Terms of Use

Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your use of the Northern Lights Forest Education Society ("NLFES," "we," "us," or "our") website and participation in our educational programs and services. By accessing our website or participating in our programs, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or participate in our programs. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and such modifications will be effective immediately upon posting.

Definitions

• "Services" includes our website, educational programs, workshops, camps, and all related activities
• "Participant" refers to any individual enrolled in or attending our programs
• "Parent/Guardian" refers to the legal parent or guardian of a minor participant
• "Program" includes all educational activities, workshops, camps, and outdoor experiences offered by NLFES

Website Use

Permitted Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes only. You agree not to:

• Use the website in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations
• Transmit or post any harmful, threatening, abusive, or offensive content
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or other users' accounts
• Interfere with or disrupt the website's functionality
• Use automated systems to access or collect information from our website
• Reproduce, distribute, or modify our content without permission

Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, images, logos, and educational materials, is owned by NLFES or our licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not use our content for commercial purposes without express written permission.

Program Registration and Participation

Registration Requirements

• All registrations must be completed by a parent/guardian for participants under 18
• Accurate and complete information must be provided during registration
• Medical information and emergency contacts are required for safety purposes
• Registration is not confirmed until payment is received and processed
• Some programs may have age, skill level, or other participation requirements

Program Fees and Payment

• Program fees must be paid in full at the time of registration unless otherwise specified
• Fees are non-refundable except as outlined in our cancellation policy
• We reserve the right to cancel programs due to insufficient enrollment or other circumstances
• In the event of program cancellation by NLFES, full refunds will be provided

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• 30+ days before program: Full refund minus $25 administrative fee
• 14-29 days before program: 50% refund
• Less than 14 days: No refund unless due to medical emergency or extraordinary circumstances
• Refunds for medical emergencies require documentation from a healthcare provider
• Program credits may be offered in lieu of refunds at NLFES discretion

Safety and Risk Acknowledgment

Inherent Risks

Participation in outdoor educational programs involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Exposure to weather conditions and natural environments
• Risk of injury from outdoor activities and equipment use
• Encounters with wildlife and insects
• Allergic reactions to plants or environmental factors
• Risk of getting lost or separated from the group

Participant Responsibilities

By participating in our programs, participants and parents/guardians agree to:

• Follow all safety instructions and program rules
• Disclose any medical conditions, allergies, or medications
• Wear appropriate clothing and bring recommended equipment
• Inform staff immediately of any safety concerns or injuries
• Behave respectfully toward staff, other participants, and the environment

Medical Emergency Authorization

In case of medical emergency, participants and parents/guardians authorize NLFES staff to seek immediate medical attention and consent to emergency medical treatment as deemed necessary by medical professionals.

Limitation of Liability and Waiver

Assumption of Risk

Participants and parents/guardians acknowledge and assume all risks associated with participation in outdoor educational programs. This includes understanding that outdoor activities are inherently dangerous and that injuries may occur despite reasonable safety precautions.

Release and Waiver

To the fullest extent permitted by law, participants and parents/guardians release, waive, and discharge NLFES, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising from participation in programs, except for claims arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Limitation of Damages

NLFES's total liability for any claim related to our services shall not exceed the amount paid by the participant for the specific program in question. In no event shall NLFES be liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages.

Participant Conduct and Discipline

Expected Behavior

All participants are expected to:

• Treat staff, other participants, and the environment with respect
• Follow all program rules and safety guidelines
• Participate actively and positively in educational activities
• Use appropriate language and behavior at all times
• Respect the property of NLFES and others

Disciplinary Actions

Participants who engage in inappropriate behavior may face disciplinary action, including removal from programs without refund. NLFES reserves the right to refuse service to individuals whose behavior is deemed disruptive or unsafe.

Photography and Media Consent

NLFES may photograph or record participants during programs for educational, promotional, and documentation purposes. By registering for programs, participants and parents/guardians consent to:

• Photography and video recording during programs
• Use of images for NLFES promotional materials, website, and social media
• Publication of images in educational materials and reports

If you do not consent to photography, please notify us in writing at the time of registration. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your request while maintaining the educational value of our programs.

Privacy and Data Protection

Our collection, use, and protection of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

Force Majeure

NLFES shall not be liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, severe weather, government actions, pandemic restrictions, or other force majeure events. In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to reschedule programs or provide alternative arrangements.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or participation in our programs shall be resolved through the following process:

1. Initial discussion with NLFES management to seek resolution
2. Mediation through a mutually agreed-upon mediator
3. If necessary, binding arbitration in accordance with Alberta arbitration laws

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of Alberta, Canada, and any legal proceedings shall take place in the courts of Alberta.

Severability and Entire Agreement

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any program-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and NLFES.