FAQ

Return to the Wild Retreat
Terms & Conditions

Return to the Wild acts as an Events Organiser to connect people through events, retreats, holidays and workshops.

We work with suppliers including instructors, activity providers, accommodation providers and caterers to run trips to connect those to nature, their craft, and each other.

Your contract is with Return to the Wild.

Your contract incorporates these Booking Conditions and by making a booking with us you confirm your acceptance of these Booking Conditions.

When booking through Return to the Wild you agree to the Terms and Conditions set by the Supplier and Return to the Wild.

Please ensure you read these Terms and Conditions carefully prior to completing your booking.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT:

Your booking is not considered definite until we receive full payment of the retreat when booked through the website or a deposit for your booking. By booking a retreat with Return to the Wild you are accepting these terms and conditions.

The price is the exact amount to be received in full by us in USD. When applicable, taxes are added upon check-out.

The retreat fee is always non-refundable.

a. Registration for the retreat is confirmed only upon receipt of full payment.
b. Payment methods accepted include credit card, debit card, and electronic transfer (for Canadian customers).
c. All fees are listed in United States Dollars (USD).

CANCELLATION AND NON-TRANSFERABLE POLICY:

As the retreat fee is non-refundable, no refunds will be issued for any reason, including but not limited to personal reasons, schedule changes, medical conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Bookings are for the stated period of the retreat. There are no refunds for an unused portion of the retreat. If the reason for cancellation is covered under the terms of your Insurance Policy, you may be able to make a claim on your own insurance.

We highly recommend that you take out cancellation insurance to cover your costs in case you need to cancel your for any reason.

MODIFICATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS:

Occasionally, changes may have to be made (e.g., faculty members, activities, or other arrangements), which we reserve the right to do at any time. If your accommodation has to be changed, we will do our utmost to provide accommodation of a similar standard. If a significant change becomes necessary, we will inform you as soon as possible before your departure.

The retreat organisers reserve the right to modify the retreat schedule, activities, or location. We reserve the right to substitute instructors/ suppliers without prior notice.

We reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel a retreat. In particular our retreats require a minimum number of at least 75% of the participants to have booked 90 days before the start date. If this minimum number is not reached by that date we may cancel and refund the money to you.

HEALTH AND FITNESS:

Participation in physical activities (e.g., wild swimming, hiking, etc.,) involves physical movement and exercise. It is essential that you ensure you are in good health and have no medical conditions or injuries that might be aggravated by physical activity. It is your responsibility to consult with a healthcare professional and obtain medical clearance before attending the retreat. Please inform the retreat organisers of any relevant medical conditions or injuries prior to the retreat.

Health and Safety
a. Participants must disclose any medical conditions or dietary restrictions upon registration.
b. Attendance involves outdoor activities in natural settings; participants assume full responsibility for their personal safety.
c. Return to the Wild is not liable for any personal injury, illness, or loss sustained during the retreat.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:

You are responsible for your own wellbeing and safety during the retreat.

Listen to your body and practice within your own limits and capabilities.

The organisers and instructors strive to provide a safe environment but cannot be held liable for any injuries, accidents, losses, or damages during the retreat.

You must bring appropriate clothing, footwear, and equipment for the activities you participate in. Ensure all your equipment is in full working and safe order.

OUR LIABILITY TO YOU:

We accept responsibility for ensuring that the retreats are supplied as described and that the services we are contractually obliged to provide are to a reasonable standard.

We do not accept any liability for cancellations, delays or changes caused by war, threat of war, terrorist actions or threats, closure of airports, civil strife, industrial action, natural disaster, technical problems to transport, staff cancellations, unforeseen changes in your personal circumstances or other events beyond our control.

We are not liable for any injuries you may incur. Yoga classes, swims, hikes, walks and other activities are undertaken at your own risk. We are not liable for any medical or psychiatric conditions, which may develop during or subsequent to the retreat. We are not liable for loss of, or damage to, your personal property.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK:

Participation in the retreat involves certain inherent risks and hazards, including but not limited to physical exertion, muscle soreness, and the possibility of accidents or injuries. By attending the retreat, you voluntarily assume all such risks and release the retreat organisers, instructors, and associated staff from any liability or claims arising from such risks.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS:

The retreat organisers cannot be held responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings during the retreat. Please take necessary precautions to safeguard your valuables and personal items.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and appropriate manner towards fellow participants, instructors, staff, and the retreat environment.

Any disruptive or harmful behaviour may result in immediate expulsion from the retreat without a refund.

Code of Conduct
a. All participants are expected to treat others with respect and courtesy.
b. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the retreat without refund.

Intellectual Property
a. Work created during the retreat remains the intellectual property of the participant.
b. Return to the Wild may document retreat activities including photos or videos for promotional use. Participants consenting to attendance grant permission for such use unless otherwise stated in writing.

ACCOMMODATION:

Participants must leave the accommodation in the same condition to how it was first entered. Any excess cleaning or damage costs will be subject to charge at cost.

ACCOMMODATION REPRESENTATION:

While every effort is made to accurately represent the rooms and accommodations provided during the retreat, please note that the actual rooms may vary from the promotional materials or descriptions. The photographs, illustrations, or descriptions of the rooms are for general reference and may not depict the exact room you will be assigned.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:

It is your responsibility to inform Return to the Wild of any dietary requirements and ensure each meal meets these requirements. We cannot guarantee an allergen-free kitchen.

Return to the Wild cannot be held liable for any illness resulting from food consumed on the trip or the catering services provided.

Accommodation and Meals
Return to the Wild is not responsible for any additional accommodation or meal expenses unless explicitly agreed upon.

PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA:

The retreat organisers may capture photos, videos, or other media during the retreat for promotional purposes.

By attending the retreat, you grant the organisers permission to use such media without compensation or further consent.

Force Majeure
Return to the Wild is not liable for failure to perform obligations due to events beyond its reasonable control including, but not limited to, natural disasters, government regulations, or pandemics.

Privacy
Personal information collected is used solely for retreat administration and will not be shared with third parties except as required by law.

Changes to Terms
Return to the Wild reserves the right to update or modify these terms and conditions at any time. Participants will be notified of material changes prior to the retreat.

Governing Law
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada.

COMPLAINTS:

We ask that any complaints are directed to Return to the Wild to allow us to address any issues in line with the terms and conditions. If you have a problem during your retreat, please inform the retreat host immediately and she will endeavour to put things right. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for the individual behaviour of any group member or other guest sharing your accommodation.

WAIVER:

Participating in this trip is potentially hazardous. Do not participate unless you are medically able.

You will assume full responsibility for any injury, illness, or accident that may occur while traveling to or from the event, during the event, or while on the accommodation premises.

You will assume all risks associated with participating, including but not limited to falls, contact with other participants, tourists, local residents, catering, transportation services, theft, weather effects, traffic, and road conditions.

By booking, you waive, release, and discharge the organisers, sponsors, promoters, and their representatives from all liabilities, claims, actions, or damages connected with participation in this event, regardless of cause.

By registering for the Return to the Wild nature-based writing retreat, participants agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITY DISCLAIMERS

HIKING, WALKING AND RUNNING DISCLAIMER:

Assumption of Risks: Participation involves running or walking on uneven terrain with steep inclines, slippery surfaces, loose rocks, and other natural obstacles. Weather conditions and wildlife may also pose risks.

Health and Fitness: You must ensure are physically fit and consult a healthcare professional if necessary. You will be responsible for monitoring your own physical and mental well-being during the activity.

Release of Liability: Return to the Wild and its partners are released from any liability arising from participation in our activities, including personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death.

Personal Responsibility: You will assume full responsibility for your actions and decisions during fell running and adhere to all instructions from organizers.

WILD SWIMMING DISCLAIMER:

Assumption of Risks: Participation involves swimming in natural bodies of water with unpredictable conditions, such as strong currents, waves, and changing temperatures. Hazards include hypothermia, cramps, exhaustion, and potential drowning. Wildlife may also pose risks.

Health and Fitness: You must ensure are physically fit and consult a healthcare professional if necessary. You will be responsible for monitoring your own physical and mental well-being during the activity.

Release of Liability: Return to the Wild and its partners are released from any liability arising from participation in our activities, including personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death.

Personal Responsibility: You will assume full responsibility for your actions and decisions during wild swimming and adhere to all instructions from organisers.

Information found below is needed to mitigate risks associated with cold water swimming/dipping such as hypothermia and the dangers associated with the body's cold-water shock response.

Winter dipping provides a physical challenge whilst also proving benefits for mental health. By dipping into cold water you are taking yourself through a controlled stress, training your body to manage the drop in temperature and pulling your focus to your core which many report to feel meditative.

Cold Water dipping guide:

Always:

• Acclimatise gradually by entering the water slowly and try to stay relaxed. It’s important you allow your breathing to regulate before setting off.

• It's essential to listen to your body—exit the water while you're still happy and not feeling too cold. Everyone's body will give them a slightly different signal about when to get out. Some people's hands may go a little bit like claws; others may feel cold on their back, and you might experience a bit of a numb jaw. It's crucial to pay attention to those cues and safely exit before you become too cold.

• Recommended - Wear earplugs which prevent cold water entering your ear canal potentially causing dizziness and nausea.

• It’s very important you warm the bodies core up as soon as you exit the water. Have lots of layers ready for when you get out of the water in the order you will be putting them back on.

Never:

• Dip if you are feeling unwell, have been drinking alcohol the night before or are suffering from any respiratory illness.

• Forget your inhaler if you have asthma.

• Dive or jump into the water (acclimatise the body to the water temperature slowly and regulate your breathing as it could be affected)

Cold water dipping or immersion may not be appropriate for certain individuals, including those who have:

• Heart conditions or high blood pressure

• Suffer from migraines

• Raynaud's disease or other blood vessel disorders

• Cold urticaria (an allergic reaction to cold temperatures)

• Pregnant women, unless otherwise advised by a doctor

• People who are currently experiencing mental health crisis or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Have undergone brain surgery, experienced a prior stroke, or sustained head trauma

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before participating in cold water immersion, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medications.

By booking Return to the Wild, I agree to the terms and conditions stated above. I acknowledge that open water and cold water dipping involves inherent risks, including the potential for personal injury, death, and loss or damage of property. I confirm that I have read and understand these risks, and I agree to assume all responsibility for my participation in the workshop.

I hereby waive and release any and all claims, actions, or liabilities against Return to the Wild for any injuries, damages, or losses that I may sustain while participating in open water swimming at Return to the Wild. This includes any claims arising from the actions of any spectators or other third parties.

I understand that I am participating in the workshop at my own risk and that Return to the Wild are not liable for any injury or damage that may result from my participation in open water swimming or cold water dipping. I waive any and all rights of action against Return to the Wild for any such injuries, damages, or losses.

By participating, I acknowledge that the safety of all participants is of utmost importance, and I agree to follow all safety guidelines provided by Return to the Wild or its representatives. I understand that failure to follow safety guidelines may result in my removal from the session without a refund.

By registering and attending Return to the Wild Retreat, you acknowledge that you have carefully read and fully understand these Terms and Conditions. You agree to comply with all outlined terms and accept the associated risks involved in participating in the retreat.