Liability Waiver and Release

Rodale Institute, including its affiliated organizations, and all of their respective directors, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives, and agents (collectively, “Rodale”) hosts various events for the public, including guided visits/tours of its facilities (each, an “Event”). As a condition of participating in any Event, each adult participant and, where applicable, each Child’s parent/guardian, must complete the following waiver and release (the “Release”).

If a parent or legal guardian signs for a minor (the “Child”), references to “I,” “me,” and “my” refer to the Child (for the Child’s participation and release of the Child’s claims) and to the signing parent/guardian in a representative capacity and, as applicable, for the parent/guardian’s own obligations (including indemnification and reimbursement of emergency costs). The parent/guardian represents they have the authority to sign on the Child’s behalf and agrees to be bound by this Release.

  1. Eligibility; Health and Safety. I am physically able to participate and will follow all safety instructions, signage, and rules issued by Rodale staff and representatives. I will use any required equipment responsibly and wear required personal protective equipment, if applicable. Where I am responsible for a Child, I will ensure that adequate adult supervision is maintained at all times as directed by Rodale.
  2. Assumption of Risk. I understand my participation may involve inherent risks, including walking through facilities; using stairs, elevators, or uneven surfaces; interacting with installations or other interactive elements; exposure to crowds and animals; outdoor conditions and weather for exterior portions; transportation to/from the various locations within the facilities; and hazards such as trips, slips, falls, strains/sprains, dizziness, and contact with allergens or irritants. I voluntarily assume all such known and unknown risks, including those arising from the ordinary negligence of Rodale or others, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  3. Release of Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I waive, release, and forever discharge Rodale from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, or liabilities (including for bodily injury, illness, death, or property damage) arising out of or related to my participation, including claims caused in whole or in part by the ordinary negligence of Rodale, its employees, agents, or volunteers, except to the extent directly caused by Rodale’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
  4. Indemnification. I will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Rodale from and against any third‑party claims, demands, suits, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to: (i) my acts or omissions; (ii) my failure to comply with this Release or posted rules; or (iii) damage to property or injury to persons caused by me; in each case except to the extent of Rodale’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
  5. Medical Treatment and Insurance. If I am ill or injured, I authorize Rodale staff/representatives to obtain or provide first aid and emergency medical treatment, and I accept responsibility for associated costs. I understand Rodale does not provide health, medical, or disability insurance for participants; I am expected to maintain my own coverage. If Rodale advances out‑of‑pocket expenses to arrange emergency care or transportation for me, I will promptly reimburse Rodale upon request.
  6. Conduct and Property. I will conduct myself in a professional and respectful manner. I will not engage in harassment, discrimination, unsafe, disruptive, or illegal behavior. I understand that Rodale may remove me (or my group) if I violate this Release or any posted rules, or if my behavior is unsafe or disruptive. I will use facilities responsibly and keep areas tidy. I will be responsible for any damage I cause. I understand that Rodale is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property, and I will secure my belongings and avoid bringing valuables.
  7. Photos, Video, and Media. I grant Rodale the right to photograph, record, and use my image, likeness, and voice captured during my participation for educational, archival, and promotional purposes, in any media now known or later developed, without compensation.
  8. Miscellaneous. I understand that Rodale does not guarantee any particular experience or outcome. I acknowledge that specific activities may be limited or unavailable due to operational, safety, or maintenance reasons. I understand that this Release is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I agree that if any provision of this Release is held invalid or unenforceable, it will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remainder will remain in effect. I understand that this Release may be executed and delivered electronically.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE, UNDERSTAND IT, AND AGREE THAT BY REGISTERING THAT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE RODALE FOR ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. I AGREE VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE INTENT TO BE LEGALLY BOUND.