Administration of Medications 
The YMCA Summer Camp Program does not administer any medication, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications (such as Tylenol, Benadryl, etc.), or any other medications. The administration of medications is prohibited at the YMCA Summer Camp Program.

Enrollment, Health, and Emergency Forms 
All Enrollment, Health, and Emergency Forms (program registration forms) must be completed and submitted to the YMCA or Youth Development Director before the child’s first day of attendance. It is crucial to maintain up-to-date information on these forms. If there are any changes to contact information, address, or phone number, please notify the Youth Development Director immediately.

Sunscreen Policy 
We request that all campers arrive at the YMCA Summer Camp Program with sunscreen already applied. Sunscreen lotions, body tattooing, hair brushing, or applying makeup are not permitted. Additionally, staff, volunteers, or other participants are prohibited from applying medications, lip balms, or sunscreens under any circumstances. 
Children aged 8 and older are responsible for reapplying sunscreen as needed throughout the day. Staff will assist children under the age of 8 with sunscreen application. Please ensure that your child has sunscreen spray with them each day.

YMCA Policy for Recording and Reporting Accidents 
In the event of a medical emergency, staff will take the necessary actions to obtain care for the child, including: 
•    Administering first aid as deemed appropriate by the staff 
•    Completing an Accident/Incident Report, which will be kept in HR files 
•    Notifying parents regarding the incident, including the type of first aid administered, and requesting the parent to pick up the child if necessary.

Daily Attendance Policy 
A parent or authorized adult (16+ years of age) must accompany each child into and out of the YMCA Camp Program site each day. The adult must sign the child in and out on the daily attendance roster.

Daily Attendance Policy for Sports and Fitness Camps      
Youth 12+ years of age may sign themselves in and out of sports and fitness camps.  Youth under the age of 12 must have a parent or authorized adult (16+ years of age) accompany each child into and out of the YMCA Camp Program site each day. The adult must sign the child in and out on the daily attendance roster.

Adding Authorized Pick-Ups Policy 
Only the primary account holder can add or remove individuals from the authorized pick-up list. These changes must be made in person; email or phone requests will not be accepted. Authorized pick-up lists must be updated annually. Children will only be released to individuals listed on the authorized pick-up form. YMCA staff will ask for identification from the person picking up the child, and a photo ID (e.g., driver’s license) will be required.

Intoxication Policy 
If a parent or authorized adult arrives to pick up a child and appears to be intoxicated, the child will still be released to the individual, as required by state law. However, YMCA staff will immediately notify local law enforcement, providing the description and license plate number of the vehicle.

Late Pick-Up Fees Policy  
Parents are required to pick up and sign out their child by the designated closing time of each camp. A late pick-up fee of $1 per minute, after the first 5 minutes, will be charged and paid at the YMCA Member Service Desk. If parents have not contacted the camp program or picked up their child within 15 minutes, emergency authorized contacts will be notified to pick up the child. If the child remains at the program one hour after closing, local law enforcement will be contacted for child abandonment.

Sign-Out Policy (for all camps other than Sports and Fitness)  
Each child will have a designated line for sign-in and sign-out. Parents or authorized pick-ups (16+ years of age) will document the time of arrival and departure. Staff will ask to see parent identification and verify authorized pick-up names and IDs.  

Sign-Out Policy for Sports and Fitness Camps                                                            
Youth 12+ years of age may sign themselves in and out of sports and fitness camps.  Youth under the age of 12 must have a parent or authorized individual 16+ years of age sign them out.

If your child is absent or has a change in schedule, please notify us via the Remind app. Only individuals listed on the authorized pick-up form will be allowed to pick up your child. Authorized pick-ups must be at least 16 years of age.  

Emergency Closing Policy 
In the event of an emergency closure due to weather or building issues, announcements will be made via our Remind and Daxko apps. If you are unsure, please call the YMCA. Staff will make every effort to contact parents and will remain open until every child has been picked up.

Evacuation Policy 
In the event of an emergency evacuation, all children in our youth programs will be swiftly evacuated to the Q2 building.

