Church activity safety
Prepare thoughtfully. Keep families informed. Have a plan when the unexpected happens.
Summaries of resources from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, alongside practical planning suggestions. This guide does not replace the current General Handbook, local leader direction, or professional emergency advice. ActivitySlips is an independent tool, not an official Church app.
Official Church safety resources (opens in a new tab)Pre-trip preparation
Start with the people attending, not just the destination. Match the activity to the youth’s ages, abilities, health needs, and experience.
Review the plan and approvals
Discuss the itinerary, transportation, supervision, and risks with the appropriate local leaders. Review the Church’s Event and Activity Plan and the permissions required for your activity.
Give families the whole picture
Share the location, departure and return times, activities, costs, equipment needs, and leader contact details. Explain potential risks so parents can make an informed decision.
Confirm permission and health needs
For activities that require it, obtain the Parental or Guardian Permission and Medical Release form before departure. Privately review relevant allergies, medication needs, and participation limits with the parent or guardian.
Prepare adults and equipment
Review youth protection training and supervision guidance. Check equipment, weather forecasts, travel conditions, and the skills needed for the activity. Decide in advance when to change or cancel the plan.
Emergency contacts
Before leaving, prepare a contact plan that still works when phone service does not. The following is a practical planning list, not a contact directory.
- For each youth
- A parent or guardian’s name and best phone number, plus a backup contact. Confirm the information is current; do not publish medical details or contact lists on a family link.
- For the activity
- The responsible leader and another adult’s contact details, your campsite or venue address, route, meeting point, and expected return time.
- For local help
- The local emergency number, nearest appropriate emergency facility, and any ranger or venue emergency contact. Confirm these for the destination rather than assuming they are the same as at home.
- For limited phone service
- An agreed communication method and check-in plan, with an adult at home who knows the itinerary. Keep essential contacts and directions available offline and protected.
Overnight campout protocols
An overnight activity needs a clear supervision and accommodation plan. Check the current General Handbook’s overnight-activity guidance with local leaders before making arrangements.
Supervision and youth protection
Review the Church’s adult supervision, training, and sleeping-accommodation requirements for your group. Make sure all adults understand boundaries and how youth can seek help or report a concern.
Sleeping and privacy arrangements
Plan tent or room assignments and bathroom access before departure. Review arrangements with local leaders and communicate them to parents. Preserve privacy while providing appropriate supervision.
Campsite, weather, and equipment
As practical precautions, check site hazards, forecast conditions, drinking water, sanitation, and shelter. Plan for cold, heat, severe weather, and a safe evacuation route. Follow venue rules and local fire restrictions.
Headcounts and a night-time plan
As practical precautions, designate meeting points, check-in times, and who is responsible for each group. Explain what to do if someone is separated, feels unwell, or needs an adult during the night.
Medication and medical readiness
Discuss individual needs privately with parents before camp. Confirm how medication will be handled, who has suitable first-aid skills, and how authorized adults can access essential medical information in an emergency.
Travel and return arrangements
Review Church transportation guidance, driver and vehicle suitability, and fatigue risks. Share pickup arrangements and tell families promptly if the expected return time changes.