Terms and Conditions

All Volunteers participating on the Guatemala Experience trip must read, review, understand, and agree with the terms and conditions provided on this page. The following terms and conditions are subject to change at anytime and remain valid if changed. These terms and conditions still apply if/once changed, whether volunteers have signed before or after said improvements or changes.

MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE: All volunteers signing up for the Guatemala Experience are eligible for a money-back guarantee, with participating terms and conditions. If the trip is canceled by the Wayne Julien Foundation, 90 days or more, prior to departure due to complications or restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, registered volunteers will receive a full refund for their entire program fee costs (this excludes non-refundable fees, such as Airfare). Eligible refunds would be issued back to the original form of payment. If the trip is cancelled for any reason at 89 days or less prior to departure, the money-back guarantee is no longer valid.

AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND/CHANGES TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS: By booking your travel with us and/or participating on the Guatemala Experience, you are agreeing to be bound by the following terms and conditions together with any additional documentation we give you (“The Agreement”) and any additional terms and conditions of any Supplier that are applicable to your travel arrangement. The Agreement describes what you are legally entitled to expect from us when you book your trip through us, in addition to important obligations you enter into as a participant that affect your legal rights. Therefore, it is of vital importance that you read the terms and conditions in their entirety. The Wayne Julien Foundation is not responsible for any participant’s unawareness of the Terms and Conditions due to the failure of any member/director to share this information with all participants. If you do not agree with our terms and conditions you must speak with us before making any booking.

You acknowledge and agree that we may change these Terms and Conditions from time to time and that those changes become effective immediately. If we make material changes, we will provide you notice. Your continued use of our services following the notice of any changes constitutes your acceptance and agreement to be bound by such changes. You agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions that are in effect at the time of travel or cancellation.

COVID 19 RELEASE OF LIABILITY: Participant expressly acknowledges that naturally occurring diseases and viruses (including, but not limited to, the currently widespread COVID-19) may be present and actively occurring in all environments in which your travel will take place as well as other places where your trip takes place, such as airports, airplanes, terminals, trains, ferries and the like. You acknowledge the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. You acknowledge that COVID-19 has made travel uncertain due to government closures and other travel restrictions. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact (however the exact method of spread remains unknown). You also understand that if you are older or have underlying conditions, you may be more prone to serious infection and death due to COVID-19. As a result of the highly infectious nature of this disease, federal, state, and local government health agencies recommend social distancing, wearing of PPE (including masks), and have, in many locations, prohibited the congregation of groups of people. You acknowledge that exposure to such viruses or disease is an inherent risk of traveling, that cannot be controlled or eliminated by the Wayne Julien Foundation and/or the Guatemala Experience Program.

By booking a trip at this time, you acknowledge the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk for yourself and any minors, that you or they may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by traveling and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death even if such injuries or losses occur in a manner that is not foreseeable at the time you book your trip.

You acknowledge that due to the uncertainty of travel at this time, your trip may be postponed or cancelled or changes may be made to itineraries due to closures of certain sites or activities, for which there may be no refund. You understand that you may become sick before, during, or after the trip and may not be able to travel and such cancellation or interruption will be subject to our cancellation terms below, for which we will not be liable.

You agree that due to uncertainty caused by COVID 19, the Wayne Julien Foundation has strongly encouraged the purchase of travel protection coverage including cancel for any reason coverage if and when available, and that should you fail to purchase travel protection coverage, the Wayne Julien Foundation shall not be liable to any losses howsoever arising.

You, for yourself, and any minors traveling, and on behalf of your and their heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS the Wayne Julien Foundation, its members, officers, agents, and/or employees, suppliers, and other tour members (RELEASEES), of, from and against any and all claims, damages, demands, losses, and liability arising out of or related in any way, in whole or in part to any POSTPONEMENT, CANCELLATION, CHANGES, INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH OR ANY OTHER LOSS you may suffer due to exposure, infection, spread, closure, and travel restrictions related to COVID- 19, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law. The terms of this INDEMNIFICATION, HOLD HARMLESS AND RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY paragraph, shall survive any termination or cancellation of this Contract, whether by operation of law or otherwise.

VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18: All volunteers under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. The Wayne Julien Foundation is in no way responsible or liable for any and all minors participating in the Guatemala Experience. This includes any injury and any stated liability within these Terms and Conditions. Adults (over the age of 18) accompanying minor(s) are fully responsible of any volunteer under the age of 18. Anyone accompanying a minor(s) takes full and total responsibility and liability of minor(s) they are accompanying.

