In a society of legality and liability, it is important for Challenger leaders and church leaders to prepare standards in planning that will assure parents of their youth’s health and safety. Indoor and outdoor activities should include basic steps that leaders understand and are willing to exercise. What are steps that need to be taken in case of an emergency or an accident? (For example, having an emergency phone number, contact persons, safety route for moving youth, first-aid kits as well as having on hand a trained person to administer first aid, and emergency equipment.)

 

Check with your church leadership regarding policies and procedures for emergencies. Unexpected emergencies and accidents can take place in the midst of the best prepared activity. Responding quickly and responsibly can make a world of difference.

 

As Challenger leaders, you want to conduct your ministry as a good steward. In Biblical times, a steward was held to a high degree of responsibility when his master returned and asked for an accounting of how the steward had overseen the master’s wealth. Challenger leaders have a duty of stewardship to the church to conduct business properly and in a manner that minimizes the risk that church assets could be lost in a lawsuit.

 

What are the risks?

Some are obvious. A Challenger program runs the risk of accidents. However, some risk may not be obvious. The law of negligence may hold you and your volunteers to the standard of care which prudent persons would have exercised under the same circumstances.

 
Challenger activities should be age- and experience-appropriate. As those activities are planned, consider the safety problems that the activity presents. Exercise care in designing the activity, in checking the equipment involved, in instructing the youth, in supervising the activity, and in being prepared if an injury occurs. Advise parents of the nature of the activities in advance, and make certain that the children are physically able to engage in the activity.

 

Selection of employees and volunteers:

Two questions to consider are: What does the church know about the volunteer? What care is the church taking in making that selection? Careful and wise selection of employees and volunteers reduces needless risk. A supervisor of youth should be skilled, experienced, dependable, and trustworthy. The duty of supervision includes training individuals who work with youth. Focus on risks that deserve immediate attention.

 

Have two leaders present at all times. Never plan activities where only one leader is in a room with one youth. Require a person to be a member of the church for six months before they can become a Challenger leader.