When planning youth activities—especially those involving travel, overnight stays, or high-risk recreation—ministry leaders carry a profound responsibility. Beyond creating memorable experiences, they must ensure every detail reflects a commitment to safety, accountability, and care. This checklist helps your team proactively manage risk, protect young participants, and build trust with families.
Do you enlist the services of an experienced vendor who specializes in sponsoring and supervising activities (like river rafting) when needed?
Do your youth leaders require that parents or guardians sign an activity participation agreement prior to allowing young people to participate in certain high-risk activities, releasing your ministry from liability?
Do you recruit an adequate number of experienced event supervisors for youth activities, keeping in mind that more supervisors may be needed for higher-risk activities?
Do you ensure sleeping quarters are separated by gender and age during overnight events?
Do you document whether youth activity participants are covered by family medical or health insurance?
Do you invest in a charter bus service when it is necessary to transport large numbers of youth long distances and to and from activities?
When it is necessary to use ministry-owned or borrowed vehicles to transport youth, do you take extra measures to ensure that the vehicles are in excellent mechanical condition and that they are operated by experienced, responsible drivers?
Do you have experienced, certified lifeguards on duty at any youth event involving swimming?
Do your youth leaders fill out an injury report form each time someone gets hurt while participating in a youth activity, no matter how minor the injury may seem?
Do your youth leaders know (and regularly practice) emergency response procedures so that they are able to respond quickly to an actual emergency?
Do your youth leaders have up-to-date first-aid training and ready access to first-aid supplies?
