Dry Tortugas 2015 Info Packet

Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park
Sailing Trip
May 28-31, 2015
Dry Tortugas Sailing 2015
Dry Tortugas Sailing
Trip Information Packet
Almost 70 miles west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park.
The 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands.
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the
home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral
reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequent the area.
We will sail from Key West and camp in the national park.
Dates:
May 28-31, 2015
Schedule (dates will not change but times are subject to change):
May 28:
Arrive in Key West by 8:00am
Meet at designated marina
Safety and sailing lesson before departure
Arrive late afternoon and set up camp
Dinner on beach
May 29:
Morning Devotional
Explore Island
Snorkeling
May 30:
Depart Dry Tortugas
Sail all day to Key West
May 31:
Morning debriefing
Depart to catch flights home after 10:00am
(After 2pm if departing from Miami)
The trip is open to any male adult age 18 or up. Youth between ages 14-17 may come
accompanied by an adult. No previous sailing experience is required.
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Dry Tortugas Sailing 2015
Cost Information
Payment Schedule
Total Cost
$475 paid in full at application
Due: At application
NOTE: Due to pre-trip costs $200 of your payment is non-refundable.
Whitewater Rafting
Sacred Valley Tour
$100
$70
Payment:
Note: The initial deposit is non-refundable due to pre-trip booking costs.
Online: By credit card online at summitleaders.org/payment
(a fee is charged for use of a credit card, to avoid this charge you can mail in
a check.)
After online payment mail your application to the address below.
Mail: Checks should be made to COMMISSION EXPEDITIONS
Send payment to:
Summit Leaders
Attn: Sarah Coburn
17147 State Hwy 64E
Tyler, TX 75707
Refunds cannot be offered on $200 of the total cost due to pre-trip expenses, however, if
you must cancel your reservation we will do our best to refund as much as possible of
your initial payment.
Included in trip costs:
All meals 5/28-5/30
Breakfast 5/31
Any park entry fees
Not included:
Airfare
Camping gear for trip (tents, sleeping bags
no hammocks allowed)
Bottled drinks (water, cold drinks, etc)
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Dry Tortugas Sailing 2015
Pre-Trip Information
Travel Arrangements
You are responsible for booking your own transportation to Key West.
You can fly directly in to Key West (airport code: EYW). However, it is typically
cheaper to fly to Miami (MIA) or Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) and drive. (approx. 4 hours)
You need to be at the dock in Key West by 8:00am on May 28.
Return flights can be booked after 12:00n on May 31, 2015
You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements.
For any questions regarding travel contact the trip coordinator Joel Malm at
joelmalm@gmail.com or call (210) 317-6406
Accommodations
We will be camping on the islands at the park. This is a primitive campground,
meaning we must bring everything onto the island. There is a composting toilet,
but there is no running water. We will sleep in tents. Sleeping on the boat is an
option only if we face inclement weather.
Physical Conditioning
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM AND TREAD WATER FOR THIS TRIP.
We will be in open ocean. In the event you lose your balance and end up in the
water you must be able to hold your own until you can be rescued.
In preparation for your time on the boat it is recommended you do jump rope
exercises to strengthen your agility and balance on the boat.
There will be lots of walking in the sand on this trip. Be prepared for by doing
cardio vascular exercise prior to the trip.
Weather
Thunderstorms can pop up very quickly. Prepare for rain by bringing rain gear.
Weather can change in minutes, so be prepared for anything. At night the
temperature will be in the mid-60s. During the day temperatures may reach up to
90˚F.
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Dry Tortugas Sailing 2015
Food
We will provide all food and water for meals. However, if you have a special
snack you like make sure you bring it with you.
Clothing
Prepare for rain. If it rains you will get wet and the breeze on the boat may make
it cold. Bring rain gear along with standard beachwear.
Backpack
Plan to bring a small daypack to take with you as we hike around the island.
Water
Be prepared to drink LOTS of water. We will provide the water, but you should
bring a Nalgene bottle or container for water. Don’t allow yourself to get
dehydrated.
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Dry Tortugas Sailing 2015
Gear Packing List
Below is a list of gear we recommend you bring.
