What are the expectations for each participant?
We anticipate there will be a wonderful time, at either SSOT location, for all participants and serving ones to increase their understanding of the Bible and the truths within it, increase their love for the Lord Jesus, increase their faith, and increase the experience of their Christian life. In order to facilitate this we expect that everyone to care for the following areas:
- Attendance in all scheduled sessions.
- Cooperation and a proper attitude (respect) toward all fellow students and serving ones.
- A willingness to participate in all activities associated with SSOT, like praying, singing, reading, taking notes, going through the reviews, and completing all assignments.
- Absolutely no improper or inappropriate physical contact at any time.
- Maintaining a proper, restricted, brother/sister-in-the-Lord relationship in all situations (in language, attitude, intention, and heart).
What is the dress code for SSOT?
As always, there will be a required dress standard for the young people who attend the Summer School of Truth which greatly uplifts the atmosphere and morale.
- Each participant will receive three (3) new SSOT t-shirts. The designated SSOT t-shirt must be worn each day. The serving ones will indicate which color shirt is to be worn per day.
- Shoes and socks must be worn at all times, unless during a swimming or planned water-based activity.
- While indoors:
- For brothers – Full-length pants are acceptable.
- For sisters – Skirts, dresses, pants, and capris are acceptable. Skirts and dresses must be at least knee-length when sitting (slits must be no higher than the knee).
- During outdoor recreational activities:
- Any SSOT or other plain t-shirt without writing and designs
- Pants or shorts
- For brothers – Swimsuits may be worn for water activities with a t-shirt.
- For sisters – Swimsuits may be worn for water activities with shorts and a t-shirt.
- Clothing NOT permitted:
- Sleeveless shirts, Cutoffs, Tank tops, Muscle shirts
- Pants must be without tears, writing, or designs and not worn below the hips.
- hats or sunglasses
- Flip-flops, sandals, or open-toed shoes may be worn at any time.
- Going barefoot is not permitted.
- Sleeveless dresses, tight pants and tops, leggings, or jeggings and or loose fitting tops or those with immodest necklines.
What do I need to bring with me?
- Bring your Bible (not electronic), preferably a Holy Bible having both the New and Old Testament, and a pen.
- A booklet with outlines, songs, and a schedule will be provided.
- If applicable, the current lesson book will be provided.
- Musical instruments such as a guitar, ukulele, mandolin and accessories for playing accompaniment for the singing times.
- Personal toiletries, ie: toothbrush, toothpaste, hair care products, deodorant, etc.
Do I need to bring any money with me?
- All meals and snacks are provided, but if you would like to buy something extra (boba, coffee, a bottle of soda, candy, etc.) during an activity you may want to bring $10-$20 for your personal spending.
Where will I be staying? / What are the hospitality arrangements like?
- As much as possible all the young people will be taking hospitality with local families from the nearby churches and will be placed with a few other students in their age group and with at least one serving one.
- The families and homes are being coordinated under the consideration of the leading brothers from the respective localities. All adults providing hospitality have been reviewed by the same national security background check as all of the serving saints.
May I bring my phone? May I use my phone?
- It is asked that you not bring your phone. Please do not bring other electronic devices such as phones, iPods, iPads, mp3 players, CD players, gaming devices, cameras, DVD players, laptops, notebooks, Kindles, Nooks, etc.
- Any young person who needs a cell phone for a medical-related issue must have it pre-approved. In such cases we can let the young person’s serving ones and hospitality be informed of this.
- Any device that is found by a serving one which has not been pre-approved will be taken up and will not be returned until the end of SSOT.
Is there anything else I shouldn’t bring?
- Secular reading (books, novels, magazines, school-assigned summer reading, etc.)
- Weapons of any kind (hunting knives, pocket knives, Leatherman multitools, guns, Airsoft guns, etc.)
Is there free time during the day? Can I go visit friends nearby?
- Summer School of Truth is a full-time, 24/7 activity. There are activities and breaks in addition to meetings, but there is no free time in which to go off on your own or do your own activities. You will not be able to visit any friends or relatives who are not in the SSOT with you.
What if I have food allergies?
- Food allergies should be noted on the registration form. All real food allergies will be cared for and necessary accommodations will be made.
Can I be sent home from SSOT?
- Yes, if necessary. All rules have been set to protect the environment of SSOT for each participant. Failure to comply with these rules will result in parental contact and arrangements for the student(s) to be picked up by the parent and sent home.
What if I have another question not listed here?
- If you have any other questions, please fellowship with a serving one from your locality. They will seek fellowship if they don’t already know the answer.
As a serving one, what are the guidelines I need to follow?
Philippians 1:27 – Only, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, that…I may hear of the things concerning you, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving together along with the faith of the gospel.
- Enjoy the Lord first! Be happy and positive in all your contact with the young people. For this we need a fresh supply of grace morning by morning. Seek to find personal time with the Lord before you become busy caring for the young people you are with.
- Do not share the personal contact details of young people and serving ones.
- Be aware that actions and words can be misinterpreted. Do not have inappropriate conversations with young people. Have respectful speech.
- Dress as you would for a regular young people’s conference, at or beyond the standard given for the young people.
- An adult should never be with a young person alone. Always seek another adult to be with you in a room or vehicle.
- If you have any concerns please contact the local overseeing brothers or email info@areawideconferences.com who will help you connect you with the oversight team.
- Do not take photos or videos of any young person or serving one, and do not post them online or send them to anyone.
Please be aware that personal contact between an adult and young person presents an opportunity for a private relationship to be formed and opens a possibility of grooming/sexual exploitation. Look out for signs of this. If anything makes you feel uncomfortable, please report any suspicions immediately to the local overseeing brothers or email info@areawideconferences.com