The safety of Applegrove Nature School students is our top priority. During nature school, the educator’s role is to make sure the group is physically safe and comfortable. We also assess the overall safety of the site and the risk management required for specific activities.
In consideration of the services of Applegrove Nature School, their agents, owners, officers, volunteers, participants, employees, and all other persons or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf, I (Parent/Guardian of Student) hereby agree to release, indemnify, and discharge Applegrove Nature School, on behalf of myself, my children, my parents, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate as follows:
1. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
I acknowledge that participation in an outdoor nature program involves known and unknown risks, including but not limited to minor injuries such as cuts, bruises and scrapes, insect bites and stings, and the possibility of serious injury or death. I understand these risks and voluntarily choose to allow my child to participate despite them. I agree to accept and assume the risks associated with participation in the program.
2. RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS
I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold Applegrove Nature School from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with my and my children’s participation in this activity or my use of Applegrove Nature School’s equipment or facilities or facilities which they use or rent, including any such claims which allege negligent acts or omissions of Applegrove Nature School or any persons acting on their behalf.
3. INDEMNITY
Should Applegrove Nature School or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I or my children may cause or suffer while participating, or else I agree to bear the costs of such injury or damage myself. I further certify that I am willing to assume the risk of any medical or physical condition I or my children may have
4. MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Parents/guardians are responsible for informing Applegrove Nature School of any medical conditions, allergies, medications, physical limitations or other needs that may affect their child's participation or require attention during the program. All information provided will be kept confidential and used only as necessary to support the child's safety and well-being.
5. FIRST AID
I authorize Applegrove Nature School to administer first aid to my child when reasonably necessary and, in the event of an emergency, to contact emergency services and arrange for my child to be transported to a medical facility for treatment.
6. BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
At Applegrove Nature School, we take a proactive and positive approach to behaviour, with clear expectations, appropriate support and consideration for each child’s developmental needs. We recognize that children can experience heightened emotions and big feelings, and we will do our best to help children work through these situations safely and respectfully. When behaviour presents an immediate safety concern, we will intervene immediately; otherwise, we will provide support, guidance and opportunities for the child to regain control and participate positively. If behaviour continues to be unsafe or does not improve with support, parents/guardians will be contacted and asked to arrange immediate pickup.. Applegrove Nature School reserves the right to end a child’s participation in the program if it is determined that the program is not a good fit.
7. COMMUNICATION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Applegrove Nature School values open, respectful and timely communication with families. Email is our primary method of communication, while phone calls will be used for emergencies, cancellations or other time-sensitive situations. Parents/guardians are asked to notify us of absences, lateness or communicable illness and to bring any questions or concerns directly to an educator so they can be addressed promptly and respectfully. Concerns involving another child, caregiver or family should be brought to an educator rather than addressed directly with the other person or discussed within the wider community. We will listen to those involved, help resolve concerns where possible, and work toward maintaining a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.
8. DATA STORAGE AND PRIVACY CONSENT
By signing this waiver, I acknowledge and understand that Applegrove Nature School may use third-party services for data storage and administrative purposes. As a result, some of my and my child’s personal information may be stored on servers located outside of Canada. While Applegrove Nature School takes reasonable steps to ensure data security, privacy laws in other countries may differ from those in Canada. I consent to the storage and handling of my data under these conditions.