Expedition Rules
Click each paragraph below for full details.
Glossary
'the Challenge' or 'we' means The 3N Challenge, PO Box 570, Beckenham, BR3 9NB. Our website address is: www.3nchallenge.org
'Volunteer', 'I' or 'you' means the Participant(s) taking part in the 3N Challenge and associated training.
'the Training Provider' means any of the training companies used by the Challenge and their staff.
'Training' means the training courses and exercises undertaken as preparation for the Challenge.
'the Vendor' means any company or person Participants will procure goods and/or services from to take part in the Challenge.
'the Service Provider' means a company providing the Challenge with transport and rental equipment for specific activities.
'the Charity' means the Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Support Charity and specifically the cancer fundraising team within that.
'the Sponsor' means someone who has sponsored a given Volunteer by donating money to the Charity via Virgin Money Giving, cash, cheque, PayPal or bank transfer.
'Volunteer', 'I' or 'you' means the Participant(s) taking part in the 3N Challenge and associated training.
'the Training Provider' means any of the training companies used by the Challenge and their staff.
'Training' means the training courses and exercises undertaken as preparation for the Challenge.
'the Vendor' means any company or person Participants will procure goods and/or services from to take part in the Challenge.
'the Service Provider' means a company providing the Challenge with transport and rental equipment for specific activities.
'the Charity' means the Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Support Charity and specifically the cancer fundraising team within that.
'the Sponsor' means someone who has sponsored a given Volunteer by donating money to the Charity via Virgin Money Giving, cash, cheque, PayPal or bank transfer.
1. The 3N Challenge are a team of like-minded volunteers doing an adventure Challenge to raise money for the Charity. By being invited to join you are also a volunteer, and undertake this Challenge entirely at your own risk.
I understand and accept that the Challenge is a private excursion that I have been invited to join and that the ‘unsupported’ nature of the Challenge means that this is not a guided tour and that I am responsible for ensuring that I can competently perform the tasks required as a member of a team in order to complete the Challenge.
The Challenge takes place in the wilderness which is, by its very nature, a potentially hazardous environment. The Challenge makes every effort to minimise risk to Volunteers and arranges professional training for Volunteers in the safe negotiation of such risk as may remain. However, the Challenge, by its very nature, requires Volunteers to be self-sufficient and responsible for their own decisions. Consequently, the Volunteer acknowledges that there are circumstances in which an accident could befall a Volunteer without the Challenge being at fault and accepts that to that extent he/she is taking part in the Challenge at his/her own risk.
The Challenge only accepts liability for physical injury to a Volunteer that is shown to result directly from negligence on the part of the Challenge team.
I accept that if I have any medical condition which could be adversely affected by exercise, particularly a heart condition, or if I am in any doubt about my health, I must notify the Challenge team and get clearance from my doctor before participating at my own risk. I accept that the Challenge team may choose to decline my application regardless of approval from my Doctor.
The Challenge does not accept liability for any previously unknown or undeclared medical conditions that may occur during the Challenge or associated training. Volunteers are fully responsible for their own health and undertake the Challenge and associated training at their own risk.
You understand fully that adventure challenges are not without risk. You therefore take part entirely at your own risk and agree to indemnify us, the Charity, training providers against claims for loss or damage to personal property or for loss or consequential losses or claims through your participation in this Challenge arising from your own actions. In terms of travel arrangements, the outlined itineraries given for each Challenge must be taken as an indication of what each group should accomplish and not as a contractual obligation on our part. It is a fundamental condition of joining any Challenge that you accept this flexibility, and acknowledge that delays and alterations and their results are possible.
The Challenge takes place in the wilderness which is, by its very nature, a potentially hazardous environment. The Challenge makes every effort to minimise risk to Volunteers and arranges professional training for Volunteers in the safe negotiation of such risk as may remain. However, the Challenge, by its very nature, requires Volunteers to be self-sufficient and responsible for their own decisions. Consequently, the Volunteer acknowledges that there are circumstances in which an accident could befall a Volunteer without the Challenge being at fault and accepts that to that extent he/she is taking part in the Challenge at his/her own risk.