REGISTRATION: Unless otherwise noted, individual participants will register with and submit payments directly to the Wayne Julien Foundation. To reserve space on a trip, each individual participant must make the required deposit (payable by credit/debit card) and submit a completed registration form. Registration can be done online at waynejulienfoundation.com/volunteerapplication.

PAYMENTS: The operation of trips requires extensive planning, costs are incurred long before the actual departure date, including non-refundable deposits paid to suppliers. The Wayne Julien Foundation therefore has a required payment schedule and a nonrefundable deposit.

***Airfare is booked by Foundation directors ONLY. Any other means of booking will not be valid to participate on the Guatemala Experience. A director will be in contact promptly after application is submitted to coordinate flight options.

If registering after a deadline, any non-refundable fee are due upon registration. If desired, registered volunteers may pay in full at anytime, and/or pay more of your fee prior to a payment deadline. However, registered volunteers are required to pay amounts above by deadline indicated.

In the event of any non-payment of any required payments according to the payment schedule, the Wayne Julien Foundation reserves the right to cancel the reservation. In the event of any billing errors, the Wayne Julien Foundation reserves the right to re-invoice the correct amount. We reserve the right to refuse a booking without giving any reason and shall, in that event only, return any deposit received. Reservations are transferable at the sole discretion of the Wayne Julien Foundation.

In the event a Participant attempts to chargeback, reverse, or recollect a trip payment already made without the authorization of the Wayne Julien Foundation, we reserve the right to collect all additional costs, fees and expenses associated with such chargeback, reversal or recollection, including, without limitation, attorney fees.

CANCELLATION FEES AND REFUNDS: All cancellation requests must be submitted to the Wayne Julien Foundation in written form and received via email or mail. Any refunds, as applicable, will be processed based on the date stamp of email or mail received. Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds will be subject to the policies listed on the Experience Costs page.

TRIP CANCELLATION DUE TO INSUFFICIENT PARTICIPATION: If the Wayne Julien Foundation cancels a trip for insufficient participation, then the Wayne Julien Foundation will provide a full refund of any monies paid to the Wayne Julien Foundation within thirty (30) days of the cancellation notice (excluding any non-refundable Airfare fees). The Wayne Julien Foundation bears no further responsibility beyond the refund.

FORCE MAJEURE: The Wayne Julien Foundation assumes no liability for, any loss, damage, delay, or cancellation resulting in whole or in part from an Act of God or any other force majeure condition, including, without limitation: fire, volcanic eruption, environmental pollution or contamination, inclement weather, earthquake, low or high water levels, flood, water or power shortages or failures, tropical storms or hurricanes, riots or civil commissions or disturbances, and any other acts of a similar nature, sabotage, arrests, strikes or labor disruptions, restraint of rulers or peoples, expropriations, acts of terrorism, war, insurrection, quarantine restrictions, government health advisories, border closures, epidemics, pandemics, or warnings or alerts of any kind of nature, government seizures, refusal or cancellation or suspension or delay of any government authority or any license, permit or authorization, damages to its facilities or the travel supplier and its facilities, or any other unforeseen circumstances or any other factors unforeseen by the Wayne Julien Foundation that impacts negatively on, or hampers, its ability to fulfill any of its contractual conditions. In the event that any of these conditions apply, the Wayne Julien Foundation shall be excused, discharged, and released from performance to the extent such performance is so limited or prevented, without liability of any kind including liability to make any refund.

TRAVEL RISKS: The Wayne Julien Foundation makes the safety and security of our volunteers the highest priority, and we monitor the ongoing current safety concerns in the destination country or locality. The Wayne Julien Foundation reserves the right to cancel the trip at any time if it appears the group’s safety may be at risk. If the trip is cancelled due to security concerns, refunds will be given in full minus the non-refundable deposit and any non-refundable Airfare fees. You are advised and understand that traveling to any country includes inherent risks, and that the Wayne Julien Foundation makes no guarantee regarding the safety and security of the group or any individuals at any time. You have been advised and understand there are inherent risks associated with traveling in general, and with traveling to the destination country in particular.

Travel to Guatemala may involve the risk of a variety of hazards to health and/or safety, including but not limited to disease, crime, terrorism and warfare. Because each participant’s risk tolerance is different, the Wayne Julien Foundation is not in a position to advise or recommend whether travel at any particular time should take place. It is recommended that the participant should refer to objective third-party sources of travel information, such as that maintained by the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov). In addition, you should consult with government websites to ensure that you are in compliance with all requirements for admittance into that country as well as understanding local laws that govern travel within a country. The Wayne Julien Foundation will not be liable for damages or losses that result from travel.

