Changes in the Honor Academy in my tenure as the Director: 1996 – Present (Nov. 2011) PART I (more parts to follow)

There have been individuals over the past few years who have asked me to be specific about changes that have occurred in the Honor Academy. Many of these changes have come  about as a result of feedback from alumni, parents, pastors, surveys, committees, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. These are the changes I am going to attempt to outline in this document. This document will be quite long I am sure so I will do my best to categorize these changes. When possible I will try to include philosophy behind the changes to help bring alive the spirit of the change. Please know from the start that I will be inadequate at fully meeting everyone’s expectations from this document. You will see here that those who have voiced frustration, concern, and anger toward the Honor Academy are being listened to, and their concerns have been taken seriously as well as those who have voiced ideas for change that are not . Here we go:

I. Physical Exercise (Known as “corporate” which is short for “corporate exercise”):

• Corporate exercise or morning calisthenics and exercise have been used in the Honor Academy as a part of emphasizing healthy living for as long as I have been the Director. The changes relate to how we do “corporate” and what spirit is brought to “corporate”
  • A: We used to have a strict tone and intensity at corporate (think “Mr. Sunshine”). Now corporate is fun spirited, it involves more mental exercises, singing cadences at times, and is light hearted.
  • B: Interns are ramped up more slowly than in the past – IE: early on in corporate interns run ¼ of a mile, then ½ mile and build up gradually. Interns run an average of 2-3 miles on Monday morning once they have built up to this level. (This change came about as a result of those alumni who reported being injured from building up too quickly)
  • C: Interns do corporate on Monday morning now (used to be Friday), we found that interns can go to bed when they want on Sunday night so they can be rested even though we have corporate. This was not the case when it was on Friday.
  • D: Corporate exercise is held at 6 a.m. during gauntlet – used to be 5 a.m., and 5:30 a.m. the rest of the year. Again this is so interns have more time to sleep.
  • E: Interns who are sick are not required to attend corporate exercise. They do not need a doctor’s note only say they are sick. They do not need to take a sick day if their illness only precludes them from corporate exercise but allows them to participate in the rest of their day.
  • F: Interns who are injured are not required to participate in exercise. They do NOT need a doctor’s note, only say they are injured.
  • G: Interns who want to participate but cannot run because of injury etc., are provided an alternate exercise opportunity. (this was not the case in the past)
  • H: Key staff leading Corporate have qualifications that include:
    • Former State Champion and award winning track coach
    • Previous callisthenic military training
    • CPR/First aid certified
    • Nationally accredited personal trainer certification
• I: Interns are now coached on giving 100% NOT evaluating themselves on how talented or fast they are. IE: the fastest runners are not applauded as being the most disciplined. No one can judge another person’s effort at corporate based on his or her speed or strength, as no one knows what effort level the other is giving. This is discussed regularly.
• J: At corporate leaders talk about the necessity for physical discipline but regularly point out that “performance/ effort” at corporate exercise is NOT tied to spiritual maturity or spiritual gain. ( This emphasis has come about from concerns voiced by alumni who felt that interns who ran the fastest thought that made them more spiritual. This is not true.)
• K: The verse: I beat my body and make it my slave is NOT used at corporate exercise any longer. While this verse is in the Bible using it at corporate was creating confusion in minds of interns equating physical discipline with spiritual maturity. This change came about as alumni talked to us about this confusion.

II. Graduation:

• A: Interns now have a graduation ceremony where their achievement of completing a year in the Honor Academy is recognized and celebrated. Interns are given a certificate of completion. Interns are reminded that this is really the start not the completion and to walk in humility as they leave the ministry. ( the emphasis on walking in humility has come about as a result of feedback from others who have had less than humble interactions with alumni. This is a point of emphasis for training throughout the year, we will continue to emphasis this point)

