Sage Programs Parent Risk Release and Waiver

SAGE PROGRAMS PARENT/GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE AND WAIVER

Sage Programs is an outdoor, nature-based children's program. The program intentionally provides children with opportunities to spend substantial time outdoors and to explore, play, work, climb, dig, garden, create, and learn in a natural environment.

I understand that Sage Programs is intentionally different from a conventional indoor classroom or conventional playground. Natural environments cannot be made completely free of risk, and participation in outdoor and nature-based activities may involve both known and unexpected hazards.

I voluntarily choose for my child to participate in Sage Programs with an understanding of the nature of the program and its environment.

1. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE PROPERTY AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
I understand that the Sage Programs property and program environment may contain or involve features including, but not limited to:
• ponds and other water features;
• trees, including trees that may be used for supervised climbing;
• climbing structures and climbing equipment;
• a trampoline located on the property;
• dogs and other domestic animals;
• gardens and cultivated areas;
• edible, non-edible, irritating and potentially harmful plants;
• dirt, mud, sand, rocks, gravel, roots, branches and sticks;
• uneven, wet, slippery, frozen, muddy or changing ground surfaces;
• holes, slopes and natural variations in terrain;
• insects, spiders, bees, wasps and other invertebrates;
• birds, mammals, reptiles and other wildlife;
• gardening and digging tools, including shovels, trowels and similar implements;
• hand tools and, when permitted and appropriately supervised, knives or other cutting tools;
• fire and a fire pit;
• smoke, sparks, hot surfaces and heated materials associated with supervised fire activities;
• water, snow and ice;
• falling branches, pinecones or other natural materials;
• changing weather, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind and sun exposure;
• natural and constructed climbing surfaces;
• other ordinary features and hazards associated with an outdoor, garden and nature-based learning environment;
Child's Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian

First NameLast Name
Program Year
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Risk Section Initials
2. PARTICULAR RISKS I understand that participation in a nature-based program may result in injuries or adverse events including, but not limited to: slips; trips; falls; collisions; cuts; scratches; scrapes; bruises; splinters; punctures; burns; animal bites or scratches; being knocked down or otherwise injured by an animal; insect bites or stings; allergic reactions; contact with irritating or harmful plants; exposure to dirt, mud or microorganisms; falling from a tree or climbing structure; being struck by natural materials or objects; injuries associated with sticks, rocks or tools; exposure to weather; and accidental contact with water. I understand that these events may result in serious bodily injury, catastrophic injury, permanent disability, paralysis, drowning, or death.
Section 2 - Particular Risks Initials
3. WATER AND PONDS I specifically acknowledge that ponds and water features are present on the property. I understand that water presents particular risks to children, including slipping, falling, becoming wet or cold, accidental entry into water and drowning. A water-related accident could result in serious bodily injury, brain injury from lack of oxygen, permanent disability, drowning, or death. I understand that Sage Programs establishes rules and supervision practices regarding children's access to and activities around water.
Section 3 - Water and Ponds Initials
4. CLIMBING AND FALLING I understand that climbing and physical exploration may be part of the nature-based environment and that trees and climbing structures are present on the property. Climbing inherently creates the possibility of falling and injury. Risks can include scrapes, bruises, sprains, fractures, head injuries, spinal injuries, permanent disability, paralysis, other serious injuries, and death. I understand that staff establish boundaries regarding where and how children may climb.
Section 4 - Climbing and Falling Initials
5. PLANTS, GARDENS AND NATURAL MATERIALS I understand that the property contains many varieties of cultivated and naturally occurring plants. Some plants may be edible, while others may be inedible, irritating, allergenic or harmful if touched or consumed. Children are expected to follow staff instructions regarding plants and may not assume that a plant is safe to eat merely because it grows on the property. I understand that interaction with sticks, leaves, flowers, soil, mud, rocks and other natural materials is an ordinary part of the Sage Programs environment. Contact with or ingestion of plants or other natural substances, or injuries involving sticks, rocks or other natural materials, could result in serious allergic reaction, poisoning, eye injury, head injury, other serious bodily injury, permanent disability, or death.
Section 5 - Plants, Gardens and Natural Materials Initials
6. TOOLS, KNIVES AND FIRE I understand that developmentally appropriate experiences involving gardening tools, digging tools, hand tools, supervised fire activities and, when permitted by applicable rules and Sage Programs policies, age-appropriate supervised use of knives or cutting tools may occur. Such activities can involve risks including cuts, punctures, burns, splinters and other injuries. I understand that an accident involving a tool, knife, fire, hot object or other implement could result in severe bleeding, serious burns, deep wounds, permanent scarring, serious bodily injury, permanent disability, or death. I understand that these activities are subject to staff rules, supervision and program safety procedures.
Section 6 - Tools, Knives and Fire Initials
7. TRAMPOLINE I acknowledge that a trampoline is present on the property. I understand that trampolines can present significant risks of injury. A child who accesses or attempts to use a trampoline could fall from the trampoline, land improperly, collide with another person or object, become caught in or injured by trampoline components, or otherwise suffer an accident. I understand that trampoline-related injuries can include sprains, fractures, broken bones, dislocations, facial or dental injuries, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries and other serious bodily injuries. In a severe trampoline accident, a child could suffer permanent disability, paralysis, catastrophic injury, or death. I acknowledge and understand the seriousness of these potential consequences and the risks associated with a trampoline being present on the property.
Section 7 - Trampoline Initials
8. DOGS, DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE I acknowledge and understand that dogs and other animals may be present on or around the Sage Programs property, and that wildlife may also enter or inhabit the outdoor environment. I understand that animals are living beings whose behavior cannot always be predicted. Even an animal that is familiar, friendly, trained or accustomed to children may react unexpectedly. Risks associated with animals include bites, scratches, being knocked down, falls, allergic reactions, infection, disease and other injuries. I understand that an animal bite, attack, collision or other encounter could potentially cause deep wounds, severe blood loss, scarring, infection, broken bones, facial or eye injury, head injury, serious bodily injury, permanent disability, or death. I knowingly acknowledge these risks and voluntarily consent to my child's participation in a nature-based program on property where dogs, other domestic animals and wildlife may be present.
Section 8 - Dogs, Domestic Animals and Wildlife Initials
9. RESTRICTED AREAS, EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY FEATURES I understand that the Sage Programs property may contain equipment, structures, areas, tools, natural features or other property features that children are instructed not to use, access or enter. I understand that the presence of an item, structure, area or feature on the property does not mean that children are permitted to use or access it. Children are expected to follow staff instructions and established program boundaries. I further understand that a child may independently attempt to enter a restricted area or use equipment or property features that the child has been instructed not to access or use. Such unauthorized access or use could result in serious bodily injury, catastrophic injury, permanent disability, paralysis, drowning, or death. To the fullest extent permitted by Colorado law, I knowingly assume the risks associated with my child's unauthorized entry into a restricted area or unauthorized use of restricted equipment or property features and agree that such risks are included within the assumption of risk, release and waiver contained in this agreement, including the release of claims based upon ordinary negligence to the extent such claims may lawfully be released.
Section 9 - Restricted Areas, Equipment and Property Features Initials
10. NATURE-BASED PLAY AND REASONABLE RISK I understand that Sage Programs values outdoor exploration, physical development, independence and age-appropriate opportunities for children to encounter and learn to navigate reasonable risks. I understand that my child may fall, become dirty or wet, receive a scrape or bruise, encounter an insect or animal, touch a plant, trip over a natural object, or experience another incident associated with outdoor childhood. I further understand that an unexpected accident during nature-based play could result in serious bodily injury, catastrophic injury, head or spinal injury, permanent disability, paralysis, drowning, or death. I knowingly choose this type of educational environment for my child.
Section 10 - Nature-Based Play and Reasonable Risk Initials
11. EXPRESS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE CLAIMS PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS LEGAL RIGHTS. To the fullest extent permitted by Colorado law, including C.R.S. § 13-22-107, I, as the parent or legal guardian of the child identified above, KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND EXPRESSLY RELEASE AND WAIVE, ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND MY CHILD, PROSPECTIVE CLAIMS FOR ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE against Sage Programs arising from or relating to my child's participation in Sage Programs, presence on the program property, or participation in program activities. I understand that this means that, to the extent permitted by Colorado law, I am giving up the right to bring certain claims against Sage Programs for injuries, losses or damages caused by ordinary negligence, including covered claims involving serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis, drowning, or death. This release and waiver is intended, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to protect Sage Programs and its nonprofit organization, directors, officers, employees, teachers, staff members, volunteers, agents and representatives. I acknowledge that I have been provided information throughout this agreement concerning the nature of the program, the particular hazards that may be encountered, and the potential seriousness of resulting injuries. I have had the opportunity to ask questions before signing this agreement, and my decision to sign this release is voluntary and informed. This agreement does not release or waive claims that Colorado law does not permit a parent or guardian to waive, including claims for willful and wanton conduct, reckless conduct, or gross negligence. Nothing in this agreement is intended to eliminate or excuse compliance with applicable non-waivable legal or licensing obligations.
Section 11 - Voluntary Assumption of Risk Initials
12. EXPRESS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE CLAIMS PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS LEGAL RIGHTS. To the fullest extent permitted by Colorado law, including C.R.S. § 13-22-107, I, as the parent or legal guardian of the child identified above, KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND EXPRESSLY RELEASE AND WAIVE, ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND MY CHILD, PROSPECTIVE CLAIMS FOR ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE against Sage Programs arising from or relating to my child's participation in Sage Programs, presence on the program property, or participation in program activities. I understand that this means that, to the extent permitted by Colorado law, I am giving up the right to bring certain claims against Sage Programs for injuries, losses or damages caused by ordinary negligence, including covered claims involving serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis, drowning, or death. This release and waiver is intended, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to protect Sage Programs and its nonprofit organization, directors, officers, employees, teachers, staff members, volunteers, agents and representatives. I acknowledge that I have been provided information throughout this agreement concerning the nature of the program, the particular hazards that may be encountered, and the potential seriousness of resulting injuries. I have had the opportunity to ask questions before signing this agreement, and my decision to sign this release is voluntary and informed. This agreement does not release or waive claims that Colorado law does not permit a parent or guardian to waive, including claims for willful and wanton conduct, reckless conduct, or gross negligence. Nothing in this agreement is intended to eliminate or excuse compliance with applicable non-waivable legal or licensing obligations.
Section 12 - Express Release and Waiver of Ordinary Negligence Claims Initials
13. HOLD HARMLESS: To the fullest extent permitted by Colorado law, I agree to hold harmless Sage Programs and its nonprofit organization, directors, officers, employees, teachers, staff members, volunteers, agents and representatives from claims that are validly released or waived under this agreement arising from my child's participation in Sage Programs or presence in the program environment. I understand that this provision is intended to apply only to the extent permitted by Colorado law and does not expand the release to claims that cannot legally be waived.
Section 13 - Hold Harmless Initials
14. PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION

I agree to provide Sage Programs with accurate information concerning my child's allergies, medical conditions, behavioral or developmental needs, physical limitations and other information reasonably necessary for Sage Programs to safely care for my child.

I agree to promptly inform Sage Programs if relevant information changes.
Section 14 - Parent's Responsibility to Disclose Information Initials
15. VOLUNTARY AND INFORMED DECISION

To the fullest extent permitted by Colorado law, including C.R.S. § 13-22-107, I, as the parent or legal guardian of the child identified above, knowingly, voluntarily and expressly release and waive, on behalf of myself and my child, prospective claims for ordinary negligence against Sage Programs arising from or relating to my child's participation in Sage Programs, presence on the program property, or participation in program activities.I understand that this means that, to the extent permitted by Colorado law, I am giving up the right to bring certain claims against Sage Programs for injuries, losses or damages caused by ordinary negligence, including covered claims involving serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis, drowning, or death.This release and waiver is intended, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to protect Sage Programs and its nonprofit organization, directors, officers, employees, teachers, staff members, volunteers, agents and representatives.I acknowledge that I have been provided information throughout this agreement concerning the nature of the program, the particular hazards that may be encountered, and the potential seriousness of resulting injuries.I have had the opportunity to ask questions before signing this agreement, and my decision to sign this release is voluntary and informed.This agreement does not release or waive claims that Colorado law does not permit a parent or guardian to waive, including claims for willful and wanton conduct, reckless conduct, or gross negligence.Nothing in this agreement is intended to eliminate or excuse compliance with applicable non-waivable legal or licensing obligations.
Section 15 - Voluntary and Informed Decision Initials
16. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, I intend that the remaining provisions continue in effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Section 16 - Severability Initials
Child's Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Legal Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Date

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Second Parent/Legal Guardian Name (if applicable)

First NameLast Name
Signature
Date

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
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SAGE PROGRAMS PARENT/GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE AND WAIVER

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Risk Section Initials

14. PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION

15. VOLUNTARY AND INFORMED DECISION

16. SEVERABILITY