TRAVEL PROTECTION COVERAGE: We highly recommend the purchasing of travel protection coverage. Such plan at a minimum should cover Trip Cancellation or Interruption, Cancel for Any Reason, Medical Expense, Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, and Baggage. Travel protection plans can help protect you in the event of loss of non-refundable trip deposits and payments that result from cancellation or trip interruption (due to a covered reason such as injury or illness before or during the trip). It also helps with reimbursement for medical emergency costs (including very costly medical evacuation costs), missed connections and baggage loss. Purchasing coverage may be limited by time constraints so it is imperative that you purchase protection as soon as possible after booking. The Wayne Julien Foundation is not responsible for this booking or the further advisement of it. If travel protection is desired within the purchase of Airfare, a registered volunteer must verbally, as well as place in writing (via email or letter) of such desire. After Airfare is booked the Wayne Julien Foundation is not responsible for any travel protection acquired or not acquired, even if desire was at one point made known.

We recommend that each participant reviews the terms and conditions of their chosen policy carefully. The Wayne Julien Foundation is not qualified to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of travel protection plans. The Wayne Julien Foundation cannot evaluate the adequacy of the prospective insured’s existing insurance coverage. If you have any questions about your travel protection, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker.

Declining travel protection plan coverage could result in the loss of your travel cost and/or require more money to correct the situation. You acknowledge that without this coverage, there may be no way to recoup any losses, costs or expenses incurred. If you choose to travel without adequate coverage, we will not be liable for any of your losses howsoever arising.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: All participants on the Guatemala Experience trip must have appropriate travel documents. All participants are required to have a valid passport. It is the individual’s responsibility to secure any necessary visas or other travel paperwork unless otherwise noted. Non-U.S. citizens should check with their appropriate governmental agencies to ensure their understanding of travel requirements. It is the responsibility of the individual to obtain all necessary travel documents (i.e. passports or visas) needed to participate.

It is your sole responsibility to secure and/or pay for any and all visas, reciprocity fees, affidavits, immunizations, etc. that are required to be permitted entry into each destination. In some cases (not usually) you may be subject to entry (reciprocity) fees and/or departure taxes/ exit fees which will be collected at the airports upon entry/departure by local government authorities. Please note that entry to any country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all of the details on your travel documents are correct and to bring to our attention any errors or discrepancies immediately. Your travel documents are valuable and should be safeguarded as if they were cash. It is not always possible to replace travel documents in the case of loss, theft, damage, etc. We recommend that you keep a copy of your scanned passport (photograph page) on our email while traveling.

Any failure of a participant to have proper visas and/or passport will likely result in the participant not being able to leave the country or enter a destination and no refund will be available in any such case and the Wayne Julien Foundation will have no liability in such case.

HEALTH CONCERNS: Every effort will be made to accommodate the health needs of each participant. Please be advised that most Guatemala does not conform to the same standards as found in the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Wayne Julien Foundation cannot provide individual assistance to Volunteers for walking, eating, or getting on and off modes of transportation. Participants who need this type of assistance are welcome to provide their own travel companion at their own expense. Please be advised that the Wayne Julien Foundation does not guarantee accessibility of all trip activities, tours, or sites, especially if a participant’s mobility is severely restricted. The Wayne Julien Foundation accepts no responsibility for a participant’s inability to fully participate in any or all portions of the trip, nor can the Wayne Julien Foundation provide any refund for non-participation in any part of the trip.

HEALTH: For the safety or our guests, the Wayne Julien Foundation reserves the right to request health information prior to travel and to exclude any participants it deems unfit for travel at its sole discretion. The Wayne Julien Foundation is not responsible for any health conditions or incidents (prior to travel or otherwise), whether their was knowledge of or health concerns/conditions or not.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: The Guatemala Experience trips do include airfare, and each participant must be aware that pricing may be adjusted based on actual flight costs. Airfare is booked by Foundation directors ONLY. Any other means of booking will not be valid to participate on the Guatemala Experience. A director will be in contact promptly, after application is submitted and non-refundable application fee is paid, to coordinate flight options.

