In consideration of my own or my child's participation in camping activities sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Conference, United Church of Christ, and/or held at La Foret or some other agreed upon location:
I understand that there are numerous risks associated with participation in any camping activities, including such risks as hiking, swimming, backpacking, out-camping, wildlife interactions, ropes courses, field games, crafts, and transportation to and from camp activities, and that many, but not all, of these risks are inherent in these and other activities. These risks, which contribute to the unique character and desirability of the activities involved, may pose the possibility of severe injury, illness, or death. I further understand that most of the activities involved in the camping experience at La Foret will take place in an outdoor environment, and that the Rocky Mountain Conference and La Foret staff have taken all reasonable measures to insure the safety and well being of all participants, including, but not limited to:
- Ensuring that any instructors for activities offered at La Foret meet all the regulatory requirements (local, state, federal) for that position or activity.
- Ensuring that all volunteers have been recommended by and approved by their local church and have participated in regularly scheduled RMC staff training events.
- Ensuring that all obvious and known hazards have been removed from the actual camping area and frequented grounds.
- Ensuring that all persons driving participants to and from activities have a valid driver's license.
I also understand that many of the risks inherent in the camping experience cannot be eliminated, altered or controlled. Some, but not all, of the specific risks include:
- Weather conditions may change rapidly and unpredictably and may directly cause injury. Severe weather such as thunderstorms, hail storms, lightning strikes, burning sun, cold temperatures, forest fires, tornadoes, and others may also affect camper safety through the secondary impact of power outages, impaired equipment, and structural damage.
- Equipment used in activities may break, fail or malfunction, despite reasonable maintenance and use, and may inflict injuries, even when used as intended. Persons using equipment may lose control of such equipment and cause injury to themselves and/or others.
- Most activities take place in a natural environment where unexpected, unseen, unknown, and/or unmarked objects and conditions create risk of injury, i.e. tripping, falling, slipping, insect bites, animal contact, unstable surface conditions, falling rocks and objects, potentially harmful vegetation, etc.
Counselors and guides use their best judgment in determining camper's ability to participate in camp activities. However, campers may have unknown conditions which would limit their participation in certain activities or increase camper's risk of injury. It is imperative that parents notify the event staff, in writing via this registration process, of any known limitations.
Motor and vehicle accidents, not the direct fault of directors, counselors, and La Foret staff, may occur in the course of transporting participants to and from other activities.
Some camping activities may have inherent risks, due to the nature of the camping experience, and there may be other risks which cannot be anticipated.
I acknowledge and assume all risks involved in participation in any of these activities and for any damage, illness, injury, or death resulting from such risks, for myself and my child. There are no physical, emotional, or mental problems or limitations associated with mine or my child's participation in camp activities, except as disclosed by me in writing on the medical and behavior pages of this registration.