Please read the agreement below and sign electronically at the bottom.

NOTE: By signing your name electronically on this form, you are agreeing that your electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your manual signature.

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

I am committing to participating in the Elms College Spring Break Compass trip from March 8-15, 2025. I understand that Compass requires full participation from its first day to its last, including the training before the trip. I know the program is an active, purposeful group experience that requires my full engagement and effort.  

• I understand that my participation in Compass is about much more than myself. I know this trip is about service, community, and learning.

• I will participate in a technology fast during this experience according to our group’s community agreement. I will notify family and friends that I will be inaccessible for most of the trip and focus on those present with me during the trip. I will not use personal electronic devices like tablets, laptops, or iPods during the program unless required as a sleeping aid. 

• I will not smoke/chew tobacco, vape, drink alcohol, use prohibited drugs, or get/give tattoos or piercings during the program. I will not have a firearm or anything that qualifies as a weapon by common sense and the discretion of Compass staff. Likewise, I understand that Compass does not allow the weaponizing of language in the form of racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, or bigotry of any kind. Furthermore, I agree to not meet in person with anyone I connected with online (namely dating apps) and will likewise not take nude photos of myself or others while on the program.

• I understand that if I am under the age of 18, any and all medications (prescriptions, OTCs and vitamins/supplements - except for inhalers and epi-pens) I bring to the Compass program need to be turned into staff at the beginning of the program and will be administered to me as needed by the staff. If I am 18+ years of age, I understand that I am required to disclose any and all medications that I will bring with me to the program on the medical form to follow. Furthermore, I understand that under no circumstances am I permitted to give my medications to other participants in the program.

• I understand that all Compass participants are required to wear a seatbelt any time they are in a vehicle (including buses) for the entire duration of a ride and that no participants should ever be driving other participants, or using non-sanctioned modes of transportation.

• I understand that there are certain parameters in place regarding exchanging contact information while in Iceland, and agree to abide by them. These are as follows: If you are 18+ and wish to remain connected with someone you meet, exchanging social media contact handles is the recommended means of doing so. Under no circumstances should any of our participants give out their cell phone number to anyone, arrange an in-person meeting with someone they connected with virtually, or get OR give contact information to a participant in one of the Salvation Army children’s or youth programs. If you are a minor participating in a Compass Program, you are not to give out any contact information to a non-Compass participant. If necessary, give an individual either Compass’ (@compasspath) or the Salvation Army’s (@herinnrvk) Instagram information.

• I understand that in the event of my misconduct/violation of these policies, the Compass program reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to dismiss me at any point during the program.

I understand these expectations and agree to abide by them during the Compass program.

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

GENERAL

I understand that there may be certain risks involved in participation that will be out of the control of the staff. I realize that I will be participating in activities where the risk of an accident may be greater than in my normal life. I do hereby assume all risks related to my registration, training, and participation in the Compass Program, including risks that may not be known to me or reasonably foreseeable at this time. I hereby release, hold harmless, indemnify, and discharge the Compass Program, Elms College and their respective current and former directors, officers, employees, volunteers, insurers, subsidiaries, and agents from and against all liability, actions, causes of actions, debts, claims, demands, costs, fees, expenses, and damages of every kind and nature, arising from or related to my registration, training, or participation in the Compass Program.

SCOOTERS

I understand that the rideshare electric scooters found throughout the city in Iceland are not a part of the Compass program and that Compass does not permit participants to use these scooters due to safety concerns. By signing below, I agree not to use these scooters during the Compass program.

PHOTOS

I give Compass permission to use my picture and pictures including me for promotional purposes.

I have read this Participant Agreement and the Waiver in its entirety and agree to abide by it.

COVID-19 AGREEMENT

I understand that for the safety of all those in the program and our partners, and due to the extra risk involved in international travel, Compass strongly recommends that all participants receive the COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. Although vaccination is strongly recommended and is a requirement for our staff, this is not mandatory for participants or leaders. 

I acknowledge that Compass believes vaccination against COVID-19 is a pertinent safety measure while respecting everyone’s right to choose whether or not they will get the vaccination.

I understand that anyone who contracts COVID-19 on a Compass program cannot hold Compass liable and is also subject to isolation, quarantine, and additional safety measures.  I also understand that contracting COVID-19, or any other major illness, could result in me not being able to participate in some of the program. 

Compass will continue to monitor the current conditions of COVID-19 and adjust our policies accordingly. By signing this form, you, as a member of the Compass community, are committing to adhere to all policies, guidelines, and requirements set forth by any member of the Compass staff throughout the program. 

COVID-19 related cancellations may include but are not limited to the trip being deemed unsafe to travel by our partner institutions, prohibitions due to Icelandic border regulations, the event of major sickness due to COVID-19 by Compass staff, and other events or significant safety concerns of the on-going uncertainties around the virus and its variants at the discretion of Compass. Compass will keep participants notified of any changes as they unfold. 

IMPORTANT: 

In the unlikely event of a cancellation of our Iceland trip, Compass will seek to reschedule this trip. All students will be offered a spot on future Compass trips. However, as mentioned in our fundraising agreement, donations made toward your trip (if applicable) are non-refundable even if you cannot join a future Compass trip. (This is an IRS regulation for all non-profits.)