2025 4-H Camp Policies and Releases

Media Release

I hereby authorize South Dakota State University to photograph me and/or my property or use my submitted media, and authorize South Dakota State University, its legal representatives, or successors and assigns the absolute right and unrestricted permission to copyright, publish and/or use such photographs or recordings in whole or part, or composite form made for art, advertising, trade or any lawful purpose. 

I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect and approve the finished product or the advertising copy that may be used in connection therewith, or the use to which it is applied. I understand no payment or compensation will be provided to use my photograph or recordings. 

I hereby release, discharge and agree to hold harmless South Dakota State University from any liability by virtue of any use whatsoever, where intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking of said picture, or in any processing tending toward the completion of the finished product.

Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement and Consent to Medical Treatment

We acknowledge that we are aware of, appreciate the character of, and voluntarily assume the risks involved in participating in 4-H activities, programs and events.

On behalf of ourselves, our heirs, next of kin, successors in interest, assigns, personal representatives, and agents, we hereby:

1. Waive any claim or cause of action against and release from liability State of South Dakota, South Dakota Board of Regents, South Dakota State University, and South Dakota 4-H and its successors and legal representatives, its officers, employees, and agents for any and all liability for participant's death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft or actions of any kind which may hereafter accrue to participant and his/her estate, resulting from participation in 4-H activities, programs and events.
2. Agree to indemnify and hold harmless the State of South Dakota, South Dakota Board of Regents, South Dakota State University, and South Dakota 4-H, its officers, employees, and agents for any claims, cost, loss, damages, liability, or expenses brought by third parties, arising from my participation in the activity listed above, unless the liability is the result of Releasees’ sole negligence or willful misconduct
3. Consent to receive any medical treatment deemed advisable during participation in 4-H activities, programs and events.

Code of Conduct and Behavior Expectations

The South Dakota 4-H Program expects youth members and participants to behave in an acceptable manner at all events and activities in accordance with the South Dakota 4-H Behavioral Expectations and the Code of Conduct Policy.

Behavioral Expectations
The South Dakota (SD) 4-H Program is designed to provide youth of all ages with a positive environment in which to learn and grow. It also provides opportunities for children and youth to build positive traits of character. To ensure that all youth have equal access to positive learning environments, SD 4-H members, staff, and volunteers agree to abide by these expectations of behavior:

• I will be trustworthy.
I will be worthy of trust, honor, and confidence. I will be a good role model by doing the right thing at all times. I will be honest in all of my activities. I will be on time for all scheduled events and will attend all of the planned activities. If I am not feeling well or have a schedule conflict, I will inform my chaperone or a person in charge of the event before the activity starts. I will be in the assigned area (club meeting room, building, dorm, etc.) at all times. The SD 4-H Program will not permit dishonesty such as lying or cheating.

• I will be respectful.
I will show respect, courtesy, and consideration to everyone, including myself, other participants, and those in authority. I will act and speak respectfully. I will treat meeting rooms, lodging areas, personal property, and transportation vehicles with respect. I will follow all published dress code guidelines for the event and/or activity. I will respect the personal space and choices of other participants and will not participate in inappropriate displays of affection or physical contact. I will not use vulgar or abusive language, cause physical or emotional harm, or create a feeling of fear amongst other participants.

• I will be responsible.
I will be responsible and accountable for my choices and my actions towards myself and other people. I will follow all rules and guidelines established for the activity or event. I will follow the verbal instructions issued by SDSU Extension staff, chaperones, and/or adult volunteers. I will abide by the established program curfew. I will be responsible for any damage, theft, or misconduct that I am involved in or cause.

• I will be fair.
I will participate in events fairly by following the rules, not taking advantage of others, and not asking for special help or favors.

• I will be caring.
I will be caring in my relationship with others. I will be kind and show compassion for others. I will treat others the way I want to be treated. I will show appreciation for the efforts of others. I will include all participants in activities and will try to help everyone be involved in the scheduled activities.

• I will be a good citizen.
I will be a contributing and law-abiding citizen. I will be respectful to the environment. I will not use illegal substances such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs or be involved in the use or possession of weapons or fireworks. If I am found to have any of these items with me or if I have taken any illegal substances, adult staff/volunteers will notify law enforcement. I will ensure the adults and friends that support me behave respectfully at 4-H events.
 
Code of Conduct Policy
If I do not abide by the items in the Behavioral Expectations above, I will experience the following consequences in the order listed:

1. The loss of rights and privileges at the event or activity.
2. Being dismissed from the activity or event with an adult staff member or chaperone/volunteer notifying my parents/guardians and that I must go home at my family's expense before the activity or event ends.
3. The possible forfeiture of future participation in statewide and out-of-state events and activities as well as the forfeiture of future awards and premiums at the County level for a period of time up to one year. If this step is considered necessary, event staff, county staff, state staff will make the decision with input from the parents/guardians of the involved 4-H member(s).

We certify that we have read the South Dakota 4-H Code of Conduct and Behavioral Expectations. We promise to support the individuals at all 4-H activities and events who are in charge of maintaining appropriate behavior. We also agree to accept the appropriate and logical consequences of this 4-H member's actions according to this policy as determined by the South Dakota 4-H Program.