Fist fighting is being replaced by gun fighting and by other more deadly weapons. Very often, a youth will tell someone before he or she commits an act of violence. Because a youth never acted violently before, people don't take the threat seriously. Reports of weapons on site or in a vehicle should be investigated respectfully. All items appearing to be weapons should be immediately confiscated.
Weapons are much more readily accessible than they used to be.
It is possible that they are present, even when you can't imagine why someone would bring a weapon to a Christian camp or retreat experience. Violence is a spiritual matter, and it should be handled lovingly with both the individual and the community in mind. Reacting to anger with anger fuels the fire. It should be made clear in initial orientations that weapons and violence are not permitted and will not be tolerated. Our faith formation and Christian teaching encourage us to include lessons about non-violence as a way of life.