Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, Publicity Release, and Indemnity Agreement

Waiver: In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in activities from October 2025 - September 2026 operated and/or sanctioned by the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, hereinafter called “Activities.” I, for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns do hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and leaders from liability from any and all claims including the negligence of Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, its officer, directors, employees, agents, and leaders, resulting in personal injury, accidents, illnesses, death and property loss ("Injuries and Damages"), from, but not limited to, participation in Activities.

Assumption of Risks: I understand that Activities in which I will participate may include hiking, strenuous physical labor, camping, dining, and riding on various forms of transportation. I understand that I am solely responsible for my health and safety, and I certify that I am physically capable of participating in Activities. I further understand that I am at all times solely responsible for my personal effects.

I understand that participating in Activities involves risks and dangers of DEATH, SERIOUS PHSYICAL HARM AND PROPERTY DAMAGE AND LOSS (“Risks”). I understand and agree that during my participation in Activities, I may be exposed to Risks, foreseen and unforeseen, that are inherent to Activities and cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. These Risks may include, without limitation, Risks related to terrain, surface, water or other geographic features; rain, hail, winds, lightning, extremes of temperature, or other weather events; exposure to the sun; fire (both naturally occurring and human caused); equipment (including sharp or otherwise dangerous tools to be used in Activities); falling objects (including equipment or natural objects that may fall or be dislodged over the course of Activities); facilities; animals; contaminants; sickness; food-borne illness; condition of participants; vehicular traffic; collisions; lack of hydration; and theft. I further understand that during Activities, there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Risks to which I may be exposed. Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these Risks.

I understand and agree that portions of Activities are conducted or provided by companies and organizations other than Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards and that Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards makes no representations about the suitability, reliability, availability, safety, or timeliness of such services for any purpose. All of the services comprising Activities, whether provided by Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards or by third parties, are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. I understand and agree that Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards is not responsible for the errors, omissions, acts, or failures to act of any of third parties conducting or providing Activities.

As a participant in Activities, I confirm my understanding that:

• Activities officially begins and ends at the location(s) designated by Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards. Activities do not include carpooling, transportation, or transit (“transportation”) to and from Activities, and I am personally responsible for all risks associated with this transportation.

• If I decide to leave early and not complete Activities as planned, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to leave and waive all liability against Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards arising from that decision. If my leader has concluded Activities and I decide to go forward without the leader, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to go forward and waive all liability against Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards arising from that decision.

Indemnification, Waiver, and Hold Harmless: I also agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards HARMLESS for any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s fees brought as a result of my involvement in Activities and to reimburse Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards for any such expenses incurred.

Publicity Release: I understand that my name, photograph, voice, likeness, testimonials, and/or biographical information may be used for any and all purposes, including, but not limited to, advertising, trade, and/or promotion on behalf of Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, its licenses, affiliates, suppliers, and employees, and I consent to and authorize in advance all such use. I further understand that I will not benefit financially or otherwise from any use thereof.

Severability: This agreement is intended to be as broad and as inclusive as is permitted by law. If any provision or any part of a provision is this Agreement is held to be invalid or legally unenforceable for some reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and fully enforceable.

Acknowledgement of Understanding: I warrant that I am at least eighteen (18) years of age. I have read this waiver and release of liability, assumption of risk, publicity release and indemnity agreement, fully understand its terms, and appreciate the risks that are inherent in Activities. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary, and I knowingly assume all such risks. I understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I acknowledge that I am agreeing, to the fullest extent allowed by law, to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, its officers, directors, employees, agents and leaders from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from injuries and damages, even if caused by negligence of Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards or by my own negligence while participating in Activities. I understand and intend that this assumption of risk is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I acknowledge that I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily, and INTENT BY MY SIGNATURE TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY.

By printing or signing below, I acknowledge that I've read and agree to the terms of SAWS Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, Publicity Release, and Indemnity Agreement.