OUT AND ABOUT FOREST AND NATURE SCHOOL INC:
Informed Consent, Risk Acknowledgment, Medical Authorization, and Policy Agreement
This Agreement is entered into between Out and About Forest and Nature School Inc. (“the Organization”) and the undersigned parent or legal guardian (“the Guardian”) of the minor child identified below (“the Participant”).
By signing this document, the Guardian acknowledges, understands, and agrees to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
1. Assumption of Risk
1.1 The Guardian acknowledges and understands that participation in the Organization’s outdoor programs involves inherent and unavoidable risks, including but not limited to:
Physical injuries from strenuous physical activity, falls, slips, trips, or collisions.
Burns or injuries from matches, open flames, or outdoor cooking.
Exposure to harmful plants, loose natural materials, insects, wildlife, and ticks.
Risks associated with changing or severe weather, including but not limited to lightning, high winds, flooding, extreme heat or cold, and poor air quality.
Actions or negligence of other participants.
1.2 The Guardian acknowledges that minor injuries (such as bruises, scrapes, cuts) are common in outdoor play environments, while serious injuries are rare but possible, and life-threatening injuries or fatalities are extremely rare but cannot be ruled out.
1.3 The Guardian voluntarily assumes all risks associated with participation and understands that these risks cannot be entirely eliminated without compromising the educational nature of the program.
2. Acknowledgment of Outdoor Conditions
2.1 The Guardian understands and accepts that the Organization operates entirely outdoors and, at present, does not maintain enclosed shelters at program sites.
2.2 Programming will continue in most weather conditions, subject to educator discretion, with activities adapted for safety. In the event of inclement or unsafe conditions, including but not limited to thunderstorms, high winds, extreme temperatures, air quality advisories, or hazardous terrain, the Organization may cancel, shorten, relocate, or otherwise modify programming.
2.3 The Guardian acknowledges and agrees that:
No refunds will be issued for cancellations or modifications due to weather.
Weather is an inherent element of the outdoor learning experience.
Participants may be exposed to wet, muddy, or otherwise uncomfortable conditions as part of normal programming.
3. Consent to Program Policies
3.1 The Guardian affirms they have read and understood the Out and About Forest and Nature School Program Handbook, and agrees that the Participant will be bound by all rules, safety procedures, and policies therein.
3.2 The Guardian acknowledges that failure to comply with safety rules, staff instructions, or program guidelines may result in removal from the program without refund.
4. Medical Authorization
4.1 In the event of an accident, illness, or other emergency requiring immediate medical attention, the Guardian hereby authorizes the Organization and its representatives to:
Provide emergency first aid;
Obtain medical treatment from a licensed healthcare provider;
Authorize x-rays, examinations, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis, and treatment, as deemed necessary by an attending physician.
4.2 The Guardian acknowledges that reasonable efforts will be made to contact them prior to such treatment, but authorizes such treatment without prior notice if delay would risk the Participant’s life, limb, or long-term health.
4.3 The Guardian agrees to be financially responsible for any medical treatment and related expenses incurred.
5. Release, Waiver, Indemnity, and Hold Harmless Agreement
5.1 In consideration for the Participant’s involvement in the program, the Guardian, on behalf of themselves, the Participant, and their respective heirs, executors, and assigns, releases and forever discharges the Organization, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and landowners from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, or liability arising out of or in connection with participation in the program, except where caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Organization.
5.2 The Guardian agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Organization, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and landowners from any loss, liability, damage, or cost that may be incurred as a result of the Participant’s participation.
6. Acknowledgment of Understanding
By signing below, the Guardian affirms that they have read and fully understood this document, including the risks associated with the program, the absence of permanent shelter, the weather-related policies, the medical authorization, and the release of liability provisions.
The Guardian acknowledges that they are signing this agreement voluntarily, without coercion, and with the intent to be legally bound.