Expectations from an Outdoor Experience

Our courses are not survival training or outdoor therapy. The courses do involve moderately strenuous activity, living in tents and the outdoors. You should be ready to work together with other group members, have fun, and learn a lot. If you arrive ready to do these things, we will provide the safe, enthusiastic instruction and adventure opportunities that you'll remember for a lifetime.

Balance

Some level of adventure experience is appropriate for nearly everyone, and as the need arises we attempt to share our mountains with all that are eager. We do reserve the right to compose groups based on issues of safety, age, and general fitness for the adventure at hand; we will attempt to provide alternatives for those who cannot join a listed adventure.

Registration, Deposits, and Refunds

Final payment in full is due 14 days prior to course starting date. All registrations received after this date should include payment of the full tuition amount and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who cancel reservations two weeks prior to the course will be refunded in full less a $25 processing fee. Cancellations anytime within the 14 days prior to a course will be refunded 50% of tuition.

Health Insurance and Medical Form

All participants must fill out a health form, provided after registration, and have it signed by a physician and a parent/guardian. The health form must be received by The Mountain Institute (TMI) 14 days prior to course start date. All participants are expected to be in reasonably good health and be capable of participating in the activities scheduled for the course chosen. In addition, all participants must be covered by medical insurance while participating at TMI. Please note that all participants are required to fill out the medical form in its entirety. It is critical to each participant's well being that our staff are aware of any medical condition a child may have.

Medical Care

TMI maintains a close relationship with Pendelton Community Care (PCC), and independent primary care clinic founded by The Mountain Institute in 1983. Appropriate Institute staff are briefed on care and handling of special situations. The medical staff of PCC, and the local Rescue Squad, are on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies. In the event that a participant is injured on a course, all TMI staff members are trained to provide first aid. Most of our staff are registered as Wilderness First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians, making them quite capable of handling emergencies. TMI, its directors, and staff have the right to enlist further medical assistance when necessary. In the event that medical treatment beyond first aid is required, all costs of the treatment, including evacuation and transportation, will be the responsibility of the participant's parent or guardian.

Expectations for Participation

Participants should be ready for learning, challenge, and growth; behavior that detracts from these goals is unwelcome. Participants will not be permitted to use illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco while under the supervision of TMI. Behavior that is illegal, violent, or unsafe will not be allowed. Non- compliance with these rules and expectations will constitute grounds for dismissal from the program without refund.

Cancellation/Alteration of Program

In the unlikely event that we are forced to cancel a course, funds paid to TMI will be fully refunded. We do reserve the right to make minor changes to course content as situations require, Participants and parents or guardians will be notified of any substantive changed to course content as soon as possible.

Photo Release

The Mountain Institute has the right to use pictures/statements by, of, or about your child in promotional pieces.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The Mountain Institute follows a policy of uniform nondiscrimination with regards to sex, age, race, religion, and country or origin.