IMPORTANT: This pilgrimage is physically demanding.

Pilgrims will walk approximately 132 km over 6 days, with daily stages ranging from 16 km to 30 km. Day 5 is intentionally the longest and most challenging day of the pilgrimage. Participants will be walking on roads, paths, and uneven terrain in summer heat, with overnight camping each night.

Please ensure the pilgrim is in good general health and able to walk long distances.

There will be several opportunities to swim during the pilgrimage. A registered lifeguard will be present at all swim locations to monitor the water and respond in case of emergency.

IMPORTANT: The lifeguard's role is to provide general water safety oversight for the group. The lifeguard is NOT personally responsible for the supervision, care, or well-being of any individual pilgrim. Pilgrims swim at their own risk, and parents/guardians are responsible for assessing whether their child has the swimming ability and judgment to participate safely.

Pilgrims who choose not to swim are welcome to rest, pray, or enjoy the location from shore.

Please provide TWO emergency contacts in case the primary contact is unreachable.

This section must be completed by a parent or legal guardian for any pilgrim under the age of 18. Pilgrims who are 18 years of age or older may sign on their own behalf.

This Agreement governs the participation of the pilgrim in Via Vocatio, the 2026 Youth Pilgrimage hosted by Youth On The Hill (YOTH) (hereinafter referred to as "the pilgrimage"). I agree to the terms listed below. The guardian agrees to the following terms on behalf of the dependent(s) and him or herself.

1. ASSUMPTION OF RISK — All activities involve a certain amount of risk, and I understand that many of these risks are unpredictable and are wholly outside the control of Youth On The Hill (YOTH) and its representatives. Representatives of YOTH and volunteers involved in this activity will take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the persons involved in this activity, but in the event of accident or injury of any sort, YOTH, its employees and volunteers shall not be responsible nor held liable in any way for any such accident or mishap.

2. ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS — Knowing the risks, and in consideration of being permitted to participate in Via Vocatio, I agree, on behalf of myself, my family, heirs, and personal representative(s), to assume all the risks and responsibilities surrounding my participation in this event. To the maximum extent permitted by law, I do voluntarily and without reservation, and on behalf of myself, my heirs and my estate, release, hold harmless, and indemnify Youth On The Hill and its employees, agents and volunteers, from and against any present or future claims, damages, expenses, actions, losses or liability of whatever kind including but not limited to injury to my person, injury to my property, or injury for which I may be liable to any other person relating in any way to this event caused by the negligence or other actions of Youth On The Hill or any other party including the risks discussed and assumed in this Agreement. I hereby expressly agree that this document shall forever be a complete bar to the commencement or prosecution of any action or proceeding whatsoever against Youth On The Hill and its employees, agents and volunteers and this document may be treated as a complete defense to any such action or proceeding brought by anyone on my behalf.

3. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
a. I will participate in this activity in a mature and responsible fashion.
b. I understand that YOTH personnel and volunteers that accompany this activity are authorized to take all reasonably necessary measures to maintain order and control of me by any reasonably necessary means.
c. I understand that YOTH personnel and volunteers are hereby authorized to take all reasonably necessary measures to secure emergency medical aid for me and are empowered to authorize medical treatment that may be recommended by a medical practitioner.
d. I understand that the possession or consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs is prohibited and I will not be permitted to participate in the event while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

4. MEDICAL TREATMENT AUTHORIZATION — In the event of illness or injury during the pilgrimage, and where the parent/guardian cannot be immediately reached, I hereby authorize YOTH staff and volunteers to: (a) seek emergency medical care for the pilgrim, including transportation to a hospital, clinic, or other medical facility; (b) consent on my behalf to examination, anesthesia, medical or surgical diagnosis, and treatment as may be deemed necessary by a licensed physician, dentist, or other medical professional; (c) administer or oversee the administration of over-the-counter medications (such as pain relievers, antihistamines, or first-aid supplies) as appropriate; (d) administer prescription medications that I have disclosed on this registration form. I agree to be responsible for any and all costs associated with medical treatment, including but not limited to hospital fees, ambulance services, prescription medications, and follow-up care.

5. TRANSPORTATION CONSENT — I consent to the pilgrim being transported in YOTH vehicles, volunteer vehicles, or other arranged transportation during the pilgrimage. This includes routine transportation related to the pilgrimage (e.g., shuttle to starting points, transport of an injured or exhausted pilgrim to camp, transportation to medical care if needed). YOTH will take reasonable steps to ensure all drivers are licensed and insured.

6. CODE OF CONDUCT AND EARLY DISMISSAL — The pilgrim agrees to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Catholic faith and the spiritual nature of this pilgrimage, including: respecting other pilgrims, leaders, and volunteers; following all safety instructions; complying with reasonable rules around phone use, lights-out, and group activities; and refraining from any form of bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour. I understand that YOTH reserves the right to dismiss any pilgrim from the pilgrimage for serious or repeated violations of this code of conduct, for use of alcohol or illegal drugs, or for any behaviour that endangers themselves or others. In the event of dismissal, I agree that the family is responsible for arranging and paying for the pilgrim's transportation home, and that no refund of the registration fee will be issued.

7. SEVERE WEATHER AND ROUTE MODIFICATION — I acknowledge that YOTH reserves the right to modify the pilgrimage route, schedule, daily distance, or accommodations at any time for reasons of safety, including but not limited to severe weather, road conditions, medical emergencies, or other circumstances beyond YOTH's control. I understand that such modifications do not constitute grounds for a refund.

8. REFUND POLICY — The $150 registration fee is fully refundable up to 30 days before the start of the pilgrimage (i.e., before June 18, 2026). After that date, the registration fee is non-refundable, as funds will have been committed to food, supplies, equipment, and event logistics. No refund will be issued for early departure, dismissal, or non-attendance once the pilgrimage has begun.

9. PUBLICITY CONSENT — I grant Youth On The Hill and its agent's permission to reproduce and use for educational or other purposes all photographs, videos, or sound recordings of me taken during this event.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT — I have carefully read this document before agreeing to it. I understand that this is a Release of my Legal Rights and I have been given the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice prior to agreement. I am voluntarily entering into this Agreement and no representations, statements or inducements, oral or written, apart from the foregoing written statement have been made. This Agreement is effective immediately upon submission of the form and shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario.

Registration Fee: $150 per pilgrim

Payment is due at registration via e-transfer.

E-TRANSFER TO: youthonthehill23@gmail.com
Please include the pilgrim's full name in the e-transfer message.

IF THE FEE IS A FINANCIAL BURDEN: We do not want cost to be a barrier to any young person participating in Via Vocatio. If the $150 fee is a hardship for your family, we encourage you to speak with your home parish — many parishes have funds available to support youth participating in faith formation activities like this pilgrimage.

REFUND POLICY: The fee is fully refundable until June 18, 2026 (30 days before the pilgrimage). After that date, the fee is non-refundable.