Transportation Policy 
The YMCA Summer Camp Program organizes weekly educational and recreational field trips. YMCA transportation, operated by a certified driver, will be used for all transportation needs. The following behaviors are prohibited during bus transportation: 
1.    Loud voices or yelling 
2.    Throwing objects 
3.    Standing while the bus is in motion 
4.    Any behavior deemed unsafe by the bus driver

Parents will be notified in advance of all field trips and locations. Staff and children will adhere to all safety measures to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all.

All campers are required to wear their YMCA Summer Camp T-shirts on field trips. Parents will be notified if an additional field trip occurs during the week.

Purpose

The Code of Conduct for Youth outlines specific expectations of youth.

Abuse or Mistreatment
The Billings Family YMCA’s top priority is keeping youth safe. Any form of abuse or mistreatment of youth, employees, and volunteers is prohibited. Youth shall not abuse or mistreat employees, volunteers, or other youth in any way. Use of abusive, obscene or profane language, including racial, religious, gender, or sexual references directed at other people will not be tolerated.

Youth should not engage in verbal or emotional abuse or mistreatment of other youth, employees, or volunteers.

Youth shall not engage in the physical abuse or mistreatment of other youth, employees, or volunteers.

Personal Relationships

Appropriate personal relationships between youth are encouraged. However, the Billings Family YMCA strongly discourages romantic relationships between youth while in YMCA programming. Youth are not permitted to hold hands, sit on others’ laps, use full-frontal hugs, or kiss other youth while in programming.

One-on-one Interactions

Most abuse occurs when an adult is alone with a youth, or when a youth is alone with another youth.  The YMCA aims to eliminate or reduce these situations and prohibits private one-on-one interactions unless approved in advance by the YMCA administration.  If you observe one-on-one interactions between employees and youth, you should report this to the YMCA Youth Development Director at 406-294-1619 or Human Resources Director 406-294- 1621.

Electronic Communication

All communication between employees/volunteers and youth must be approved by a youth’s parents/guardians and must be in an open electronic environment. The “Rule of Three” must be observed in all electronic communications between youth and employees/volunteers.  For example, there should be two employees/volunteers included in text messages and emails with youth.  Direct, private messaging between youth and employees/volunteers is not allowed.

Youth will comply with the YMCA’s policies governing the use of cell phones. Youth are not permitted to access or share cell phones with other youth while in programming. Photos are not to be taken with any type of picture taking device while engaged in the YMCA’s programming. Pictures are not to be taken in locker rooms, bathrooms, buses or any type of changing space or area.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco

Possession and/or use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) while at the YMCA or while engaged in the YMCA’s programming is strictly prohibited. Youth will not be permitted to participate in any program while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or illicit substances. Possession of these substances will result in confiscation and/or disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal from the program. Parents/guardians will be notified as appropriate.

Weapons 
We want the YMCA to be a safe place for employees, volunteers, and youth. Weapons and items that may be considered weapons are prohibited. This includes laser pointers.  Possession of these items will result in confiscation and/or disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal from the program.  Parents/guardians, and/or the authorities will be notified as appropriate.

Violence
The YMCA seeks to provide a safe environment for youth, employees, and volunteers in our community. Violence and threats of violence including but not limited to destruction of property, bullying, physical fighting, and assault, will not be tolerated at the YMCA, on our grounds, in organization facilities, in other facilities being utilized by the YMCA, or during YMCA sponsored activities and events.  Employees are available to assist in the resolution of differences. Engaging in violence will result in disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal from the program. Parents/guardians will be notified as appropriate.

Disruptive Behavior

We take pride in the appearance of the YMCA, and we always want to ensure youth are safe. Inappropriate or disruptive behavior is not permitted in the YMCA.  This includes, but is not limited to, graffiti, littering, spitting, or throwing objects that could intentionally or unintentionally harm others or cause disorder. Engaging in disruptive behavior will result in disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal from the program. Parents/guardians will be notified as appropriate.

