Leader Role

The youth we work with are encouraged in their faith by connecting with others who also believe. They desire healthy relationships with adults who are leading them closer to Jesus and who desire to walk alongside them in that process. This type of presence-centered relational ministry requires time spent together. Youth events are an opportunity for young people and adult leaders to have a shared encounter with Jesus. In volunteering as a leader for a Diocesan youth event, you understand that it is this type of relational ministry that you are being called to with the young people attending the event.

As a leader I.....

• Am a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Have a personal relationship with Jesus, with the desire to share how this relationship with Him has impacted their life.
• Adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Demonstrate reasonable mental and emotional stability.
• Am physically able to be involved in both rigorous and sedentary activities.
• Participate in or actively supports youth ministry/religious education within my parish.
• (Preferred) Am currently living within the Diocese of Grand Island and am involved in my parish.
• Am fully compliant with Diocesan policies including safe environment/child protection requirements. NOTE: Safe environment training must be completed every 5 years.
• Demonstrate appropriate boundaries in my relationships.

NOTE: Due to the nature of this type of ministry, it is important that the leaders chosen understand their role and responsibility as missionary disciples. We ask all new applicants to participate in an interview with the Director of these programs before a final decision on camp leaders will be made.

I hereby grant the Diocese of Grand Island, their staff, and volunteers permission to transport me in an emergency to a medical or healthcare facility for immediate treatment and/or consultation, if deemed necessary.  I give authorization to the attending physician, dentist, or medical personnel for any required immediate treatment at the time of the emergency.  I agree to be financially responsible for any and all medical expenses and/or treatment costs and all related services provided and I release the Diocese of Grand Island, their staff, and volunteers from any liability.

I authorize the release of information to my insurance company and family physician.

I understand that this event is sponsored by the Diocese of Grand Island.  I accept full responsibility for any legal or financial consequences which may result from any personal actions (ie. damage to property or other participants/staff/volunteers) taken by me and I agree to hold the Diocese of Grand Island, their staff, and volunteers harmless with respect to any actions or claims that may be made in connection with my personal actions. I also grant permission to the Diocese of Grand Island, their staff and volunteers to use photos and videos of me for publicity/marketing purposes.

Code of Conduct

To accomplish the purpose of Higher Ground Retreats everyone at the retreat must agree to a “Code of Conduct.”  These guidelines are necessary to make the event enjoyable for all and to avoid unnecessary problems. Staff/ volunteers have a responsibility to themselves and others to follow these guidelines:

• Be Respectful and Safe. We expect to create an environment of safety and trust. The use of our bodies, language, and humor must always honor the dignity of every person. If you jeopardize the physical or emotional safety of yourself or the group, you will be asked to leave the event immediately at your own expense.
• Be Responsible and Honest. Staff/volunteers are expected to be present at all activities on time and participate fully. Established guidelines will be observed at all times. We need to take care of the building and grounds.  Any damage is to be reported immediately and involved persons are financially accountable. Emergencies that involve the health and well-being of people and/or property must be reported to the Diocesan Director or event leader immediately.
• The use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or other illegal/harmful substances is not permitted.  If you use these materials, you will be asked to leave the event immediately. Proper authorities will be notified.
• Observe appropriate boundaries. Males and females are housed in separate rooms. One of our goals is to relate with everyone present; therefore, during the week exclusive relationships are discouraged. If you engage in activities contrary to these guidelines or any activities that jeopardize your safety or the safety of the group, you choose to be removed from the event. 
• The following dress code must also be followed by all those participating in the diocesan sponsored event.

Dress Code 

In order to promote a safe, healthy and positive community experience the following dress code must be followed by all Male & Female Participants and Adult Leaders. Clothing should be modest and appropriate to a youth retreat/conference setting. Clothing should not present messages contrary to the values of a Catholic retreat.