Schedules and pricing will be made available within 30 days after registration fee is paid. Travelers are advised to be familiar with the airline’s terms and conditions when airfare is being coordinated. Typically, airfare is non-refundable 24-hours after ticketing. Any cancellations, alterations, or failure to use confirmed space will be subject to the penalties and fees given by the airline. Please note that airfares, airline carriers, and schedules are always subject to change without notice. Any required airline taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges, any excess fees levied by the airlines beyond the original total price at time of booking will be the responsibility of the individual participant. The Wayne Julien Foundation will pass these excess charges on to the individual even if the actual cost is higher than the expected cost advertised/agreed upon. If said charges are refused, the Wayne Julien Foundation has the right to use payments already made by the participant in order to cover any unpaid fees. In which case, any program fees extracted for unanticipated costs would need to be paid by participant, immediately, in order to participate on the Guatemala Experience. The Wayne Julien Foundation is not responsible for any transportation expenses that are incurred due to an individual concern (missed flight, change of itinerary, illness, etc.). Seating preferences can be requested directly from the airlines. The Wayne Julien Foundation cannot guarantee any seating arrangements or requests.

BAGGAGE: Travelers to Guatemala typically are allowed one free piece of luggage, but please be advised to check the requirements of each unique airline. The Wayne Julien Foundation is not responsible for any luggage fees or any other expenses incurred by individuals traveling on a group flight. Participants are also required to porter their own luggage between all destinations. We strongly recommend that you pack only one piece of checked luggage or one carry-on. The Wayne Julien Foundation is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage of any bags or items at any time.

MEALS AND PERSONAL EXPENSES: Most meals are included in the trip pricing. Personal meals are not covered during travel days (in the airports, on airplanes, or at any time in Guatemala City), and drinks at meals are not included unless otherwise noted. Refunds for unused meals are not available. Special dietary needs can be requested, and every effort will be made to accommodate participants with special dietary concerns. However, the Wayne Julien Foundation cannot guarantee the availability of dietary accommodations at all meals and restaurants. The trip cost does not cover any fees or expenses incurred by individuals or groups for passports, visas, personal meals, extras beyond provided meals, travel incidentals, personal expenses, baggage, or any other items not explicitly stated as included.

PHOTOGRAPHY: The Wayne Julien Foundation reserves the right to take photographs and video during any trip activities and to use captured media for promotional use. Any individual that prefers their image not be used for promotional purposes is kindly asked to notify The Wayne Julien Foundation in writing before registering.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER: The Wayne Julien Foundation expressly disclaims any and all liability for any personal injury, health problems, property damage, loss of baggage, incidents of theft or other loss of property, delay, or any action, omission, or error, whether negligent, wrongful, or intentional, by any air carrier, hotel or lodging operator, rail service, bus operator, public transportation service, sea carrier, local sightseeing or tour company, restaurant, event venue, tour operator, tour director, any employees thereof, or for any other entity or individual engaged in providing goods or services in connection with the trip. The Wayne Julien Foundation acts as a group travel coordinator and uses third-party vendors to provide goods and services for the trip. These suppliers provide goods and services which include, but are not limited to: transportation, accommodations, sightseeing arrangements, guided tours, tour guide services, and meals. These suppliers are independent contractors and are not direct employees or agents of the Wayne Julien Foundation. The Wayne Julien Foundation also disclaims any liability for any damages, losses incurred, expenses incurred, or inconvenience caused, due to delay or changes in schedules, booking arrangements, transportation services, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of terrorism, construction, war, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, or other such events which are outside of the Wayne Julien Foundation’s control. Furthermore, the Wayne Julien Foundation disclaims any liability for any damages or injuries, or other losses whatsoever, sustained or incurred as a result of any negligence of the Wayne Julien Foundation. In no event shall the Wayne Julien Foundation’s liability exceed the amounts paid by you for participation in the trip, and subject to the provisions and cancellations fees as set forth in the Terms and Conditions listed here. Trip details may be changed at any time without notice and at the Wayne Julien Foundation’s sole discretion.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Group and Participants agree that the Utah state courts located in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A (or, if there is exclusive federal jurisdiction, the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah) shall have exclusive jurisdiction and venue over any dispute arising out of this agreement and/or the trip. To the extent not otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of such courts, Group agrees and each participant hereby agrees to waive any objection to jurisdiction and to subject itself/himself/herself to the jurisdiction of such courts. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Utah. You agree that you will only bring claims against the Wayne Julien Foundation in your individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class action or representative proceeding. The Wayne Julien Foundation shall not in any case be liable for other than compensatory damages, and your payment of a deposit on a trip means that you agree to these conditions of sale and expressly waive any right to punitive damages. You understand and agree that no claims will be considered and that you will not bring suit against The Wayne Julien Foundation unless you have first provided a typewritten notice of claim to The Wayne Julien Foundation within 30 days after the completion of the trip or cancellation of the trip.

Last updated: June 2, 2023