Soulcraft Australia & New Zealand (SANZ) - Considerations, Terms and Conditions/Waiver of Liability
1. Considerations & Voluntary Commitments
1.1 We encourage you to register only when fully committed – your registration is a commitment to yourself and to us.
1.2 Fear or resistance before traveling in these Programs into wilderness is common and often part of the experience.
1.3 Please abstain from recreational drugs and alcohol during programs to support your presence and the group field.
1.4 Our programs are opportunities for personal development and nature connection – they are not therapeutic substitutes for therapy. Participation is voluntary; you may opt out of any part of a program.
1.5 You acknowledge that your involvement in a program can be discontinued at the discretion of the Animas Valley Institute (AVI) and/or Soulcraft ANZ Inc (SANZ).
1.6 AVI/SANZ reserves the right to assess you for compatibility with programs, and in some cases registrations may not be accepted.
1.7 To ensure financial viability, there is typically a minimum number of participants required in any given program. In that regard, where travel to a program is required, do not make any formal travel arrangements until you receive confirmation from SANZ that the program is proceeding.
2. Health
2.1 You acknowledge that the program may be conducted in a remote wilderness area and that the availability of medical resources and services may be limited. You may wish to consider whether personal insurance is appropriate, including injury and ambulance cover.
2.2 If you are under the care of a treating professional for mental health reasons, you must provide confirmation to AVI/SANZ that the professional has agreed to your involvement in a program.
2.3 If you have major health risks or cannot comply with our COVID protocols, please consider registering in an online AVI/SANZ program when available.
2.4 By registering you agree to:
Follow all current Government and Health authority guidelines for COVID.
Take a RAT test if symptoms develop before the program; not attend if positive.
Bring at least one RAT kit (SANZ will also provide kits).
Undergo a RAT if symptoms develop during the program; discontinue if positive; minimise contact if negative but symptomatic.
3. Liability, Risk Acknowledgment & Indemnity
3.1 AVI/SANZ programs can be physically and psychologically challenging. For the safety of all, you must be in good physical, mental, and emotional health, and you agree to take full responsibility for your health, wellbeing, safety, and all that you experience while participating.
3.2 Participation involves inherent risks that may result in injury, illness, property damage, or death. These risks include (but are not limited to): rugged terrain, slips, trips, and falls; weather extremes (heat, cold, storms, floods, bushfires); remote location risks and limited medical access; poisonous creatures, wildlife, insects, and hazardous plants; dehydration, exhaustion, or illness (including COVID or other infections); equipment failure; psychologically challenging activities; and acts or omissions of AVI/SANZ or other participants.
3.3 I expressly and voluntarily assume all such risks, known and unknown, including those arising from negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
3.4 I release AVI, AVI guides, SANZ Inc., and their staff, contractors, and affiliates from any liability or claims, financial or otherwise, in respect of accidental injury, illness, loss, or death during and beyond the program.
3.5 I agree to indemnify and hold harmless AVI, SANZ Inc, and their staff, contractors, and affiliates against any claims, costs, or damages (including legal costs) arising from my participation or breach of these terms. This indemnity extends to my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.
4. Lost or Missing Participants
4.1 I understand program locations may be remote and phone reception limited. Participants are strongly encouraged to carry a personal safety or satellite beacon/device.
4.2 Soulcraft ANZ Inc. will take reasonable and diligent steps to ensure participant safety, including risk management and communication protocols, but cannot guarantee safety at all times.
4.3 If a search or rescue is required due to my negligence, disregard of instructions, or failure to carry appropriate safety equipment, I may be responsible for related costs.
5. Cancellation
5.1 If you cancel before a program is confirmed, payment will be refunded or transferred.
5.2 If a program is confirmed: a 30% admin fee applies.
5.3 If you cancel within 7 days of commencement, the full fee is forfeited.
5.4 SANZ may modify or cancel a program at any time. If cancelled after commencement, partial or full refunds will be considered.
6. Final Payment
6.1 Remaining fees are due 4 weeks before commencement.
6.2 If registering within 4 weeks of start, full payment is required at registration.
6.3 Payment may be debited automatically; if unpaid, your place may be forfeited.
7. Confirmation of Program
7.1 Programs will be confirmed once minimum numbers are reached, typically 6 weeks prior.
7.2 Final acceptance depends on review of your health questionnaire and acceptance of these Terms.
8. Personal Information
8.1 SANZ shares your name, pronouns, gender, email, and phone number with guides and participants for contact/carpooling.
8.2 By agreeing, you consent to this information being shared.
9. Limitation of Liability Under Law
Nothing in this agreement excludes rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) or NZ Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA). Where liability cannot be excluded, Soulcraft ANZ’s liability is limited to resupplying the services or covering the cost thereof.
10. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of the state/territory (Australia) or New Zealand where the program occurs. Disputes must be resolved in courts of that jurisdiction.
11. Severability
If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remainder continues in full force and effect.
12. Media Consent
Unless I notify Soulcraft ANZ in writing, I consent to photos/videos of me being used for promotional or educational purposes.
13. Final Acknowledgment
By registering and ticking the acknowledgment box, you confirm:
You have read and understood these Terms & Conditions / Waiver;
You know that you may be waiving legal rights, including the right to sue;
Your agreement is given freely and voluntarily.