INSERT Debriefing HERE

III. Miscellaneous changes:

• A: Wireless internet has been added to campus (not in the dorms) with internet filter. ( A request made by many alumni)
• B: Interns are now allowed five sick days per year, changed from three sick days per year. Interns who have more serious illness are allowed up to four weeks at home without needing to restart their internship.
• C: Interns Christmas break includes New Years when possible. ( This is a change from previous efforts to have interns back on campus for New Years, and when Christmas falls on a day of the week that makes this practical it is done.)
• D: No Life Transforming Events (retreats) are held during the Thanksgiving break. Interns are released at noon on Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving to catch Wed. afternoon flights home. ( These are both changes resulting from alumni and parent feedback)
• E: Interns are allowed to participate in one month of service ministry in the summer  – either with Global Expeditions or Extreme camps or a combination of the two.
• F: Encounter Service has been started on Wednesday nights. This is an open ended service making room for extended worship, ministry, and whatever else the Holy Spirit may want to do in they way of ministry. ( This change came about from alumni asking for a service other than chapel that was not boxed in by the schedule)
• G: Symposiums: There are many different symposiums now taught during the year. These are times of extended training (some half a day and some a whole day). These symposiums have included:
  • Dr. Kenny Price teaching on how to study the Bible
  • Dr. Elmore teaching on Habitudes
  • Fouad Masari of Crescent Project teaching about Islam
  • World View Experts
  • Creationism Experts
  • Sy Rodgers – Sexual Healing
  • H: Ladies are allowed to keep nose studs they had prior to attending the Honor Academy. ( Many alumni asked for this change)
  • I: Men are no longer required to wear ties in ministry placements.
  • J: Fridays are relaxed dress code – jeans etc.
  • K: Wisdom Breakfasts are held sporadically where interns get together with David Hasz and all involved share wisdom with each other. (Interns can request to participate in these breakfasts, optional)
  • L: The Emphasis on charisma needed for successful leadership has been greatly diminished. ( This was a problem in the early 2000’s as voiced by alumni who felt if you were outgoing and had charisma you were elevated in leadership and introverts were not. This is a point of emphasis continually be aware of this tendency and not do this.)
  • M: Six women serve on the “Management Team”(formerly Leadership Team), the most senior executive team at Teen Mania. (Previously there were one or two. It is important to have women serving on the Honor Academy Leadership Team and the Ministry Executive team as 55% of interns are women, and women need to see other women in leadership. This concern was voiced by alumni)
  • N: Transportation to and from ATF events. No longer do interns travel in vans driven by other interns. Interns travel primarily in motor coaches driven by staff or contract Commercial Drivers Licensed drivers. (Those who rode in the GMC vans – your voices were heard!)
  • O: Transportation to and from Colorado Mountain LTE:  The majority of interns ride in motor coaches to the Mountain LTE driven by CDL drivers. (We send a supplies truck and a preset up crew in a fifteen passenger van. Interns may ride with this group if a part of this preset up crew. These vehicles are driven by 21 year old or older drivers who are certified by Teen Mania to drive and meet our insurance carrier’s requirements)
  • P: Managers (staff) are evaluated via anonymous survey every eight weeks. These evaluations are seen by the EVP and managing staff member. Concerns are addressed and resolved. Staff have at times been terminated as a result of issues raised by interns anonymous surveys. (Note: no surveys have been conducted since August due to glitch in the system. This is being corrected and surveys will happen prior to December 15.) (These surveys are a direct outgrowth of common business practice and alumni concerns and request for these surveys)
  • Q: Staff hired by Teen Mania have a back ground check conducted on them at time of hire.
  • R: Strong Sexual Harassment Policy is in place that staff read and sign each year.
