Leader Role

The youth we work with are encouraged in their faith by connecting with others who also believe. They desire healthy relationships with adults who are leading them closer to Jesus and who desire to walk alongside them in that process. This type of presence-centered relational ministry requires time spent together. Youth events are an opportunity for young people and adult leaders to have a shared encounter with Jesus. In volunteering as a leader for a Diocesan youth event, you understand that it is this type of relational ministry that you are being called to with the young people attending the event.

As a leader I.....

• Am a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Have a personal relationship with Jesus, with the desire to share how this relationship with Him has impacted their life.
• Adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Demonstrate reasonable mental and emotional stability.
• Am physically able to be involved in both rigorous and sedentary activities.
• Participate in or actively supports youth ministry/religious education within my parish.
• (Preferred) Am currently living within the Diocese of Grand Island and am involved in my parish.
• Am fully compliant with Diocesan policies including safe environment/child protection requirements. NOTE: Safe environment training must be completed every 5 years
• Demonstrate appropriate boundaries in my relationships.

NOTE: Due to the nature of this type of ministry, it is important that the leaders chosen understand their role and responsibility as missionary disciples. We ask all new applicants to participate in an interview with the Director of these programs before a final decision on camp leaders will be made.

Are you up to date with your Safe Environment training and screening?

If not, upon completion of this registration, please contact your Parish Safe Environment Coordinator to provide you with the training and screening required to be an adult leader with the Diocese of Grand Island

I hereby grant the Diocese of Grand Island, their staff, and volunteers permission to transport me in an emergency to a medical or health care facility for immediate treatment and/or consultation, if deemed necessary.  I give authorization to the attending physician, dentist, or medical personnel for any required immediate treatment at the time of the emergency.  I agree to be financially responsible for any and all medical expenses and/or treatment costs and all related services provided and I release the Diocese of Grand Island, their staff, and volunteers from any liability.

I authorize the release of information to my insurance company and family physician.

I understand that this event is sponsored by the Diocese of Grand Island.  I accept full responsibility for any legal or financial consequences which may result from any personal actions (ie. damage to property or other participants/staff/volunteers) taken by me and I agree to hold the Diocese of Grand Island, their staff, and volunteers harmless with respect to any actions or claims that may be made in connection with my personal actions. I also grant permission to the Diocese of Grand Island, their staff and volunteers to use photos and videos of me for publicity/marketing purposes.

Code of Conduct

To accomplish the purpose of Higher Ground Retreats everyone at the retreat must agree to a “Code of Conduct.”  These guidelines are necessary to make the event enjoyable for all and to avoid unnecessary problems. Staff/ volunteers have a responsibility to themselves and others to follow these guidelines:

• Be Respectful and Safe. We expect to create an environment of safety and trust. The use of our bodies, language, and humor must always honor the dignity of every person. If you jeopardize the physical or emotional safety of yourself or the group, you will be asked to leave the event immediately at your own expense.
• Be Responsible and Honest. Staff/volunteers are expected to be present at all activities on time and participate fully. Established guidelines will be observed at all times. We need to take care of the building and grounds.  Any damage is to be reported immediately and involved persons are financially accountable. Emergencies that involve the health and well-being of people and/or property must be reported to the Diocesan Director or event leader immediately.
• The use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or other illegal/harmful substances is not permitted.  If you use these materials, you will be asked to leave the event immediately. Proper authorities will be notified.
• Observe appropriate boundaries. Males and females are housed in separate rooms. One of our goals is to relate with everyone present; therefore, during the week exclusive relationships are discouraged. If you engage in activities contrary to these guidelines or any activities that jeopardize your safety or the safety of the group, you choose to be removed from the event. 
• The following dress code must also be followed by all those participating in the diocesan sponsored event.

Dress Code 

In order to promote a safe, healthy and positive community experience the following dress code must be followed by all Male & Female Participants and Adult Leaders. Clothing should be modest and appropriate to a youth retreat/conference setting. Clothing should not present messages contrary to the values of a Catholic retreat.

