Heartwood School Waiver and release of Liability

Below is a copy of our Waiver and Release of Liability, which students are required to sign upon arrival before participating in any of our courses. Parent or guardian signatures are required for any students under 18 years of age.

This Waiver and Release of Liability (the “Release”) is executed on the date written below by the undersigned participant (“Participant”) in favor of Heartwood School, Inc. (“HWS”), a New Hampshire nonprofit corporation, the Timber Framers Guild, Inc. (“TFG”), an Arizona nonprofit corporation, and each of their respective officers, directors, affiliates, assigns, volunteers, employees, contractors, agents, Tedd and Christine Benson; Bensonwood, and any owners or residents of properties where HWS or TFG classes, tours, or visits may take place (collectively, the “Releasees”).

1. Participation and Acknowledgment of Risk
Participant voluntarily chooses to engage in educational activities, including but not limited to timber framing and related coursework (the “Activities”), offered by HWS or TFG at various locations. Participant acknowledges that the Activities involve inherent risks, which may include but are not limited to:

• The use of heavy materials, tools, and equipment;
• Constructing and erecting timber-framed structures;
• The potential for falls, trips, and physical injury;
• Interaction with varied terrains, insects, animals, and environmental hazards;
• The actions or negligence of other participants, instructors, or third parties

Participant understands and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with participation in the Activities.

2. Release and Waiver of Liability
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Activities, Participant, on behalf of themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, hereby:

• Releases, waives, and discharges the Releasees from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses—whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, in law or equity—arising from or related to participation in the Activities.
• Agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any liability, costs, damages, or expenses, including attorney’s fees, resulting from Participant’s involvement in the Activities.
• Waives any right to bring legal action against the Releasees for any injury, illness, loss, or
  damage incurred, regardless of the cause—including but not limited to the negligence of the
  Releasees or any third party.

3. Assumption of Responsibility
Participant affirms that they:

• Are physically capable of participating in the Activities and solely responsible for their own health and safety;
• Will comply with all laws, rules, regulations, and policies set forth by HWS and TFG;
• Will conduct themselves in a safe and prudent manner at all times.

Participant acknowledges that the Releasees are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged
personal property.

4. Medical Treatment Release
Participant releases and forever discharges the Releasees from any claims related to first aid, medical treatment, or emergency services provided in connection with the Activities. Participant acknowledges that they are responsible for their own medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness, including death.

5. Code of Conduct
Participant agrees to abide by the Heartwood School Code of Conduct posted on the HWS website throughout the duration of the workshop. Participant acknowledges that:

• Heartwood retains full control over all aspects of the workshop, including class conduct, meal times, and on-site activities.
• The Executive Director has sole discretion to remove the Participant from the workshop for any
  reason, without appeal.

6. Media Release
Participant consents to the use of their image, likeness, voice, and name in any photographs, interviews, film, video recordings, or other media created in connection with the Activities. HWS and TFG may use such media in any form, including online platforms, without restriction or compensation.

☐ Check and initial here if you do NOT consent to media use: ________

7. Effectiveness and Duration
This Release remains in effect for all Heartwood School courses in 2025 and applies to all future participation unless revoked in writing by the Participant.

8. Acknowledgment and Signature
By signing below, Participant confirms that they:

• Have read and fully understand the terms of this Release;
• Are signing this document voluntarily and without coercion;
• Are of lawful age and legal competence to sign this agreement.

Participant Signature: ____________________________________________ Date:_________________
Printed Name (Participant):_____________________________________________________________
Address 1: _________________________________________________________________________
Address 2: _________________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: __________________ Zip Code: _____________

Revised- February 2025