Our Policies…
Christian vs. Secular World View
Field Trip and Activity Guidelines for Parents
Field Trip and Activity Guidelines for Children
Problems and Conflicts
Any problems or conflicts within our group will be handled scripturally, following the example in Matthew 18:15-17. If needed, conflicts will be referred to Calvary Chapel Aurora leadership for reconciliation.
Activities
Activities are planned and coordinated by members of our group on a volunteer basis. Courtesy to activity organizers is expected by recognizing deadlines, age/grade limits, and financial arrangements.
The only way to sign up for activities that require a fee is to prepay before the deadline. Refunds are not guaranteed.
Parental Supervision
Parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children during all activities. If they are unable to at any time, we ask that they place their children under the direct supervision of another parent.
Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children, and are expected to maintain discipline and orderliness in each situation.
Please keep your small children with you. If they become a distraction to the group, please take them to a place where their needs can be met without disrupting the activity. Be sure to leave your older children under the supervision of another parent.
Parents should make child care arrangements for adult meetings.
Christian vs. Secular Worldview
All homeschoolers are welcome to our group, regardless of the curriculum and programs that they choose for their families; however, our goal is to encourage our members to seek those things that will build them and their children up in the truth of God’s Word, The Holy Bible. We will not intentionally promote curriculums, programs, etc. that are opposed to a Christian worldview. Situations may arise during activities where a non-biblical point of view is given. Please use discretion when participating and use these opportunities to teach discernment to your children.
Legalities
Abiding Homeschoolers is a support group only. It does not offer legal counsel or advice, nor is it responsible for how its member families school, the curriculum they use, their record keeping, testing, or any legalities connected to home schooling. Nothing we state or print constitutes legal advice.
We require all members attending any support group sponsored event to accept responsibility for their family members and participants, and not to hold other members, leaders, Calvary Chapel of Aurora, or activity organizers responsible or liable for injury to themselves or their children (including but not limited to: behavior, injuries, breakage, lost or stolen items, etc.) Parents are expected to carry their own insurance and directly supervise their children at all times.
Abiding Homeschoolers reserves the right to restrict an individual’s or family’s participation in group functions if they do not adhere to Abiding Homeschoolers policies, or if they are causing harm to any of our members.
Behavior Guidelines
He who abides in Jesus will bear much fruit…
“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
We at Abiding Homeschoolers….
Love Jesus, and obey his commands (John 15:14)
Love one another (John 15:12)
Honor each other above ourselves
Speak kindly, respectfully, appropriately, and only say what is good for building up others according to their needs
Help one another
We kids obey our parents and other adults, and we parents supervise our children at all times
Love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27)
Are a blessing to the people and places that we go; leaving a place even better than we found it
Let the light of Jesus shine in our attitudes and behaviors, blessing those around us
Use indoor voices and calm actions when indoors
Listen when others are speaking
Dress in a modest manner that does not distract us, or others from bringing honor to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pants worn should not expose underwear, boxers, or midriffs
Tops should be modest, please avoid wearing low v-necks, halter, bare shoulder, tight, or short length shirts that reveal midriffs
Logos, and/or symbols on clothes should be appropriate for gatherings and events
Field Trip and Activity Guidelines for Parents:
1. When we attend a field trip, not only do we represent all home educators, but we also are ambassadors for Christ, so be above reproach. We may be the only “Bible” some people read. If we are to be a light to the world, we need to behave on field trips and activities with promptness, courtesy, and attentiveness. This not only reflects well on our Savior, but also encourages the tour guide to welcome us and other homeschool groups in the future.
2. Please be on time for the field trip. 15 minutes before would be helpful.
3. If a family has signed up for a field trip or activity, they are expected to attend unless there is an illness or an emergency. In that case, please call the Field Trip or Activity Organizer as soon as possible. There is often a waiting list of families who would like to attend or some other adjustments may need to be made.
4. Students are to stay with their parent at all times: no running ahead, shouting, or horseplay. Parents are responsible to supervise their children at all times. No drop-offs allowed! Keep an eye on your children even while talking to friends. Arrange with another adult to watch your child(ren) for a minute if you must attend to the needs of another child.
5. Children are to obey their parents at all times. Parents may be asked to remove disruptive children from the group by the Field Trip or Activity Organizer.
6. Be courteous and polite at all times. Don’t argue with guides about controversial issues. If you hear something in opposition to your beliefs, discuss it with your children later. Use these times as opportunities to teach your children how to discern truth and error.
7. Many companies and organizations that agree to give field trips take time off from working and possibly lose business during the tours. Be sure you and your children tell them “thank you” after the tour.
8. Be thankful to the host facility; follow up with a written “thank you” note within seven days. Practice letter writing, gratitude, and etiquette.
9. Research the subject prior to the field trip or activity, consider a unit study, and compile a list of questions to ask a guide.
10. Incorporate composition skills by having your children write a report, a journalism feature, or keep a journal of field trip experiences.
11. For families who have children younger or older than the specified ages for the tour, please try to exchange childcare with another family. For instance, “You watch the preschoolers this time, while I take the older ones; next time I’ll watch the preschoolers.” Preschoolers should not attend school-age field trips if there is any possibility that they will be disruptive.
12. Discuss these guidelines with your children.
13. Parents, please don’t stand around talking with your friends, as this may be disruptive. Supervise your children at all times.
Field Trip Activity Guidelines For Children:
1. Respect others who are on the field trip with you. Listen carefully to any instructors or instructions. Hebrews 10:24 - Let us consider one another.
2. Be patient if you have to wait your turn. I Thes. 5:14 - Be patient toward all men.
3. Be friendly to those on the field trip. Proverbs 18:24 - A man that has friends must show himself friendly.
4. Be cheerful without murmuring or complaining. Phil. 2:14
5. Students are to stay quiet if an adult is talking. Raise your hand and wait to be called on if you want to ask a question.
6. Touch only when permitted. Pet or feed animals only when permitted.