The Challenge only accepts liability for physical injury to a Volunteer that is shown to result directly from negligence on the part of the Challenge team.
I accept that if I have any medical condition which could be adversely affected by exercise, particularly a heart condition, or if I am in any doubt about my health, I must notify the Challenge team and get clearance from my doctor before participating at my own risk. I accept that the Challenge team may choose to decline my application regardless of approval from my Doctor.
The Challenge does not accept liability for any previously unknown or undeclared medical conditions that may occur during the Challenge or associated training. Volunteers are fully responsible for their own health and undertake the Challenge and associated training at their own risk.
You understand fully that adventure challenges are not without risk. You therefore take part entirely at your own risk and agree to indemnify us, the Charity, training providers against claims for loss or damage to personal property or for loss or consequential losses or claims through your participation in this Challenge arising from your own actions. In terms of travel arrangements, the outlined itineraries given for each Challenge must be taken as an indication of what each group should accomplish and not as a contractual obligation on our part. It is a fundamental condition of joining any Challenge that you accept this flexibility, and acknowledge that delays and alterations and their results are possible.
2. Volunteers and/or Team Leaders are responsible for their own decisions unless there is a risk to safety or completion of the Challenge when the Expedition Leader will over-rule them if necessary.
All decisions required to complete the Challenge such as (but not limited to) navigation will be discussed by Volunteers and/or their Team Leaders and, once agreed, made aware to the Expedition Leader. If the team are unable to achieve consensus or a majority to make the decision, or there is a risk of safety being compromised or the Challenge failing to be completed, the Expedition Leader will over-rule the decision and at this point takes responsibility for the decision; if Volunteers ignore this decision they then accept full liability for the outcome of doing so.
3. Volunteers must consider the fact they may have to drop out of or be asked to leave the Challenge, possibly as the result of someone else dropping out, and should cover themselves for any costs incurred.
The Volunteer accepts that the number of volunteers who can take part in the Challenge is at the discretion of the Challenge who reserve the right to select a size of team appropriate to the experience, abilities and physical condition of the volunteers selected up to an absolute maximum of 24 volunteers, including the Challenge team.
The Volunteer accepts that, due to the tandem canoeing requirements of the Challenge, that only an even number of Volunteers may take part in the Challenge and that there may be circumstances when a Volunteer has to leave the Challenge for reasons such as (but not limited to) their conduct, financial situation, physical ability or medical condition, and that subsequently the team size must be reduced to the next even number of Volunteers and that as a result another Volunteer will have to leave the Challenge. In these circumstance a 'last in, first out' rule applies and the Volunteer who applied last to join will have to drop out. Volunteers are advised to consider this potential risk before applying and are responsible for covering themselves for any losses that may be incurred as a result of this happening.
The Volunteer accepts that, due to the tandem canoeing requirements of the Challenge, that only an even number of Volunteers may take part in the Challenge and that there may be circumstances when a Volunteer has to leave the Challenge for reasons such as (but not limited to) their conduct, financial situation, physical ability or medical condition, and that subsequently the team size must be reduced to the next even number of Volunteers and that as a result another Volunteer will have to leave the Challenge. In these circumstance a 'last in, first out' rule applies and the Volunteer who applied last to join will have to drop out. Volunteers are advised to consider this potential risk before applying and are responsible for covering themselves for any losses that may be incurred as a result of this happening.
4. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring they can meet the entry and training requirements to take part in the Challenge and acknowledge that it may not be possible to meet any special requirements
Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years old at the start of the Challenge training programme (i.e. the 1st Fitness Gate) and be in suitable physical condition to undertake the Challenge and associated training as set out in the ‘Training’ section of the Challenge website. Volunteers should be fully aware of the possible risks inherent in adventure travel and that the 3N Challenge includes potentially dangerous activities including (but not limited to) canoeing on open water and fast moving rapids, carrying equipment and canoes over difficult terrain such as (but not limited to) slippery rocks, swamps, bogs and dense undergrowth, carrying heavy rucksacks over difficult terrain up to distances of 15-30km per day, using cutting tools, making and being around open camp fires and being in an environment occupied by large predators and an array of biting/venomous insects that could cause (but are not limited to) Lyme disease, tick encephalitis and anaphylaxis, and that by applying to join the Challenge, volunteers do so at their own risk.
You must be adequately fit to cover the distances and undertake the programme set out in your Challenge itinerary. If it is felt that any Volunteer is not sufficiently fit, healthy, properly equipped or able to complete a Challenge without affecting its safety, comfort or progress, at any stage during the training or the Challenge itself, the Expedition Leader has the right to remove you from the Challenge. In the case of teams, a Team Leader must highlight any of the above to the Expedition Leader unless they are aware already; conversely the Expedition Leader will make Team Leaders aware of any such concerns in advance so that Team Leaders and volunteers can establish if these concerns can be addressed.
All Volunteers must wear safety clothing or equipment such as may be required in the country concerned or under the rules and regulations of any local service provider of any activity undertaken by you. For water-based activities you must be able to swim 400 metres after exercise and tow a casualty 50m.
It is a condition of joining the Challenge that in cases of emergency we have your authority to arrange any necessary medical or surgical treatments and to sign any required form of consent on your behalf. When taking part in training this responsibility lies between the training provider and the volunteer.
The 3N Challenge is open to volunteers of all backgrounds and we will do our best to cater for any special requirements and/or disabilities you may have but, due to the nature of the Challenge and the environment in which it takes place, we cannot guarantee this and reserve the right to decline your application if we feel that we cannot safely and/or adequately meet your needs to the level you require or that your requirements may compromise the safety of you, the Challenge or other volunteers. If you have any medical problem or disability which may affect your involvement in the Challenge you must provide us with full details before you complete the application form (such information will be dealt with in a confidential manner and is stored securely, for full details see our Privacy page). Before we confirm your acceptance we will advise as to the suitability of your requirements if possible, and we will endeavour to assist you. The nature of the Challenge means that where a volunteer's involvement needs specific medical, social or cultural assistance we may request that you travel with a companion.
The volunteer accepts that due to the nature of the Challenge and the food choices available we cannot guarantee we can meet all dietary requirements; please also note that fishing features in both Challenges and that training includes being taught how to use animal traps.
You must be adequately fit to cover the distances and undertake the programme set out in your Challenge itinerary. If it is felt that any Volunteer is not sufficiently fit, healthy, properly equipped or able to complete a Challenge without affecting its safety, comfort or progress, at any stage during the training or the Challenge itself, the Expedition Leader has the right to remove you from the Challenge. In the case of teams, a Team Leader must highlight any of the above to the Expedition Leader unless they are aware already; conversely the Expedition Leader will make Team Leaders aware of any such concerns in advance so that Team Leaders and volunteers can establish if these concerns can be addressed.
All Volunteers must wear safety clothing or equipment such as may be required in the country concerned or under the rules and regulations of any local service provider of any activity undertaken by you. For water-based activities you must be able to swim 400 metres after exercise and tow a casualty 50m.
It is a condition of joining the Challenge that in cases of emergency we have your authority to arrange any necessary medical or surgical treatments and to sign any required form of consent on your behalf. When taking part in training this responsibility lies between the training provider and the volunteer.
