I. GENERAL CONDUCT & BEHAVIOR

1. Respect for All
   • Treat all participants, staff, locals, and community members with kindness and respect.
   • No discrimination, harassment, bullying, or exclusion based on race, gender, religion, orientation, or ability.
2. Prohibited Behavior
   • No violence, threats, vulgar language, or intimidation.
   • No theft, vandalism, or destruction of property.
   • No lying, cheating, or dishonest conduct.
   • No inappropriate physical contact or romantic behavior during the program.
3. Drugs, Alcohol, and Substances
   • No possession or use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or vaping products at any time.
   • Prescription medications must be disclosed and used only as prescribed.
4. Weapons & Dangerous Items
   • Weapons, explosives, fireworks, or anything that can cause harm are strictly prohibited.
5. Curfews & Schedules
   • Participants must adhere to established curfews and activity schedules.
   • Quiet hours and room checks may be enforced.
6. Respect for Leaders
   • Follow all leader and staff instructions promptly and respectfully.
   • Repeated defiance or disrespect may lead to dismissal from the program.
7. Dress Code
   • Dress modestly, respectfully, and appropriately for local culture and weather.
   • No revealing, offensive, or culturally insensitive clothing.
8. Digital & Social Media Conduct
   • No inappropriate use of phones, cameras, or social media during activities.
   • Participants agree not to post or share offensive, dangerous, or private images from the trip.
   • Leaders may restrict device use for safety or focus reasons.

---

II. SAFETY & HEALTH POLICY

1. Physical Fitness
   • Participants must honestly disclose health conditions or limitations.
   • Medical clearance may be required for certain trips.
2. Emergency Procedures
   • Follow leader instructions in all emergencies.
   • Evacuations, rerouting, or itinerary changes may occur for safety.
   • Participants may be responsible for additional costs related to emergency changes.
3. Medical Treatment Authorization
   • We Are Zion staff are authorized to seek emergency medical care when necessary.
   • Participants (or parents) are financially responsible for medical costs.
4. Communicable Diseases
   • Participants must follow hygiene and safety protocols (masks, testing, handwashing) as required.
   • Any illness symptoms must be reported immediately to leaders.
5. Supervision Ratios
   • Maintain appropriate adult-to-youth ratios (e.g., 1:8 minimum).
   • Gender-appropriate housing and supervision for minors.
6. Buddy System
   • Participants must travel in pairs or groups during free time.
   • No wandering alone without staff permission.
7. Transportation Safety
   • Seat belts must be worn at all times when available.
   • No distracting drivers.
   • Obey all transportation rules and schedules.
8. Water & Adventure Activities
   • Participants must follow safety briefings for swimming, boating, surfing, hiking, etc.
   • Life jackets are mandatory for water activities.
   • No unsupervised swimming or cliff jumping.

---

III. TRAVEL, PROPERTY, & FINANCIAL GUIDELINES

1. Travel Documentation
   • Participants are responsible for valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
   • We Are Zion is not liable for delays caused by missing or invalid documents.
2. Travel Insurance
   • Proof of travel insurance (including emergency evacuation) is mandatory.
3. Luggage & Personal Items
   • Participants are responsible for their own belongings.
   • We Are Zion is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.
4. Program Payments
   • All trip fees must be paid in full prior to departure.
   • Payment schedule and deadlines must be honored.
5. Refund & Cancellation Policy
   • Deposits are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.
   • Partial refunds may be available before a specific date; none after departure.
   • No refunds for dismissal due to misconduct.
6. Financial Responsibility
   • Participants are responsible for incidental costs (meals, souvenirs, etc.) not covered by the program.
   • Emergency evacuations, early returns, or medical expenses are the participant’s responsibility.

---

IV. LEADERSHIP, STAFF, & ORGANIZATIONAL CONDUCT

1. Background Checks
   • All leaders, volunteers, and staff must pass a criminal background check and reference screening.
2. Training
   • Staff must be trained in emergency response, youth protection, and cultural sensitivity.
3. Two-Deep Leadership
   • No adult should ever be alone with a minor. Always maintain two-adult supervision.
4. Professional Boundaries
   • Staff must avoid favoritism, private relationships, or inappropriate communication with participants.
   • All one-on-one communication must be visible or documented.
5. Mandatory Reporting
   • Staff must report any signs of abuse, self-harm, or endangerment immediately to authorities.
6. Incident Documentation
   • All incidents, injuries, or behavioral issues must be documented and reported.
7. Drug, Alcohol, and Conduct Policy (for staff)
   • Zero tolerance for any substance use or misconduct during the program.
   • Violations result in immediate dismissal.

---

V. PROGRAM CONDUCT

1. Service Projects
   • Participants must follow all partner organization guidelines.
   • Be respectful, humble, and culturally sensitive.
   • Avoid “poverty tourism” — focus on learning, not self-promotion.
2. Cultural Sensitivity
   • Learn about and respect local customs, dress codes, and languages.
   • No mockery, photos, or jokes about culture, religion, or local people.
3. Free Time Policy
   • All free time is subject to leader approval.
   • Curfews and geographic boundaries must be followed.
4. Rooming & Lodging
   • Gender-separated housing for minors and most mixed groups.
   • Quiet hours observed.
   • No opposite-gender visits in rooms without leader supervision.
5. Environmental Stewardship
   • Leave no trace — dispose of trash properly.
   • Respect wildlife and local environments.
6. Media & Photography
   • We Are Zion may take photos or video for promotional purposes.
   • Participants grant permission via the Media Release form.
   • No photographing minors or locals without permission.

---

VI. ADMINISTRATIVE & LEGAL POLICIES

1. Jurisdiction & Governing Law
   • All agreements are governed by the laws of the state where We Are Zion is headquartered.
   • Disputes will be handled in the designated local court.
2. Dispute Resolution
   • Disputes should first be resolved through discussion, then mediation, then arbitration if needed.
3. Severability Clause
   • If any part of an agreement is invalid, the rest remains enforceable.
4. Confidentiality Policy
   • All participant information, medical data, and personal details are confidential.
5. Non-Affiliation Disclaimer
   • Clarify that We Are Zion is not a representative of any government, church, or corporate entity unless explicitly stated.

---

VII. PARENT/GUARDIAN & MINOR GUIDELINES

1. Parental Consent
   • Required for all minors; includes emergency medical consent.
2. Behavior & Consequences
   • Parents agree to support discipline or dismissal decisions made by staff.
   • If a minor is sent home early, parents are responsible for travel costs.
3. Emergency Contact
   • Must provide at least two emergency contacts reachable during the trip.
4. Health Forms
   • All allergies, medications, and conditions must be disclosed on the medical form.