Rules of behavior for trips and camps.

This is mostly targeting High School groups.

• Explain that laying out rules is not a sign you don't trust them. Trust has nothing to do with it. The adults are legally held responsible for the youth. This is strictly a formality so that there are no misunderstandings or surprises.
  
• On some things there can be no flexibility: If you break the law (underage drinking, etc) we'll still love you and forgive you as we put you on the airplane home – at your parent's expense.
  
• Some things make life together more pleasant overall, even if they require some compromises.
  
  • Some people may not want to keep their rooms neat and presentable for non-roommates; therefore, don't invite people into the room, especially those of the opposite gender. In fact, this is forbidden in order to protect everyone from embarrassment or being put on the spot.
    
  • There is a common room for gatherings.
    
• Be sensitive to the need of all to be included and accepted; and the need for all of us to be left alone at times. We also need to be clear to others when we need quiet time.
  
• Recognize that you are only one of 27 people and have only 1/27^th of a right to get your own way. If 14 decide something, the other 13 will have to go along or lump it.
  

• If you lose gracefully we all will have a better time and the others will be more willing to be gracious when you get your way.
  
• As an example: this is too large a group and it is too expensive to try to please everyone on food. While honoring allergies, we have to go with standard, generic meals and everyone will eat what is served or starve.
  
• There will be personality conflicts – learn to live with them. This is a valuable life learning!
  
• In the work teams, everyone must carry their own share of the load – nothing causes resentment and arguments more than someone who is too busy doing other things when it is time to do dishes or shingle a roof.