• All attire should be sized to fit without exposing undergarments, buttocks, stomachs or cleavage. 
• Shorts and skirts must be at least fingertip length when arms are resting at sides.
• Shirts must be long enough to naturally touch the top of the lower garment, with arms raised. Shirts must cover the shoulder. No spaghetti straps, tank tops, and halter tops or transparent/mesh clothing or shirts with revealing necklines or armholes.
• No yoga pants or form fitting leggings.
• No clothing or accessories that promote drugs, alcohol or tobacco either by brand or message.No clothing or accessories with sexually suggestive language, promote violence, criminal activity, or intimidation/intolerance of others in regards to religion, ethnicity, gender or lifestyle.
• Modest swimwear appropriate for a Catholic retreat setting. No speedos or bikinis.

I understand and accept the guidelines and policies stated in this Code of Conduct. I will accept the consequences should I choose to violate the code. I agree to follow any disciplinary actions if I choose to behave in a manner that the director judges to be a serious violation of this code and is contrary to the mission of Higher Ground.

Maranatha Camp & Retreat Center Adult & Children Participant Release & Waiver of Liability, and Indemnity Agreement 

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS DOCUMENT affects YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND IS LEGALLY BINDING. BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT YOU ARE RELEASING MARANATHA BIBLE CAMP & RETREAT CENTER FROM ALL LIABILITY AND FOREVER GIVING UP ANY CLAIMS, THEREFORE.

 Assumption of Risk
I acknowledge and agree that any use of Maranatha Bible Camp and Retreat Center’s facilities, services, equipment, and premises (“Facilities”) and any participation in Maranatha Bible Camp & Retreat Center’s programs and activities (“Programs”) comes with inherent risks including, but in no way limited to (1) moderate and severe personal injury, (2) property damage, (3) disability,(4) death, and (5) sickness or disease. I voluntarily accept and assume full responsibility for these risks as well as any and all other risks of the use of Facilities and participation in Programs. I agree that I have full knowledge of the nature and extent of all such risks and am not relying on all such risks being described in this document.

 Waiver, Release, Indemnification & Covenant Not to Sue
 In consideration of the use of Facilities and participation in Programs I, the undersigned, agree that Maranatha Bible Camp & Retreat Center, it’s officers, directors, agents, employees, volunteers, insurers, and representatives (“Releasees”) will not be liable for any personal injury, property damage, disability, death, sickness or disease incurred by myself, my family members, dependents, or guests, including minors, however occurring including, but not limited to the negligence of Releasees. I understand that I will be solely responsible for any loss or damage, including personal injury, property damage, disability, death, sickness, or disease sustained from the use of Facilities and participation in Programs.

 I further agree, on behalf of myself and any and all legal successors and proxies, to release and HEREBY DO RELEASE, WAIVE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE Releasees from any causes of action, claims, suits, liabilities or demands of any nature whatsoever including, but in no way limited to, claims of negligence, which I and any and all legal successors and proxies may have, now or in the future, against Releasees on account of personal injury, property damage, disability, death, sickness, diseases or accident of any kind, arising out of or in any way related to the use of Facilities or participation in Programs, whether that participation is supervised or unsupervised, however, the injury or damage occurs, including, but not limited to the negligence of Releasees.

In further consideration of the use of Facilities and participation in Programs, I agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS Releasees from any and all causes of action, claims, demands, losses, suits, liabilities, or costs of any nature whatsoever, including claims of negligence, arising out of or in any way related to the use of Facilities and participation in Programs by myself, my family members, dependents or guests, including any minors.

Media Release

I understand that Maranatha Bible Camp reserves the right to use any audio, video, and/or photographs of any camper, guest, or staff member participating in any Maranatha facilitated event for promotional or marketing purposes. I have read and understood the Media Release as outlined above.