2026 Spring Teen & Young Adult Retreat

Participants over the age of 18 are considered "Chaperones". All prospective chaperones must complete the Orthodox Church in America's Youth Volunteer Application.

This application requests basic information from you, the applicant, and will inquire into previous experience with children, previous OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey parish affiliation, reference and employment information, as well as disclosure of any previous criminal convictions. The application form will be maintained in confidence on file with the OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey.

After completion, your name will be submitted to our Diocesan Background Check Administrator, Father Joel Brady. If you DO NOT have a background check on file with the Diocese or Orthodox Church in America, you will be emailed a background check link to complete, allowing the The Diocese of New York and New Jersey to run the check. If an individual declines to sign the authorization form, s/he will be unable to work with children.

• Note: Any crimes involving minors, endangerment, or violence will exclude the applicant from serving as a youth volunteer.

Your only requirement for now is to complete the fields below. Thank you!

Exemption: If you have worked as a church school teacher or other youth worker in the Orthodox Church in America or Diocese of New York and New Jersey within the past 3 years, you do not have to complete this section. If this applies to you, select "I am exempt" in the table below.

I am the parent or legal guardian of the participant. I hereby release- and forever discharge- The Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey, the OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey's Department of Youth Ministry, and each and every one of its agents (hierarchs, employees, volunteers, insurers, attorneys, or any other person(s) associated with them) from any and all liability, for all personal injuries known or unknown that the youth named may incur due to reasons unrelated, but not limited to, negligence by participating in activities conducted, sponsored, or associated with the event stated above.

I understand that the coordinators reserve the right to remove any participant, chaperone, or volunteer from the event should said individuals engage in any behavior deemed to be unacceptable, including bullying, the use or possession of illegal drugs or weapons, use of alcohol, or participating in inappropriate sexual behavior.

In the event of an emergency I, or a responsible party, may be reached at the following telephone numbers:

Also, in the event that I cannot be reached in the case of emergency, I do hereby authorize a physician selected by the coordinator of this event to administer emergency treatment including medications, diagnostic tests, surgery, or other medical intervention deemed necessary by the physician.

I, the undersigned, have read this release and understand all its terms. I execute it voluntarily on behalf of myself and the participant named above and with full knowledge of the significance to bind all persons. In witness whereof, I consent to this release by typing my name below:

I hereby authorize and consent to the use of my/my child’s visual image by the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the Diocese of New York & New Jersey, and the OCA’s Diocese of New York & New Jersey Department of Youth Ministry for appropriate purposes, including but not limited to: still photography, video, electronic and print publications, the OCA’s Diocese of New York & New Jersey Department of Youth Ministry social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and websites. 

In witness whereof, I give this consent with no claim for payment by digitally signing my name below:

AUTHORIZATION TO CONSENT TO TREATMENT OF MINOR TEMPORARILY SEPARATED FROM HIS/HER PARENTS

I, the undersigned, parent or legal guardian of the child named above, a minor, am familiar with the program and the general nature of activities planned during their trip to Frost Valley YMCA, and to the best of my knowledge the above information is correct and my child is capable of participating in and has permission to engage in all activities. I do hereby authorize the OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey and Youth Event Coordinator as our agent(s) to consent to any diagnostic procedure or medical care which is deemed advisable by, and is to be rendered under the general or special supervision of any liscensed physician at the nearest hospital with facilities appropriate to my child’s injury/illness. I agree to the release of any records necessary for medical treatment or insurance purposes. This authorization shall remain effective until April 26, 2025 unless sooner revoked in writing delivered by said agent(s).

STUDENT WAIVER OF LIABILITY

I hereby accept any and all responsibility for, and assume the risk of any and all injury or damage to my dependent children which might arise directly or indirectly as a result of, and or participation in, the Frost Valley YMCA program. I hereby expressly release, discharge and hold harmless from any liability whatsoever the Frost Valley YMCA and all employees and volunteers in their capacities as representatives of the YMCA. Except for injuries caused intentionally, or by willful misconduct, I certify that I am familiar with the contents of this release, that I have read and understand the same, and that it is my intention by signing this release that the same is binding not only of me, but my heirs, administrators, executors, successors and assigns. This document may be photocopied.

FROST VALLEY YMCA STUDENT PHOTOGRAPH AND STATEMENT RELEASE

Periodically, Frost Valley YMCA uses photos and statements made by participants in Frost Valley YMCA programs for newsletters, fundraising efforts, brochures and articles about Frost Valley YMCA. All photos and statements are used with reasonable judgment for purposes directly relating to the operations of Frost Valley YMCA. This signed form gives Frost Valley YMCA permission by the signer to utilize participant photos or statements for the purposes mentioned above.

We look forward to your arrival at Frost Valley YMCA on April 24th!

An email will be sent out 2-3 days prior to the event with a suggested packing list and other important details.

If you have any questions, send us an email!

Thank you for completing the Orthodox Church in America's Youth Worker Volunteer application! Your name is being submitted to our Diocesan Background Check Administrator, Father Joel Brady.

The retreat coordinator will email you a link for the background check within 48 hours. If you have any questions in the interim, please send an email.

Thank you for volunteering to chaperone! Your name is being submitted to our Diocesan Background Check Administrator, Father Joel Brady, to confirm that your diocesan background check is still current.

The Retreat Coordinator will be in touch with next steps. If you have any questions in the interim, please send an email.