The 3N Challenge is open to volunteers of all backgrounds and we will do our best to cater for any special requirements and/or disabilities you may have but, due to the nature of the Challenge and the environment in which it takes place, we cannot guarantee this and reserve the right to decline your application if we feel that we cannot safely and/or adequately meet your needs to the level you require or that your requirements may compromise the safety of you, the Challenge or other volunteers. If you have any medical problem or disability which may affect your involvement in the Challenge you must provide us with full details before you complete the application form (such information will be dealt with in a confidential manner and is stored securely, for full details see our Privacy page). Before we confirm your acceptance we will advise as to the suitability of your requirements if possible, and we will endeavour to assist you. The nature of the Challenge means that where a volunteer's involvement needs specific medical, social or cultural assistance we may request that you travel with a companion.
The volunteer accepts that due to the nature of the Challenge and the food choices available we cannot guarantee we can meet all dietary requirements; please also note that fishing features in both Challenges and that training includes being taught how to use animal traps.
5. The Challenge is voluntary. All costs must be borne by Volunteers themselves. Any financial transactions and the terms and conditions associated with them are between the vendor, service provider or training provider and the volunteer.
We do not manage any funds. All financial transactions will be between Volunteers and the vendor/training provider they are buying goods and/or services from. Volunteers will be directed as to when they need to pay deposits, book travel, etc. Volunteers may agree with other Volunteers or the Challenge to collect funds to make a group payment (perhaps to get a discount on equipment or pay a deposit) and this will be managed by the Volunteers themselves on a case-by-case basis. Failure of Volunteers to book or pay for travel, training or equipment in time will see them removed from the Challenge, which may result in another Volunteer having to leave the Challenge as well.
We are neither a carrier nor a provider of flight accommodation. Each journey (whether undertaken or not) by land, sea or air is governed by the conditions of the carrier. Some of these conditions limit or exclude liability and are often the subject of international agreements. Copies of applicable conditions are available from the supplier. As both of our Challenges are different, airlines used differ with each Challenge. In prepared itineraries, transport timings are provided by the carrier concerned and are subject to such matters as weather conditions, maintenance requirements, the ability of passengers to check-in on time and, in the case of flights, to air traffic control restrictions. Accordingly, the times of flights and other forms of transport are estimates only and cannot be guaranteed. Internal flights are particularly vulnerable to change. We have no control and accept no liability whatsoever for cancellations and delays, which are subject to operational decisions by airlines and/or traffic control authorities. You are responsible for checking-in for flights at the correct time and for presenting yourself to take up all pre-booked components of your Challenge. If flight delays mean that any additional transfers are required to enable you to join the group, these costs must be met immediately by you and if covered by your travel insurance policy, claimed at a later date.
The availability or provision of accommodation is subject to the 'house rules' of the accommodation or site. The Challenge and associated training takes place in locations and environments where travel and accommodation standards are less developed than you might be used to and, on the Challenge itself, non-existent. Throughout the training and Challenge, standards of accommodation will vary from extremely basic to adequate and, in some locations, you may have to do without essential services. The Challenge may involve using single, twin or multiple accommodation (where applicable) and, if you join a Challenge alone, if there isn’t a member of the same sex to share accommodation (if required) you will have to use solo accommodation (e.g. tent). In some cases the entire team may share a hut in which case same-sex accommodation isn’t possible and everyone will share the same facilities.
We are neither a carrier nor a provider of flight accommodation. Each journey (whether undertaken or not) by land, sea or air is governed by the conditions of the carrier. Some of these conditions limit or exclude liability and are often the subject of international agreements. Copies of applicable conditions are available from the supplier. As both of our Challenges are different, airlines used differ with each Challenge. In prepared itineraries, transport timings are provided by the carrier concerned and are subject to such matters as weather conditions, maintenance requirements, the ability of passengers to check-in on time and, in the case of flights, to air traffic control restrictions. Accordingly, the times of flights and other forms of transport are estimates only and cannot be guaranteed. Internal flights are particularly vulnerable to change. We have no control and accept no liability whatsoever for cancellations and delays, which are subject to operational decisions by airlines and/or traffic control authorities. You are responsible for checking-in for flights at the correct time and for presenting yourself to take up all pre-booked components of your Challenge. If flight delays mean that any additional transfers are required to enable you to join the group, these costs must be met immediately by you and if covered by your travel insurance policy, claimed at a later date.
