To: All AMC FG Trip Participants
From: Dave Passios AMC NH FG Coordinator
Subject: Release Forms For Volunteer Lead Trips

      As many of you already know. The AMC has required all participants of AMC events originating from AMC facilities and or events run by AMC Staff to sign the same type of release form that is copied below. After more than a year of discussion and voluntary use in some chapters and various committees with in the chapters of this release form for volunteer lead trips. It has been announced that as of October 1, 2004, it will now be mandatory for all participants participating in all volunteer lead events to sign a release form, each time they attend an event. Trip leaders will have the forms available at the meeting location for each event and all participants must sign the form for that particular event.
      All adult participants need to fill out and sign the waiver  The name of each child who is with a responsible parent/relative/guardian should be listed on the waiver.  If the child is old enough to understand the concept of a waiver, then he/she AND his parent/guardian should sign opposite the child's name.   If the child cannot write or is too young to understand what a waiver is, then only the parent need sign next to the child's name. If there is a child who is in the care of an accompanying responsible adult other than a parent/guardian or relative, the child must have a release form signed by his parent opposite the child's printed name.   This requirement means that this will have to be done before the day of the trip.   Leaders will need to see that a parent can download and print a form and either fax or mail to the leader before the trip or send it along with the adult or child on the day of the trip.   This situation may arise on any type of trip, including, but not limited to, Family Group trips. Children who are not in the care of an adult who is on the trip may not at the present time participate in volunteer-led trips, regardless of whether a release is signed.   An example might be a paddling instruction trip in which a teen wants to participate.   If the parent is on the trip for the duration of the trip and a waiver is signed on behalf of the child, then the child may participate; otherwise he/she may not.   The parent need not be boating but needs to be present and available on shore in the case of an emergency.
     
Note to leaders: I will have a large number of copies of the form available shortly or you can use the link provided in the original email announcing this change to access and down load the form for printing on your computer. The form is available on the AMC web site at  http://www.outdoors.org/volunteers/leadership/index.cfm
      As volunteers, your leaders have given up many hours to training and planning these trips so as to minimize the inherent risk related to these types of activities. As it states in the release form, " They are not paid professional guides or leaders," although they are very capable and knowledgeable individuals, most with a vast amount of life experiences in the outdoors to guide them and "In all activities, all participants share in the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group" This is consistent with the procedures that the NH Chapter Family Group has always run it's trips. We work together and watch out for each other as well as ourselves and (unique to our group) each others kids as well. This creates an enjoyable and safe atmosphere for all.
        If anyone has any questions regarding this matter. Please contact me via email and I will set up a time with you to discuss the matter by phone and get clarification as quickly as possible
      Our October foliage weekend will be the first trip that these requirements will be in place. Please be sure to obtain forms and signatures in advance if you are bringing any minors other than family members. We still very much encourage you to invite friends and get their families and relative involved with the group. It will just require a bit more work to allow them to participate.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation
Dave Passios
AMC New Hampshire
  Family Group
  978-582-7476
dmpbrick@aol.com
 

Sample of Form:
You may access and print from this link:

http://www.outdoors.org/volunteers/leadership/index.cfm

Chapter / Activity: _________________________________ Leader(s): _____________________________ Trip Date(s): ________
 

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.
In consideration of the services of the Appalachian
Mountain Club, Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of Massachusetts, and its chapters, including
all officers, employees, representatives, volunteers (including leaders and CO-leaders), members and all other persons or entities associated
with it (collectively referred to in this Document as 'AMC'), I acknowledge and agree as follows:
AMC volunteer-led educational and/or recreational activities may include, but are not limited to hiking, backpacking, camping, biking,
skiing, maintenance of trails and facilities, mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, use of AMC huts or other facilities
and transportation or travel to and from activities (referred to in this Document as 'activities' or 'these activities'). The leaders of these
activities are volunteers. They are not paid professional guides or leaders. In all activities, all participants share in the
responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group. I take responsibility for having appropriate skills, physical conditioning,
equipment and supplies for these activities.
These activities include inherent and other risks, hazards and dangers that can cause or lead to injury, property damage,
illness, mental or emotional trauma, paralysis, disability or death to participant or others. Some, but not all of these risks, hazards
and dangers include: hazardous and unpredictable ground, water or weather conditions; misjudgments made by leaders, CO-leaders,
participants or others; travel in remote areas that can cause delays in transportation, evacuation and medical care; equipment that can fail or
malfunction; the potential that the participant or others (e.g. CO-participant, driver, medical and rescue personnel) may act carelessly or
recklessly. I understand that AMC staff, leaders or other personnel cannot assure participants safety or eliminate these risks. I am
voluntarily participating with knowledge of the risks. Therefore, I assume and accept full responsibility for the inherent and
other risks of these activities (both known and unknown), and for any injury, damage, death or other loss suffered by me,
resulting from those risks.
I agree to release and not to sue AMC (as AMC is defined above) in regard to all claims, liabilities, suits, or expenses (hereafter
collectively ‘claim’ or 'claims'), including claims caused or alleged to be caused by the negligence of AMC (but not its gross
negligence or intentional or reckless misconduct), for any injury, damage, death or other loss to me in any way connected with my
participation in these activities, or my use of AMC equipment or facilities. I understand I agree here to waive all claims I may have
against AMC, and agree that neither I, nor anyone acting on my behalf, will make a claim or file a lawsuit against AMC.
I agree that the substantive laws of Massachusetts govern this Document and all other aspects of my relationship with AMC, and that any
mediation, suit, or other proceeding must be filed or entered into only in Massachusetts. Any portion of this Document deemed unlawful
or unenforceable shall not affect the remaining provisions, and those remaining provisions shall continue in full force and
effect.
I HAVE CAREFULLY READ, UNDERSTAND AND VOLUNTARILY SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT SHALL
BE EFFECTIVE AND BINDING UPON ME, MY MINOR CHILDREN AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, AND MY HEIRS, EXECUTORS,
REPRESENTATIVES AND ESTATE.
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