This list is intended to inform prospective students of the Programmatic Technical Standards for GCC's Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Education programs. All students participating in ADE/OLP classes shall be capable of performing the Programmatic Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation. The Programmatic Technical Standards establish the minimum physical and mental requirements for all students participating in the Program’s courses. This list is not exhaustive and may be modified due to changes within the industry.
- Self-manage chronic illness, medications or other therapies for up to 10 days in settings where access to health care may be days away.
- Lift, balance and carry > 40 pounds unassisted.
- Perform tasks requiring good manual dexterity and physical balance.
- Have the ability to use a third point of physical contact for the purpose of balance.
- Independently maneuver and maintain appropriate/safe body position while wearing all protective equipment required by industry standard for each activity.
- Independently manage all personal care and mobility while living in a physically demanding and remote environment for an extended period of time.
- Independently perceive, comprehend, and manage hazards inherent in the physical environments where courses take place.
- Effectively warn or signal others of potential or impending dangers or environmental hazards and alert instructors or other course members of personal distress, injury or need for assistance.
- Work cooperatively and calmly in high stress situations.
- Effectively communicate course ideas, questions, and concerns, as well as, interpret written instructions.
- Effectively signal or notify course instructors or other course members of personal distress, injury or need for assistance.
- Capable of conveying and receiving warnings and notifications up to a distance of 50 feet/meters and in conditions with limited visibility such as in darkness or inclement weather or with loud background noise, such as high winds or while near roaring rivers.
- Independently perceive, understand and follow directions and instructions given by others to be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar, techniques to avoid hazards and/or manage risks. These directions may be given before the hazard or risk is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard/risk.
- Be able to stay alert and to focus attention for up to several hours at a time while traveling in wilderness terrain, attending classes or receiving instructions.
- Ability to convey and receive hand signals and spoken signals.
- Ability to convey, receive, understand and respond to commands given by a boating partner or communicate such commands to boating partners (such as in whitewater canoeing, sea kayaking).
Inherent risks and dangers associated with this program:
As a participant, you assume the risk of injury, harm, or death with participating in the program and release GCC Community College, its governing board, trustees, officers, agents, current and former employees, attorneys, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from any and all liability, claims, demands, damages, fees or expenses, or actions whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, from the program activities and related travel.
I further state that I am at least eighteen (18) years of age, fully competent to sign this Agreement, and am voluntarily seeking to participate in this program (or in the case of students under the age of 18, I further state that I am the parent or legal guardian of the student identified below and am legally authorized to sign this form on behalf of the student who is voluntarily seeking to participate in this program. I understand that by signing this document I am representing that I understand all its terms and conditions and fully intend to be bound by the same. I also understand that I may wish to consult with an attorney prior to signing this document.
I acknowledge that there may be certain dangers, hazards, and risks associated with my participation in this program. I further acknowledge and understand that all risks cannot be prevented. In light of the risks associated with this program, I have consulted with my physician and/or health care provider to discuss whether my participation in the program is appropriate given my current physical and mental health. Accordingly, I represent that I am physically and mentally able, with or without accommodation, to participate in this program, and am capable of using the equipment, if any, associated therewith.
On behalf of myself and my family (including legal guardians) I agree to assume all the risks and responsibilities surrounding my participation in this program, and agree to release from liability and waive any legal action against GCC Community College, its governing board, trustees, officers, agents, current and former employees, attorneys, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the parties), from any and all liability, claims, demands, damages, fees or expenses, or actions whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, while participating in this program’s activities or while in transit to or from the premises where these activities are being conducted.
I understand and agree that the College may not provide or have medical services or personnel available at the location of the program activities or on its campus. Therefore, should I require emergency medical treatment as a result of an accident or illness arising during this program, I consent to such treatment. Further, I acknowledge that the College does not provide activity participants with health or accident insurance and I agree to be financially responsible for any medical bills incurred as a result of emergency medical treatment provided.
Further, I agree to comply with all rules and regulations included in the College’s Student Handbook and all other rules as set forth by the College personnel during the program.
I agree that this document shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If any term or provision of this document shall be held illegal or unenforceable, the remaining terms and provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
