Parent Area

At Fairmount we are a resource for youth and their families during the extraordinarily unique adolescent years.  Thankfully, no two children are exactly alike -- life would be pretty boring if they were.  That being said, sometimes parenting youth can be interesting because just when you think you understand your child - BAM - they change.

It doesn’t take a psychologist nor a scientific study to prove parenting teens is no easy task, but many parents forget the idea that you are NOT alone!  There are many families struggling with the same issues - Communication with Teens, Getting Teens Interested in Church, Honesty Issues, Sibling Rivalries, Spirituality and Family Life, College Counseling, and many others.

We look forward to partnering with you as we seek to live more fully into the promise we make at Baptism to nurturer the faith of our youth and their families.

The Top 5 Things Parents Always Ask

1. Who’s in charge?
   
   Rev. Eric Dillenbeck
   Associate Pastor for Congregational Life and Faith Formation
   
   Kurt Zitzner
   Director of Youth Ministries
   
   
2. Are my kids safe?
   
   We would never intentionally put your child at risk.  At Fairmount value our youth and children and have instituted a policy geared to create a safe sanctuary for our youth and children.  This policy is known as Our Child Protection Policy (PDF) which can be downloaded here.  We encourage parents, youth and guests to review it and ask any questions you might have.  As you review the policy, you’ll notice a variety of forms that it references.  These forms are listed and downloadable below.  Child Protection Policy
   
   
3. What will my kids be doing?
   
   There are TONS of different opportunities for youth!  Sunday School, Youth Group, Mission Projects/ Trips, Volunteering at Soup Kitchens, working with Habitat for Humanity, Wilderness Camping / Canoeing… etc.  Check out the Calendar section for details regarding specific events.
   
   
4. What forms do I need to fill out?
   
   There are two different forms parents need to fill out in order for youth to participate.
   
   GENERAL RELEASE FORM (PDF)
   This is a long one!  It’s got a lot of information.  Contact numbers, medical info, Covenant, etc.  Parents will only need to fill this out ONCE per year.  We will keep this form on file.  You will need to confirm each time you plan to participate in a trip that the information we have on file is correct and up-to-date.
   
   PERMISSION SLIP FORM (PDF)
   This form is SHORT and doesn’t have a lot of information, but we will need parents to fill it out every time we do a trip (retreat, mission trip, camping/ canoe trip, Montreat, white water rafting, etc.)  Basically you say “yep, we know he/she is going… we know where they’re going… and we know when they’re going… And yep, we already filled out the GENERAL RELEASE FORM and the info is still accurate!”  That’s it!  It’s that simple.
   
   
5. How much does it cost?
   
   Most activities are FREE.  However, certain activities have different costs associated with them.  However, we want you to know that money should NEVER EVER EVER EVER stop someone from participating in a Youth Activity at Fairmount Presbyterian Church.  We pride ourselves on being an inclusive church that welcomes everyone.  Anyone, for any reason, can come on any of our trips regardless of their ability to pay.  We respectfully demand that you NOT let $$$ deter you from having your son or daughter participate in any way.