  • S: Intern can write incident reports on staff members who they feel have treated them unfairly or improperly. These reports are followed up on by the Honor Academy staff. Staff have been terminated as a result of these reports. (This is a direct request by alumni that has been enacted)
  • T: Interns are honored five times a year for service in their ministry placements with a Carpe Diem award at chapel. Interns are nominated for these awards by staff members.
  • U: A daily email blast – called the “Daily Blast” is sent to interns to keep them current on schedule changes, upcoming events, etc. (This is a direct request of alumni that has been listened to.)
  • V: A daily schedule is posted on a flat screen TV in the front lobby of the administration building so interns know exactly what classes are being held the next day (Schedules change due to travel by key teachers). ( This is a response to direct concerns voiced by alumni)
  • W: No LTE events are held during the Easter weekend and interns have good Friday off.
  • X: In the Honor Academy recruitment process, callers discuss with incoming interns that the Honor Academy is a “working internship” making it clear that interns operate the ministry of Teen Mania and will be working on average 6 – 7 hours per day. This is made very clear on the web site as well. ( This is in response to concerns voiced by alumni that they did not realize they would be working in a ministry placement when in the Honor Academy.)
  • Y: Sunday’s in the Honor Academy are now protected for interns to participate in local churches. In the past Life Transforming Events (retreats) were held on Saturday and Sunday. Now almost all LTE’s are conducted on Friday and Saturday to protect Sunday’s. There are a few Sunday’s in the course of the year that interns cannot attend church. Two are during gauntlet when we have a teaching on campus and one is on the Sunday of the PEARL LTE. (This change is a direct result of concerns voiced by alumni)
  • Z: Parental involvement:
    • 1: Interns parents are encouraged to be involved in the entire year of the Honor Academy. The Honor Academy produces a parent email, has parental information on the web site, has built parental involvement into various banquets and LTE’s for those parents that live far away.
    • 2: Parents are invited and allowed to visit the Honor Academy and/or attend any class or LTE any time announced or unannounced 365 days a year. Parents are never asked not to attend anything or any teaching ever at the Honor Academy.
    • AA: Family Meetings: There are still family meetings at the Honor Academy from time to time but these are used to discuss family business that is out of the ordinary.
      • When an intern decides to leave or is dismissed, there is NOT a family meeting. The small group that intern was involved with is gathered and notified of the individuals departure. When and intern is dismissed the Honor Academy Administration does NOT disclose why they were dismissed in an effort to protect that interns privacy and reputation.
      • BB: Interns leaving campus are no longer required to “check out” at the campus safety booth (guard booth) (And there was much rejoicing)
      • CC: Quiet Time is focused on connecting with God – not meeting your 60 min. requirement. Time is set-aside in the interns schedule for QT each day making it much easier for interns to have one. ( This is a direct result of feedback from alumni who found it difficult to carve out a consistent hour each day for QT)
      • DD: Graduate Interns are allowed to date each other or individuals off campus six months into their GI year.
        • CA’s are not allowed to date until June
        • Ministry Team are not allowed to date each other until after the ATF tour.
        • EE: Interns no longer reside in the Quonset domes during gauntlet, they move directly into the dorms and are placed in permanent cores immediately following gauntlet so that cores are on the same shift. (This change is completely the result of alumni feedback)
        • FF: Teachings in gauntlet no longer focus “Elite, cream of the crop” language. Teachings in gauntlet now focus on, grace, love, joy and living with the values of Eternity in view.
        • GG: A prayer room has been added to the campus. Interns are able to participate in prayer 24/7 as desired.