The availability or provision of accommodation is subject to the 'house rules' of the accommodation or site. The Challenge and associated training takes place in locations and environments where travel and accommodation standards are less developed than you might be used to and, on the Challenge itself, non-existent. Throughout the training and Challenge, standards of accommodation will vary from extremely basic to adequate and, in some locations, you may have to do without essential services. The Challenge may involve using single, twin or multiple accommodation (where applicable) and, if you join a Challenge alone, if there isn’t a member of the same sex to share accommodation (if required) you will have to use solo accommodation (e.g. tent). In some cases the entire team may share a hut in which case same-sex accommodation isn’t possible and everyone will share the same facilities.
6. The Volunteer is responsible for having the right level of insurance cover.
Most Volunteers complete the Challenge. However, on occasions Volunteers are obliged to cut the Challenge short for reasons such as injury or ill-health. If you are obliged to cut short the Challenge for whatever reason, the Challenge cannot provide a refund of National Park fees, flights or accommodation costs. Any additional accommodation and/or transfer fees, flights and accommodation costs and any medical costs incurred will be your responsibility. For the avoidance of doubt, these will not be the responsibility of the Challenge. You must ensure that you have adequate insurance in place to cover these eventualities. The Challenge requires that you take a credit card with you on the Challenge to cover any such unexpected costs. In some cases, such costs can be extensive, for example where a helicopter evacuation is required. You must ensure you have sufficient available funds to cover such emergencies. The Challenge are under no obligation to pay for any additional costs, but in the event that we do provide financial assistance, you hereby guarantee that you will personally (if not recoverable through your insurance policy) reimburse us upon your return from the Challenge.
It is a condition of completing training that you have a suitable travel insurance policy while participating on the Challenge. This is the responsibility of the Volunteer to organise and arrange. The Challenge will provide info as to the level of insurance required. Failure to obtain the recommended level of insurance cover will be deemed as placing the rest of the team at risk and the Volunteer will be asked to prove they have the correct level of insurance prior to departure or be removed from the Challenge.
It is a condition of completing training that you have a suitable travel insurance policy while participating on the Challenge. This is the responsibility of the Volunteer to organise and arrange. The Challenge will provide info as to the level of insurance required. Failure to obtain the recommended level of insurance cover will be deemed as placing the rest of the team at risk and the Volunteer will be asked to prove they have the correct level of insurance prior to departure or be removed from the Challenge.
7. Media content taken by the Challenge team is the property of the Challenge and this content will be used for the website and fundraising material. Your own photos and videos are yours to donate should you choose to and can be credited if desired.
You agree that any photography (stills or video), recordings made or taken by the Challenge team prior to, during, or after the Challenge, which may include you in it, may be used in publicity material connected with the Challenge, and that we will retain all rights, title and interest in such photography or media made by us including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such material. However, the Challenge will make sure you are aware whenever they are creating such content so that you can choose not to be in the photo or video if you want.
The Challenge may ask you to donate photos to the Challenge website and in this case the Challenge will credit via copyright any photography and videos donated by volunteers if requested.
The volunteer has the right to request all personal data and media be removed from Challenge material or website at any time.
The Challenge may ask you to donate photos to the Challenge website and in this case the Challenge will credit via copyright any photography and videos donated by volunteers if requested.
The volunteer has the right to request all personal data and media be removed from Challenge material or website at any time.
8. Volunteers will 'leave no trace' on the environments we train and/or undertake the Challenge in.
Volunteers will ensure that we don't spoil the wilderness and national parks we will be entering, ensuring all campfires are safely out and evidence of them removed, all litter that cannot be burned to ash (e.g plastic/foil/gas bottles) disposed of at waste removal points if provided or carried with us and smokers will carry their cigarette ends with them if other means of disposal aren't possible. Latrines require a hole to be dug and used toilet paper burned before covering over.
