Considerations,

Terms and Conditions

1.  We encourage you to carefully consider your decision to register in an Animas Valley Institute/Life as an Act of Poetry program - your registration represents a commitment to yourself and to us. From experience, we can tell you that it is common, even appropriate, for people to feel some fear and resistance before traveling deeply into the inner or outer wilderness, especially as the program start date approaches.

2. During your preparation time, life may present significant obstacles (real as well as imagined, inner as well as outer) and it may seem impossible for you to proceed with the program. These apparent obstacles arise quite commonly, and we believe that they are an important part of the experience. We ask that you register only when you are truly committed to attending.

3. We request that you abstain from consuming recreational drugs and alcohol during the course of a program. This supports a full presence to both the nuances of your soul’s unfolding and to the co-creation of a ‘group field’.

4. AVI/LAP programs, are essentially a personal development opportunity with a focus on nature connection and self-awareness. In that regard:

  • programs are not ‘therapeutic’ nor a substitute for therapy.

  • participation in an AVI/LAP program(s), in general and in any particular activity thereof, is entirely by choice, voluntarily and freely made, after considering all factors. 

  • you may choose not to participate in any part of a program.

  • you acknowledge that your involvement in a program can be discontinued at the discretion of AVI/LAP.

5. AVI/LAP reserves the right to assess you for compatibility with programs and in some cases registrations may not be accepted. 

6. 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 that the program is proceeding

7. HEALTH

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. In this regard, you may wish to consider whether personal insurance is appropriate, including injury and ambulance cover. 

If you are under the care of a treating professional for mental health reasons, you must provide confirmation to the producer (Miranda Guzman) that the professional has agreed to your involvement in this program.   

Ensuring program participants and guides are safe is essential, along with doing our part to slow the spread of the COVID virus. If you have major health risks or if you cannot comply with our COVID protocols, we ask that you consider registering another time.

However, by registering for this program you agree:

  • to follow all current Government and Health authority guidelines for COVID, particularly in relation to mask wearing and social distancing. 

  • to take a Rapid Antigen Test if symptoms develop prior to the start of the program. If a POSITIVE test results, you must not attend the program. In the case of a NEGATIVE result, you must consider whether it is appropriate or not to attend the program. 

  • to immediately undergo a Rapid Antigen Test if at any time during the course of the program you develop symptoms which could be an indicator of COVID. If the test result is POSITIVE, you understand that you will be required to discontinue participation in the program and to use your best endeavours to leave the venue where possible. If the test result is NEGATIVE, you agree to minimise contact with others whilst symptoms persist, but may resume full participation once well again. 

8. LIABILITY RELEASE

  • AVI/LAP programs can be physically and psychologically challenging - for the safety of all, we require that you be in good physical, mental and emotional health.  You agree to take full responsibility for your health, wellbeing, safety, and all that you experience while participating in a program(s). 

  • Taking account of your health and personal capabilities, you assume the inherent risks in taking part in the program, physical and psychological, including but not limited to rugged terrain, exposure to heat and cold, possible COVID or other infections, and activities which may be psychologically challenging and/or confronting.

  • You release AVI, AVI guides, Miranda Guzman and its associates from liability or claims, financial or otherwise, in respect of accidental injury, illness or loss and your personal wellbeing for the period of the program and beyond, which may occur as a result of participating in any program activity.

9. CANCELLATION

Please note that because these Animas Valley Institute/Life as an Act of Poetry programs are limited to a small number of attendees, to allow for a more personable, intimate experience, our cancellation policy is in place to help participants and ourselves alike work together sharing expenses that may arise from unexpected cancellations.

Before investing in your participation for this program, it is your responsibility to thoroughly read and understand clearly the cancellation policy. 

  1. DEPOSITS

    • All deposits are non-refundable. If you paid in full— 30% of your payment will be be considered as your deposit in case of unexpected cancellations.

  2. PAYMENT BALANCE

    • The remaining balance (total price minus deposit) is due 14 days before the retreat start date.

    • 50% Balance (not incl. deposit) will be refunded for cancellation 15 days before event.

If you cancel your registration:

  • where a program has not been confirmed as proceeding the payment made will be refunded or transferred to another program. 

  • where a program has been confirmed as proceeding:

    • you forfeit an administration charge of 30% of the full program fee.

    • if you cancel within 15 days of program commencement, your full program payment is forfeited. 

10. FINAL PAYMENT

After a deposit is received, the remaining funds will be requested for payment four weeks prior to commencement of the program. 

If registering less than 4 weeks prior to the start date of a program, please pay the full program fee after confirmed registration.

You will receive an email with Payment information after your registration is complete.

If payment is not made on time, your place may be forfeited and offered to a person on the waiting list.

11. CONFIRMATION OF PROGRAM

Programs will be confirmed as proceeding when minimum registration numbers have been reached. We aim to confirm programs at least 6 weeks prior to commencement date.  Final acceptance of your registration is dependent on review of your health questionnaire and acceptance of our Considerations, Terms and Conditions. You will be notified of program confirmation.

12. PERSONAL INFORMATION

It is our standard procedure to share your full name, pronouns, gender, email address and phone number with everyone attending your program along with the program guides. This is so you may contact one another before or after completing the program (i.e. carpooling purposes, email council, etc). By agreeing to our policies and procedures, you consent to the sharing of this information with those attending your program.