EMBERWOOD POLICIES

Being a radical community

Emberwood is politically queer and anti-colonial space. We prioritize the needs, well-being, and stories of marginalized communities. We are pro-trans, pro-abortion, and pro-cake.

For folks in the cultural majority (eg. white person), your registration may need to be delayed until the next trip that you are available to maintain our 51% guarantee. That is, we ensure over half of the participants are from minority communities of any kind.

Emberwood has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, harassment, bullying, and general unkindness in any form. This includes verbal, written, and online/in social media profiles.

We reserve the right to end your participation in Emberwood programs if we become aware of any of these behaviors. At the discretion of Emberwood staff, participants may be offered a written or verbal opportunity for repair but this is not guaranteed.

Emberwood staff reserve the right to end or pause your participation in programs if we feel there is a physical or psychological risk that cannot be supported based on our assessment and ethical professional standards. These include risks to yourself, the group, the staff, or the organization.

 

Refund and Reimbursement Policies  

Trips

You are important to us - when you register for a trip, a spot is held for you, we pay your conservation site fees, purchase your food, and hey, order you a cool emergency whistle. We have hard costs to cover. Additionally, it is very rare that we are able to fill your spot short notice if you need to cancel. Therefore:

If, after attending your pre-trip preparation meeting, we or you decide for any reason disclosed or undisclosed that Emberwood is not a good fit for you and cancel your registration 7 days before the trip, you will receive 100% of your money back. Cancellations fewer than 7 days will receive 25% of your money back.

If you do not attend your pre-trip preparation meeting and we or you decide that Emberwood is not a good fit for you, for reasons disclosed or undisclosed, you can cancel you registration 7 days before the trip and receive 50% of your money back. Cancellations fewer than 7 days will receive 25% of your money back.

Pop-ups

Pop-ups are always offered at a vastly discounted rate to give folks a taste of what Emberwood is like. Nonetheless, we recognize you are making an investment. Therefore, for the first year of participation in Emberwood Pop-ups, participants can, by written email request, transfer their Pop-up registration to the next available date if you are unable to attend. Otherwise, refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Media Policy

Unless requested by writing in an email, you agree to have photos and videos taken of you and used for our publications.

Gear Library Policy

We have many items for you to borrow for your trips. Some items are for sale, so if you liked using it, you can keep it. If you do not return what you borrow, we will remind you once, and give you lots of time to arrange a drop-off. If still unreturned, we will consider it purchased, and charge your card that we have on file. Items of clothing are $10, gamma-lid barrels are $25.

For items that we need back and are not for sale (raingear, snowpants, winter coats, sleeping bags, sleeping pads), you will similarly be reminded once. If still unreturned, you will receive a pre-lost notice. If still unreturned, we will charge you the cost of that item so we can replace it (from $40 - $150, depending on the item).

Community Guidelines

By paying your registration fees, you are agreeing to all above policies and the following community guidelines:

  • Do not climb trees or buildings

  • Only enter buildings that are identified in the site tour as available

  • Only have fires in designated firepits

  • Walking on or entering the lake is done at your own risk

  • Driving to site is done at your own risk

  • Dress appropriately for the weather

  • Return to main site by 10 PM

  • Do not leave by car without informing staff of the emergency

  • Follow leave-no trace principles

  • Prescription and over-the-counter medication only, in routine doses

  • Do not post photos of other participants

  • Additionally, follow all safety instructions as outlined verbally or in written format from guides  

Emberwood is a therapeutic space. We practice creative solitude as our modality of eco-therapy.

When on “silent retreat/solo” do not speak with, get the attention of, communicate with, or seek out other participants.

When on “silent retreat/solo,” communicate with staff in designated notebook for crucial matters only. In an emergency, follow whistle procedures as taught on-site.

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The above is subject to change without prior notice, reference this list anew prior to each event or trip you attend to be sure you are up-to-date.