Bullying
The YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of one youth by another youth. Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional, repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power or strength.  Bullying can take on various forms including:

1. Physical bullying – when one person engages in physical force against another person, such as by hitting, punching, pushing, kicking, pinching, or restraining another.
2. Verbal bullying – when someone uses their words to hurt another, such as by belittling or calling another hurtful name.
3. Nonverbal or relational bullying – when one person manipulates a relationship or desired relationship to harm another person. This includes social exclusion, friendship manipulation, or gossip. This type of bullying also includes intimidating another person by using gestures.
4. Cyberbullying – the intentional and overt act of aggression toward another person by way of any technological tool, such as email, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings (including blogs). Cyberbullying can involve:
5. Sending mean, vulgar, or threatening messages or images.
6. Posting sensitive, private information about another person.
7. Pretending to be someone else to make that person look bad.
8. Intentionally excluding someone from an online group.
9. Hazing: an activity expected by someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuse, or endangers that person regardless of that person’s willingness to participate.
10. Sexualized bullying: when bullying involves behaviors that are sexual in nature.  Examples of sexualized bullying type behaviors include sexting, exposing private body parts, creating or sharing images or videos involving private body parts or sexualized material (including artificially generated materials), and utilizing sexualized language or innuendos.

Anyone who sees an act of bullying, and who then encourages it, is engaging in bullying. This applies to all youth, employees, and volunteers. Engaging or participating in bullying will result in disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal from the program. Parents/guardians will be notified as appropriate.

Reporting
Because the YMCA is dedicated to maintaining zero tolerance for abuse, it is imperative that everyone, including youth, actively participate in creating a safe environment.  If any employee, volunteer, or youth observes suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and/or policy violations by an employee, volunteer, or other youth, that person must report their observations. Remember, at the YMCA, the policies apply to everyone. Reports will be taken seriously and investigated in the manner described in this policy.

Youth are encouraged to report concerns or complaints about employees, volunteers, or other youth to a supervisor who can be reached at 406-248-1685 or the Praesidium Anonymous Hotline at 1-855-347-0751.

Gift Giving and Acceptance Guidelines

Appropriate & Inappropriate Interactions & Displays of Affection Guidelines

YMCA Summer Camp: Program and Financial Information

Registration and Fees: The camp registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Detailed information regarding camp registration dates, associated costs, and late fees can be found on our website. All fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. Families requesting financial assistance must ensure that their application is submitted and approved prior to registration to qualify for any applicable discounts.

Cancellations and Refunds: Please be advised that camp fees are non-refundable, and transfers between camp weeks will not be permitted. 
 

City County Health Department Childcare Illness Policy:

To ensure the health and safety of all children in our care, the following illness policies are enforced. Children exhibiting any of the symptoms listed below are not permitted to attend the YMCA or off-site locations:

•    Fever of 100°F or higher: Children must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning. 
•    Vomiting and Diarrhea: Children must be free from vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours before returning. Vomiting is defined as two or more         episodes within a 24-hour period. Diarrhea is characterized by an increased number of stools, increased water content, or a change in stool           consistency that cannot be contained by a diaper or clothing. 
•    Bacterial Infections: Children diagnosed with bacterial infections must have received 24 hours of antibiotic treatment before returning.                 These include:  
o    Strep throat 
o    Scarlet fever 
o    Conjunctivitis (pink eye) 
o    Impetigo 
o    Skin infections, such as draining wounds or burns 
•    Rashes: Any generalized rashes must be evaluated by a healthcare provider before the child can return. A written statement from the                     healthcare provider authorizing  
      the child’s return is required. 
•    Chickenpox: Children with chickenpox must remain at home until the sores have dried up, typically within 5-7 days. The child may not return       even with parental consent during the contagious period. 
•    Severe Illness Symptoms: Any child exhibiting severe symptoms (e.g., uncontrolled coughing, breathing difficulties, wheezing, stiff neck,             irritability, poor food or fluid intake, or a seizure) must be evaluated by a healthcare provider before returning. 
•    Nasal Discharge: Children may not be excluded for a nasal discharge unless it is green and accompanied by a fever. In this case, the child            must be evaluated by healthcare provider and authorized for return.

Response to Illness After Drop-Off: If a child develops symptoms of illness after a parent or guardian has left: 
1.    The child will be isolated immediately. 
2.    Parents/guardians will be contacted to pick up the child. 
3.    If necessary, the YMCA will report cases of suspected communicable diseases (e.g., salmonella, shigella, giardia) to the local health                         department on the same day.

