Regarding the Facility 

• Students will respect all Samoset property, grounds, etc.
• Parents will be financially responsible for damage to the property, or grounds, whether accidental or intentional, caused by their student.
• Students are not to run or have disruptive behavior.
• Chewing gum is not permitted.
• Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited from the property.

Regarding Relationships 

• Students will refrain from vulgar language, coarse jesting, demeaning comments, practical jokes, insults, name-calling, etc., In essence, anything that may cause hurt or offense to another guest is not acceptable. Behavior that could physically or emotionally harm another student, a chaperone, or a venue employee will not be tolerated.
• Inappropriate behavior must be reported in a timely manner to a chaperone.
• When talking, students will use an appropriate conversational tone and refrain from yelling.
• Students will refrain from rough physical contact such as hitting, punching, tripping, wrestling, etc.
• Students attending as dates may hold hands.  Any other public displays of affection are inappropriate in this setting.
• This is a formal social event which requires the undivided and polite attention of all guests. Therefore, cell phone use (talking, texting, etc.) should be limited accordingly.

Parent Availability

A parent will check-in the student to the event and remain on the premises during the event. Parents are encouraged to socialize with other homeschoolers in the resort's comfortable lounge areas, relax by the fireplace, enjoy the restaurants, or make use of other resort amenities if overnight accommodations have been made. In event that the student becomes ill or is asked to leave because he or she is unable or unwilling to participate in the formal, a parent will be available to immediately take the student home. 

Photography Permission

Candid photos of the event will be taken by the photographer and the organizers. By registering for the event, parents grant permission for these photos to posted on the photographer’s website. Organizers of the event may also use candid photos for the purpose of promoting the event. Parents and students grant permission for their images to be used for this purpose.

Photographer’s Copyright

All professional photographs made at the formal are copyrighted by the photographer. It is illegal to copy and share them on social media without purchase or permission.

Dress

Ladies are required to dress in a modest, tasteful fashion as specified below: 

• No plunging necklines.
• No bare or sheer backs below a normal bra-line.
• Dresses must cover the knee. Similarly, a long dress may not have a slit that extends above the knee.
• No front, side, or back cut-outs or sheer panels. 
• Strapless gowns are permitted as long they stay in place.
• Two-piece gowns are permitted as long as your midriff does not show. 
• No slip dresses. 
• No long trains that will drag on the floor.
• Appropriate undergarments must be worn and must not show.

Gentlemen are encouraged to wear formal attire (tuxedos), but if this is cost prohibitive, a suit is perfectly acceptable!

If you are unsure whether your attire is appropriate or you are in need of attire due to financial insecurity, please contact HOME. Students who do not adhere to the dress code will be asked to modify their outfit or leave the event.

Dance Cards

Students agree to follow their dance card. They may not skip assigned dances or trade partners. Students understand there are several free dances where they may dance with the partner of their choice.

Prohibited Items

Personal electronic musical devices, electronic games, and any and all weapons, alcohol or drugs are prohibited.

No Re-entry

Students will not be permitted to leave the premises and return to the formal once they are checked in. 

Ability to Comply

Parents declare that their student is not subject to any medical, mental or emotional condition or disability or legal issue which would affect his/her ability to agree to and comply with the code of conduct.

Breach of Contract

Any failure to abide by this code of conduct, whether witnessed by an adult or reported by a fellow student, may result in a student being asked to leave the formal. This is considered a breach of contract requiring a parent to take the student home.

Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event will the Homeschoolers of Maine and/or Camden Ballet Theatre Spring Formal or its volunteers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, exemplary or consequential damages of any type including but not limited to, physical injuries to an attendee, mental injury to an attendee, financial losses of an attendee, or other claims, whether arising in tort (including negligence), contract or any other legal theory, even if the organizers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. 

Q: “Can I invite a friend who is not homeschooled?”

Our first priority is always the homeschooling community.  Non-homeschooled students must be invited guests. Please reach out if you would like to invite a friend who is not homeschooled. 

Q. "I am unable to afford formal attire and/or the registration fee for my student. Are scholarships available?"

Yes! We can help to accommodate a student in need. Please reach to HOME for some assistance. 

Q: “What is a dance card, and why do you use it?”

There are three reasons dance cards are used.

1. Dance cards ensure that each student meets new people at the formal. Dance cards are used to help guys and girls be more comfortable on the night of the formal. Guys are free from the fear of rejection when asking girls to dance, and girls are free from the worry that they might not get asked.

2. Dance cards help to ensure that dancing is the primary focus of the evening. Everyone will be participating throughout the entire night. This makes the formal fun and memorable for everyone in attendance.

3. Dance partners are assigned on the card, and students are required to dance with their assigned partner. Even if you don’t like the person, you can be a gentleman or a lady and graciously give three minutes of your time to help someone else have a nice evening. There will also be unassigned dances where you may choose your own partner, take a break to get a drink of water, or just get off your feet and watch.

Q: “Is there a policy about bringing a date to the formal?”

First, please know that the formal is structured in such a way that bringing a date is not necessary for having a fun evening full of partnered dancing. You will have multiple opportunities to ask a certain person to dance, even if he or she does not appear on your dance card. 

That being said, students who will be 16 years old or older at the time of the event are permitted to register as dates. However, please remember that students with dates will still receive dance cards and are required to dance with all their assigned partners on the designated dances. 

Parents are required during registration to give permission for their student to attend as a date. Parents of both students must give their approval in order for a couple to attend as dates.  The parent must register the student.

Q: “When do I check-in at the event, and what do I need?”

Check-in begins at 6:00pm and lasts until 6:30pm, We recommend arriving early to allow plenty of time for mingling and pictures with friends in the Samoset Lobby between 5:00 and 6:00pm. 

Q: “What if I have a problem or question during the event?”

The chaperones are well equipped to assist when any need arises. 

Q: “How to I purchase pictures taken by the photographer?”

The photographer will provide information about how to order photographs. 

Q: “Can I take pictures of my son/daughter at the event?”

Yes! Plan to arrive early with your student before the event begins. We kindly ask that all parents who are not chaperones leave before the event starts. No parents are allowed on the ballroom floor. 

Reach out to HOME at homeschoolmaine@gmail.com.