FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to register with a group?
Yes. In order to provide the best possible context for fellowship, sharing, ministry, and supervision, the youth conferences handle registration by groups only. A group is defined as one adult leader with one or more youth participants. No single registrations will be accepted.
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Group Leader:
One person organizing the trip and serving as a contact person to the Registration Office. Written and oral communications take place between the Group Leader and the registration staff.
Adult Chaperone:
Someone attending the conference to chaperone the youth. Must be 21 years of age or older and of solid character. They must be able to carry out the role of supervising and attending to the youth. They must be trained and approved to work with children and/or young people in accordance with the policies and procedures of his/her home diocese.
Young Adult:
A young person between the age of 18-21 attending the conference; does not count as a chaperone, even if graduated high school.
Youth:
Conference participants including incoming high school freshmen (entering 9th grade) through graduating seniors (class of 2008).
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Can priests attend the conference with our group?
Absolutely! Priests are a wonderful witness and their presence helps young people consider this great vocation. We are in need of priests to help with Liturgy and Reconciliation throughout the weekend. If your priest is willing to help in these areas we would like to offer him to come for free. We encourage all groups to invite and bring your priest with you. Please register your priest online with your group.
Can priests be counted as male adult chaperones?
No. All priests should be included in the total number of spots requested for the conference. All priests will have separate housing accommodations, therefore, the priest attending cannot be counted as a male chaperone; another male chaperone needs to come with your young male participants.
Can infants and children attend the conference?
No. Although we strongly support Catholic family life, our staffing, facility constraints, and insurance regulations do not allow us to provide childcare. Meeting rooms and dorm rooms are not designed for the care of young children. The focus of Adult Chaperones/Group Leader needs to be on the youth participants. If these adults bring their own children, their focus will be split. With the best care of the youth in mind, this is not allowed.
What is the chaperone-to-youth ratio required in each group?
For the safety of the youth and for the good of all involved in the conference, there must be at least 1 but no more than 2 adults (Group Leader or Adult Chaperone) per 8 youth. It is important that your group not exceed our maximum of 2-to-8 adult-to-youth ratio. All adult chaperones are expected to be with the youth throughout the conference.
Is the chaperone-to-youth ratio gender-specific?
Yes. You will need 1 male adult chaperone for every 8 young men and 1 female adult chaperone for every 8 young women.
Do you accommodate special needs participants?
We are happy to accommodate any special disability or dietary needs an individual in your group may have. Please inform the registration office as soon as possible in order for us to do our best to accommodate your specific needs.
What will the weather be like at Steubenville North?
Minnesota weather can vary in July and August. Typically the weather is warm, and may even be humid, so Please prepare accordingly and advise your group to drink plenty of fluids and get regular sleep and meals while at the conference.
Where can the Bus Drivers stay during the weekend?
Due to limited parking at the University, there is not room for bus drivers to stay on campus in St. Paul. In Rochester, there will be special parking available for bus drivers.
What should we bring?
Conference participants are expected to dress in a fashion that represents modesty and good taste. Clothing must cover all undergarments and midriffs. Linens are not provided. Plan to bring sheets and pillows, towels, washcloths, etc. Only some of the University of St. Thomas dorms have air-conditioning, so it is wise to pack a small fan for the St. Paul conference. Also, the sleeping arrangements typically require two of the teens to sleep on the floor, so it is suggested to bring a cushion or mat if desired.
What shouldn't we bring?
Do not bring skateboards, iPods, radios, walkmans or any portable gaming devices as they distract from the purpose of the conference. Bikini tops, low cut tops, mini skirts, short shorts, or other inappropriate attire are not to be worn at any time during the conference. Clothing with vulgar or offensive language or obscene pictures will not be tolerated. Cell phones must be turned completely off during all sessions under penalty of confiscation for the remainder of the conference. Absolutely NO text messaging during sessions.
Will there be food and concessions available besides the scheduled meals?
There will be concessions open in the evenings where the youth can purchase food items. Pizza will also be available for delivery for the evening snackers! Group leaders will receive coupons in their packets upon arrival.
When are Lights Out at the conference?
Everyone needs to be in their rooms by 11:30 pm with lights out by 12:00am. Chaperones will be responsible for enforcing this curfew.
When is check-in and how do we know which dorm we are staying in?
Check-in for SN Rochester begins at 2 PM on Friday, July 18th and goes until 5 PM. (Hotel check-in is independent of group check-in at Mayo Civic Center.) Check-in for SN St. Paul begins at 1 PM on Friday, August 1st and goes until 5 PM. All group leaders must check-in to receive registration materials and housing assignments. We hope to make this process as fast and stress free as possible.
Do we bring liability forms with us to the conference?
Yes. The group leader should have all participants' liability forms in alphabetical order at the time of check-in. Group leader will receive nametags, wristbands with meal tickets, rosaries, and any other important information for each participant.
