Code of Conduct

1. Christ-Centered Behavior

• Members and guests should strive to represent Christ in all actions, words, and attitudes.
• Speech and behavior should reflect kindness, humility, patience, and respect for others.

2. Respect and Courtesy

• Treat all members, venue hosts, volunteers, and directors with love and respect, regardless of differences in homeschooling styles or personal choices.
• Avoid gossip, divisive conversations, or behavior that disrupts unity within the group.

3. Supervision of Children

• Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising their own children at all events and ensuring their safety and appropriate behavior.
• Children should be instructed to respect property, obey the rules of venues, and treat peers and adults politely. This includes listening politely when leaders or instructors at a venue are speaking.
• You are responsible for the behavior and actions of any child that comes with you to an event.

4. Event Participation

• Members should RSVP for events and notify leaders promptly if unable to attend.
• Many venues require payment well in advance, so refunds for events may not be possible. If you need to cancel, notify the activity leader and try to find someone to take your place. If you sign up for an event and have not canceled your RSVP before the deadline, we will buy your tickets and you will be expected to pay for them. (Simply not paying for an event doesn’t necessarily cancel your reservation. Event planners look on the website and see the number of people attending; they do not have access to the accounting features to know if you have paid. Therefore, they will assume you are coming and will buy your tickets.)
• Please remember, signing up for an event is a commitment to come. Field trip vendors are preparing for a certain group size and frequently have a minimum number of attendees to even make a reservation. Events are buying food and supplies to cover a certain number of people, please don’t let us down!
• Families are expected to arrive on time (early for field trips), follow event guidelines, and assist with cleanup when applicable.

5. Conflict Resolution

• If a concern or conflict arises, members should first attempt to resolve it privately and respectfully with the other party.
• If unresolved, the matter should be brought to a Director for mediation.
• Gossiping or spreading disputes within the group is not permitted.

6. Christian Conduct at Events and Field Trips

• Members should be courteous guests and follow rules set by venues used for activities (e.g., parks, museums, churches, field trip venues).
• Families should maintain a positive testimony of Christ in behavior, dress, and interactions with the public.
• Members, their children, and all attendees should dress modestly and in clothing appropriate for their biological gender. Think of the quote, “Please keep your underwear… under- your- wear and your private parts - private.”
• Clothing should be of a conservative nature and not contain sayings or images that might be offensive to others or negatively impact the group’s Christian testimony.

7. Displays of affection

· If your older student has a boyfriend/girlfriend at a group event, please instruct them that while they are at the event or activity, public displays of affection are not allowed. Please ask them be mindful of those around them and the young eyes that are watching. We are a Christian group and should conduct ourselves appropriately.

8. Electronics

· Please note, electronics can be very distracting at an event. Please do not give your child electronics to play with if they are attending a field trip and are supposed to be listening to the instructor or tour guide.

· If they are at another event, such as a puppet show or theatre performance, where listening would be expected or a device would be a distraction, please do not allow them access.

· If they are at an event where they need to have quiet entertainment off to the side (such as a member’s meeting or a younger sibling at an event), please provide them with headphones so they will not be a distraction to the participants in the activity. Please also monitor them so they do not become a distraction.

· If children are gathered in person or virtually, please be sure that they are not sharing inappropriate content, bullying, or speaking badly of another child. Our children are still learning what is appropriate and how to be kind, so if a member’s child says or does something you feel should be addressed, please reach out to the parent right away. If the issue continues to be a problem, please reach out to an age group leader or director for further assistance.

· Adults, please be mindful of your personal electronics and be sure they are on mute while at a function. If you need to take a phone call, please step away so that we do not distract from a field trip or group meeting. Also, we are trying to build community, build friendships, and have fellowship, so if you are able, please avoid taking calls and texts and be “present” with those around you.

9. Safety and Liability

• Parents are solely responsible for the safety and behavior of their children at all events.
• The Group and its Directors, members, or other attendees are not liable for injuries or damages that may occur during activities.

10. Compliance with Bylaws and Leadership

• Members agree to follow the Group’s bylaws, code of conduct, membership guidelines, well child policy, and respect decisions made by the Board of Directors.
• Persistent disregard for these standards may result in removal from the Group by Board decision.

11. Affirmation of Code

• All members must acknowledge and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct upon joining the Group.