Head Lice: Children with head lice must be completely free of nits and eggs before returning to camp. Multiple treatments and thorough combing may be required to ensure the lice have been eradicated. 
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Severe Medical Emergency: 
In the event of a severe medical emergency where immediate care is required: 
1.    911 will be called immediately. 
2.    Parents will be contacted as soon as possible after emergency services have been notified. 
3.    If a parent cannot be reached, authorized emergency contacts listed on the Emergency Contact Form will be contacted. 
4.    The YMCA staff, in collaboration with paramedics, reserves the right to determine the appropriate transport method to a medical facility. 
5.    Families are responsible for any expenses incurred due to medical emergencies or injuries.

Please ensure the YMCA has up-to-date contact information, including emergency contacts, so that we can reach you in case of an emergency. These details should be updated each summer. 
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Insurance and Liability: Medical coverage for children is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. 
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The Billings Family YMCA (YMCA) seeks to create a safe, nurturing environment in which its mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility can be accomplished. We depend on our staff and volunteers to create and maintain this environment. These standards are designed to prevent abuse, reduce the risk of false allegations, and promote transparency, accountability, and trust across all programs and services. Any behavior that violates these standards, places a consumer at risk, or undermines the YMCA’s commitment to safety and integrity will be addressed promptly and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or dismissal from volunteer service.

Safety Education:

•    Who Should Talk to Children About Safety? Parents are the best educators on personal safety. However, YMCA staff will reinforce these lessons with children during camp activities. 
•    When to Start Talking About Safety? It is important to begin teaching personal safety from a young age. Children should be taught the proper names for their body parts, and as they grow, the information should be adapted to their maturity level. 
•    What Else Can Parents Do to Keep Children Safe?  
o    Listen to your child and encourage open communication. 
o    Know your child's daily activities and habits. 
o    Set boundaries for places they can go, people they can interact with, and things they may do.

• Reassure your child that their safety is your primary concern.
• Teach your child to trust their instincts and encourage them to say "no" when necessary.

Staff and volunteers are prohibited from applying sunscreen, lotions, lip balm, make-up, and body tattooing to consumers or brushing a consumer’s hair.

Physical restraint is used only in predetermined situations (when necessary to protect the child or other children from harm), administered only in a prescribed manner, and must be documented in writing.

The YMCA has zero tolerance for abuse, mistreatment, or sexual activity among consumers within the YMCA. The YMCA is committed to providing all consumers with a safe environment and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of one consumer by another consumer. Conduct by consumers that rises to the level of abuse, mistreatment, or sexual activity will result in intervention or disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal from the program.

To file a complaint, parents or consumers should do the following:

• First talk to your child’s staff.
• If you feel the issue has not been addressed, you can contact the Youth Development Director (406) 294-1619 or via email at youthdev@billingsymca.org or the Associate Executive Director at (406) 294-1613.
• If you still need assistance, you may contact the CEO at admin@billingsymca.org.
• To submit anonymous concerns, parents/guardians or consumers may also call the Presidium Hotline 855-347-0751.  All reports are confidential.
• Upon reports or complaints, the CEO and our certified Praesidium Guardian will launch an investigation. During investigation, the CEO and Guardian will determine if any further actions are needed and/or will contact parents via email/phone call if further meetings or information is needed. All reports are confidential.  The step-by-step response guide will be followed.

HEPA – Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

• The Billings Family YMCA is dedicated to promoting healthy eating and physical activity in our Summer Camp program, in alignment with the YMCA’s national commitment to combat childhood obesity and encourage a healthier lifestyle for all participants.
• Each child will engage in at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day, including a mix of moderate and vigorous activities that promote muscle and bone strengthening. 
  •    Outdoor play will be prioritized whenever possible. 
  •    The YMCA Summer Camp program does not allow television access and limits digital device time to under one hour per day. Digital device use is restricted to homework or programs that actively engage children in physical activity. 
  ________________________________________ 
  Snacks and Food Service Practices
• The Billings Family YMCA participates in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a federally funded program that provides free, healthy meals to children and teens in low-income areas during the summer months when school is not in session. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers this program. Local organizations can participate in this program to ensure that children in the community have access to nutritious meals during the summer. 
  ________________________________________ 
  USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
• In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA regulations, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, as well as institutions participating in or administering USDA programs, are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
• Individuals with disabilities who require alternative communication means (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the agency where they applied for benefits. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact the USDA via the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
• To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027), which can be found online at How to File a Complaint. You can also write a letter providing the required information and submit it by:

