COVID-19 Statement of Understanding

Outward Bound is actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, and information and recommendations from the national and state Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority, and Outward Bound Schools are working diligently with our local public health authorities and our medical advisors to develop mitigation controls and procedures in alignment with current data. The risk of contracting COVID-19 can be reduced but not eliminated.

Statement of Understanding

I wish to enroll myself or my child on an Outward Bound course.

I understand, agree, and accept that Outward Bound cannot ensure that the environments I/my child will encounter during participation with Outward Bound will be safe from exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. I assume any and all risks related to exposure to or contracting COVID-19 during my/my child’s participation with Outward Bound, which could lead to 1) illness, hospitalization, and possible death and 2) myself/my child exposing others, including family and friends to the virus.

This page outlines the mitigation efforts my child and/or I are expected to practice, along with testing requirements and recommendations, so we can decide if I/we want to participate in the program.

In order to participate in this Outward Bound course, we understand that I/my child must be symptom-free at course start as defined by Outward Bound medical screening protocols, and we agree to observe physical distancing and good hygiene practices for 14 days prior to course start, including:

• Avoiding crowded indoor and enclosed spaces when possible
• Washing or sanitizing our hands frequently, and always after touching surfaces that other people touch (such as elevator buttons, handrails, door pulls and fuel pump handles)
• Avoiding contact with people who are sick
• Advising OB if I or my child has tested positive for or had symptoms of COVID-19

Prior to my/my child’s arrival at course start we agree to the following:

• To advise OB if my I or my child has tested positive or had symptoms, or been in close contact with someone testing positive for or showing symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of course start
• To obtain a pre-course FDA-authorized viral test if required by my student services representative.

Further, we understand that Outward Bound encourages participants to travel to course start by private vehicle if possible. If using commercial travel, regardless of my/my child’s vaccination status, Outward Bound strongly recommends wearing a mask to reduce the risk of contracting illness during travel. 

For courses with COVID-19 screening tests at or after course start, and for any course should diagnostic testing be needed:

• I authorize the collection and testing of my/my child’s specimen.
• The test may require a saliva sample, or it may involve a swab (like a Q-Tip) slid into the nose to obtain a sample. It may be uncomfortable, painful, or potentially cause mild abrasion or bleeding. We understand that there is minimal risk with collection of a specimens.
• We have the right to refuse testing and understand that refusal will result in dismissal from the program.
• A testing facility or a laboratory may provide test results to Outward Bound. We authorize release of test results to Outward Bound and us.
• We acknowledge that this test is not a substitute for medical advice from a health care provider. We will consult with a health care provider if I/my child tests positive for COVID-19, is experiencing symptoms, or have any other questions or concerns.
• I understand that Outward Bound and any partner lab or physician have infectious disease reporting responsibilities and will report testing information according to regulations.

We also consent to the following during the course and as a condition of participation:

• To follow health and safety instructions as demonstrated or explained by OB staff
• To wear a face mask, gloves, or other protective equipment as requested
• To report symptoms or have temperature taken at any time
• To submit to additional COVID-19 viral testing at Outward Bound’s request

Outward Bound reserves the right to implement other requirements before or during the course based on medical advice and the judgment of OB staff. Course activities or locations may need to be altered or discontinued, potentially at the last minute or during the program. If I/my child develops symptoms of COVID-19 during the program, we understand you/they will be isolated from others while Outward Bound investigates the potential of obtaining a diagnosis. If I/my child is positive for COVID-19 or another communicable disease, or if no testing is available, I/my child will be removed and we will arrange for transportation home. We understand that if another participant or a staff member with whom I/my child has been in close contact develops symptoms, I/my child may be asked to take additional precautions (e.g., wearing a mask during portions of course).

We understand that I/my child will be expected to follow distancing and hygiene practices that reduce the risk to myself/my child and others as taught, demonstrated or otherwise explained by Outward Bound staff, and that neglecting to do so may result in dismissal. We understand that despite the precautions noted above, Outward Bound cannot ensure that I/my child will not be exposed to or contract COVID-19.

We understand that older adults and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. We understand and assume the risks of contracting COVID-19 willingly and agree to release Outward Bound from any and all claims related to being exposed to or contracting COVID-19.

If you DO NOT consent to the above, please contact your course/program representative to cancel your/your child’s participation.