Acknowledgement of Risks
In consideration of my own, my children's, or my family group's participation in activities sponsored by La Foret Conference and Retreat Center:
I understand that there are numerous risks associated with participation in any outdoor 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 program experience at La Foret will take place in an outdoor environment, and that La Foret staff have taken all reasonable measures to insure the safety and well being of all participants, including, but not limited to:
- insuring that any instructors for activities offered at La Foret meet all the regulatory requirements (local, state, federal) for that position or activity.
- insuring that all obvious and known hazards have been removed from the actual program area and frequented grounds.
I also understand that many of the risks inherent in the program 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 participant 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.
- Facilitators use their best judgment in determining participant's ability to participate in camp activities. However, participants may have unknown conditions which would limit their participation in certain activities or increase participant's risk of injury. It is imperative that participants and/or parents notify the event staff, in writing via this registration process, of any known limitations.
Facilitators use their best judgment in determining participant's ability to participate in camp activities. However, participants may have unknown conditions which would limit their participation in certain activities or increase participant's risk of injury. It is imperative that participants and/or parents notify the event staff, in writing via this registration process, of any known limitations.
Motor and vehicle accidents, not the direct fault of facilitators and La Foret staff, may occur in the course of transporting participants to and from other activities.
Some activities may have inherent risks, due to the nature of the experience, and there may be other risks which cannot be anticipated.