• All attire should be sized to fit without exposing undergarments, buttocks, stomachs or cleavage. 
• Shorts and skirts must be at least fingertip length when arms are resting at sides.
• Shirts must be long enough to naturally touch the top of the lower garment, with arms raised. Shirts must cover the shoulder. No spaghetti straps, tank tops, and halter tops or transparent/mesh clothing or shirts with revealing necklines or armholes.
• No yoga pants or form fitting leggings.
• No clothing or accessories that promote drugs, alcohol or tobacco either by brand or message.No clothing or accessories with sexually suggestive language, promote violence, criminal activity, or intimidation/intolerance of others in regards to religion, ethnicity, gender or lifestyle.
• Modest swimwear appropriate for a Catholic retreat setting. No speedos or bikinis.

I understand and accept the guidelines and policies stated in this Code of Conduct. I will accept the consequences should I choose to violate the code. I agree to follow any disciplinary actions if I choose to behave in a manner that the director judges to be a serious violation of this code and is contrary to the mission of Higher Ground.

Trail Ride Release Fort Robinson State Park

By signing my name at the bottom of the Release, I agree that, for and in consideration of the opportunity to ride a horse provided by this state park, I agree to pay for such ride and further agree as follows:

• That I know and understand that this horse riding activity involves specific risks of property damage or personal injury to me or to my minor children arising from approaching, handling, mounting, riding, and dismounting the horse, irrespective of its training and usual past behavior and characteristics, may act or react unpredictably at times based on instinct or flight which likewise, is an inherent risk assumed by a horseback rider. 
• That I hereby release and forever discharge the State of Nebraska, its agents, and employees from all present and future claims arising from personal injury or property damage sustained by me or my minor children during the use of the horse, and I shall assume all risk related to horseback riding. 
• That I waive my right to file and promise not to file any legal proceedings against the State of Nebraska, its agents, or employees for any personal injury or property damage sustained by me or my minor children during this activity: and I shall pay all cost and attorney's fee from any legal proceeding which I may bring contrary to this agreement and which is resolved in favor of the State of Nebraska, its agents, or employees. 
• That I sign the Release Agreement for and in consideration of the agreed price, and I hereby request the State of Nebraska, its agents, or employees to choose for me and for my minor children a horse for the purpose of riding same, knowing that the State of Nebraska, its agents, or employees are relying upon this Release Agreement and the information, that have given them concerning my experience and that of my minor children with horses, including the potential hazards involved. 
• That I have read the foregoing release and sign it freely with knowledge of its meaning and content.

Mountain Mania Rental Agreement (Tube & Kayak) Fort Robinson State Park

THIS IS A LIABILITY RELEASE AGREEMENT

Please read carefully before signing

1. I accept for use as in the equipment listed on this form and accept full responsibility for the care of the equipment while it is in my possession.
2. I will be responsible for the replacement at full retail value of any equipment rented under this form, but not returned to Fort Robinson State Park rental office. 
3. I agree to hold and indemnify Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Fort Robinson State Park, Mountain Mania, agents, and employees, as well as the manufacturer and distributors of this equipment, for any loss or damage, including any that results from claims for personal injury, death or property damage related to the use of this equipment.
4. I agree to return all rented equipment by the agreed date in clean condition to avoid additional charges. 
5. I understand that there are inherent and other risks involved in the activity of tubing and kayaking for which this equipment is to be used, that injuries are a common and ordinary occurrence of this activity, and I freely and voluntarily assume those risks. 
6. I hereby release from any legal liability Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Fort Robinson State Park, Mountain Mania, agents, and employees, as well as the manufacturers and distributors from any and all liability, negligence, breach of warranty, contract, claim or product defect, or other legal theory, accepting myself, the full responsibility for any and all such damages or injury which may result.
7. All instructions on the use of my rental equipment have been made clear to me, and I understand the functions of my equipment. 
8. I will be responsible for all on my own actions. If I am not following the designated rules and regulations of the park, I may be subject to punishment and fines.

This agreement is non-negotiable.
I, {participantName}, have read and understand the rental and liability release agreement above.