Leaders vs. Chaperones

There are two types of adults volunteers in youth ministry: 

Leaders

• Leaders invest time and energy in the students.
• Leaders build relationships with the students.
• Leaders run the activities.

Chaperones

• Chaperones drive the vehicles.
• Chaperones prepare the meals.
• Chaperones sit in the lodge with students that don’t want to ski.

The truth is that retreats need both types of leaders. Some adults are great at building relationships and are excellent leaders. Others want to help with behind-the-scenes stuff, so they make great chaperones. Make sure you find which role each adult volunteer is comfortable with and cast them in that role.