•    Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture 
      Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 
      1400 Independence Avenue, SW 
      Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 
•    Fax: (202) 690-7442 
•    Email: program.intake@usda.gov

• This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

Introduction

At the YMCA, we believe sports are an opportunity to build character, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of community. This Sportsmanship Code of Conduct applies to all players, coaches, parents, and spectators to ensure a positive, respectful, and fun environment for everyone. 
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1. For Players 
•    Show respect to teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials. 
•    Play fair and follow the rules of the game. 
•    Encourage and support your teammates — celebrate successes and stay positive during setbacks. 
•    Accept victory with humility and defeat with grace. 
•    Avoid unsportsmanlike behavior, including arguing, taunting, or intentional fouls. 
•    Stand against bullying — treat everyone with kindness and include others, both on and off the field. 
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2. For Coaches 
•    Model the values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. 
•    Prioritize the personal and athletic development of all players over winning. 
•    Encourage effort and improvement, not just results. 
•    Treat referees, players, and other coaches with respect — never argue or criticize publicly. 
•    Create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. 
________________________________________ 
3. For Parents & Spectators 
•    Cheer for all players — not just your own child. 
•    Respect referees, coaches, and players; avoid criticizing or arguing with officials. 
•    Focus on the effort and improvement of athletes rather than the score. 
•    Support the team’s coach and reinforce positive messages. 
•    Remember: Children play sports for fun, learning, and friendships — keep the experience enjoyable. 
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4. Consequences & Accountability 
Failure to follow the Sportsmanship Code of Conduct may result in: 
•    A verbal warning from the YMCA staff. 
•    Temporary removal from the game or event. 
•    Suspension from future games or events. 
•    Permanent dismissal from the program (for severe or repeated violations). 
All decisions regarding consequences will be made by YMCA staff in alignment with the values of fairness and respect. 
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5. Core Values 
Our sports programs are guided by the YMCA’s core values: 
•    Honesty — Be truthful and fair. 
•    Caring — Show compassion and support for others. 
•    Respect — Treat everyone with dignity. 
•    Responsibility — Be accountable for your actions. 
By participating in YMCA sports, all players, coaches, parents, and spectators agree to uphold this Sportsmanship Code of Conduct.

Let’s work together to create an encouraging, respectful, and fun sports experience for all!

Purpose 
The Billings Family YMCA (YMCA) seeks to create a safe, nurturing environment in which its mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility can be accomplished. We depend on our staff and volunteers to create and maintain this environment.

Child Abuse Prevention Code of Conduct
The code of conduct is designed to ensure that all participants experience the learning and development in our programs in a caring, honest, respectful, and responsible manner to be consistent with the mission of the YMCA.  In this document consumers refer to individuals under the age of 18 years of age.

No form of abuse will be tolerated, and confirmed abuse will result in dismissal. This includes:
o    Physical abuse- striking, spanking, shaking, slapping, and so on.
o    Verbal abuse-humiliating, degrading, threatening, and so on.
o    Sexual abuse-touching or speaking inappropriately.
o    Mental abuse-shaming, withholding kindness, being cruel, and so on
o    Neglect-withholding food, water, or basic care.

The Code of Conduct outlines specific expectations of the staff and volunteers as we strive to accomplish our mission together.

•    At no time during a Y program may a staff person or volunteer be alone with a single consumer or another staff or volunteer under the age of 18 where they cannot be observed by others. Staff and volunteers should position themselves in such a way that other staff can see them.

•    A consumer under the age of 12 may never be left unsupervised.

•    Staff will make sure the restroom is not occupied by suspicious or unknown individuals before allowing consumers to use the facilities. Staff will stand in the doorway of the restroom while consumers are using the restroom. This policy allows privacy for the consumer and protection for the staff (not being alone with a consumer). If staff are assisting younger consumers, doors to the facility must remain open. No consumer, should ever enter a bathroom alone on a field trip or at another off-site location.

•    When moving consumers from one location to another always send consumers in groups of three (known as the rule of three), and always with a staff.

•    Staff should conduct or supervise private activities in pairs—diapering, putting on bathing suits, taking showers, and so on. When this is not feasible, staff should be positioned so that they are visible to others.

•    Staff and volunteers must use positive techniques of guidance. This includes redirection, positive reinforcement, and encouragement, rather than competition, comparison, and criticism.

