Pilgrimage Registration Form

Waiver and Assumption of Risk

This waiver, release, covenant not to sue, indemnity, and assumption of risk agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into in favor of Sherpa: Guidance for the Spiritual Climb, and its respective current director, officers, employees, volunteers, insurers, subsidiaries, affiliates and agents (collectively “Sherpa”). In consideration for being accepted and allowed to participate in this event and any and all activities associated with its program and locations (collectively, the “Event”), I freely and voluntarily agree as follows:

General Assumption of Risk and Release

I understand and agree that Sherpa may not have reviewed, certified, or investigated the Event, its activities, locations, destinations, means of transportation, and/or routes of travel, and makes no statement or warranty as to the safety of the Event, its services, equipment, training, activities, or itinerary.

I understand and agree that Sherpa is not an agent of, and has no responsibility for, any third party, including without limitation any sponsor that may provide services, equipment, training, or activities associated with the Event.

I understand and agree that if I become separated from the Event group for any reason—including illness, injury, detention, or failure to meet a scheduled departure—Sherpa is not obligated to postpone or delay the Event on my behalf or have personnel remain with me. I will bear all responsibility and costs to seek out, contact, and reach the Event group at its next available destination or to return home.

I understand and agree that the Event may be changed or altered at any time, and that such changes may result in added personal expenses. It is my responsibility to seek out and purchase a trip cancellation insurance policy at my own expense. Sherpa bears no responsibility for the adequacy of any personal trip cancellation insurance policy.

I understand and agree that any personal deviation or personal activity that I choose to engage in is solely my responsibility, and that Sherpa has no obligation to provide emergency assistance, insurance, or financial assistance for illness, injury, or losses incurred during non-Event activities.

I understand that all activities during the Event involve risk of injury. I may be given the opportunity to participate in riskier activities, including walking or climbing up or down steep hills, staircases, or walking on uneven or unpaved surfaces; however, I acknowledge that I am under no obligation to participate. To the maximum extent possible, I assume all risks and hazards involved in participating in the Event, including but not limited to property loss, illness, injury, or death—whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen.

I unconditionally and fully release, hold harmless, defend, indemnify, and discharge (collectively, “Release”) Sherpa from and against any and all losses, expenses, liabilities, claims, suits, proceedings, demands, judgments, actions, costs, fees, or damages of any kind (“Claims”), arising from or related to my involvement in or presence at the Event, regardless of whether such Claims are caused in whole or in part by Sherpa’s negligence. I further covenant not to file any lawsuit, complaint, or proceeding against Sherpa at any time based on any Claims.

Travel, Accident & Sickness Insurance

I understand and agree that Sherpa does not provide travel risk services or Travel Accident & Sickness insurance for the Event.

COVID-19 Assumption of Risk and Release

I acknowledge that COVID-19 has been declared a worldwide pandemic. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and may cause severe illness or death. While Sherpa may take reasonable precautions, I understand that exposure risk cannot be eliminated. I voluntarily choose to participate in the Event and assume all COVID-19 related risks. I release Sherpa from any COVID-19 related Claims. I agree to consult my medical provider and follow all public health guidelines, including international guidelines.

Behavioral Expectations

I am qualified to participate in the Event and assume personal responsibility for my actions. I agree to follow all rules, use safety equipment as applicable, and understand that my participation is a privilege. Sherpa reserves the right to dismiss me from the Event at my expense with no refund. I will participate only in activities within my physical and mental abilities and will follow all warnings and instructions. Recreational use of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. I will inform an Event supervisor of any unsafe conditions and will cease participation if necessary.

Medical Release

I understand and agree that Sherpa does not provide medical, health, or disability insurance. I authorize Sherpa to obtain medical assistance in an emergency, including transportation, medication, treatment, X-rays, or hospitalization as ordered by a licensed medical professional. I release Sherpa from any liability regarding medical care provided or arranged. I am responsible for determining whether I am physically and mentally healthy enough to participate.

Media Release

I grant Sherpa permission to take photographic images, videos, and sound recordings of me (“Images/Recordings”) and grant Sherpa all rights to use, publish, alter, reproduce, display, distribute, or create derivative works from such Images/Recordings. I agree that I will not receive compensation for these uses.

Governing Law

This Agreement is intended to be as broad as permitted by Missouri law. It is governed by the laws of the State of Missouri and the United States. The releases herein apply to my family, estate, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns. If any provision is deemed invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be resolved by mediation and, if necessary, binding arbitration in Springfield, Missouri, under mutually agreed-upon arbitration rules. Arbitration shall be the sole remedy, and I expressly waive the right to file a lawsuit except to enforce an arbitration decision.