Our Terms and Conditions
Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited on each trip to approximately thirteen to eighteen participants. Because ARCC balances groups by age and gender, many trips fill up by February. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. The $800 deposit is applied to the full tuition of the program. The tuition balance is due upon acceptance of your application and must be submitted no later than March 1, 2013. Applications filed after March 1st must be accompanied by full payment. There is no final deadline for submitting applications (although many trips fill early). The deposit is fully refundable if the applicant is not accepted. All payments must be in U.S. dollars. All U.S. dollar drafts, checks and money orders forwarded from outside the United States must be drawn on, and payable by, a U.S. bank.
Refund Policy
Trip withdrawal/cancellation must be done in writing. An applicant who withdraws prior to March 1st forfeits $500 of the $800 deposit. If cancellation occurs after March 1st, the participant will forfeit all monies paid. Because of the severe financial consequences of cancellation after March 1st, we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance which will reimburse you for cancellation under certain circumstances (e.g. medical reasons, family illness, etc.). Both parent/guardian and the participant should understand that ARCC has the right to terminate the participation of any member who refuses to abide by ARCC's rules and trip policies. In this event, no refund will be granted. Should a participant withdraw voluntarily, for whatever reason, after the start of the program, no refund will be granted. If ARCC cancels a trip prior to its starting date, ARCC will refund any payment. If ARCC must terminate an ongoing trip, ARCC will refund the cost of the trip on a daily pro-rated basis. Our goal is to follow the itineraries described in our literature. It is understood that poor weather; mechanical difficulties; routes, site, event and transportation changes (any of which are deemed necessary or desirable by the staff); and unforeseen problems, may cause alterations to the itinerary. If an area or activity must be cancelled, an attempt will be made to replace it with a similar one.
Upon Enrollment
Upon enrollment, each participant will receive general trip information, travel information, a clothing list, general liability release forms, and an ARCC medical form. The ARCC medical form must be filled out and signed by a physician certifying that the participant is in good physical and mental condition. For trips that include SCUBA diving, a separate PADI medical form must be completed by a physician. Please note that PADI does not allow students with certain medical conditions including asthma and ADHD to SCUBA dive. All applicants will be supplied with liability release forms from the professional outfitters with which ARCC contracts throughout the trips. These forms must be signed by the parent/guardian.
Zero Tolerance
ARCC does not tolerate the possession or use of tobacco products, illegal drugs or alcohol. If a participant is found possessing the above or engaging in one of these activities he/ she will be sent home immediately at the expense of the parent/guardian. In such event, no refunds will be granted. In addition, if a participant is found to be disruptive to the trip, a disciplinary problem, hazardous to the safety of others, or reflecting adversely upon ARCC, he/she will be sent home at the expense of the parent/guardian. In such event, no refunds will be granted.
Medical Treatment
ARCC staff shall have the right to deliver medical aid to any ARCC participant. ARCC staff shall also have the right to retain the services of a physician, or if necessary, to hospitalize a participant of an ARCC trip. Any expenses related to transportation, physician care, medication, or hospitalization of the participant, as well as all costs incurred by ARCC staff while accompanying the participant and expenses related to leaving and rejoining the group, shall be paid by the parent/guardian.
Medical Insurance
All participants must be covered by medical insurance. We recommend that you check with your insurance carrier as to whether you will be covered for a trip of this nature. If not, we request that you purchase medical insurance specifically for your trip with ARCC.
Personal Property Insurance
ARCC insurance does not cover the theft, loss or damage of personal property and equipment of trip participants. We suggest you confirm that your insurance coverage includes items of this nature.
Travel Insurance
We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance. Under certain circumstances, travel insurance will reimburse you for non-refundable air and land costs should you have to cancel or leave the trip. Remember, ARCC does not grant any refunds for cancellations after March 1st (see Refund Policy above). You will receive additional information on purchasing travel insurance in your enrollment package.
Photography Release
At times ARCC uses images, both still and video, of our students for promotional purposes. ARCC shall have the right to use these images without recourse or compensation.
I am/my son or daughter is enthusiastic about participating in the program. We understand that an enjoyable and fulfilling experience with ARCC depends on a positive attitude, on a willingness to contribute to the whole group, and on a willingness to participate enthusiastically in the program's activities. We understand that disruptive behavior, the use or possession of any form of tobacco, any alcoholic product or any illegal drug will result in an immediate return home, at my own expense and without refund. We have read, understand and agree to abide by the application guidelines, payment schedule, refund policy, general information, and other ARCC terms as stated.
