Science Literary Project

PARTICIPANT ENROLLMENT & WAIVER

IMPORTANT: Please read this entire document carefully before signing. This constitutes a legally binding agreement under Illinois law.
This disclosure applies to participation in the Citizen Scientists: Into the Wild summer camp program operated by Science Literacy Project. The program involves outdoor scientific exploration including hiking, field observation, specimen collection, and environmental data recording in natural forest preserve areas.

In the event of injury or illness during camp activities, I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian, authorize camp staff to:

• Administer basic first aid on-site (wound care, bandaging, ice packs, etc.)
• Call 911 or emergency medical services if the situation warrants immediate professional attention
• Seek emergency medical treatment at the nearest appropriate medical facility if I or my designated emergency contacts cannot be reached in a timely manner
• Provide emergency personnel with the medical information on file for my child

I understand that every reasonable effort will be made to contact me or my designated emergency contacts before seeking emergency care. I agree to be financially responsible for any emergency medical expenses incurred on behalf of my child.

I understand that camp staff are NOT authorized to administer prescription or over-the-counter medication unless a separate written Medication Administration Agreement is completed, signed, and submitted prior to the first day of camp.

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Science Literary Project

Citizen Scientists: Into the Wild

PARTICIPANT ENROLLMENT &
WAIVER

I understand and acknowledge that participation in the Citizen Scientists: Into the Wild program involves outdoor activities that carry inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Hiking and walking on uneven, slippery, or unpaved terrain
• Exposure to insects including ticks, mosquitoes, bees, and wasps
• Exposure to plants that may cause allergic reactions, including poison ivy and wild parsnip
• Contact with wildlife or wildlife habitats
• Exposure to variable outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, sun, and rain
• Participation in hands-on scientific data collection activities

I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my child's participation in these activities, whether or not such risks are described above.

In consideration of my child's participation in the program, I agree, on behalf of myself, my child, and our heirs, executors, and legal representatives, to release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless Science Literacy Project, and its owners, officers, directors, employees, instructors, volunteers, and agents (collectively, "Released Parties") from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, or expenses of any nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, arising out of or related to my child's participation in the program.

This release and indemnification do not apply to claims arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Released Parties.

I acknowledge that this waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Illinois and agree that if any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full legal force.

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Science Literary Project

Citizen Scientists: Into the Wild

PARTICIPANT ENROLLMENT &
WAIVER

I agree to prepare my child appropriately for the outdoor environment by ensuring they arrive each day with:

• Closed-toe, sturdy shoes appropriate for hiking
• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
• Sunscreen applied before arrival; additional sunscreen for reapplication
• Insect repellent (DEET or equivalent recommended for field environments)
• Refillable water bottle
• Any personal medications, including EpiPen or inhaler, if applicable
• Awareness that ticks are present in the program's natural area environment; I agree to perform a tick check on my child following each camp day.

For the safety of all campers, children will ONLY be released to individuals listed on the registration form as authorized for pickup. Photo ID will be required at pickup. If you need to add or remove individuals during the program, you must submit a written request to camp staff in advance.
If there are any legal restrictions or custody orders affecting who may pick up your child, you must notify camp staff in writing and provide a copy of the relevant court order before the first day of camp. Science Literacy Project is not responsible for enforcing custody arrangements of which it has not been formally notified.

I understand and agree to the following:

• I will ensure my child arrives on time and is picked up promptly at the designated time and location.
• Early drop-off and late pickup are not available unless separately arranged and confirmed in writing with camp staff.
• Cell phones and personal devices are permitted for science data collection purposes only. Recreational use during camp hours is not permitted.
• My child's spot is confirmed only upon receipt of full payment.

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Science Literary Project

Cancellations must be submitted in writing (email is acceptable) at least 24 hours before the scheduled program day. Cancellations made with at least 24 hours' notice will receive a full credit toward a future session. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the program day, or same-day no-shows, are not eligible for a refund but will receive a credit toward a future session, except in cases of documented medical emergency which will be considered for a full refund. Science Literacy Project reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a session due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances; in such cases, a full credit or refund will be issued.

All participants are expected to engage respectfully and safely with peers, staff, and the natural environment. Science Literacy Project reserves the right to dismiss any participant without refund whose behavior is determined to be unsafe, physically or verbally harmful to others, seriously disruptive to the program, or in repeated violation of camp rules. In cases of dismissal, the parent/guardian will be contacted and required to arrange immediate pickup.

Photos and video recordings may be taken during camp activities and used by Science Literacy Project for educational, promotional, or social media purposes, including on the organization's website, printed materials, and fundraising content. No images will be sold to third parties.

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Science Literary Project

Citizen Scientists: Into the Wild

This Agreement, including all disclosures, waivers, consents, and authorizations contained herein, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be resolved in the appropriate courts of the State of Illinois.

By signing below, I confirm that I am the legal parent or guardian of the enrolled camper with full authority to enter into this agreement, that I have read and understood this entire document, and that I voluntarily agree to all terms, waivers, policies, and consents contained herein.

I understand this is a legally binding document under Illinois law and that I am signing it freely and voluntarily.

Thank you for trusting us with your child. We look forward to an amazing summer!
Science Literacy Project

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