•    Staff and volunteers will have appropriate age expectations to set up guidelines and environments that minimize the need for discipline. Physical restraint is used only in predetermined situations (when necessary to protect the consumer or other consumers from harm), administered only in a prescribed manner, and must be documented in writing.

•    Staff and volunteers will conduct a visual health check of each consumer’s appearance upon their arrival each time the program meets. This includes documenting any fever, bumps, bruises, burns, etc. Questions or comments will be addressed to the parent or consumer in a non-threatening way. Staff and volunteers will document any questionable marks or responses.

•    Staff and volunteers will respond to consumers with respect, consideration and treat all consumers equally, regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability or handicap, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, or economic level of the family.

•    Staff and volunteers will respect consumer’s rights not to be touched or looked at in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, along with their right to say no. Other than diapering, consumers are not to be touched on areas of their bodies that would be covered by a bathing suit.

•    Staff and volunteers will refrain from intimate displays of affection in the presence of others.

•    Staff and volunteers are not to transport consumers or other staff and volunteers under the age of 18 in their own vehicles or allow consumers participants to transport younger consumers in the program.

•    Staff and volunteers must appear clean, neat, and in appropriate staff and volunteer dress code guidelines.

•    The use, sale, possession or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs by staff and volunteers is prohibited.

•    Smoking or use of tobacco or nicotine products is prohibited by staff and volunteers while on YMCA property, and while preforming YMCA business.

•    Possession or use of any type of weapon or explosive device is prohibited.

•    Using YMCA computers to access pornographic sites, send correspondence with sexual overtones or otherwise inappropriate messages, or develop online relationships is not allowed.

•    Staff and Volunteers are not to be on cell phones, unless they have been given prior permission from management for activities such as, group x music, or silent disco.

•    Profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of one’s personal life, and any kind of harassment in the presence of consumers, parents, volunteers, or other staff is prohibited.

•    Staff are not to be alone with a consumer, nor can they be the only adult with a consumer, adult being defined as someone 18 years of age or older. This includes babysitting, sleepovers and inviting children to their homes. Any exceptions require the approval by the CEO or AED. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

•    Staff and volunteers must be free of physical and psychological conditions that might adversely affect consumer’s physical or mental health. If in doubt, an expert should be consulted.

•    Staff and volunteers will portray a positive role model for consumers by maintaining an attitude of loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact, and maturity.

•    Staff and volunteers should not give excessive gifts (e.g., TV, video games, jewelry) to consumers. Staff and Volunteers must follow the Gift Giving and Acceptance Policy. 

•    Staff and volunteers who are over the age of 18 may not date program participants or other staff and volunteers who are under the age of 18.

•    Under no circumstances should staff or volunteers release consumers to anyone other than the authorized parent, guardian, or other adult authorized by the parent or guardian (written parent authorization on file with the YMCA).

•    Staff and volunteers will adhere to the YMCA’s code of conduct and character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility when posting on personal web pages, social media or other existing and emerging technology platforms. All private communication between staff or volunteers with consumers, including but not limited to the use of social networking websites or applications, e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Messenger, texting, etc. - is prohibited. All communication between staff and volunteers and consumers must be transparent. Taking or using photos, video, or images of the Y and its programs, members, or participants without permission is also prohibited. Press inquiries must be directed to the Marketing and Communications Director.

•    Staff and volunteers are to report to a supervisor or any other staff or volunteer who violates any of the policies listed in this Code of Conduct. The Y prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a report.

•    Staff and volunteers are required to read and sign all policies related to identifying, documenting, and reporting child abuse and attend training on the subject, as instructed by a supervisor.

•    Staff and volunteers will act in a caring, honest, respectful, and responsible 
manner consistent with the mission of the YMCA.

•    No type of abuse will be tolerated and may be cause for immediate dismissal.

•    By law, everyone in Montana is considered a mandatory reporter of child abuse. Staff and volunteers are legally and ethically responsible for reporting suspected child abuse to the authorities. To report suspected abuse, notify CPS at 1-866-820-5437. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

•    The YMCA has additional specific operational practices for consumers’ protection, which are outlined in more detail in operations manuals. These practices describe the behaviors and procedures to be followed to ensure that the code of conduct applies to situations that more commonly occur.