Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Buddies

How old must I be to be a buddy?

You must be 16 or older to be a buddy. If you are under 18 you will need a permission slip from your parents/caregiver.

I volunteered last year. Do I still need training?

Yes, there may have been updates and or changes to prior years training. All volunteers (general and buddies) attend one training session.

Will there be food available?

Yes, you will be eating in the student ministry with your honored guest.

How will I learn about the honored guest that I am paired with?

You will meet your honored guest and parent/caretaker at check in and have the opportunity to introduce yourself and ask questions to familiarize yourself with your honored guest.

What do I do if there is a medical issue with a guest or volunteer?

There will be medical staff, EMT, and police officers on site during the entire event. Medical volunteers will be easily identified throughout the building.

What should I do if my honored guest becomes overwhelmed or agitated?

There will be a sensory area where you can take your honored guest to get away from the activity and noise.

What do I do at the end of the evening?

Stay with your honored guest until you reunite with the parent/caregiver and check out.

Do I need a background check if I am under 18?

If you are 18 and older you are required to complete a background check.

How old do I need to be to be a buddy?

You must be at least 16 years of age.

Will there be volunteer training?

Yes, there will be 3 sessions, and you should attend 1 of the 3 sessions.

What time do I arrive?

Please arrive no later than 5 P.M., and check in once you arrive.

What should I wear?

It is a prom! We encourage you to dress in semi-formal or formal wear, keeping the party atmosphere! We suggest comfortable shoes.

Who will I be paired with?

If an honored guest specifically asked to be paired with you on their registration, that is who you will be with for the evening. All other buddies will be paired as the guest arrives.

What will be my responsibilities?

The buddy will accompany and assist the honored guest throughout the entire evening. You will sit with them at dinner, dance with them and enjoy other activities provided for the evening. The Honored Guest should never be alone!

What if I need to use the restroom?

Engage another volunteer or a team leader to be with your honored guest for that time. The honored guest should NEVER be left alone.

My honored guest wants to see their parent/caretaker, what should I do?

Please find a volunteer or a team leader to visit the respite area and ask the parent/caretaker to come to the ballroom or front lobby to meet the honored guest.

What if the honored guest needs to use the bathroom?

If an honored guest requires assistance with more than getting in and out of the stall or hand washing, contact their parent/caregiver to assist.

An honored guest and a buddy should never be alone together. There will be a bathroom attendant stationed at every bathroom. The attendant should not assist in anything more that ensuring the guest gets in and out of the bathroom safely.