Y.P.C.A.

Youth Peer Chaplains Association 

For High School Students

WHO ARE YOUTH PEER CHAPLAINS

Youth Peer Chaplains are Junior Chaplains. They provide aid to chaplains within the schools.  Chaplains are spiritual care providers who seek to build a relationship of trust through compassionate presence and thereby offer help and support to a wide range of people.  Chaplains support and serve as a counselor and guide to the spiritual needs of those they serve.  Youth Peer Chaplains help to identify the need for early intervention in times of crisis involving their peers. They work closely with School Chaplains and Guidance Counselors.

CHAPLAIN AIDES AND JUNIOR CHAPLAINS AT PHARBETH ACADEMY 

PORT HARTCOURT,  NIGERIA

Y.P.C.A's INCEPTION

The program boasts its inception at the Jose Marti Technical High School on Friday, March 31, 2023 during a visit by certified Chaplains of Global Chaplains Alliance, Inc., Jamaica Limited (GCA).  President and General of GCA, Her Excellency, Dr. Monica Dennis-Jones is a past student of the institution and desiring to give back, thought it fitting to have her alma mater head this pilot program.

High School Principals on the island are catching on to the program and have indicated strong interests in bringing their schools on board.  GCA Chaplains are already serving in some of the island's Primary and High schools providing effective interventions for students in crisis.  Our Chaplains are also bridging the gap between students and school counselors and work with parents and guardians when necessary. 

Y.P.C.A'S MISSION

The mission of the Youth Peer Chaplains Program is to help young people develop into positive healthy adults by training and empowering them as leaders who serve others, helping to create a positive change in schools and in the community.  

YOUTH PEER CHAPLAINS CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Youth Peer Chaplains adhere to a philosophy which upholds peer helping as an effective way to address the needs and conditions of fellow students.

2. Youth Peer Chaplains exhibit personal behavior that demonstrates respect for each individuals’ right to dignity, self-development, and self-direction.

3. Youth Peer Chaplains commit to supervision and support from professionals.

4. Youth Peer Chaplains strive for excellence in all peer helping activities by adhering to the following principles and practices:

a. Preserve the confidential nature of the peer which is essential for effective peer helping relationships.

1. Situations, which involve real or potential danger to the safety or well being of the Youth Peer Chaplain, counselee, or others

2. Child abuse, sexual abuse, and any other situations which involve legal requirements of disclosure

3. Problems and situations that are beyond the experience and expertise of the Youth Peer Chaplain

4. Recognize situations that involve a potential conflict of interest and avoid such conflicts in peer chaplaincy activities

5. Develop and maintain a positive rapport with other Youth Peer Chaplains, Chaplains, Guidance Counselors and other  professionals

6. Recognize and accept boundaries of your competence and training and seek supervision whenever you encounter problems beyond those

7. Learn and practice personal safety skills, which protect your emotional and physical health

5. Youth Peer Chaplains strive to develop nurturing personalities which reflect the following personal values, characteristics, and behaviors:

a. Serve as positive role models by maintaining healthy lifestyles.

b. Reject the pursuit of personal power, elitist status, or gain at the expense of others.

c. Exemplify the Youth Peer Chaplains philosophy in all life situations.

6. Youth Peer Chaplains as positive role models follow all school policies, rules and practices.

7. Youth Peer Chaplains strive to have a positive reputation to maintain and develop a positive rapport with school personnel.

Y.P.C.A PROGRAM TIERS

CHAPLAIN AIDES

Students currently in Grades 7, 8 and 9 are selected for this tier of the Youth Peer Chaplaincy program.  

JUNIOR CHAPLAINS

Students currently in Grades 10, 11 AND 12 are selected for this tier of the Youth Peer Chaplaincy program.  

Former Chaplain Aides will be promoted to this tier upon completion of the 9th grade. 

SERVING AS A YOUTH PEER CHAPLAIN

To serve as a Youth Peer Chaplain is a unique opportunity for ministry.  You will have the opportunity to grow physically, mentally and spiritually. Some techniques used are modeling chaplains, mentoring peers and offering faith-based experiences. 

PARENT GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

Written permission must be obtained from the Parent / guardian for the student to serve as a Youth Peer Chaplain before being accepted into the program.

INTERESTED IN THE Y.P.C.A. PROGRAM?

Please contact the Principal of your school.  You can also reach out to us via email to get our Y.P.C.A. program set up in your school.