Details to know before your purchase:
i) Cancellation/Reimbursements
Georgia Conservancy trips are non-transferable and are hosted rain or shine. The Georgia Conservancy reserves the right cancel or shorten any trip before departure as well as change the itinerary. In the event a trip must be canceled, a full trip refund will be issued, or you may contact us to apply for trip credit that stays current for 1 year.
If you have any questions about the trip price and what the payment includes, please contact Ben Fowler at bfowler@georgiaconservancy.org before you register.
If you are unable to attend a trip you've already registered for, you may receive a full refund by notifying the Georgia Conservancy at least 30 days before the start date of the trip. You will be charged a $10 processing fee and we will refund your card or send a check for the remaining amount within two weeks.
If the event is less than 30 days away, we can only guarantee you a full refund (minus the $10 processing fee) if we are able to fill your spot.
We cannot provide a refund for a cancellation made less than 72-hours before the start of a trip.
ii) Acceptable Behavior and Policies for Participants (Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco):
As part of our mission to provide healthy experiences we have several policies for behavior on trips. All illegal substances are prohibited. There’s one easy way to wreck your trip (and your friends’) with the Georgia Conservancy: over consumption of alcohol. Alcohol can pose a serious risk to your health and others when consumed during a trip, on the water, or during activities, and is prohibited. That being said, participants 21 years of age or older are welcome to B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own beverages) and enjoy them on GC trips during evening meals and around the campfire, if used in a responsible manner that does not jeopardize the safety of yourself and others. If your behavior negatively impacts other participants, that behavior will not be tolerated. We encourage participants to refrain from use of tobacco products during the trip, at minimum keep it away from the group, and pack all tobacco-related trash out of the areas we travel.
iii) Liability Waiver Info:
IMPORTANT:
https://www.smartwaiver.com/v/gctripswaiver/ - copy and paste this link and fill out the waiver
All participants, volunteers, safety personal, media representatives, event organizers, VIPs, and others must read and sign the Georgia Conservancy Waiver and Release of Liability form before participating in or assisting with the event or activity.
Georgia Conservancy trips are not commercial, for-profit guided events for individuals. They are however, educational community adventures led by professional non-profit staff and qualified volunteers. Our trips depend on well-prepared and self-sufficient individuals and the pooled efforts of everyone involved. Every participant will be required to bring a signed waiver with them upon arrival the day of the event. Parents must sign for children under the age of 18. The waiver will be sent in an attachment with a follow-up email. If a paddling trip, all participants must have basic paddling skills, wear a PFD/Life Vest and be capable of self-rescue in the water. No more than 2 children under the age of 12 per adult guardian and anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult in a boat. While Georgia Conservancy staff and other Outfitters may assist on some trips and be available with medical and/or First Aid training (those individuals will be identified), we cannot personally ensure the safety of all participants. Unlike a commercial trip in which paid guides direct you through each bend of the river or lead you into the wilderness, Georgia Conservancy trips, whether a paddle, adventure, or service trip, are all designed to be your adventure, and as such, you are responsible for your own safety. Individuals should decline or refuse to take part in any activity if they do not they possess the requisite skill level. All participants are assuming risks (some of which are outlined in our liability waiver) while participating in a Georgia Conservancy Stewardship Trip.
Risk Management:
The Georgia Conservancy has invested in the quality of its risk management practices by participating in Risk Management Training offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), an organization with over 50 years of experience managing risk in wilderness environments. As a result of this training, while NOLS doesn’t endorse or certify our practices, the Georgia Conservancy is developing and further enhancing its risk management strategy. We have invested time and resources in these practices because the health and well-being of our participants is one of our highest priorities.
iv) Essential Eligibility Requirements:
Invites inquiry and dialogue from ALL to discuss an individual’s abilities, concerns, desire to participate, potential modifications and so forth. Establishes who can participate in an activity based on a participant’s ability to perform the essential skills required for that activity. Gives information to objectively evaluate if a participant is the right fit for the program.
Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC):
All water-based programming participants (including all paddlesport programs) must acknowledge the ability to perform the following EEC:
-Breathe independently (i.e. not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
-Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
-Independently hold head upright without head / neck support
-Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
-Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
-Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with the assistance of a companion
-Paddlesports program participants must also acknowledge the ability to perform the following EEC:
-Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face-up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket
-Get in / out of a paddle craft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
-Independently get out from under a capsized paddlecraft
-Re-enter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
-Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities, and rescues listed in the appropriate course outline, and have the --ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation
v.) Discrimination and Harassment Policy:
No harassment of any kind will be tolerated by any participants or staff during any Georgia Conservancy event. It is your responsibility to report any misconduct to the staff or other Georgia Conservancy Authorities.
vi.) Rental Equipment Use Policy:
Participants are responsible for any rental gear they receive during a trip. If you are unfamiliar with the set-up or correct function of the gear it is your responsibility to seek out a conservancy staff member to show you. We love talking gear so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
vii.) LNT/Recycling
The Georgia Conservancy strives to adhere to Leave No Trace (LNT) Guidelines for all trips/events. We provide recycling options for every trip as well so please ask us before you throw away any recyclables in the wrong container.
If you understand this information, click AGREE. (Violations of these policies can result in the participant being removed from the event without a refund).