Event Policies

This event takes place outdoors and typically proceeds in a range of weather conditions, including light rain or light snow. Dr. Stephanie Grunewald and/or Ancorio, LLC (hereinafter, the “Event Organizer”) reserves the sole and absolute right to determine whether weather, trail, or site conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, in its discretion,  and the experience may, without liability or obligation, be modified, shortened, rescheduled, relocated, or canceled. 

The Event Organizer assumes no responsibility or liability for any weather-related or environmental conditions or for any impacts such conditions may have on participants or the event.

Participants are solely responsible for dressing for the forecast and changing conditions, monitoring weather conditions, and checking their email and text messages for updates or instructions. Participation is at the participant’s own risk.

Cancellation, reschedule, refund and transfer policy
Registration is final and nonrefundable under all circumstances, except as stated here. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot, at the Event Organizer’s sole discretion, to another person or to a future event subject to any conditions, deadlines, or fees established by the Event Organizer.  All transfers are final. 

If the Event Organizer cancels an event for any reason, including but not limited to weather, safety concerns, or circumstances beyond the Event Organizer’s control, the Event Organizer may, at its sole discretion, offer a rescheduled date, credit, or transfer option.  Refunds, if any, will be issued only at the Event Organizer’s sole discretion and are not guaranteed.

No-show policy
No-shows forfeit all amounts paid, are strictly nonrefundable, and are not eligible for transfer, credit, or rescheduling for any reason after the scheduled event start time. 

Accessibility and suitability
This experience includes activities such as slow, gentle walking on natural terrain and may involve uneven ground, standing, sitting, and being outdoors in changing weather conditions. Participants are solely responsible for determining, prior to participation, whether this experience is appropriate and/or suitable for their physical condition, abilities, and any medical or other considerations. 

I acknowledge that I am responsible for assessing my own physical condition and preparedness for participation, including appropriate clothing, footwear, hydration, and management of any personal medical conditions.

The Event Organizer makes no representations or warranties regarding the suitability or safety of the experience for any individual participant, and participation is at each participant’s own risk.

Participant Agreement

This guided nature immersion experience (hereinafter referred to as the “Activity”) may include slow walking on natural terrain; standing, sitting, or lying on the ground or on provided seating; guided sensory and NatureCueTM invitations; periods of silence; optional group sharing; and travel within parks, trails, wooded areas, or other outdoor natural settings. 

1. Adult representation and voluntary participation. I represent that I am at least 18 years old and am voluntarily choosing to participate. I understand that participation is optional and that I may decline any invitation, pause, or stop my participation at any time.

2. Acknowledgment of risks. I understand that participation in outdoor activities, including this guided forest bathing experience, involves inherent and unpredictable risks. These risks include, but are not limited to: uneven or unstable terrain; mud, roots, rocks, holes, and natural obstacles; low-hanging or falling branches; slips, trips, and falls; exposure to insects, ticks, and other pests; contact with plants, including those that may cause allergic reactions or irritation; exposure to wildlife; and environmental conditions such as changing weather, sun exposure, wind, rain, temperature fluctuations, and wet or slippery surfaces.

I further acknowledge risks associated with being in a natural setting, including limited or unavailable cell phone reception, delayed access to emergency services, and the potential actions or negligence of other participants or members of the public.

I understand that these conditions may result in personal injury, illness, including allergic reactions, property damage, or other harm. I voluntarily assume all such risks, whether known or unknown, inherent or otherwise, associated with my participation in this experience.

3. Non-clinical nature of the event. I understand that these services are educational and experiential in nature. It is not psychotherapy, counseling, or crisis care; it does not establish a therapist-client relationship, nor is it a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care.

4. Safety expectations. I agree to follow all safety instructions given by the guide, remain on designated trails or approved gathering areas, respect land-use rules, and act in a way that supports the safety of the group and the surrounding environment.

5. Assumption of risk and release. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, I knowingly and voluntarily assume the risks of participating in the Activity and release, waive, and hold harmless Ancorio LLC; Stephanie Grunewald PhD, as guide and facilitator; and Ancorio LLC's owners, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, volunteers, assistants, venue partners, landowners, and affiliated organizations (collectively, the "Released Parties") from claims, demands, damages, liabilities, losses, or causes of action arising out of or related to my participation in the Activity, including claims based on ordinary negligence. This release does not apply to conduct that cannot legally be waived, including gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, or intentional misconduct.

6. Governing law and severability. This waiver is intended to be interpreted under Illinois law. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.

This Agreement and any disputes arising out of or relating to participation in this event shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree that any claims or legal actions arising out of or related to this Agreement or my participation in the event shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located within Illinois, and I consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, I acknowledge that the event will take place in Illinois, and that certain local laws, regulations, or public policy requirements may apply and cannot be waived or superseded by this Agreement.

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, including the laws of the state and/or country in which the Activity is held, where relevant, such provision shall be modified or limited to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

I have read and agree to the Participant Waiver and Release, understand its contents, and am signing voluntarily.