IV. Ministry Placement Hours/Policies:

This topic has been the area of major concern and feedback from alumni for years. There are many different ways that the Honor Academy Administration has worked to fulfill the desire of the ministry to give interns a chance to reach their generation and balance that with a healthy work commitment. Interns in the early days of my leadership were worked at times too much and too long. I have repented for that and worked diligently to prevent that from occurring now. I have not always been successful but as a ministry we have gotten much much better.

• A: Ministry Placement (work) hours have been reduced from 37 hours per week to 31 hours per week. Included in that 31 hours are up to three hours of professional development not engaged in actual work for ministry placements in Call Centers. One hour of this 31 hours is spent in the prayer room with departmental teams.
• B: Over time: Interns used to work up to four weeks of overtime in a year. (Interns from the late 1990’s and early 2000’s many more than that. Policies were put in place that limited the number of overtime weeks an intern could serve to four. At times these policies were violated and staff were held accountable as leadership became aware of those violations). NOW Managers are allowed to have their interns work a total of four overtime weeks in a year but in order to do that managers have to have the interns work “under” weeks prior to the over weeks. So if a manager wants their interns to serve an over time week (up to 45 hours), they have to give the interns the same hours off prior to the overtime week. This is called the “Over/Under” policy and interns are made well aware of the policy. Staff are required to indicate in Sept. of each year when they plan to use “Over/Under” weeks. Interns are notified well in advance of these weeks. IF an area of the ministry has an emergency need of over time the Honor Academy Undergrad Director must approve those hours and interns are given the time back. In the summer Global Expeditions leadership works out specific scheduling so that interns who are serving during immersion (training) or debriefing weeks are given extended time off following.
• C: Interns serving in CCM operate under different hours as their time in their ministry placements is also the training they are here to received. They have an intense season of preparation leading up to the ATF each year.
• D: Interns are not allowed to serve more than 45 hours even in an overtime week and never seven consecutive days without prior approval from the Honor Academy Undergrad Director. (The HA undergrad director is then able to make sure interns in these extremely rare situations are given adequate time off.)
• E: During the spring of each year there is a time of focused work called, “Operation Fish” (This name is taken from the story when the disciples fished all night and got nothing but then when Jesus told them to fish some more, they did and caught a great mass of fish). Operation Fish usually takes place in middle to late March and is a time used to motivate and facilitate the large number of individuals interested in Global Expeditions who have expressed interest in the largest ATF events of the season. These events take place two at a time for several weeks leading up to “operation fish”. During operation fish many (not all) interns are asked to help call young people and serve up to 39  hours for those two weeks)
  • 1: Interns do have class during operation fish. ( This is a change from previous years after alumni voiced frustration)
  • 2: Daily optional worship is held in the mornings for those who want to participate
  • 3: Some requirements in the Honor Academy are relaxed during this time to balance the effort to reach more teens with requirements in the Honor Academy. (Things like: Homework is limited, corporate exercise is cancelled, etc.)
  • F: Interns are not allowed to travel for the ministry more than two times in an eight week period without  special permission from the Director of the Undergraduate Internship.
  • G: Interns are never asked nor allowed to serve in traditional ministry placement roles on Sunday.
    • 1. There are intern cores assigned to serve in the cafeteria on Sunday’s. This is a rotation and each core serves 1-2 times per semester.
    • 2. Interns serving in the summer supporting Global Expeditions operations occasionally serve on Sunday with another day given to them for their day of rest.
      • a: This is the exception and avoided whenever possible.
      • H: Interns on A shift currently start their ministry placements at 8:30 a.m. ( a change taken directly from alumni feedback)
      • I: Interns on B shift have their first required class of the day at 11:00 a.m. (previous B shift interns are rejoicing – this allows B shift interns the mornings free providing for a more balanced life)

V. Classes:

• A: Many classes have been added and discontinued over the years. Much of the curriculum is decided based on alumni feedback. The best way to show the changes is to explain what classes interns can now take advantage of. Those of you who were interns in Tulsa remember there were basically two classes: Missions and Character Development (CD). That has changed dramatically:
  • 1. Character Development continues – is taught by Ron Luce.
  • 2. Foundations of Christianity: In this course, the transformed life of a Christian as a response to God’s ultimate sacrifice is examined. Discussions include: God’s love, the concept of self-sacrifice, true commitment for a personal relationship, a separated life from the world, authority and purpose in Christ, and the ultimate fruits of a Spirit-led life.
  • 3. Ethics and Leadership: Taught by David Hasz -Leadership is not only the aim, but it is the outcome of the many processes that God takes us through if we respond correctly. This class is designed to identify characteristics of successful leaders. This class will help you understand the process by which God is growing you into a godly leader. The book, The Making of a Leader by Dr. Clinton is used.
  • 4: Chapel: (Once a week, no longer twice a week) Teen Mania Ministries’ staff and Honor Academy interns join together during a specific time each week. Speakers vary and have included: John Maxwell, Jack Hayford, Josh Mcdowell, Tom Davis, Ron Luce, and numerous other speakers, leaders, and authors, as well as staff and alumni.
  • 5: Trailer Club: (Returned to the curriculum after being discontinued due to alumni request and feedback among other things )This men’s only class is designed to teach men to become better sons, better husbands in the future, and become fathers to a generation that will need loving, Christ-like fathers more than any other generation. Topics covered include masculinity, overcoming sexual temptations, restoring and strengthening family relationships, and financial wisdom.
  • 6: Risen Women: Taught by Katie Luce and many other women on staff and guest speakers: This women’s only class is designed to define and encourage biblical womanhood through inspiration, interaction, and instruction. The goal is to establish women who are secure in their identity, authentic in their relationships and significant in their influence as daughters, wives, and mothers.
  • 7: Global Perspectives: Taught by David Hasz (formerly missions) Intended to give you the tools needed to be most effective in cross-cultural ministry. This class is designed to enable you to give yourself away in fulfillment of the Great Commission.
  • 8: Encounter Service: Wednesday nights will empower you as you enter into worship with the entire internship. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from Teen Mania’s founder and president, Ron Luce, along with other various staff and speakers as they share messages that are both relevant and challenging.
  • 9: Core: Each week you’ll meet with your Core, a group of 10-15 same-gendered peers, for an intense time of Bible study and accountability. Cores also spend a lot of free time together with each other and their sister core, helping to form Godly friendships across genders.
  • B: College Credit: IF interns decide to attend certain colleges, classes they are taking in the Honor Academy can count for college credit. (Alumni asked for years if this could happen – it does now on a limited scale.)

