Family Safety at GC Session: Extending the Spirit of Safety Sabbath

Earlier this year, churches across North America participated in Safety Sabbath by conducting a Missing Child Drill—an intentional effort to prepare for the unthinkable. That same commitment to preparation continues at the 2025 GC Session, especially for families bringing children to this global event.

Thousands of people. A massive convention center. A packed daily schedule. It’s easy for a child to get separated from their group. That’s why Adventist Risk Management, Inc. (ARM), alongside our Risk Control Specialists, offers practical guidance to help families turn awareness into action.

Safety Starts Before You Arrive

• Talk through the plan: Explain what to do if separated. Choose a clear meeting point both inside and outside the venue.
• Take a daily photo: This provides an accurate description if needed.
• Use ID tools: Consider wristbands or safe labels with contact info.
• Pre-register for Children’s Ministries: Complete the KidCheck system and review official children’s programming at https://children.adventist.org/kidcheck.

Teach and Empower Your Kids

• Help them memorize your phone number and correct spelling of your name.
• Point out safe adults—staff, volunteers, or anyone in a uniform or official badge.
• Visit the venue together to show them where to go if they get lost (e.g., lost and found, first aid, ARM booth).
• Practice what to say: “I’m lost. Can you help me find my parent?”

Stay Together in Crowds

• Dress your group in bright or matching shirts.
• Use the buddy system, even for older kids.
• Assign zones and regroup at regular intervals.
• Avoid wandering the city alone, especially after dark.

What to Do if Something Happens

• Alert staff or security immediately.
• Identify uniforms and safety officials in advance.
• Stay calm and follow the plan you practiced.
• In case of an evacuation or cell line overload, have pre-set meeting spots (e.g., hotel lobby, restaurant, identifiable landmark).

Health and Environmental Awareness

• Stay hydrated and take breaks. Large venues require a lot of walking.
• Wash hands regularly and use 60%+ alcohol sanitizer.
• Get rest, and if anyone feels sick, stay in your hotel room.

Stop by the ARM Booth

Families attending GC Session can stop by the ARM booth in the Equipping Neighborhood to:

• Take a daily photo with your child as a safety tool (and share with #ChurchFamilySafeARM)
• Speak with ARM staff about developing a plan tailored to your family’s needs

Just like ARM’s Safety Sabbath helps churches prepare for emergencies, this is your opportunity to do the same for your family. As Risk Control Specialist Brian Schwab reminds us: “This is a wonderful event for families to experience their world-wide church in action—but preparation is key.”