Behavior & Safety Guidelines for Youth Conferences

It is expected that those attending conferences come to be fully part of the group.
It is up to everyone to do everything they can to care positively for themselves, for the group and for Powell House while they are here.

Our deep love and concern for one another is what makes Powell House a wonderful place.

• Support, encourage, challenge, respect each other and yourself. Be tender toward one another. Be generous with put ups. Don’t use put downs. Don’t tease.

• Participate! On meal crews, in small groups, in the larger groups, during work projects, in worship. Practice mindfulness. Listen to others share (no side conversations). Come to group sessions when they are announced. Join in as much as you can. Stretch yourself. Offer a supportive and observant presence when not directly participating.

• Enjoy your friends. Make new friends, too. Reach out to new people. Include everyone in your experience.

• Gathering in bedrooms can be exclusive. Sometimes someone just needs to take a break in a quiet place. For these reasons, we ask that people do not enter bedrooms other than the one that they are assigned to.

• Music can bring a group together or it can separate us. Be aware of the music you bring and how it affects others. A stereo system with both a tape deck and a CD player is available for shared use at conferences. Use of individual music playing devices is not permitted.

• Romantic relationships are part of being human but we ask that they not be part of our time together here.

• Allergies to scented or perfumed products are increasing. So that everyone can be here, please do not use these products while you are at Powell House.

If you’re not sure if you should do something, ask yourself:

1. Does it nurture myself?

2.  Does it nurture the group?

3. Does it nurture the Powell House Program?

 If the answer is “no” or “maybe” to any of the questions, please don’t do it.  Check with a JC or facilitator on the "maybe."

Your staying healthy and staying whole is important to us so:

• No bare feet in the kitchen.

• Tasty, nutritious vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals and snacks are provided. Please do not bring your own snacks unless you talk to Martin or Sarah first.

• Skate or swim only when Sarah or Martin are present.

• Stay on the Powell House property. Let us know if you are going away from the main buildings during free times or self-space. Stay in the main buildings or on the patios after dark.

• Stay off the roofs.

• Give prescription and over the counter medications to us when you arrive. We will keep them in the office for you. They should be in their original containers.

• Do not bring alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, lighters, candles, incense or matches.

Caring for the Powell House property is a big part of our community here so:

• Be gentle on the furnishings. No graffiti. No destruction of furniture and supplies.

• Consume food and drink only in the dining room or common room. Eating and drinking contests waste food and upset our cooks. Please enjoy the food and leave enough for everyone.

• Games, craft supplies, and costumes should be put away after use.

• Lights should be turned off when rooms are not in use.

• Short showers conserve water and fuel.

 Rhythm in a group is important.  There are times when we need to be active and together.  There are times when being quiet and alone opens different connections with the Spirit and with others.  Sleep is important.  The conference agenda includes session time for games and discussions.  There is free time for finding your own way into the group.   Self- space is a silent free time for individual homework, rest, or reflection. Quiet time is when attenders share back rubs and listen to stories in the common room right before bedtime.

Bedtime until morning wake-up is when Sarah and Martin get a break. It’s also when you refuel for the next day. Youth who wish to come to conferences must stay in their rooms and be quiet during this time.

If you have questions or concerns about any of these rules or guidelines, please call us at 518-794-8811 x13 before attending a youth conference.