VI. Creative Ministries: Optional for interns to be involved in during their free time:

• There are numerous creative ministries started by interns and led by interns. These ministries minister outside Teen Mania and internally as well. Rather than list them all here if you are interested in these changes please go to www.honoracademy.com and see the creative ministries listed under intern life.

VII. Intramurals: All interns are required to participate in some form of team sport. This change came about so that interns would get practical interaction in a team that was experiencing team dynamics. The emphasis is not on becoming great athlete’s but rather great team members.

VIII. Intern Feedback: Alumni made it clear that interns were not being given enough opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, voice concerns, etc. In response to this concern there have been several avenues developed to make this possible, in person or anonymously.

• A: Monthly Vibe Survey: This is an anonymous survey that is conducted monthly with the interns that surveys everything from Core Advisor behaviors, Dorm Manger (formerly Intern Advisors, Dorm Directors) behaviors, Classes, Teachers, to facilities conditions, food quality, and amount of sleep interns are getting. This survey is read carefully by all staff responsible for these areas and reported on monthly to the ministry Management Team.
• B: As a part of the Vibe Survey, interns can leave comments, concerns, ask questions, etc. These are done anonymously which makes it possible to voice concern/complaint freely. These concerns are addressed and action taken to resolve them as much as possible.
• C: Whistle Blower Hotline: There is an 800# set up for staff and interns to call if they want to anonymously “blow the whistle”. This hotline is checked by a full time staff member (Not Ron Luce, Jonathan Hasz, or David Hasz – officers of the ministry). Concerns are taken to the appropriate people. If the concern is about David Hasz or Jon Hasz it is taken to Ron Luce. If the concern is about Ron Luce it is taken to the Board of Directors.
• D: Enrichment email address. There is an email address interns can send questions for enrichment to. Enrichment is a weekly meeting with all the interns and a senior leader in the ministry. Usually this is Randy Olsson, the Undergraduate Intern Director. At this meeting announcements are made, clarification to policies given, and questions answered. Many weeks interns can raise their hand and ask questions about anything they are concerned about. This includes any concerns they have about Teen Mania, staff, finances, etc. David Hasz, Exective Vice President of TM attends Enrichment from time to time and takes questions as well.
• E: Interns are free to and encouraged to email concerns, questions, or complaints to staff members.
• F: Interns are encouraged to take concerns to their Dorm Managers. These are staff members who live in the dorms with the interns.

XI. Core Advisors:

• A: Core Advisors (CA’s) are second or third year interns in the Graduate Program called the CA program. ( There are several programs an undergrad intern can choose to participate in for a second year if they decide to stay. )
• B: Concerns have been voiced by many alumni that CA’s have too much authority and too much ability to affect an interns year positively or negatively. In response to those concerns the following policy changes have taken place:
  • 1: CA’s are required to submit an outline in writing to the Director of Men or Assistant Director of Women prior to Core Meeting each week. This outline must make clear what core will consist of, what activities are planned, etc. If a CA does not submit this outline prior to the meeting they are not allowed to have core meeting. ( This is in direct response to concerns voiced that various actives that have taken place at core were not safe and not beneficial)
  • 2: CA’s are NOT allowed to dictate or assign discipline without Dorm Managers approval. (Alumni have shared about discipline that was administered in the past by CA’s that was hurtful and/or counter productive.)
  • 3: CA’s are NOT allowed to invent challenges for their cores without approval from Dorm Managers. (This is in response to challenges given by CA’s in the past that were silly, counter productive, or harmful to certain individuals)

