same for others when you can.

Thank You

We're so grateful you're here and part of TEC. Together, let's make this weekend a safe, positive, and unforgettable experience for everyone.