Registration

Mental Health

Please be thorough by selecting any of the following behaviors that the participant has had in the past, or may now be exhibiting.

PLEASE NOTE: Outside Perspectives works with every family to make expeditions accessible. Outside Perspectives will not exclude a participant based on mental health condition(s) or behavioral history unless the youth’s safety and well-being, or the safety of others, cannot be reasonably maintained or managed in all conditions and circumstances. The following information is primarily used to support the participant while on the expedition. Removing barriers and getting youth outdoors is part of Outside Perspectives mission.

Expedition Information and Consent to Participate

Outside Perspectives conducts physically demanding courses which may include running, playing games, hiking with a backpack, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, backcountry camping, and participating in activities during inclement weather. These activities carry inherent risks, including the possibility of personal injury. Participants must be physically and emotionally prepared for the demands of the experience. Instructors will provide safety protocols and coaching before each activity. While challenging, programs are designed so that individuals with typical physical and mental abilities can participate successfully.

Expedition participants take part in backcountry experiences that include hiking with backpacks, overnight camping, and may also include canoeing or rock climbing. Participants sleep in solo tents with sleeping bags (not cabins) and may carry 30–50 pound packs for extended periods, hiking an average of five miles per day. Expeditions take place in remote wilderness areas and in all types of weather—including rain, heat, cold, wind, and storms. Despite safety precautions, participants may be exposed to insects, animals, and environmental hazards such as tick- or mosquito-borne illnesses (e.g., Lyme disease, Giardia).

Because of the remote locations and physical nature of the program, it is essential that participants fully disclose all relevant physical and mental health information—including medications and dietary needs—on the required medical forms. Withholding information may affect the safety of the individual and the group. Outside Perspectives will not exclude a participant for medical reasons unless their participation presents an unmanageable risk or burden to the group, the individual, or staff. Removing barriers to the outdoors is central to our mission.

Electronics Policy
To support connection, presence, and safety, personal electronics—including cell phones—are not permitted on expeditions. Staff will carry communication devices for emergency use and can coordinate with families if necessary. Participants will not be reachable by phone during the program, except in the event of an emergency.

Participant Agreement & Behavior Policy
Participants must review and agree to the rules outlined in the Participant Agreement, which will be shared before the expedition and is available on the Outside Perspectives website. Our staff are trained to address behavioral concerns using supportive intervention strategies and prioritize helping youth stay engaged. However, in rare cases where a participant’s behavior creates an ongoing safety risk—to themselves, others, or the overall well-being of the group—they may be removed from the program.

Early Departures
While Outside Perspectives is committed to supporting every participant’s success, there are rare situations when a youth may need to leave an expedition early due to illness, injury, or behavioral concerns as outlined above. In such cases, the parent or guardian will be responsible for arranging prompt transportation, which may require traveling to a remote field location to pick up their youth. Please note that no refunds will be issued for early departures, regardless of the reason.

PLEASE NOTE: Instructors are certified as Wilderness First Responders. Conservative judgment is used with the treatment of any participant's sickness or injury. Administration of internal and external over-the-counter medications occurs only when other means to manage the situation have failed to produce the intended results. What we carry in our first aid kit... Topical: Alcohol Pads, Hydrogen Peroxide, Anti-itch Cream, Poison Ivy Cream (non-steroid), Insect Repellent, Sunscreen, First Aid Ointment. Internal: Antacid tablets, Throat Lozenges, Ibuprofen (Motrin), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

PLEASE NOTE: Prescription Medications cannot be administered without 1) a physical copy of a Doctor’s Order 2) original prescription container 3) the original prescription label on the original container. Both doctor’s orders and prescription container(s) must include the patient’s name, medication name, dosage, time of administration, and how it should be administered. Please send doctors' orders to Liza@outsideperspectives.org before the start of the course.

Electronic Signature

By signing your name below you are confirming that the above information is true to the best of your knowledge and that your youth can participate in the course or expedition. Once signed and submitted, this form is valid until the end of the calendar year.