Tent
Lightweight sleeping bag (good to 20 degrees F or below *)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Camera
Journal
Headlamp
Soft-soled non-marking deck shoes
Duffle bag (NO HARD SUIT CASES FOR STORAGE REASONS)
Clothing:
Rain gear
Pants
Shorts
Shirts
Sweater
Hat or cap
Socks
Lightweight hiking or running shoes (for hiking)
Optional
Knife with serrated blade (make sure it is in your checked bags for flying)
Rubber boots (suitable for use on deck or the beach)
Sailing gloves
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Dry Tortugas Sailing 2015
Application
Please complete one application for each team member
Full Name ______________________________________________ Date of Birth __________
Home Address ________________________________________ City ____________________
State ______ Postal Code __________ Email ________________________________________
Tel. ____________________ Mobile ________________
Emergency Contact Info
Name ________________________________________ Relationship ____________________
Email ___________________________________ Tel. _______________ Other ____________
Health
Please rate your current physical health on a scale of 1-10 (10 being excellent) _____
Please rate your level of strength as a swimmer on a scale of 1-10 (10 being excellent) _______
Please list any recent health problems you have had: __________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
To secure your place on the trip you will need to send in the following:
__ one Application and Excursion Agreement signed on all pages for each traveler
__ signed Parental Consent Agreement (if applicable)
__ payment for each traveler (please attach payment receipt if paid online)
Send to: SUMMIT LEADERS, Attn: Sarah Coburn, 17147 State Hwy 64E, Tyler, TX 75707
Sign _____________________________________________ Date ___________
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SUMMIT LEADERS EXCURSION AGREEMENT DISCLAIMER, WAIVER, RELEASE AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SUMMIT LEADERS and the undersigned, ___________________________________________________________ (print name) (“PARTICIPANT”), agree to the following terms (the “AGREEMENT”) as a condition of PARTICIPANT’S participation in the SUMMIT LEADERS excursion to the Dry Tortugas National Park from May 28-­‐31, 2015. (the “EXCURSION”). 1.
2.
PARTICIPANT acknowledges that he or she has read and understood this AGREEMENT in its entirety as well as all of the information regarding the EXCURSION on the SUMMIT LEADERS website and in any other correspondence from SUMMIT LEADERS (the “MARKETING MATERIALS”). PARTICIPANT acknowledges that the MARKETING MATERIALS constitute part of this AGREEMENT and agrees to abide by any and all such rules or requirements for participation in the EXCURSION set forth therein, both prior to and during the EXCURSION. SUMMIT LEADERS may remove PARTICIPANT from the EXCURSION, without a refund, if PARTICIPANT fails to adhere to and abide by any such rules or requirements. SUMMIT LEADERS shall use its best efforts to make arrangements for the provision of the services for the EXCURSION, as set forth in the MARKETING MATERIALS, such as food, lodging, local transportation, motivational speaking, team building, and leadership development (the “SERVICES”). PARTICIPANT acknowledges that none of the SERVICES are provided by SUMMIT LEADERS directly, but rather by other persons and organizations with whom SUMMIT LEADERS has contracted. SUMMIT LEADERS may, as reasonably required, make changes to the SERVICES and itinerary described in the MARKETING MATERIALS without notice and without any refund of the price for the EXCURSION paid by the PARTICIPANT. SUMMIT LEADERS HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE QUALITY OF ANY SERVICES PROVIDED BY OTHER PERSONS OR ORGANIZATIONS. 3.
PARTICIPANT acknowledges that the EXCURSION itinerary includes outdoor adventure activities (the “ACTIVITIES”) that could present an increased risk of danger to the life, limb and/or property of the PARTICIPANT. PARTICIPANT agrees willingly and voluntarily to undertake such ACTIVITIES at his or her own risk and acknowledges that SUMMIT LEADERS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND MAKES NO GUARANTEES OF PARTICIPANT’S SAFETY. It shall be PARTICIPANT’S sole responsibility to ensure that he or she has the physical and mental capacity to safely and successfully participate in and complete such ACTIVITIES prior to embarking on the EXCURSION. 4.
PARTICIPANT agrees to follow any and all rules or instructions given by SUMMIT LEADERS while engaged in any ACTIVITIES. SUMMIT LEADERS reserves the right, but is not required, to limit or eliminate PARTICIPANT’S participation in any ACTIVITIES, without a refund, if PARTICIPANT fails to follow any rules or instructions given by SUMMIT LEADERS. 5.
