Youth ministries are supposed to be safe. They’re intended to be refuges where children can learn about God, as well as get away from the everyday stresses of being a kid—school, peer pressure, piano lessons and competitive sports.

Youth groups also can be dangerous places. The activities that attract youth—dodgeball, skateboarding ministries and travel opportunities—come with their share of bumps and bruises.

Likewise, summer camp can be full of laughter, fellowship and learning new skills; but also poison ivy, sprained ankles and heat stroke.

Even seemingly innocent day-to-day interactions with youth can lead to unspeakable dangers—for the youth and for the viability of your ministry.

“The worst mistake [ministries] make is that many youth workers say, ‘this won’t happen to me,’” Jack Crabtree, author of Better Safe than Sued, told The Deacon’s Bench.

Bad things can and do happen to good churches and youth groups.

Insurance company Brotherhood Mutual has long studied some of the biggest dangers youth ministries face. Here’s our suggestions, which are based on their analysis.

1) Activities

Youth groups are all about fun and games, but games can careen out of control, thereby risking injury. Here are some tips to help you avoid problems:

• When selecting supervisors, try to pick those who act mature, use good judgment and can maintain control of the children. Teens can be good assets, but make sure you have at least two adults as your primary supervisors.

• Before the activity begins, meet with your supervisors to identify any problem points they foresee in the activity. Set a plan of action in case something goes awry.

• Have parents sign release forms and make sure you know of any medical or allergy issues that might affect your participants. Be sure you have contact info.

• Supervisors should explain the rules thoroughly to the participants. Review how they should handle anyone who gets upset or violent. Hint: Be respectful, but firm.

2) Camping

For some youth, camp isn’t really camp unless they have a scab or two to show for their troubles. For youth workers, camp accidents can be a huge headache. Brotherhood Mutual says many camp accidents can be avoided by:

• Appointing a risk manager to oversee the camp’s safety procedures.

• Interview and screen staff before hiring them (call references and do a criminal background check).

• Train staff memberes thoroughly, giving them a rigorous rundown of camp policies, behavioral guidelines, emergency procedures and other pertinent information.

• Don’t underestimate the importance of good training for your campers, too. Make sure they understand the camp rules and emergency procedures.

3) Transportation

Making sure youth safely get to the destination and back home is one of the most overlooked aspects of youth ministry. Consider the following when hiring a driver: