Photo above of Yosemite Falls, that many people will hike the trail to the top of during the
THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL De Anza College Outdoor Club trip to Yosemite National Park
After you have carefully read this page,
if you are fairly sure (or completely sure) you are going on the trip
please email the club advisor at donahuemary@fhda.edu to get on the trip email list.
Include how sure you are that you are going,
at least a guesstimate of the days you will be there,
(just the weekend Friday to Sunday, or maybe longer?)
how you will get to Yosemite,
and where you will stay overnight,
or just let me know that you are not sure yet about travel arrangements,
or that you need a ride/someone to share the cost of a campsite with, etc.
To go on the De Anza College Outdoor Club Yosemite January 31 – February 2, 2025, winter trip, you
(and a parent / guardian if you are under 18)
will need to agree to all the following,
some of which might be new to you even if you went camping in the winter before
or went on this trip before.
Signing up will go much faster if you read this carefully in advance of coming to sign up for the trip.
Do not print and sign this page, there are other parts to fill out / initial on the official trip agreement.
Please note that the document might change before you sign it AND additional trip rules might need to be made during the trip.
To sign up you will need to pass a “quiz” to show that you actually DID read the material about the trip, so reading this page twice could be wise. Sample questions from the test.
If you are under 18 years old, your parent/guardian must sign up, and do your documents, in person.
The College has a rule:
“Minor Students/Participants may not take part in overnight events without parental supervision.”
Therefore a parent/ guardian must become a student and sign up for the trip, be at the overnight accommodation(s) and fully participate alongside the minor student in all activities s/he decides to participate in, including all activities that are not official club activities.
Along with this Club trip agreement, each participant
(or the parent/guardian of a student under 18 years of age)
will also sign a Foothill/ De Anza Community College District
FIELD TRIP/EXCURSION RELEASE OF LIABILITY and ASSUMPTION OF RISK form.
You can read a sample at: sample off-campus risk form.
and if you read it in advance, signing up will go faster.
You must agree to all these rules.
If you don’t want to abide by any of the rules, then (yup, you guessed it) don’t sign up for this trip.
The answer to: Why are there so many rules? is here.
To sign up for the trip you must show us your waterproof rain jacket and pants.
We will not accept a rain poncho.
We will not accept thin, easily torn temporary rain gear like they sell at airports for emergencies.
Your snowboarding gear could be snow-proof, but not actually waterproof out in the rain.
If you choose to camp, we would also like to see your tent, to be sure it will be adequate. You can pitch it and show it to us when you come to sign up. Some people have told us past years they had a great tent but brought one that was not and ended up sleeping in their car.
Read more details about the right gear at snow or rain camp must-haves
and you will need to pay for the trip when you sign up. Details about how to pay are here.
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Times/places to find us to sign up for the 2025 Yosemite trip
are at How to sign up for the trip.
AND the last chance to sign up for the Yosemite National Park trip, will be at the pre-trip meeting, noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at the De Anza swimming pool, or To Be Announced, possibly with little notice. – but if you arrive after 1 p.m. you will not have enough time to get all the paperwork done. (The campsites that people got months in advance of the trip might be filled by then and the best hotel/cabin rooms will likely be sold out.)
This might be a time people can finally arrange carpools or caravans, or make arrangements to share overnight accommodations.
If you miss the signups deadline you can not just show up in Yosemite and participate.
Besides reading this webpage, please find the complete list of what you need to do to sign up at: How to sign up for the trip.
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This is a sample of the trip agreement you will fill out and initial/sign when you sign up in person (there are no online or email signups for Outdoor Club events).
When you (and your parent/guardian if you are under 18 years old) fill out the actual form,
in person,
you will put your initials, not an “X”, in the space after each statement/paragraph to agree to the terms of this trip.
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Print name _______________ (the name used on college records, not a nickname you prefer) has read and agreed to all the pages about the trip at the Website: marydonahue.org and the things below for the Outdoor Club Yosemite winter trip.
Home Phone__________________ cell______________________Age______
Email________________________ Emergency person__________________Their phone_________________
emerg persn’s relationship to you (mom? friend?) _________________________
Health Insurance: (circle) NONE or Don’t know or company name:______________ policy#_____________
Have you camped before? Circle y / n
Been in the snow? y / n
Camped in steady, heavy rain for hours y / n ?
Camped in snow? y / n
Been on this trip with us before? Circle y / n If yes, how many years?
Been on an event with the Outdoor Club? Circle Y / N, if yes, which event/year?
Circle as needed, initial next to policy statements/ safety rules to agree to them. If a minor is signing up for this event they should also initial all parts of the document alongside their parent/guardians initials.
Use your initials (don’t put an “X”).
The event begins and ends at Yosemite. De Anza/Foothill district, and therefore the club, does not arrange carpools, so people signed up for the trip will arrange their own transportation and pay for their own gas and park entrance fees. All transportation during the trip is also your responsibility, not the club/college’s, whether to the official trip meetings /meals, or to sightseeing/hiking/skiing/snowshoeing/restaurant excursions, etc. that some or all of the group does together either intentionally or by coincidence, with or without the club advisor. ______
I acknowledge that De Anza College has a rule: “Minor Students/Participants may not take part in overnight events without parental supervision.” Therefor a parent/ guardian must become a student and sign up for the trip, be at the overnight accommodation(s) and fully participate alongside the minor student in all activities s/he decides to participate in, including all activities that are not official club activities. ______ If it is discovered that a minor is on the trip without a parent / guardian with them, they will be dismissed from the trip with no refund and reported to the college for possible disciplinary action. Initial here to agree _________
Circle one: I know I can’t drive and I have no ride planned / I won’t drive, but I have a ride planned (with whom?_____________) / I will drive and I can give rides / I could drive/give rides, but I’d prefer not to /I will drive, but I have my own plans and my own passengers
I will drive, but I will be making my own plans and do not want to give rides.
CIRCLE again: My plans above are certain OR my plans above still need approval from a parent/guardian
and/OR my plans above still require getting a vehicle in shape and/OR my plans above still require renting a vehicle and/or my plans still require getting tire chains and/ OR (describe) _______________________________
Make, model, color & license # of car you will drive_______________________
Number of people you could give rides to (with lots of room for gear):
If you already have plans, name the people you will give rides to: ______________________
Date/time you expect to leave for the trip:___________
Will you bring a cell phone on the trip ? Y / N , if yes, what is the number?_________________________
What service do you use? ________________
I acknowledge that cell phones do not function in many parts of Yosemite _____
some of the potential overnight accommodations
that you can find details about at things to do In Advance of the Yosemite Winter trip include:
The trip overnight accommodations reservations will be on your own, but the students usually share campsites/cabins/hotel rooms. Initial here: __________
I will (choose one) – come to Yosemite National Park for the day Saturday _____
camp in the park at (circle one) Upper Pines Campground OR Camp Four
stay overnight at Curry Village in (circle one): tent cabin, cabin, hotel room
stay at a Yosemite valley overnight accommodation not in Curry Village (describe where and what kind) _____________________________.
or describe: ____________________________
photos below by Quang-Tuan Luong/terragalleria.com, all rights reserved.
I will reread the website page Road Trip Advice and Etiquette____
I will check my emails every day until the trip______
If you can give a ride, or need a ride, do you give the club permission to give your phone number and/or e-mail to anyone associated with the trip? circle yes / no
I will understand all the trip rules well enough before I sign up that I will not debate them during the trip Initial______
I will not come on the trip, or continue on the trip once I am in Yosemite, if I develop Covid, someone I am living with develops Covid, or if I have vomiting, diarrhea and/or a fever, with or without coughing and shortness of breath. Initial here: _______
I acknowledge that the official club activities will be – – a 7 a.m. (yup, at sunrise) Saturday morning (probably coffee/hot chocolate, snacks), plans-for-the-day-meeting, (why 7 a.m.?? because the free bus to the ski resort / ranger snow shoe walk leaves early and the longest hike takes all day, so people need to get moving early). The 7 a.m. meeting, (which could be at Yosemite Valley Lodge or another location) may be the time most people finally decide what they are doing on Saturday. Another official club activity will be optional breakfast together Sunday after people pack up. _________
All other activities, including sightseeing, ice skating, hikes (including a walk/hike or snowshoe walk led by a ranger), photo walk with a professional photographer, rollerblading, biking, climbing, skiing, sledding or snowboarding are not club events. ________
I will bring everything on the list of required gear at the Snow or rain camp must-haves website page._______ I will not wear cotton socks _____
I will have waterproof hooded rain jacket / pants and a flashlight or headlamp (not just my cell phone to use as a light) with me at all times. _____
I will bring a telephoto that is big enough for the photos I want and not endanger myself or others by trying to get close to animals for pictures.___
I will not photograph or videotape (includes using a GoPro) anyone on the trip without their permission___
Before I offer/promise rides to people I will be sure the vehicle runs reliably, be sure chains can fit on the wheels, make arrangements for snow chains, get permission of anyone I need to borrow the vehicle from, get permission to drive in the snow from anyone who would need to give permission AND get time off from work __________
I will have the courtesy to let my driver/ passengers/the Outdoor Club know immediately of changes to my ride needs or ability to drive. _____
If I park at the campground or anywhere near tent cabins, hotel rooms, I will turn off my car alarm____ I will disable the loud beep that goes off when the keyless remote is used to unlock the car OR I will take the remote off the keychain and use the key to unlock the door(s). ________ I will disable the beep that goes off when the trunk is opened / any other beep ____ In the interests of letting others sleep, if I can’t disable the beep(s) (or disconnect the beepers) THIS SHOULD BE IN THE OWNERS MANUAL or a car dealer can do it for you, I will not drive that vehicle or I will park it at the back of a day use parking lot. If I rent a vehicle I will learn how to turn off car alarms/disable beeps at the rental business, BEFORE I leave for the trip and be sure the rental company will let me use chains.______
The club and the College are not responsible in any way for your transportation/carpools on trips, but they expect that everyone will wear seatbelts and obey all traffic laws, drivers will have licenses and sufficient insurance, vehicles will be in good repair. I will not pick up hitch-hikers. I will follow all speed limits, including slower than usual in-the-park speed limits. When I am driving around sightseeing, I will use pullouts or parking lots to stop. I will not stop in the roadway or block traffic in any way. I will park with all four tires fully to the right of the white line. I will not park a vehicle in tall dry grass because hot tailpipes can cause fine fuels to catch on fire. Initial here: _______
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There are crucial things wrong with each of these tents.
Don’t buy a cheap tent has reasons why and more examples of tents to NOT bring.
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If I sleep in a Curry tent/ or cabin I will bring a really good sleeping bag___
If I camp I will bring at least one (preferably two) full length insulating sleeping pad(s) and not just sleep on an air mattress, a blanket or the ground ____
I will bring a dome-shaped tent with a full rain fly that goes all the way down the sides and I will pitch it with the rain fly on even if the weather looks good.______
If I put a tarp under the tent it will not extend out from under the sides __________
Are you bringing your own tent? (circle yes / no ) if yes, brand name?/make/model:
Will you share it? (circle yes / no/ I’ll decide later ) if yes, with whom?
If I use a dining canopy and there is any chance of snow I will take it down (if I am not under it shaking snow off) so it won’t collapse and possibly get damaged or damage a tent or person under it. ____
I will follow all National Park, trip and De Anza rules. Since the Rangers can impound my car/food or fine me if I don’t follow food storage rules, I will be responsible for fines, (the college/club will not pay the fine which can be even more than $5,000)_______ I will keep all food and toiletries in the food storage locker or hotel room except when I am actually using them. _____
The park service says food farther than arms length is too far away and behind the back is an invitation (to animals), so I will sit (or have a partner sit) within arms reach of all food I bring out ______
I will shut and latch the door to the food storage box immediately after moving anything in or out _____
If I drive or ride in a truck I will be certain someone stays in the back of the truck to guard gear from raccoons until it is all unloaded and dealt with________
I will make sure the doors are shut on my vehicle as each item is unloaded so raccoons don’t get in ________
I will make sure the vehicle is completely clean of my and others trash, food/toiletries at all times____
No daypacks or containers that are shaped like food containers, even empty water bottles, will show through the windows of my vehicle/the vehicle I ride up in ____
I will plan ahead with people I am sharing a campsite or tent cabin food storage locker with to be sure we limit what we bring and can fit all the food, toiletries, and cooking gear in the locker.________
I will not padlock the food locker unless everyone has a key______
At bedtime I will triple-check my day pack, jacket and pants pockets for candy bars, chips, flavored chapstick or anything else that could attract animals into my tent, tent cabin or car.____
When I pack I will not mix food in with other gear _____
Since styrofoam ice chests and drinking cups can break up in to bazillions of pieces that can’t be cleaned up, I will not bring anything styrofoam _____
USE OF MY LIKENESS: I understand that during the trip the club advisor may photograph or videotape me. To the fullest extent allowed by law, I waive all rights of publicity or privacy or pre-approval that I have for any such likeness of me or use of my name in connection with such likeness, and I grant to De Anza College, the Outdoor Club and the faculty advisor and assigns permission to copyright, use, and publish (including by electronic means) such likeness of me, whether in whole or part, in any form, without restrictions, and for any purpose. _______ If I do not want to be in a group photo I will stand apart / move apart from the group while it is being taken._____
I will not use alcohol or mind-altering substances on the trip and I understand this is an enforceable rule even for people over 21. I accept that part of the reason for this rule is that since people will be sharing rooms or tents with people they are not related to, it can be uncomfortable or even dangerous to share an overnight accommodation with someone I think I know well who turns out to be quite different when they are not clean and sober. _____
I further understand that use of alcohol in the cold is especially dangerous, not only because of the larger potential for slipping on icy or snow-covered surfaces, but for not being able to keep warm since the effects of alcohol can make my body more vulnerable to the cold. I realize that medical/recreational marijuana is illegal in a national park, even if it is legal in the state the park is located in._______
I will not bring any firearm, knife, explosive, air gun, bow and arrows, spear, slingshot, BB or pellet gun,
or other object (throwing knife, throwing star, taser) that could be classified as a weapon even though some of them may be legal in the park____
Drones and fireworks are prohibited at all times. If I see a park service rules violation, such as someone using a drone, I will not approach the person(s), but will instead contact the park service and try to give them a description of the people, what they are doing and where, as well as vehicle license plate number, color, make and model. Initial ____
I will wear a strapped helmet for climbing, biking or rollerblading even if I am over 17. I will not climb solo or climb without a rope, including minor bouldering. I will not do any bungee jumping, slacklining, hang gliding, base jumping or parasailing. Initial ____
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says:
Wearing your bike helmet over a cap or hat is not advised,
the helmet needs to be firmly on your head to protect you.
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Dogs are not allowed on park trails or in many of the campsites, hotels, and therefore are not allowed on club trips, (including comfort dogs) initial here to accept this and confirm you will not bring a dog or any other pet _______
You agree to never play the stereo/radio loud enough that others can hear your music, etc. while you are in the vehicle, driving or not, anywhere in campground or hotel complex. You also agree you will not play music, listen to a boombox/radio etc. that is loud enough to be heard by people in a next-to-you campsite/cabin or hotel room, or when any trip member does not want to hear your music. Initial ______
I will go to or contact a Ranger station and check about the trail I want to hike the morning of any hike ___
If I hike above the valley floor or ski away from the free groomed cross country trails at Badger Pass, I will do so in a group of minimum four people so if something happens to one of us there is someone to stay with the injured/ill person while two others go for help _________
If I hike above the valley floor I will stay on the trail(s), with this possible exception: if I want to get a closer view of the snowcone at the base of upper Yosemite Falls I will go off trail only a maximum of 15 feet, in a group of four or more people and stay in the top of the boulders high above Yosemite Creek near the trail. (And therefore not get close to the snowcone or the frozen creek area and risk losing my footing and sliding off the edge to my death)___________
If I hike to Mirror Lake I will not hike above the valley floor, beyond the regular trails and into Tenaya Canyon, which is extremely dangerous even in the summer._____
I will bring three full liter bottle(s) of water for my personal consumption on any hike_________
I will obey trail-closure or warning signage, closed gates, barrier fences and/or advice from Rangers that I not use any trail________
I will not try a summit hike (including Half Dome) or camp anywhere that a wilderness permit is required. ___________
I will not engage in practical jokes or other (perhaps) well-intentioned conduct that could be misinterpreted or escalate into negative conduct _____
I will not put on perfume/cologne since people near to me may have allergies and scents attract insects. ________
If I use sprays such as sunscreen or insect repellent, I will not use them where others need to breathe the spray_____
Since noise is the first thing people complain to Rangers about (plus, out of consideration to trip members who would like to listen to Mom nature’s sound), I will bring personal headset radios/tapes, and turn my car stereo off before I enter the campground or hotel/cabin parking lot. (Acoustic guitars are encouraged, if everyone in the vicinity wants to hear them, drums, tubas etc. are not allowed). _________
If I want to get someone’s attention in another campsite, I will go there and talk to them, not yell long distance___
I won’t walk through other people’s campsites to get to the restroom, to the bus, to another of our sites____
I will not get into my vehicle at night and run the engine to warm up (thereby waking up everyone in the vicinity and possibly running down the battery so the car won’t start later)________
Since voices can be amplified in the restrooms, if I am too wet and/or cold, I will hang out in my tent, the cafeteria or the laundromat (if it is open, but it has not been on many of our winter trips), not in the campground restrooms ____
I will have snowball fights in a vacant part of the campground, not in my campsite or near other people. I will think safety, including packing the snowballs loosely with no rocks, not aiming for faces, toss them rather than aim a super fast ball and only play with people who want to.________
I understand the need to follow campground quiet hours rules. I understand that it is impossible to keep a big group of people around a campfire quiet late at night. I know that the De Anza group got a warning from a Ranger to pack it in and be quiet in 2002 or be evicted from the campsite and the park because of this. I know that another group in the campground was kicked out of the park that night because of noise. I will start being fairly quiet at 8 p.m., two hours before the quiet hour. I will cheerfully help thoroughly put out the campfire at 9:50 p.m ________.
I will bring only firewood purchased in the park or gathered in the park away from Yosemite valley, or presto logs from home, not cut up lumber/logs/branches type firewood from home. _____
I will be responsible for staying next to any campfire I start or finding someone else to do so if I leave the fire ring area (even for a quick trip to the restroom)___ I will have four gallon-sized bottles of water near the campfire to put the fire out. _____
I will tie back my long hair when working around a campfire/stove. _____
If I am roasting marshmallows and one catches fire I will not wave it in the air to put the flames out._____
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Interesting weather does not cancel club events unless the park is closed.***NO REFUNDS, except if the club cancels the trip before the trip starts ***. ______ If I sign up for this trip before winter quarter and it turns out that I am not a student winter quarter (and/or I am not a DASB card holder) and therefore can’t go on the trip, OR If I pay for the trip before doing paperwork and then do not get the paperwork done and in the hands of the faculty advisor before the trip, I realize I will not get a refund and I will not just show up in Yosemite and try to participate____
I agree that due to the large number of people expected to sign up for this trip, the club may not be able to call/email or contact anyone if there are changes and I might even arrive in Yosemite National Park before I learn that part or all of the trip has been cancelled_______
I will get time off work or whatever is necessary _____ to be able to attend the MANDATORY pre-trip meeting noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at the De Anza swimming pool, or To Be Announced, possibly with little notice. This will be the time for last minute announcements, and a good time to have your tent, boots, or clothes looked at, to consult about food or other plans. Last minute carpools and shared overnight accommodations are often arranged then.
The club will provide: a first aid kit and possibly a water purifying pump for the main trip member hike. Trip participants are responsible for any other gear, including tent, sleeping bag/pad, and other personal gear, and all other expenses including food, gas, skiing, ice skating. _______
Where I stay overnight (campground, tent cabin, cabin or hotel room) will be up to me (or I could come up just for the day Saturday – but people rarely do) _______
If I share a campsite I will limit the number of people to the legal limit of six, and not try to sneak in extra people._____
You agree you will not let anyone not signed up for the trip stay/sleep in your campsite/cabin/hotel room, even if they seem like nice people and are desperate for overnight accommodations. (And, for example at a campsite, in the process of politely saying ‘no’ to someone it could be wise for another trip member sharing the campsite to get the make/model, color and license number of their vehicle.) _____
If I stay in a cabin, tent cabin or hotel room I will limit the number of people to what the concessionaire says is the limit, being sure to know not just the legal limit, but how many people are actually paid for, and not try to sneak in extra people, since I know all of us could be evicted from the overnight accommodation without any refund and even reported to law enforcement. ______
I acknowledge that the College has a rule: “Minor Students/Participants may not take part in overnight events without parental supervision.” Therefore a parent/ guardian must become a student and sign up for the trip, be at the overnight accommodation(s) and fully participate alongside the minor student in all activities s/he decides to participate in, including all activities that are not official club activities_____________
The trip is open only to De Anza students / faculty / staff. Therefore, people signing up will not try to pass off a friend as a student to get around club rules, or even invite them to come to Yosemite during the trip and “happen” to be on the same trail as the club is. _______
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Yosemite National Park regulations, policies and rules links
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campregs.htm
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I realize that I can get kicked off the trip if I break any trip, park, club or college rules (and/or if law/rule breaking by others causes the club advisor to cancel the trip) and I will not get a refund. The Park Rangers could make me pack up and leave the park even in the middle of the night, depending on what I did/what happened_____
You can be expelled from the trip, required to leave, and reported to the college if we determine that you are:
Unwilling or unmotivated to participate and shoulder your responsibility as a member of a wilderness expedition team, including following all trip and Yosemite National park rules
Posing a danger, through misconduct or unsafe practices, to yourself or others, including but not limited to: approaching animals too closely, feeding animals, not wearing a bike/climbing helmet, food storage violations,
Defiant, harassing behavior, inability to control your temper or otherwise compromising the emotional safety of others,
Using alcohol, drugs (including prescription medication not prescribed to you or sharing your medication)
Using tobacco products anywhere the park says you can’t or that others must smell/breathe the fumes.
Violating any De Anza College Mutual Respect rules
“De Anza College will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. A student shall not intimidate, harass another student through words or actions. Such behavior includes
• Direct physical contact, such as hitting or shoving
• Verbal assaults, such as teasing or name-calling
• Social isolation or manipulation
• Cyberbullying by any means including email, text and social networks/media”
Disruptive behavior that can cause a student to be immediately removed from the trip includes: expressions of hatred or contempt based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or psychological disability.
If you have visible tattoos with photos, drawings or words that would, in the opinion of the advisor, seem to reflect any of the above, you will be expected to wear a rash guard or similar clothing thick enough to cover up the tattoo(s). A Covid mask or clothing (a t-shirt, for example) with photos, drawings or words that would, in the opinion of the advisor, seem to reflect any of the above, are not allowed on the trip.
Initial here to agree to the above_________
If one person needs evacuation the whole trip might need to end for everyone else and the rest of the group can actually be put in danger in the process. For your safety, it is extremely important that you share any and all medical or psychological issues you have when filling out the following medical history section of this application.
When was your last tetanus booster? (never) (don’t know) or________ (a tetanus booster within five years of the trip is recommended.)
What medications (including herbal, over-the-counter and prescription) are you taking? Circle none or describe:
Have you ever dislocated a limb/joint? yes / no
It can easily re-dislocate again. Did your doctor tell you how to relocate it yourself? YES / NO Did your doctor say that you should relocate it quickly and not even have to make a trip to the doctor, or will you have to be evacuated? circle one: relocate / evacuate
Do you have a history within the past 3 years of: Knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, arm or back injuries (including sprains) and/or surgery? .YES .NO
Any other joint problems? .YES .NO If yes to any of the above, when did it occur and what type of injury or surgery?
Do you have full range of motion? Full Strength? .YES .NO (Please include details as to date of last occurrence and the effect of the problem on current activity level.)
Head Injury? YES .NO Loss of consciousness?.YES .NO – Why and for how long?
If yes, the club will need a release from your doctor on official letterhead, as to date of last occurrence and the effect(s) of the problem on current activity level and detailing that you can travel miles and hours from medical care.
What is the most rigorous activity you participated in since the above injury(ies)/surgery(ies). Results?
History of acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary/cerebral edema? .YES .NO
If yes, give details, including when did the illness occur and what were the results?
Neurological problems? YES .NO
Epilepsy? .YES .NO
Seizures? .YES .NO
Dizziness or fainting episodes? .YES .NO
Migraines? YES .NO are they debilitating? YES .NO Taking medications? Frequency
If yes to any of the above, the club requires a release from your doctor on official letterhead, as to date of last occurrence and the effect(s) of the problem on current activity level and detailing that you can travel miles and hours from medical care.
List everything (food, medications, plants, specific insects…) you are allergic to:
Do you have asthma? Yes/ No. Is the asthma well controlled with an inhaler? .YES .NO
If so, you must bring one or more metered dose inhalers (MDI) with you and an aerochamber/spacer is recommended. Please give details of what triggers an asthma attack, last episode, ever hospitalized?
Are your allergies strong enough that you carry an Epi-pen? Yes/ no
If yes to any of these asthma/allergies issues, the club will need a release from your doctor on official letterhead, as to date of last occurrence and the effect(s) of the problem on current activity level and detailing that you can travel miles and hours from medical care and that the supply of inhalers, Epi-pens/prednisone and antihistamine such as Diphenhydramine you will carry at all times is enough that you will not need immediate professional medical care and that you have been taught how/when to properly use them and will bring printed instructions with them. _____
Treatment or medication for menstrual cramps? .YES .NO
Diabetes? .YES .NO
Bleeding, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or blood disorders? .YES .NO
Hepatitis or other liver disease? .YES .NO
Disorders of the urinary or reproductive tract? .YES .NO
History of heat stroke or other heat related illness? .YES .NO
History of frostbite or Raynaud’s Syndrome? .YES .NO
If yes to any of the above, the club requires a release from your doctor on official letterhead, as to date of last occurrence, details including frequency, date of last episode, and severity and the effect(s) of the problem on current activity level and detailing that you can travel miles and hours from medical care.
Hypertension/ high blood pressure? .YES .NO
Cardiac problems? Unexplained chest pain? .YES .NO
Cardiac Risk Factors include (circle any/all)
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Current or prior cardiovascular disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Smoking
• Family history of heart disease (family member who’s had a heart attack at less than 50 years of age).
A stress EKG within one month of the trip and a written note from your doctor on official letterhead stating that you can can participate in the trip and can travel miles and hours from medical care is required
if you
1. Are over 25 years old and have 2 of the above cardiac risk factors.
2. Are over 40 years old and have 1 cardiac risk factor
3. Had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
4. Are any age with known coronary artery disease.
5. Completed a cardiac scan and had a calcium score greater than 10.
If this applies to me (circle any/all that do) I will provide a written note from my doctor on official letterhead stating the date of the stress EKG and the results and the statement from the doctor(s) that I can participate in the trip and can travel miles and hours from medical care. _______
If any trip participant is pregnant, they must provide a note from their doctor, on the doctor’s letterhead, stating that it is completely safe for her and the baby(ies) to participate. If any trip participant has a serious condition, such as a heart condition, asthma/significant allergies they must provide a note from their doctor, on the doctor’s letterhead, stating that it is completely safe for them to participate. I am saying that this does not apply to me _______ OR I am saying that I am _____ months pregnant.
