Grace Family Church (“GFC” or the “Church”) is pleased to provide this opportunity for youth to participate in the San Francisco Youth Choir Trip (the “Trip”). The Trip may include transportation, choir rehearsals and performances, walking in public areas, sightseeing, meals, recreational activities, and other activities associated with the Trip.
Please read this agreement carefully. A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign this form for each participant under 18 years of age.

I understand that participation in the Trip involves inherent and other risks that cannot be completely eliminated. These risks may include, but are not limited to:

• Transportation-related accidents, injuries, delays, or other incidents;
• Walking and traveling in crowded public areas;
• Traffic and pedestrian-related hazards;
• Uneven sidewalks, streets, stairs, trails, and other surfaces;
• Choir rehearsals, performances, standing, walking, and other physical activities;
• Carrying or handling musical equipment or personal belongings;
• Weather exposure, sunburn, dehydration, heat-related illness, or cold-related conditions;
• Ocean, beach, water, or recreational activities, if applicable;
• Slips, trips, falls, or other accidental injuries;
• Food-related risks, including allergies, cross-contamination, and allergic reactions;
• Illness, infection, or communicable diseases;
• Risks associated with hotels, restaurants, performance venues, public facilities, or other locations visited during the Trip;
• Actions or negligence of other participants, members of the public, drivers, volunteers, or third parties; and 
• Other risks that may arise from travel and participation in the Trip.
  I understand that some activities may take place in public areas where conditions and circumstances are outside the control of Grace Family Church.
  I voluntarily choose to participate in the Trip and, on behalf of myself and/or my minor child listed below, knowingly and voluntarily assume the risks associated with participation to the fullest extent permitted by California law.

To the fullest extent permitted by California law, I release and hold harmless Grace Family Church, including its pastors, directors, officers, employees, staff members, ministry leaders, volunteers, representatives, and agents (collectively, the “Church Parties”), from claims, demands, causes of action, injuries, illnesses, losses, damages, expenses, or liabilities arising out of or related to my or my minor child's participation in the Trip, including claims based upon the ordinary negligence of the Church Parties.

This release does not apply to claims that cannot lawfully be released under applicable California law, including claims arising from gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or willful misconduct.

I understand that this release is intended to be interpreted to the fullest extent permitted by California law.

Transportation may be provided, coordinated, or arranged by Grace Family Church, church staff, volunteers, parents, or other authorized individuals, depending on the Trip itinerary.
Transportation may include church-owned or leased vehicles, rental vehicles, private vehicles operated by authorized drivers, or other transportation arrangements communicated by the Church.
I understand that transportation involves inherent risks, including traffic accidents, vehicle-related injuries, delays, and actions of other drivers.
I agree to follow all transportation safety rules established by the Church, including requirements regarding seat belts, designated seating, and appropriate conduct.
Participants may not drive themselves or transport other participants unless specifically authorized in advance by Grace Family Church.

I understand that Grace Family Church will make reasonable efforts to provide appropriate supervision of youth participants during the Trip.

Participants are required to:

• Follow all instructions provided by church leaders, staff, and authorized volunteers;
• Remain with their assigned group unless permission is given to leave;
• Follow established check-in, meeting, and departure times;
• Remain in designated areas;
• Follow all venue, hotel, transportation, and public-facility rules;
• Treat other participants, leaders, volunteers, and members of the public respectfully; and
• Follow all applicable Church safety and conduct policies.
  A participant who refuses to follow safety instructions or Church policies may have participation in an activity restricted and may be required to contact a parent or guardian.

In the event that I or my minor child becomes ill or injured during the Trip, I authorize Grace Family Church and its authorized representatives to obtain reasonable emergency medical evaluation and treatment when necessary.

The Church will make reasonable efforts to contact me or the emergency contact listed below as soon as reasonably possible.

I understand that Grace Family Church is not responsible for the cost of medical treatment, transportation by emergency medical services, hospitalization, medication, or other medical expenses incurred as a result of illness or injury.

I accept financial responsibility for all medical expenses incurred by myself or my minor child.

I authorize emergency medical personnel and healthcare providers to provide treatment that they determine to be reasonably necessary.

I agree to provide Grace Family Church with accurate information concerning any medical condition, allergy, dietary restriction, medication, or other circumstance that may affect my or my minor child's ability to safely participate in the Trip.

I understand that church leaders and volunteers are not medical professionals and may not be able to provide specialized medical care.

Any medication brought by a minor participant must be handled in accordance with the Church's applicable medication and youth-safety procedures.

Meals, snacks, or other food may be provided or shared during the Trip.

I understand that Grace Family Church cannot guarantee that food will be free from allergens or cross-contamination.

I am responsible for informing the Church of known allergies or dietary restrictions and for providing appropriate instructions or necessary food when appropriate.

I acknowledge that food consumption carries risks, including mild, severe, or life-threatening allergic reactions.

If the Trip includes a beach, ocean, pool, or other water-related activity, I understand that such activities involve additional risks, including drowning, rip currents, waves, changing water conditions, slips and falls, and other water-related injuries.

Participants may enter the water only when authorized by Church leaders and must follow all posted safety requirements and instructions from lifeguards and Church leaders.
Participants must not enter the ocean, pool, or other designated water area alone.

I understand that lifeguard supervision may not be available at all locations or at all times.

I understand that participants are responsible for their personal belongings, including phones, clothing, musical instruments, electronic devices, money, luggage, and other personal property.
Grace Family Church is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property except to the extent required by applicable law.
Participants are encouraged not to bring unnecessary valuables on the Trip.

I agree that I and/or my minor child will comply with all applicable Grace Family Church policies and all reasonable instructions given by Church leaders and authorized volunteers.
Conduct that may result in removal from an activity or other disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to:

• Failure to follow safety instructions;
• Leaving the assigned group without permission;
• Fighting, threatening behavior, or harassment;
• Possession or use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or other prohibited substances;
• Possession of weapons or prohibited items;
• Destruction of property;
• Inappropriate sexual conduct;
• Serious or repeated violations of Church or Trip rules; or
• Conduct that creates a safety risk to the participant or others.

If a serious safety or conduct issue occurs, Grace Family Church may require the parent or guardian to arrange for the participant to leave the Trip or return home at the parent's or guardian's expense, when reasonably necessary.

I grant Grace Family Church permission to photograph, record, and/or otherwise capture my image, voice, or likeness and/or that of my minor child during the Trip.
I authorize the Church to use such photographs, videos, recordings, or other media for legitimate Church-related purposes, including:

• Church website;
• Social media;
• Church newsletters and publications;
• Ministry presentations;
• Promotional materials;
• Church services and events; and
• Other communications related to Grace Family Church ministries.

I understand that I will not receive compensation for the use of such media.
If I do not consent to the media release, I will notify Grace Family Church in writing before the Trip.

I expressly waive the protections of California Civil Code § 1542, which provides:
“A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.”
I understand that by waiving the protections of Section 1542, I may be releasing claims that I do not presently know or suspect to exist.
This waiver applies only to the extent permitted by applicable law.

If the participant is under 18 years of age, I represent and certify that I am the participant's parent or legal guardian and that I have authority to provide consent on the participant's behalf.
I have reviewed this agreement with the minor participant, when appropriate, and authorize the minor to participate in the Trip subject to the terms of this agreement and the rules established by Grace Family Church.
I understand that participation in the Trip is voluntary.

To the fullest extent permitted by California law, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Church Parties from claims, losses, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising from my or my minor child's participation in the Trip, except to the extent such indemnification is prohibited by applicable law.