Dig Afognak Camp Application

This year's theme is ilapet which means "our family/our connective pieces", focusing on our cultural respect and relation to the land and our community. Practicing living in community and learning to protect our resources for future generations.

Dig Afognak is a cultural immersion experience curated for participants to connect to the land, learn Afognak people's history, and cultural values. These 5-day camps are located at our remote site on Afognak Island.

Camp Facilities & Environment
I understand Dig Afognak is a remote site, accessed by a 45 minute boat ride (weather permitting), with:
• No running water or electricity
• Rustic outhouses
• Maqiwik/Banya (high heat steam bath) for washing
• Gravel paths between facilities
• Required boarding/exiting of boats

No Weapons, Substances, or Prohibited Items

I understand that attendees may not bring or possess any of the following at any time, weapons of any kind, firearms or ammunition, explosives or fireworks, pocket knives or multi‑tools, alcohol, cannabis, or illegal drugs.

I understand that possessing any prohibited item may result in removal from the program at the attendee’s or parent/guardian’s expense.

Bag Search Policy
I understand and acknowledge that all bags are subject to search at any time, including when staff have reason to suspect possession of prohibited items or other misconduct.

Lost or Forgotten Personal Belongings
I understand NVA is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or forgotten items. Lost and found items are kept for 30 days, and then donated. Shipping forgotten items must be prepaid.

Respecting Private Spaces

I understand that no photos or videos may be taken in private spaces such as cabins, dorms, nuus’niit (outhouses), or maqiwit (banyas).

Limits on Youth Photographing

Non‑staff participants may not post identifiable photos or videos of youth campers (photos containing children’s faces, name tags, any other identifying feature) without explicit permission from the child’s parent or guardian. Youth cannot legally provide consent for photos; only their parent or guardian may authorize this.

Youth Personal Electronics Policy

I understand that youth attendees at Youth Camps 1 & 2 may not bring or use personal electronic devices at camp. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, gaming devices, cameras, e‑readers, and any device capable of taking photos, accessing the internet, or sending/receiving messages. This policy supports safety, privacy, and an immersive camp experience. Parents will be provided with camp contact information for emergencies, and camp staff will assist youth with communication if needed.

Attendee Conduct
I understand attending Dig Afognak is a privilege. I agree to:

Be respectful to all attendees, staff, presenters, and volunteers, and participate unless excused by the Camp Manager.
Inform staff immediately if someone is bothering or hurting me or if I see unsafe behavior.
Follow all camp rules and safety requirements, stay in designated areas, and treat facilities, equipment, and the environment with care.
Unsafe or disrespectful behavior may result in the attendee being sent home. Travel arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the attendee or parent/guardian.

1. Authorization for Media Use

I consent to the use, publication, and display, by or on behalf of the Native Village of Afognak, Koniag, Inc., Afognak Native Corporation, and Kodiak Island Housing Authority of any photographs, video or digital image and any reproduction thereof, and any audio recordings taken of me or my minor child/children during the Dig Afognak program, for any promotional, informational, and educational purposes.  I understand that I will receive no compensation for the use of these images and recordings

2. Submitted Photos

camp participants, families, or staff voluntarily share photos or videos with the Dig Afognak or NVA staff during camps, these media may be stored and used for the same purposes as other camp media, including promotion, education, grant reporting, publications, and social media.

By submitting media, the provider grants the Camp a permanent, royalty‑free right to use it without compensation or credit.

3. Unauthorized Photography Disclaimer

NVA and Dig Afognak staff cannot monitor all personal devices, and are not responsible for unauthorized photos, videos, or posts by participants.

4. Agreement

By signing below, I acknowledge and agree to this Media Release

1. Acknowledgement of Risk.

Attendants of Dig Afognak engage in all kinds of outdoor wilderness activities that include hiking through wilderness and rocky tidal beaches, running, swimming, riding vehicles on the beach and along unpaved wilderness trails, boating, harvesting and preparing wild fish and game for consumption, discharging firearms, using sharp tools and knives, sheltering outdoors in tents and rustic cabins, using banyas. Dig Afognak is in a remote location that is only accessible via boat or float plane, and its facilities and equipment are not consistently maintained year-round.

