Three conservative Christian families founded HOTR. From its inception, HOTR has been and is a conservative group, both in Christian belief and in our standard of acceptable behavior. Over the years, membership in HOTR has increased to over 250 families, and our member families subscribe to many different doctrines. While we understand that families have their own doctrines and standards for acceptable behavior, HOTR maintains its conservative standard. By joining HOTR, your family agrees to abide by HOTR’s standards of conduct at all times. You also agree that, if your family’s beliefs or behaviors cause problems within the group, you will leave the group.

STANDARD OF CONDUCT

1. The discipline of the child is the parents’ responsibility. Any problem behavior that occurs outside the parent’s presence should be corrected by the witnessing adult and then be brought to the parent’s attention immediately by the witnessing adult.
2. Children are to be respectful of all adults, and are expected cheerfully to obey an adult’s instruction.
3. Children should address adults by their title + surname (e.g., Mrs. Jones) unless permission is given to do otherwise.
4. Children are expected to be kind to one another in word and action. Unkind language or actions will not be tolerated. Physical violence is grounds for immediate dismissal from HOTR.
5. All persons (child & adult) are expected to dress in a conservative fashion. While ladies and girls may wear pants or shorts, we request that these be modest and conservative in length and fit. Dresses and skirts, also, should be modest and conservative in style and length. Males also are expected to wear clothes modest and conservative in both fit and style. Shirts with messages must be inoffensive to a Christian community. Tank tops or form-fitting shirts that would be considered immodest by most Christians are unacceptable for either males or females.
6. HOTR does not permit boyfriend/girlfriend dating relationships at any group function. Parents who permit such activities should request that their teens not discuss these relationships at HOTR events.
7. Teens are expected to refrain from any behaviors (such as hugging, hand-holding, excessive touching, etc.) that may be considered flirtatious or immodest.
8. All member families have signed our Statement of Faith and are confessing Christians; therefore, members are to respect doctrinal differences within the group and to refrain from proselytizing.
9. Families are expected to respect the time and rights of others by being prompt and following through on commitments.

HANDLING OFFENSES

Because we all are imperfect, there will be occasions when our actions or our children’s actions offend a fellow member. When this occurs, the offended member is requested to follow the guidelines provided by Matthew 18: 15-17 to resolve the issue.

1. "If a brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you." (Matthew 18:15). When an offense occurs, FIRST go to the adult or the child’s parent and discuss it privately.
2. "But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." (Matthew 18:16). If a matter is not resolved privately, next ask one or two others to help you talk to the other parent. These others might be mutual friends or the leader of the event at which the offense occurred.
3. "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church;" (Matthew 18:17A). If after you have followed the steps above, the problem is unresolved, then the matter should be brought to the attention of the Executive Board.
4. An offense between member families is never an appropriate topic for gossip and rumor. Please do not participate in such behavior.
5. "If he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." (Matthew 18:17B). The Executive Board of HOTR reserves the right to terminate a family’s membership in HOTR if the family’s actions are causing harm to HOTR as solely determined by the Executive Board, or if their behavior contravenes our Standard of Conduct outlined above.

SPECIAL-NEEDS CHILDREN

Parents with children who have special challenges in self-control face a difficult task in training the children in appropriate behavior, and they are to be encouraged and commended in their efforts by the other parents in HOTR. Nevertheless, their children too are expected to meet the Standard of Conduct that has been established for our children.