Expectations

I expect you to push yourself to new limits, physically, mentally and socially and to have fun.  This camp incorporates some exciting adventures in places that are truly wonderful.  With the skills that you learn, you may have the opportunity to pursue climbing or other outdoor pursuits in the future.  The success of your learning is dependent on your willingness to learn, and your past knowledge.  At the camp, you will have the opportunity to learn and it is expected that you will take advantage of this opportunity.  The more you learn the more you will get to experience and the more fun you will have.

Having a great time in the wilderness has certain responsibilities.  The responsibility is directed toward you, the group, and finally the wilderness.  As a camp participant you have a responsibility to yourself.  This includes your personal hygiene, your equipment, and learning safety protocol.  Most important is your attitude.  A positive attitude about yourself, others and the world is essential.  You also have a responsibility to the others in the group.  This means pitching in and doing work like pitching tents, cleaning dishes, and organizing gear.  Be sure to appreciate others strengths; we all have things we are good at and not so good at.  Do not criticize others in the camp.  As a group, share in the success of other members and encourage one another to try new and exciting things.  Finally, you have a responsibility to the environment.  You will be interacting with nature.  This interaction will provide you with some great experiences to remember, but as you take away you also leave behind.  All visitors to the wilderness leave an impact on the landscape.  You have the responsibility to make this a positive, rather than a negative impact.  You will learn to practice LNT while in the wilderness.

Guidelines for Adventurers

1. Respect yourself

2. Respect all people

3. Respect the environment

4. Follow instructions

ATA Policy Overview

1. All participants will arrive at designated times and locations.  Any deviation from scheduled times need to be cleared with the office.
2. All participants are expected to follow the honor code of conduct.  Behavior that jeopardizes safety, or severely interferes with ability of the group to perform the necessary tasks may result in the participant being removed from the camp.  This will require the participant to be picked up by the parent or guardian.  ATA does not refund payments due to behavior issues.
3. Participants are required to bring the appropriate equipment for the adventure.  The gear list is provided.
4. All forms must be completed and on file prior to the beginning of the trip
   1. Waiver
   2. Medical release form
   3. Copy of Insurance Card
   4. Honor code of conduct (signed)
5. Meeting time will be 2 pm on June 26^th at Looking Glass Outfitters in Brevard, NC.
6. Pick up time will be 12 noon on July 2^nd at Looking Glass Outfitters in Brevard, NC.
7. Any airport pickups will have to be arranged and will be at Asheville Airport.  There will be an additional charge for pickups and drop offs of $25.
8. A deposit of $500 is required and payment in full is expected on the first day of the Adventure.  CC, cash or check is accepted.
9. Cancellations must be made 30 days in advance to receive full refund.  Cancellations after 30 days will result in a 50% refund up to 14 day prior to the start date.  There will be no refunds after 14 days prior to the start date.
10. Renting sleeping bags will be an additional charge of $20.  The bags must be returned in good useable condition.  If not, there will be an additional charge of $75 for the replacement of the sleeping bag.
11. Sleeping pad rental $5.

Participant Agreement and Honor Code

Safety Protocol for Participants

1. All climbers will wear helmets whenever instructed to do so.
2. All knots will be double checked by staff
3. All belays will be backed up and all belayers must pass the belay check before belaying.
4. All climbers and belayers will use the proper verbal signals to communicate, such as belay on, slack, etc.
5. All participants will cease activity and listen when an instructor says, “stop”.
6. Noise will be kept to a minimum.
7. You must wear Teva style sandals while swimming.  No one will enter the water without supervision and permission from an ATA staff member.
8. All camp rules will be followed while around camp.
   1. Shoes must be worn at all times.
   2. No horseplay while around cooking areas, tents, or rocks.
   3. At no time will male participants be permitted in the female tent area.
   4. No solo hikes.  Staff members must know your location at all times

Honor Code of Conduct for Participants

1                I will respect other individuals and their property.

2               I agree to participant to the best of my ability and help others to do their best too.

3               I will respect the environment by not leaving trash or defacing the natural surroundings.

4               I will not use inappropriate language.

5               I agree to listen and follow the instructions of the trip leaders as my safety and performance depends on my following directions.

6               I agree not to bring any electronic devices, inappropriate materials, or clothing that is offensive to others.

7               I agree to listen and follow instructions of all trip leaders for my own safety, and for the safety of others.  I will also follow instructions to the best of my ability to enhance the experience for others and myself.

Downloadable Resources:

Appalachian Teen Adventure Policies

Equipment List

ATA-AMI medical form

2011 Liability Waiver