I recognize that there is a significant element of risk involved in attending Dig Afognak and engaging in outdoor wilderness activities, including but not limited to inclement weather, slips, trips, falls, sprains, scratches, bruises, broken bones, cuts, contusions, splinters, burns, smoke inhalation, compression injuries, animal attacks, insect bites, heat stroke, exhaustion, dehydration, getting lost, infection, bleeding, shock, capsizing, drowning, hypothermia, allergic reactions, loss of or damage to personal property, gunshot wounds, delayed medical attention, and, possibly, death.

2. Assumption of Risk.

I understand that outdoor wilderness activities can be hazardous. I understand that my and my minor child/children’s participation in outdoor wilderness activities at Dig Afognak will expose us to a variety of dangers that are an inherent part of Dig Afognak activities and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique nature of the experience we are seeking through attendance at Dig Afognak. I understand that because of Dig Afognak’s remote location, adequate medical or emergency care is not readily available if I or one of my minor children sustains any injury or requires medical attention of any kind.  I understand and acknowledge that I and my minor child/children are participating in outdoor wilderness activities at Dig Afognak voluntarily and with the knowledge of the potential risks involved, up to and including grievous bodily injury and death. I hereby accept any and all risks of injury or death to myself and my minor child/children arising out of or in any way connected with our engagement in activities at Dig Afognak and our use of Native Village of Afognak’s facilities and equipment.

3. Release and Indemnification.

On behalf of myself and my minor children, I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Native Village of Afognak Koniag inc, and Afognak Native Corporation and all of their agents, contractors, officers, directors, employees, and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, losses or damages of any kind which are in any way connected with my or my minor child/children’s attendance at Dig Afognak, participation in any activities at Dig Afognak, and use of Native Village of Afognak’s facilities and equipment. This includes any such claims which allege negligent acts or omissions of Native Village of Afognak’s agents, contractors, officers, directors, employees, and assigns. This also includes any such claims, demands, or causes of action which allege negligent acts or omissions of other Dig Afognak participants, including campers, campers’ parents, Elders, presenters, volunteers, and counselors.  I understand that this release does not prospectively waive any claim I or my minor child/children may have against Native Village of Afognak for reckless or intentional misconduct.

4. Responsibility for Medical Costs and Fees.

I understand that Dig Afognak is in a remote location with no immediate access to medical facilities, medical treatment, or medical personnel.  If I or my minor child/children require medical care or are evacuated from Dig Afognak for any reason whatsoever, I consent to our receiving emergency medical treatment as Native Village of Afognak deems may be necessary, and I agree to pay for and be responsible for all costs and fees connected with such evacuation and medical care. 

5. Voluntary Signature.

I have read, understand, and accept the terms of this waiver and release. I am aware that this is a legal, binding document giving up legal rights, and I sign it voluntarily. I understand I can decline to sign this waiver and release and not participate in Dig Afognak and its related outdoor wilderness activities. I have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions stated in this waiver and release and acknowledge that it shall be binding upon me, my minor child/children, my heirs, my personal representatives, and my estate.

The Native Village of Afognak (NVA) has installed a zip line and low-ropes challenge course at its Dig Afognak camp. Synergo, LLC, out of Portland, OR is a professional challenge course design, construction and training company and has professionally installed, inspected, and certified our equipment as well as trained our staff to operate it. Dig Afognak's challenge course is designed to teach our participants leadership and team-building skills. It is also designed to be a fun activity, however, there are risks involved and we at NVA take the safety and security of our camp participants as our primary goal. We want you or your child to have the best possible experience with us and for that we ask that you read the following requirements carefully.

Participation Requirements:
The Dig Afognak challenge course is designed for participants in reasonably good health. Due to the given circumstances of the zipline, we reserve the right to refuse participation to anyone. The zipline occurs in an isolated environment, and immediate medical attention may not be available. We cannot be responsible for any valuables dropped, damaged, left or lost. You must agree to and sign the Voluntary Participation Agreement Form prior to participation.

Please review the following regulations:
You must weigh not more than 280 pounds. Recommended minimum weight is 60 pounds.
Youth must be aged 8 or older.
Youth under age 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Voluntary Agreement Form.

