INFORMED CONSENT

While participating in programs at River Road Nature School, I acknowledge that my child will or may be exposed to the following:

Exposure to the outdoors in all seasons, including weather conditions such as heat and sun, cold temperatures, wind, snow, and rain as well as changing and inclement weather, including storms that involve heavy snow, high winds, heavy rain, hail, thunder, and or lightning

Stormwater in ditches and puddles

Bacteria in the environment eg. coliform

Animals that may cause injury eg. wild animals, livestock

Wild plants that may cause allergic reaction (eg. poison ivy)

Nuts growing on and falling from trees that may cause an allergic reaction (eg. walnut, hickory)

Insect bites and stings (eg. ticks, mosquitoes, bees, wasps)

Campfires

I acknowledge that further injury may result from:

Executing strenuous and demanding physical activities

Loose parts play

The possibility that my child may not heed safety guidelines or directions

Injuries arising from the actions of other children

Negligence on the part of other participants

Risky play, including, but not limited to;

Play with Great Heights – balancing, hanging, climbing, jumping

Play with High Speed – running, sliding, swinging

Play with Dangerous Tools – sawing, hammering, carving

Play near Dangerous Elements – fire building & tending

Rough and Tumble Play – rolling down hills, fencing with sticks, wrestling

Play Where Children Can Get Lost – hide n’ seek

At River Road Nature School we support children in becoming conﬁdent, capable individuals, who have the ability to take age appropriate responsibility for their own safety.

In unstructured, outdoor play, children freely choose which experiences and forms of play they are comfortable engaging in. Your child is under no obligation to participate in all experiences and may choose not to participate at any time during the program.

River Road Nature School takes reasonable steps to manage and balance risks. Educators are trained and experienced, and their role is to guide children to recognize and assess risk, while keeping the risks to an acceptable level through conducting routine site risk assessment and risk benefit assessment.

Please refer to the ‘Managing Risk’ section in our Program Handbook. Reading this enables you to better understand our approach in weighing the risks and beneﬁts involved in program participation.

While minor injuries like bruises, bumps and scrapes are not uncommon, serious injuries are rare, and life changing injuries and fatalities are unlikely in the extreme. Still, as with almost any activity, indoors or outdoors, it is impossible to guarantee that they will not happen.

Signing this form conﬁrms that I am aware:

It is my responsibility to decide on behalf of my child whether or not he/she can participate

I acknowledge that, alongside the beneﬁts, participation involves the possibility of exposure to risks, dangers, and hazards

I freely and voluntarily assume the risks, dangers, and hazards inherent in participating, including all those described here but not limited to, pose the possibility of personal injury, and the remote possibility of fatality

Guidelines are designed to enhance the safety of my child and others, and are to be followed at all times

I have discussed with my child that they need to listen to and follow the guidance and instructions provided

That my child’s risk of injury increases with fatigue and improper footware

Being satisﬁed that participation is suitable for my child, I give my permission and consent for him/her to participate

I will notify you if my child suffers from any medical or health condition that may cause injury to themselves or others or may require emergency care during their participation

SUNSCREEN SAFETY

As a parent or guardian, I recognize that it is my responsibility to apply sunscreen to my child prior to or at program drop off. I hereby give my permission for the educators to apply the sunscreen that I provide to my child’s exposed skin, when reapplication is necessary.

INSECT REPELLENT

As a parent or guardian, I hereby give my permission for the educators to apply, when necessary, the insect repellent that I provide to my child.

TICK SAFETY

As a parent or guardian, I understand that it is my responsibility to conduct a daily head to toe tick check.

I acknowledge that I have read the Program Handbook in order to familiarize myself with the policies and procedures of River Road Nature School.