PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
This Participation Agreement sets forth the terms and understanding between the National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center (NVWHC) and participants of the NVWHC seven-day PTS Couples Retreat Program.
Background
Our staff is whole-heartedly committed to providing you and your partner with a safe environment that promotes both healing and personal growth. Establishing and maintaining a safe and stable environment is one of the most critical parts of our program and is the foundation that our week-long program is built upon.
Purpose
The purpose of this Participation Agreement is to provide all retreat participants and staff members with some very basic rules or guidelines that must be acknowledged and followed as a condition of this program. The rules and guidelines laid out below have been established as critical to maintaining a safe and stable environment for both the participants as well as staff members.
Alcohol and Recreational Drugs
· Alcohol consumption and recreational drug usage are prohibited in our program and during the entire week of the program. This rule does not apply to drugs that have been medically prescribed by a licensed doctor or physician. If you believe that adhering to this rule could create a medical issue or raises concerns for you, please address this concern privately with Retreat Program Director or Facilitator.
· We ask that you commit to refraining from alcohol consumption and recreational drug use during this retreat.
· If you do choose to consume alcohol and/or drugs during the retreat week, NVWHC reserves the right to ask you to exit the program.
Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile Devices
· The use of cellphones during scheduled activities or appointments is prohibited. We ask that you keep your cellphone, tablets, and other mobile devices on silent mode and stored away during all activities and appointments.
· If you have a special circumstance that may require the use of your mobile device during activity or appointment periods, please privately notify the Retreat Program Director or Facilitator and inform them of your special circumstances. To prevent distractions from occurring, we all participants with special circumstances that require access to a cellphone or mobile devices to ensure that these devices remain on vibrate and that he or she steps out prior to using this device.
· We ask that you commit to following our cellphone & mobile device policy.
Firearms and Weapons
· We respect your 2nd amendment rights, however, the carrying or storing of any weapon or firearm in retreat facilities is strictly prohibited. Firearms and other weapons should be stored in your personally-owned vehicle for the duration of the retreat and are not permitted within retreat facilities for any reason. Retreat facilities include but are not limited to hotel, therapy rooms, conference rooms, equine facilities, dining facilities, etc.
· We ask you to commit to keeping weapons and firearms out of retreat programs and facilities.
Participation
· Our retreat program is voluntary and the only associated cost to you and your partner is your participation. It is one of the most important factors in whether or not you will find this experience beneficial and productive. Participants are expected to attend all scheduled activities outlined in his / her personal retreat schedule.
· We ask that you pay close attention to the schedule provided to you and that you are on time for all activities and appointments.
· As a courtesy, if a scheduled activity creates a conflict for you and you cannot attend an activity or appointment due to medical or personal reasons, please privately notify the Executive Director, Retreat Program Director or Facilitator prior to your scheduled appointment time or activity. By notifying one of above staff members in advance, we can notify staff of your absence and prevent timely searching for
individuals. Early notification can also create an opportunity for another individual to be treated during your absence. We ask that you commit to notifying our staff if you cannot be present for or participate in an activity / appointment and that you are on time.
Respect and Consideration
· We ask that you remain considerate of others this week and respectful towards every veteran, spouse, family member, friend or staff member who is also participating in this program. In addition to these individuals, we must also be considerate and respectful of the thoughts, opinions, emotions, or feelings of others as well.
· Articles of clothing that could be distracting for the group or viewed as derogative or offensive in nature are not permitted for wear during this retreat.
· Sharing or displaying of inappropriate materials such as pornography or other items that could be viewed as offensive in nature are not permitted during this retreat.
· We ask that you commit to being respectful and considerate while participating in this retreat.
As previously mentioned, the topics discussed in this Participation Agreement are critical to maintaining a safe and healthy environment and we greatly appreciate your willingness to comply with these terms. The National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center reserves the right to dismiss any participant who fails to comply with these terms and conditions.
Congratulations on your decision to join us for what we can only hope is a life-changing experience for you and your partner. We are humbled you have chosen The National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center to be a part of your healing and appreciate the opportunity of serving you.