X. Tenets of the Honor Academy:

• A: If another believer sins against you; go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won’t accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (Matt 18: 15-17)
• B: In the Honor Academy we used to have a couple of tenants to help guide our behavior that were formed as an expression of this portion of scripture. The first tenet was:
  • 1: While at the Honor Academy, I will never speak ill of any Honor Academy participant or staff member – past, present, or future.
    • a: This tenet was written to help build a culture of love, support, and peace in an environment where lots of young people live and work and serve together. The spirit of this tenet is that if I have a problem with someone I will go to that person first and follow the principles in Matt 18. Unfortunately this tenet has been misunderstood by some over the years, so in an effort to bring about better clarity concerning Matt 18 the Honor Academy will no longer use this tenet. (This change was made on Nov. 3, 2011)
• 2: Tenet #2: I will cultivate peace in all relationships by adhering strictly to the Teen Mania grievance procedures. (Those grievance procedures are an outline of Matt 18)
• 3: Tenet #5:I will never maliciously portray or allow Teen Mania to be portrayed in a negative light irresponsibly by embracing Tenet two and three. I will help make Teen Mania better. (, Tenet 3 says: I will confront immediately when I witness an person with Teen Mania not upholding the tenet and I will follow up this confrontation through the proper channels.) (The words “maliciously” and “negative light irresponsibly” were added in 2010 to make it clear we invite and want constructive feedback)
  • a: This tenet about not maliciously portraying Teen Mania negatively was designed to help us be honorable individuals who do not slander or maliciously dishonor the organization we are all working together within. Instead, if we have concerns or feel that believers are “sinning against us” we should conduct ourselves as we are instructed to biblically and go that person and if that person does not see their fault continue forward in the steps lined out in Matt 18. This is a good practice when thinking about our families, the organizations we are involved in, our churches etc.
• 4: Interns of the Honor Academy and staff at Teen Mania are encouraged to voice their frustrations, concerns, and complaints. Interns at the Honor Academy have many avenues they can follow if they want to voice concerns in person or anonymously. (See VIII. Intern Feedback)

