The purpose of this document is to detail the standard operating procedures (SOP) for processing individuals interested in becoming a mentor or chaperone for A Soldier's Child (ASC).

Mentors differ from volunteers in that mentors work directly with our ASC children, whereas volunteers do not have direct contact with the children. We must be certain you are willing to take on the responsibility as you decide on filling this application out or not.

MISSION: The mission of ASC is to serve the children of fallen military personnel who have given their lives on active duty while defending the United States of America. We serve ASC kids through birthday celebrations, mentorship programs, and educational scholarships.

ASC serves Gold Star children of fallen servicemen and women from all U.S. military branches. ASC acknowledges all deaths during active duty and any deaths post-military service, due to service-related injuries or illnesses. This includes suicides from PTSD-related deaths. ASC offers Love to the child left behind, Honor for the memory of the fallen and a Hope for the children to live a courageous life.

• Birthday Celebrations
  Celebrating our recipient children's birthdays every year from 1 years old and up to age 18, by spending $150 per child, per birthday according to the child's specific gift wishes and needs.
• Mentorship Programs:
  Camps – We offer a Journey Camp experience for our recipients between the ages of 9-16. This is a week-long summer camp hosted by ASC and our kids are encouraged to attend for at least 3 years. We also offer some very exciting mentorship programs/mini camps which include golf, dance, sports, theater, science, songwriting, hunting/fishing programs, and more.
  PS23 Program – ASC has a leadership development program based upon Christian principles and values. PS23 is designed for ASC young adults from 18 years of age and older. PS23 offers intensive outdoor weekends, focusing on mind, body, and spirit. PS23 Mentors also have numerous leadership opportunities throughout the year at our camps and events.
• Scholarships:
  ASC facilitates secondary/college scholarships through our Xavier Martin Memorial “Fill in the Gap” Fund.

ASC VISION STATEMENT: To continue growing nationally, becoming a household name as the standard for our Gold Star families. Providing an opportunity for lifelong touchpoints, so that ASC recipients will say it is an honor to be A Soldier's Child.

ASC presently serves more than 5,000 children enrolled in all 50 states. We are so grateful for you and others all over our country committed to helping us honor our national treasure - The children of our fallen military servicemen and servicewomen.

Interested individuals are provided the ASC Application/Background Check for Mentors and Chaperones form.

• Mentors must be understanding, empathetic, and good listeners toward ASC kids.
• At no time during any ASC camp is the consumption of alcohol permitted.
• All individuals interested in mentorship MUST fill out an application and pass a background check.
• There will be no exchange of phone numbers between ASC families and mentors.
• The ASC Executive Director is responsible for linking them together.
• See section below titled Continued Relationships:
• All cell phones are collected from kids. Please do not let kids use yours. If calls need to be made, ASC staff will make them.
• Curfew set for kids back in cabins by 10:00 each night (10:30pm-lights out/sleep). Mentors must be in cabins or their own houses by that time.
• Each Mentor will be assigned a certain # of kids given to them when they arrive at camp/resort. Every camper is assigned an ASC PS23 Mentor or cabin leader.
• All mentors and kids will have arm bands identifying each other paired for the weekend. They must be worn at all times during the weekend. Distribution of these will take place on Thursday during registration.
• No child goes to sleeping quarters/bathroom or anywhere without a mentor and an accountability camper/mentor.
• POLICY OF 3 – Any time a child leaves the main group they must be in a small group of 3 with at least one approved ASC Mentor. ASC parents are trusting our supervision and safety of their child. These families have been through a great deal of pain already; we all need to do our part in keeping the environment safe. If you see something not right, say something.
• Even if a child's mom is there, the policy of 3 will be in place. Parents will be made aware of this as well.
• At most camps we will have a registration check in for Mentors at 4:00/5:00 on day one, with dinner, meet & greet.
• At registration we will be double-checking your contact info, specifically your cell numbers. That will be the main line of group communication. Please make sure they are fully charged for traveling with kids.
• Fishing mentors who are bringing boats must have all safety PFDs in boats & must be worn at all times.

• Safe Environment: Your language and conversation should be within the boundaries of how you would want someone to speak to your child. You must judge what is appropriate and what is not. Also, do not allow the kids to overstep these lines. If the time is right (don't force it), you may ask how long it has been since the child lost his or her dad/mom. How old were they? At that point if they do not take it further, STOP asking.
• Physical Interaction: Hugs are good, but please try to avoid front hugs. There should be no sitting in laps. This sounds harsh, but the truth is we must put the kids first. It also protects you.
• We are sincere in wanting you to mentor our ASC kids, with their parent's permission, for as long as you are willing to do so.
• Continued Relationships: If you would like to continue the relationship with your camper (or any camper) after the camp weekend is over, you must ask permission from ASC. Please submit a request either by calling us at 615.220.1600 or by emailing daryl@asoldierschild.org. Daryl will then communicate with the parent who will make the final decision. If the parent approves, ASC will share your information with the family. You can then reach out to the family.
• No exchange of phone numbers, addresses, emails or social media information is permitted during the camp weekend. The kids will be told not to ask or provide contact information.

After the event, the Executive Director will hold one or more wrap-up meetings with the mentors and volunteers. Topics of discussion are lessons learned, achievements, new opportunities, and goals for the next camp.

The mentor will be advised of future camp mentor opportunities via email, eNewsletters, or by accessing the ASC website.

I read thoroughly through ASC's SOP/ROE and I agree to adhere to all rules, guidelines, policies, and procedures as an ASC mentor serving the children within A Soldier's Child Foundation.