Terms and Conditions | Edge on Science

Terms & Conditions for Edge on Science, LLC

I. Code of Conduct for Participants

As the responsible registering adult, I have reviewed the following code of conduct with my participating student and he/she understands that they will be expected to follow it. Edge on Science LLC staff reserve the right to dismiss my student, from any program, for violating this Code of Conduct. Parents and legal guardians must also abide by this code of conduct. Dismissal will not result in any refunds.

1. Be safe, follow directions, and respect others and their property.
2. The following is not allowed

• bullying or any other sort of harassment
• the use of any tobacco, tobacco-like or vaping products
• using, possessing, or being under the influence of any illegal or not-prescribed substance
• accessing or sharing, inappropriate or restricted material
• living creatures of any sort, with the possible exception of a service dog
• weapons …leave that cool pocket knife that grandpa gave you, at home!
• lasers of any sort

3. In the event disciplinary action is needed, reasonable correction will be used and parents/guardians will be informed. Reasonable correction refers to age-appropriate, non-punitive, and respectful interventions used to guide a child toward acceptable behavior. It may include clear verbal reminders, redirection, removal from a disruptive situation, loss of privileges, or brief reflective time. All forms of correction will prioritize the child’s physical and emotional safety, preserve their dignity, and aim to teach rather than punish. At Edge on Science LLC. the following disciplinary actions are prohibited:

3a. Corporal Punishment, including spanking

3b. No camper shall be subjected to cruel or severe punishment, humiliation, or verbal abuse

3c. No camper shall be denied food, water, or shelter

3d. No child shall be punished for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet

II. Health and Safety

1. I accept that, with any activity, there is the possibility of injury.
2. Adult staff must pass a comprehensive background check. Parents/guardians may request to review background checks at any time. 
3. Program leaders must have current, accredited certification in Adult & Pediatric First Aid, AED and CPR.
4. I accept that it is my responsibility for the following:

• to disclose any special needs or restrictions for the safety and enjoyment of my student and others
• to provide two, local adult emergency contacts
• to see that my student’s vaccinations are up to date
• that my student is in good health and capable of program participation

5. The following is required:

• sturdy, closed toe, lace-up footwear when on dry land
• water shoes for our Marine Science Program, when at the beach
• a filled, refillable water bottle each day
• weather appropriate, active wear, including a hat
• sunscreen, as deemed necessary by the parent or legal guardian

6. I authorize Edge on Science LLC staff to administer basic first aid and/or to seek emergency medical aid as
   deemed necessary. I also agree to be solely, financially responsible for any and all potential costs
   associated with such administration and aid.
7. I understand that any medication, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, cannot be administered to
   my student, without written permission from me, as the parent/legal guardian, or their physician. The
   administration of any medication shall be in accordance with the medication itself or as directed, in
   writing, by the prescribing physician.
8. I understand that Edge on Science LLC. will not provide nor apply sunscreen nor bug spray to any camper.
9. All health care policies and protocols are available to parents/guardians upon request. 

Rules and Guidelines in Relation to Safely Operating During Our Response to COVID variants, Any Other Communicable Diseases, and Infection

1. If your child is sick, they must stay home.
2. Physical distancing, mask wearing and sanitizing will be per current federal, state, local, campus and/or Edge on Science, LLC directives. We did not have rigorous restrictions in 2024 and do not anticipate them in 2025.
3. Children must come with a lunch, snacks and drinks. Campus vending machines are generally off limits, during summer. There will be no sharing of food or drink. Each day, send your child with a full refillable water bottle. This would be in addition to other drinks they may want. Hydration is critical.
4. Should your child not be feeling well, they will be separated from the rest of the group and a designated adult must come and get them.
5. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved disinfectant will be on hand, for staff, to wipe down items as necessary.
6. We can all have fun, but overtly boisterous behavior will not be allowed.
7. While our staff will go over these rules and guidelines with the children in their respective programs, parents/legal guardians must also review these with their children before attending a program, with the understanding that failure to comply, can result in their separation from the group, including having to be picked up, to go home. This will be at the discretion of the Instructor and the Edge on Science, LLC Program Director.
8. Your primary contact for all health concerns, with our programs, will be Program Director, John Aviste, P.Eng. He may be reached on his mobile phone at (315) 773-5673 or by e-mail at javiste@edgeonscience.com.
9. Although parents / legal guardians must assume responsibility for their child’s participation in an Edge on Science, LLC program, it bears emphasizing, that even though reasonable care will be taken to adhere to CDC, state, local Board of Health and hosting university or college guidelines and/or Edge on Science, LLC directives, there is always the risk of infection, and knowing this, parents, legal guardians and adult associates of theirs, must assume this risk, for themselves and their children, and not hold Edge on Science, LLC, its Administration, Staff, and host University or College responsible for such infection.
10. Please review the following information on Meningococcal Disease & Immunization provided by The State of Massachusetts.

III. Sign-in and Sign-out Procedure

1. Except as allowed by law and the parent/guardian, students must be signed in and signed out each day by a designated adult, who must be prepared to produce a photo ID.

