Parent/Guardian Acceptance of Responsibility
I am aware that while participating in a Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) program or activity, certain risks and dangers may be present, including but not limited to those generally associated with outdoor activities, accidents, illness, and forces of nature. I concur that the participant must comply with all rules of the program and directives of the PEEC staff. To ensure participant’s successful participation in the program, I will fully disclose any medical conditions and any need for special accommodations of which the PEEC staff should be aware.
I understand that outdoor weather conditions may abruptly change and pose a safety threat in the form of rain, lightning or hail; that road and trail conditions may be primitive; that outdoor environments are the habitat for plants, shrubs, trees, insects, reptiles, and mammals, some of which may cause allergic reactions, illness, injury, or death; and the activities will involve contact with other participants and other persons who may or may not be associated with PEEC. I accept these conditions as acceptable risks for the participant.
The participant will be appropriately dressed for the daily activities and will be prepared with protective gear in case of inclement weather. Should emergency conditions require medical care for the participant, PEEC has my consent to secure treatment at the closest hospital and I am responsible for full payment of the resultant costs.
In addition, I understand that weather or unforeseen circumstances may cause a change in the planned activities. If extraordinary natural or man-made conditions require the cancellation of some or all events during the session, I understand that a prorated refund of the tuition fee will be provided.
I hereby release and discharge Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC), its officers, employees, agents, teachers, and volunteers from all liability arising out of or in connection with the above described program of activities, including, for the purpose of this agreement, all claims that I, my heirs, or assignees may have against PEEC because of any death, personal injury, illness, or because of any loss or damage to property that occurs during the above program.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Safe participation in PEEC’s Summer Outdoor Adventure Programs (SOAP) requires certain physical, mental, emotional, and social health abilities, and we are therefore limited in the types of accommodations we are able to provide. As each child’s ability to participate is unique, decisions to accept a participant will be made on an individual basis. It is our desire to partner with parents/guardians and work together to determine if a SOAP program will be a positive experience and is suitable for your participant prior to their enrollment. As such, we request that parents/guardians contact PEEC prior to enrolling their child if they have concerns about the child’s ability to meet any of the following Essential Eligibility Criteria.
- Participants must be able to function in a group setting in a positive and cooperative manner that displays tolerance, care, and respect for self and others.
- Participants must be able to independently travel over and negotiate varied terrain during hikes and outings while carrying personal equipment (backpack, water, snacks, lunch, etc.).
- Participants must be able and willing to follow all instructions and refrain from behaviors that pose a risk to self or others.
- Participants are expected to contribute to a safe learning environment, using respectful language and appropriate physical behavior.
Camper Rules and Expectations
The Summer Outdoor Adventure Programs are designed to allow all kids to participate safely while having fun making new friends and discovering new, and sometimes rugged, natural environments. We encourage you to review the list as a family before the first day of camp.
- Leave no trace of your presence in the outdoors. Pick up your trash and do not harm or disturb habitats, animals, or plants.
- Obey all directions from adults the first time they are given.
- Follow all safety instructions and do not endanger the safety of yourself or others.
- Each day, dress for the outdoor environment and the day's activities. Outdoor weather can change rapidly. Be prepared by carrying the recommended gear in your backpack.
- Remain within sight of your designated group at all times and use the multiple buddies system. For example, if you need to leave the group to go to the bathroom, inform an adult in advance and always follow the 3-person rule (no one goes alone, no pairs).
- Be safe, positive, and respectful to yourself and others.
Consequences
The adults and counselors will make every effort to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all of the kids. If a child chooses not to follow rules, they may be expelled for the rest of the day and/or week. If the child becomes overly disruptive, the parent/guardian will be called to come pick up the child immediately. In any of these cases, no refunds will be given.
COVID-19 Warning & Disclaimer
PEEC has developed program operations based on state and CDC guidelines. However, COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Participating in camp programs or accessing Los Alamos Nature Center facilities could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. PEEC in no way warrants that a COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in our programs or accessing Los Alamos Nature Center.
I agree to follow the following requirements for participation in PEEC’s summer program.
- If the participant or anyone in the participant’s household has potential symptoms of COVID-19, they will not attend the program and I will alert PEEC as soon as possible.
- I understand that this program may need to close on short notice due to government order, child or staff illness, or other emergency. For more information about refunds in this situation, see PEEC's refund policy.
- I understand that failure to follow these health guidelines may result in participant’s expulsion and in this case, no refunds will be given.