Attire and preparation:
Please wear clothing that allows no harsh rubbing caused by the seat and chest harness.
You must wear sturdy, closed toe shoes.
Clothing that will keep your body covered. Shirts and pants are strongly encouraged.
Tie back and secure long hair.
Remove all valuables including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and personal electronics, as well as all loose or dangly jewelry and body piercings.
Cameras are welcome on the tour; however, you are solely responsible for its condition, retrieval, and transportation.

If you have any of the following medical conditions, we STRONGLY recommend you consult your physician prior to participation, and discuss any concerns with your guide:
Asthma
Diabetes
Heart disease or any cardiac condition that may require immediate attention.
Hemophilia
Epilepsy or seizure disorders that prohibit operation of a motor vehicle.
Insulin dependent
Severe recent, recurring, or existing injuries
Severe allergic reactions
Take any blood thinning medications.

Do not participate in a tour if you are:
Under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or legal drugs that impair you in any way.
Pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Please read this document carefully.

All participants prior to going on Dig Afognak’s challenge course must sign it. If the participant is a minor, at least one parent or guardian must also sign as evidence of their agreement to these terms and conditions on their own behalf and on behalf of the minor.

1. I, the undersigned participant, acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to participate in Dig Afognak’s challenge course, which is a physically demanding and hazardous activity. I have read and understand the participants’ requirements.

2. Acknowledgment of Risks - I understand that the Dig Afognak challenge courses may expose participants to certain risks. The activities require moderate physical exertion and elevated heights. Hazards and risks of the activities and use of the premises and equipment, include but are not limited to falls, collisions; abrupt and possibly harmful contact with structures, objects and persons; anxieties and fears associated with heights; close contact with other people; coordination and misjudgments on the part of participants; the failure of structures or equipment; separation from guides; and the unpredictable forces of nature; slipping and falling on loose, uneven or steep terrain; vehicular accidents in off-road driving; falling branches, boulders or other fallen objects; encounters with wild animals.

3. Assumption of Risks - I understand that Dig Afognak and the challenge course can be a hazardous activity. I am voluntarily participating in this activity with knowledge of the potential risks involved. I hereby accept any and all risks of injury or death to myself or any minor/child for which I am responsible, arising out of or in any way connected with the use of Dig Afognak challenge course and facilities.

4. Release and Indemnity - As consideration for being permitted to participate in the Dig Afognak challenge course, I hereby agree that I, my assignees, heirs, and/or as the parent/guardian of a minor participant, will release and hold harmless and not bring any claim or legal suits against NVA, its directors, members, managers, officers, agents, employees and volunteers its affiliated organization or the supplier of any of the equipment use in the activity (Released Parties), for any and all claims of injury, disability, death or other loss or damage to persons or property suffered by me and/or my minor child arising in whole or in part from participation in this activity, both foreseeable and unforeseeable.

In addition, I agree TO INDEMNIFY (that is, defend and satisfy by payment or reimbursement, including cost and attorney’s fees) Released Parties from any claim of loss, injury or death, brought on by myself or my child against co-participant. These agreements of release and indemnity include loss or damage caused or claimed in whole or in party by the negligence of a released Party, but not intentional wrongs or the gross negligence of a Released Party.

5.           Severability - If any provisions of this agreement is held to be void or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall never less be fully enforceable, unimpaired by such holding.

6.           Additional Provisions - I, an adult participant or parent/guardian of a minor participant, authorize NVA to provide or obtain medical attention as it considers necessary and appropriate, and I agree to pay all costs associated with such care and transportation.

The laws of the State of Alaska will govern any dispute between a Released Party and participant or parent/guardian, and any mediation or suit shall take place only in the State of Alaska.

I have had sufficient opportunities to carefully read this voluntary participation agreement form and participant requirements and fully understand its contents. I am giving up important legal rights and a contract between the Native Village of Afognak and myself and/or its affiliated organizations and sign it of my own free will. I hereby declare that I am at least eighteen (18) years of age, or that I am the parent or legal guardian of the participant that I am signing on behalf of.

Quyanaasinaq for your interest in 2026 Dig Afognak Camps!