The cost of the EXCURSION shall include an insurance policy covering certain types of loss to the PARTICIPANT that might occur on the EXCURSION (the “POLICY”). PARTICIPANT may obtain a written copy of the POLICY upon request. If PARTICIPANT desires more or different coverage than that provided under the POLICY, PARTICIPANT may purchase additional insurance, for life, health or disability, or any other sort of insurable loss, at PARTICIPANT’S own cost. PARTICIPANT acknowledges that the POLICY provided by SUMMIT LEADERS is part of the consideration for the waivers, consents, disclaimers, releases and other limitations of liability contained in this AGREEMENT. 6.
PARTICIPANT acknowledges and agrees that any remedy for any personal injury or property damage arising out of or related to the EXCURSION in any way shall be limited to any benefits payable under the POLICY referenced in Paragraph 5 of this AGREEMENT or any other insurance policy purchased by PARTICIPANT. 7.
PARTICIPANT AGREES TO RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, SAVE, DEFEND AND FOREVER HOLD HARMLESS SUMMIT LEADERS, INCLUDING ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, VOLUNTEERS AND PARTICIPANTS FROM ANY AND ALL LOSS OR LIABILITY, INCLUDING ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE OR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT OR DISABILITY, ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE EXCURSION, EVEN IF SUCH LOSS OR LIABILITY IS CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY THE NEGLIGENCE, GROSS NEGLIGENCE, CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY OF SUMMIT LEADERS OR ANY OF ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, VOLUNTEERS AND/OR PARTICIPANTS. ______________________________________________________ PARTICIPANT’S SIGNATURE Summit Leaders Excursion Agreement ____________________________________________________________ PARTICIPANT’S FATHER’S SIGNATURE (if under 18) Page 1 of 2 8.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION. A. PARTICIPANT AGREES TO WAIVE HIS OR HER RIGHT TO BRING SUIT IN ANY COURT OF LAW FOR ANY ACT OR OMISSION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE EXCURSION, INCLUDING ANY SUIT FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT OR DISABILITY. B.
Any dispute or claim for damages arising out of the EXCURSION or this AGREEMENT shall be resolved according to this paragraph. In the event of any dispute, the party claiming to be damaged shall bring their claim to the attention of the other party in writing sent by certified mail, no later than ninety (90) days after the conclusion of the EXCURSION. In the event of any dispute or claim, the parties shall attempt to settle and resolve the dispute through informal negotiations and correspondence. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute themselves, then the dispute or claim shall be referred to mediation and/or arbitration under the Institute for Christian Conciliation of Peacemakers Ministries. PARTICIPANT agrees that any conferences, hearings or other proceedings in mediation or arbitration shall be held within the State of Texas, unless otherwise agreed to by both parties or otherwise required by the administrator of the mediation or arbitration proceedings. C.
The legal rights and responsibilities of the parties to this AGREEMENT shall be governed by the Holy Bible and the laws of the State of Texas, to the extent that such laws do not conflict with the Holy Bible. The parties agree that the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act of 1987, as currently found in Chapter 84 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, shall not, in any way, be deemed to conflict with the Holy Bible. D. The prevailing party in any arbitration proceeding instituted under this AGREEMENT may recover their reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees, subject to the discretion of the arbitration panel or administrator. 9.
PARTICIPANT acknowledges that SUMMIT LEADERS is a ministry of Commission Expeditions, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-­‐
profit corporation formed under the laws of the State of Texas, with its principal place of business located at 22302 Mosswillow Ln, Tomball, TX 77375 10. PARTICIPANT acknowledges that one of the goals of the EXCURSION is to develop church leaders. In order to further that goal, PARTICIPANT consents to SUMMIT LEADERS communicating with PARTICIPANT’S home church pastor regarding any aspects of PARTICIPANT’S involvement in the EXCURSION. 11. PARTICIPANT grants SUMMIT LEADERS permission to use his or her likeness in any photograph, audio or video recording in any or all of its publications or communications, including its website, without payment or prior approval or any other consideration, either now or in the future. 12. This AGREEMENT constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and may not be modified, altered or amended in any way except by written agreement signed by both parties. The parties have not relied upon any other oral or written statement or representation in entering into this AGREEMENT except those that are contained in this AGREEMENT. The parties agree that should any part of this AGREEMENT be found to be void, the remainder of this AGREEMENT shall be enforced as written. AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY: ______________________________________________________ SUMMIT LEADERS By: Joel Malm, President of Summit Leaders _______________________________________________________ PARTICIPANT _______________________________________________________ PARTICIPANT’S FATHER (if under 18) Summit Leaders Excursion Agreement ____________________________________________________________ DATE ____________________________________________________________ DATE ____________________________________________________________ DATE Page 2 of 2