IV. Protocol for Handling Unrecognized Persons at Camp

1. For the safety of all participants, Edge on Science staff closely monitor who is present in camp spaces. While outdoor areas may be shared with the public, indoor classrooms are reserved exclusively for our programs and remain secure. If an unfamiliar individual is seen near campers or in restricted areas, staff are trained to assess the situation, respond appropriately, and prioritize camper safety at all times. Any suspicious or concerning behavior is reported immediately, and campers are relocated if necessary.

V. Counselor in Training (CIT)

1. Being accepted as a Counselor in Training (CIT) is not an offer or promise of a paid position.
2. If a CIT is promoted to a paid Junior Counselor position, whether they actually work or not depends on staffing needs and the discretion of Edge on Science, LLC.

VI. Audio, Visual and Media Release

1. During registration, the registering adult will have the opportunity to approve or decline an Audio, Visual and Media Release.

VII. Personal Items Brought to a Session

1. Edge on Science, LLC staff and the hosting institution are not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged or left behind personal items, including medications.

VIII. Special Needs

1. Edge on Science LLC does not specialize in special needs and as such, some programs
   may not be suitable. Your child must be willing and able to participate in your chosen program. To ensure a safe and meaningful experience for your child, call (315) 773-5673 to discuss any particular needs and expectations.

IX. International Participants

1. Remember that we run day programs, and as the parent or guardian, you are responsible for arranging all aspects of travel, including accommodations and transportation once your student is in the United States. There also needs to be a responsible adult, who is locally available, in the case of an emergency.
2. Your student must be proficient in the English language.
3. If you have not already done so, contact Edge on Science LLC, to be sure that your expectations will be met and that the particular program you have chosen is a good fit for your student.

X. Registration, Payment and Refund Policy

1. All transactions and quotes are in United States Dollars.
2. Cancellations, made by the registrant, more than 30 days before the start of a session, are eligible for a refund of the total paid, less $200.00 per week-long session or less $160.00 for each four-day session.
3. Cancellations made within 30 days of the start of a session, are not eligible for a refund.
4. Summer program or camp cancellation insurance is recommended. This insurance is not offered
   by Edge on Science, LLC.
5. There are no refunds for missed days or no-shows, during a session.
6. If available, you may switch to an alternate program. A $50.00 change fee may apply, in addition to any applicable adjustment in cost.
7. Coupons may not be combined, have no cash value and are only good for the year or season
   they are being issued for.
8. Coupons may only be applied, when paying in full, at the time of registration.
9. If a check is returned or a card transaction not honored, then a $40.00 fee will be due.
10. If you choose a payment plan, using a debit or credit card, you are authorizing Stripe, the card
    processing company for Edge on Science LLC, to make automatic monthly charges to your account. An initial deposit of $200.00 is required at the time of registration. The balance is automatically divided into equal monthly payments, charged on the first of each month. Your total balance must be paid by May 1 for the upcoming summer season. Coupons may not be combined with the Payment Plan option.
11. After securing your spot in one or more sessions, you must provide critical information like the names of authorized adults, contact info, medical information, allergies and so on. While all this information need not be filled out right away, it must be filled out within 7 days of your registration to allow time for review and integration. Once submitted, you can always return to any form to update it or make changes. 

XI. Program Cancellation by Edge on Science, LLC Policy

1. Edge on Science, LLC has the right to cancel any course and if an agreeable alternate session is not available, then a complete refund will be made.
2. Cancellation or day(s) lost, due to an act of God or other event beyond our control severe weather, natural disasters, or other events beyond control, will be nonrefundable.

XII. Assignment of Instructors

1. Although rare, it may be necessary to reassign an instructor.

XIII. Indemnification Agreement

1. I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold Edge on Science, LLC, its officers, directors, employees, and agents, harmless from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with my participating student(s) participation in an Edge on Science, LLC program.

XIV. Arbitration Agreement

1. In the event of any disagreement or problem, I agree to first work it out with the program owner and at most, submit to binding arbitration by a mutually agreeable arbitrator, to be conducted under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. 

XV. Rights Reserved

1. Edge on Science, LLC reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time.
2. The exact nature and extent of activities for each program may vary from session to session,
   depending on the character and interests of a particular group of students. Other factors, like weather, may also change things up.
3. Most sessions involve a project that your student gets to keep at the end of the week. How well executed a project seems to be is not the end goal. Rather, it is the process and learning, while having fun!

XVI. Release of Liability

1. As parent/guardian, I am agreeing to be solely responsible for my student’s participation in
   Edge on Science, LLC program(s) and release everyone involved with the program(s) from liability for any and all damages, injuries or loss arising from this participation, except in cases of gross wrongdoing.

XVII. Edge on Science, LLC Gloucester MA Location Licensing

1. This camp must comply with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health. 

XVIII. Communications

1. By creating an Edge on Science account, you agree to receive communications from us. You may unsubscribe from marketing messages at any time.