XI. Discipline Processes

• A: Interns are held accountable to the standards of the Honor Academy (based on Biblical standards of Godly conduct, maturity, and Christian witness) as they are outlined in the Intern Handbook. Interns are given a handbook at the start of Gauntlet and are led through the entire handbook during gauntlet week. This allows them to ask questions, process, and consider the standards prior to “joining” the Honor Academy. This handbook is available to them prior to arrival in Garden Valley as well.
• B: Violations of the standards in the handbook are handled in various ways depending on the standard violated.
• C: Deviation from standards that are not moral standards are handled with various forms of discipline including:
  • Campus (being in your room for a set period of time. This is not used much at all any longer in the HA)
  • Extra Training – this is 7:00 a.m. corporate exercise on Saturday morning. This is the primary corrective discipline used for most deviations from the standard.
  • D: Deviations from the Moral Standards are handled via the Honor Council:
    • 1: Behaviors that are grounds for possible dismissal:
      • a: Bad attitude (over an extended period of time)
      • b: Lack of work conscientiousness
      • c: Consistent violation or disregard for rules/and or safety standards.
• 2: Behaviors that are grounds for immediate dismissal:
  • a: Stealing
  • b: Commission of a misdemeanor or felony
  • c: Use or possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
  • d: Romantic contact or dating relationships on or off campus
  • e: Cross gender dancing, or opposite gender wrestling or play fighting (may not be a violation of the moral standard unless it is determined to be romantic contact)
  • f: Possession or viewing of pornography, including but not limited to the internet, magazines and other literature, cell phones, computers, etc.
    • 1.Interns who confess to viewing pornography are never dismissed, they are placed on probation. This in an effort to create a safe place for interns to confess to this behavior which is a significant stronghold in this generation presently
  • g: Viewing of files on the network outside of your responsibilities
  • h: Homosexual action
  • i: Suicidal tendencies, including, but not limited to suicidal threats.
• 3. If interns deviate from the standard in these manners they have an opportunity to confess.
  • a: IF they confess they have a strong possibility of being placed on probation rather than being dismissed. (This is a significant change from the late 1990’s, when there was no probation. There was a one strike and you are out policy in place at that time)
  • b: IF an intern confesses they have an opportunity to discuss their actions with a council of their peers called the Honor Council. (This council was developed as HA administration found it was less intimidating to come forward for help to a group of peers rather than staff administration)
  • c: IF an intern is “caught” violating moral standards of the Honor Academy (IE: they did not confess but could have) they are usually dismissed immediately.
• 4: Honor Council:
  • a: The Honor Council is a council made up of individuals selected by their peers. They have the responsibility of making decisions about the actions of interns who may have violated the Honor Code, or standards of the Honor Academy.
  • b: The intern will meet with their Dorm Manager and prepare to go before the Honor Council. The leader responsible fore the initial incident report will submit a written recommended course of action to the Discipline Manager. The Honor Council will review this course of action and recommend probation or dismissal. The Honor Academy Administration will the make the final decision and is NOT bound to follow the recommendation of the council.
• 5: The following is considered when deciding for/against dismissal:
  • a: The severity of the action
  • b: The timeliness of confession – an untimely confession will not automatically result in dismissal
  • c: The history of a negative attitude within the Honor Academy program
  • d: Whether or not the intern was caught in violation of a moral standard
  • e: Whether or not you are belligerent at time of confession
  • f: Whether or not you are blatantly un-teachable
  • g: Discernment of HA administration and the Honor Council
• 6: IF placed on probation at the end of the probation plan period, the Honor Academy Administration will determine if the person has exemplified teach ability during their probation plan, and if the person responded positively to the probation plan. If so, the person will be invited to stay in the Honor Academy. If not, he or she may be asked to leave. If an intern violated his or her Probation Plan, he/she may be automatically dismissed.
• 7: Dismissed interns are regularly invited to return at the next start date if their actions are honorable after dismissal. Many have done this; there are currently interns in the Honor Academy who have been previously dismissed.
  • a: Formerly dismissed interns have returned to the Honor Academy, graduated and served on staff.
  • B: Interns dismissed from the Honor Academy are followed up with phone calls and support from their Honor Academy dorm managers.

XII. Health and Safety:

• A: Lindale now has a walk in Clinic: (Trinity Mother Francis): Interns who are sick or injured are encouraged to take the provided shuttle to the clinic. This shuttle is provided every morning to the interns free of charge upon request. (The HA used to have a clinic on campus but due to low usage it became more effective to offer a shuttle to this better staffed and more advanced clinic in Lindale)
• B: The Honor Academy encourages interns to pray for each other when they are sick or injured and we believe in the healing power of Jesus.
  • 1: Emphasis is placed on faith and medicine. Interns are taught NOT to place the burden of healing on the sick individual.
    • IE: if you are not healing it is not your fault.
• 2: Interns who are healed are encouraged NOT to discontinue medical protocols without first seeing their doctor (this is not a lack of faith)
• C: AED devices are available on campus
• D: Teen Mania ministries invites the local fire Marshall to tour the campus bi-annually to make recommendations on safety protocols.
• E: A fire suppression system is in place in the cafeteria and is inspected by the state annually.

