YAC 2025 – Camp Policy

Young Adults Conference (YAC) Melbourne 2025 - Camp Policy

Purpose
The Young Adult Conference (YAC) is designed to bring participants aged 18–25 together in a spirit of family, friendship, and growth. These guidelines are here to ensure that camp is a safe, respectful, and uplifting space where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Inappropriate Behaviour
YAC aims to create an atmosphere of trust, belonging, and respect. To maintain this, behaviours such as harassment, bullying, fighting, substance use, vandalism, stealing, gambling, or any other form of unsafe conduct will not be accepted. These actions not only disrupt the camp environment but also take away from the experience of others. Participants are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to support one another in building a positive camp culture.

Bullying
At YAC, every participant has the right to feel safe, respected, and included. Bullying in any form — whether through teasing, gossiping, exclusion, intimidation, or physical harm — goes against the values of camp. It is important to remember that bullying can also occur online through messages, posts, or other digital platforms, and can cause just as much harm. Even comments or jokes that may seem small can have a lasting negative impact if they target someone personally. If bullying occurs, it will be taken seriously by the leadership team, with the aim of resolving the issue fairly and restoring respect among participants. However, serious or repeated incidents may result in a participant being asked to leave. Everyone has a responsibility to look out for one another and help make camp a place of kindness, encouragement, and family spirit.

Fighting
Conflicts and disagreements may arise in any group, but at YAC we expect these to be managed with patience and respect. Physical or verbal aggression, including threats, intimidation, or demeaning language, has no place at camp. Such behaviour not only damages relationships but also disrupts the safe and supportive environment we are committed to maintaining. Participants who engage in fighting will be spoken to by the leadership team and encouraged to resolve the situation constructively. If the behaviour continues or escalates, they may be asked to leave camp.

Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking
YAC is a substance-free environment where participants can focus fully on personal growth, spiritual development, and friendships. Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, vaping, and other controlled substances are not permitted at camp. In addition, gambling and the possession of dangerous items such as knives or weapons are also not allowed. If a participant is found with any of these items or substances, they will be confiscated immediately, and the matter will be addressed by the leadership team, which may result in the participant being asked to leave. These rules are not about unnecessary restrictions but about creating a safe, healthy, and uplifting environment where everyone feels comfortable and cared for.

Phones and Electronic Devices
We understand that phones are an important part of daily life, and participants may keep their devices with them. However, we encourage everyone to be present and engaged with the camp experience. Phones and other devices should not become a distraction during sessions, group activities, or prayers. YAC is about real connections, and we want everyone to enjoy being fully part of the community. Phones must be kept inside participant’s bags in their assigned cabin at all times, unless advised otherwise.

Prayer Time
Prayer is a meaningful part of the YAC experience, as it brings participants together spiritually and strengthens the sense of community. We encourage all participants to join the scheduled morning and evening prayers, while recognising that this is a personal choice.

Food and Snacks
To ensure the safety of all participants, particularly those with allergies, we ask that no outside food be brought to camp, especially items containing nuts. All meals and snacks will be provided by the camp team, and every effort will be made to cater for dietary needs. The camp leadership may check bags if required to ensure that food safety rules are being followed.

Dress Attire
Participants are asked to dress modestly and appropriately for the camp setting. Clothing should be comfortable and suitable for activities such as hiking and sports. Enclosed shoes must be worn for physical activities to ensure safety, as flip-flops are not appropriate for outdoor recreation. For swimming, men are expected to wear swim trunks or shorts, while women may wear either a one-piece or a modest two-piece swimsuit. Swimwear that is string, thong, or otherwise revealing is not permitted. These guidelines are in place to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and respected in a shared environment.