XIII: Life Transforming Events: (Retreats)

• A: For the most current retreats held during the year in the Honor Academy please visit: www.honoracademy.com and see LTE’s. There have been MANY changes to LTE’s over the years and changes to specifically what happens at the LTE’s.
• B: Concerning changes specifically to PEARL:
  • 1: PEARL is an outgrowth of the event that is no longer done at Teen Mania called ESOAL. PEARL is specifically a different event. I will only outline here the significant changes made at ESOAL in the last year or two and made specifically to PEARL. You can see the recommendations made by the ESOAL committee at www.honoracademy.com.
  • 2: Interns are required to sign up to participate in PEARL rather than sign out of the event. (This was a concern voiced by alumni who felt requiring interns to sign out of the event placed undue pressure on them to participate. This concern was valid and the process has been changed.)
  • 3: An LTE is held at the same time as the PEARL for those interns who choose not to participate in PEARL. (This LTE called the Service LTE needs continued improvement and is a focus of the HA administration for this coming year)
  • 4: Individuals facilitating PEARL are not allowed to wear camouflage or use military rank. (This in an effort change the tone of the facilitation and the mindset of the facilitators and participants)(PEARL Change)
  • 5: Leadership titles are now given that foster training, teaching, and coaching. (PEARL Change)
    • a: Instead of General, Majors, Lieutenants, Sergeants we now have: Director, Assistant Directors, Coaches, Captains, Team Captains, and  Squad Leaders.
    • b: Instead of companies we now have teams
• 6: No one is allowed to roll the hill more than three consecutive times. (Change made in 2010)(HA leadership is considering never rolling the hill again in the future)
• 7: Physical fitness testing is done prior to PEARL and individuals have to “qualify” to participate (PEARL change)
• 8: Two fully certified medical personnel are on site 24/7 during the PEARL. (PEARL change)
• 9: The PEARL clinic is open 24/7 and any participant can visit it any time. (PEARL change)
• 10: The PEARL clinic is open for 12 hours following the end of PEARL for any participants that want to get additional attention after the event is complete. (PEARL change)
• 11: Any participant who participates in PEARL and needs additional observation after participation is kept in a location to be observed following participation. (PEARL change)
  • a:  In 2011 there were 272 participants in PEARL and 4 needed additional observation following participation
• 12: All participants are “medically inspected” during the event. (PEARL change)
• 13: Participants can bring as much food as they want and eat it liberally provided they are eating the food served to them. (Food served to them is nutritious but not always tasty ( this ensures the participants are getting calories and not just eating junk food. This food is NOT food served in the food relay) (Changed in 2009)
• 14: All Fear Factor elements have been banned from ESOAL..
• 15: Participants are given a minimum of four hours of uninterrupted, non facilitated sleep each night in addition to naps during the day. (PEARL change)
• 16: Prior to PEARL the interns view a full documentary of a previous event like PEARL so they are fully aware of what they are optionally participating in. (PEARL change)
• 17: Prior to PEARL participants have a 1-2 hour meeting with the PEARL Director to get tips on how to dress, what to bring for snacks, what type of gear to bring and answers to any questions they have. (PEARL change)
• 18: Parents and pastors are welcome to attend and watch or participate with their young people.
• 19: Parents and home churches are encouraged to send an encouragement video for their young person and these videos are shown during the event. (Started in 2010)
• 20: Participants watch two full-length movies and some documentaries during the event. (Started in 2008)
• 21: Instructors at PEARL are not allowed to be the voice of doubt. They are there to encourage participants with the goal of helping them go as far as they can safely up to completion. (PEARL Change)
  • a: No longer are instructors allowed to say things like:
    • You look like you need to quit
    • You are not going to finish you need to ring the bell
  • b: Sarcasm is discouraged by instructors.
• 22: Instructors are the only ones allowed to “facilitate” interns at PEARL, all other individuals at the event helping with logistics are not allowed to step in an facilitate. (Changed in 2010)
• 23: Instructors are given specific and more intensive training than in the past on the heart and objective of PEARL (PEARL change)
• 24: All Coaches are CPR and First Aid Certified (PEARL change)
• 25: There are “safety observers” roaming around during PEARL watching for potentially unsafe elements, practices or situations that may become unsafe. (PEARL change)
• 26: David Hasz participated in ESOAL (the precursor) to PEARL in 2010 as an intern participant to better understand the event and the experience of an intern.
• 27: No paint balls are used during PEARL . (PEARL change)
• C. Changes specific to Unreached Peoples LTE:
  • 1. Government involvement now basically ends at the boarder when entering the role play. Government is not aggressive or involved aggressively during the event.
  • 2. No camouflage is allowed.