If any trip participant has a serious condition, such as anything that does not allow them to get a driver’s license, a bipolar disorder/anxiety disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, chemical dependencies, chronic juvenile offenses, a history of violent behavior, suicide attempts, an episode of fear that made them unable to act, or the like, the Outdoor Club needs to know this at least three weeks in advance of any event, so as to seek, where appropriate, a doctor’s assurance that the participant can safely participate and has possession and knowledge of use of necessary medications, and to be sure that the trip members are prepared to deal with special needs, failing which the person may have to be refused participation (subject to Americans With Disabilities Act issues, worked out three weeks in advance with De Anza Disabilities Support Programs and Services (DSPS) counselors ). I am saying that this does not apply to me _______ OR I am saying that I have _______________ condition and have contacted De Anza Disabilities Support Programs.
Have you ever been suspended/dismissed from a school/college for any length of time, ranging from part of one class session to an entire quarter/semester or permanently? Yes/ NO If yes, why?
Have you ever been disruptive in a class or broken class rules in the syllabus? Yes/ NO If yes, what did you do?
Either glasses or contact lenses are acceptable. Sterile contact lens care is difficult on the trail/while camping, and because of this, their use is not encouraged. Daily disposable contacts can be a good option and avoids dirt and dust build up that can cause damage to your eye. You risk a serious eye infection if you swim wearing contacts, even wearing goggles. Initial ______
If you share clothing/towels/sleeping bag/sleeping pad or other personal items, use sunscreen, any other toiletry or over-the-counter medications, or eat/drink anything given to you by anyone on the trip, you take full responsibility and hold harmless the person(s) who gave them to you, if the sunscreen/over-the-counter medications are not effective or if you develop an allergic reaction/rash, food poisoning or any other malady. Initial: ________
Initial that you will not share prescription medications _____
Do you smoke? Y / N We recommend you quit before the trip. Club campsites/ activity areas, (and anywhere that smoke might drift into a campsite/activity area, including during hikes) are non–smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping. All park restrooms or other buildings are non smoking, and smoking is not allowed while moving along a trail in parks or in flammable areas. All overnight accommodations on this trip are the responsibility of each individual trip member, whether they choose a campsite, cabin or hotel, but you agree you will not smoke anywhere near (within 100 yards of, a distance as long as a football field) any campsite/cabin/hotel or picnic area. Initial that you will follow all no smoking rules and no one will smell your smoke______
If you do not quit, please acknowledge: Cigarette butts are not biodegradable. Smokers choose filtered cigarettes to be able to breathe in less tar, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. When the filters are left to decay they can release toxic chemicals including the pesticide nicotine, benzene, lead, arsenic and cadmium into soil and waterways. One butt has enough poisons to kill half the minnows in a liter of water, a standard laboratory test for toxins in 96 hours. It only takes two butts to make a small animal seriously ill or even kill them. Initial ______
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The club needs proof that you are a student winter quarter. You will need to bring a cell phone to be able to show an Outdoor Club officer or official proof of enrollment at the portal when you sign up as well as your photo ID. Initial here that you did _____ and are sure your photo ID number, student ID number and class you are in, got recorded.
If the current rules change and proof of vaccination AND a booster become required again, we will also need that.
It is important you understand that there are risks. Some adventure programs say that they can guarantee your safety. The Outdoor Club does not. The risk of injury, even serious injury or death, is unavoidable in the outdoor environment in which we travel. Indeed, much of the value of an Outdoor Club adventure lies in learning how to identify hazards and adapt behavior, not only on the trip, but also for a lifetime of enjoying the outdoors.
Initial to agree to this______
Waiver: In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in the field trip hereinafter called the Outdoor Club winter Yosemite trip / optional breakfast together, I, for myself, my heirs, personal representative or assigns, do hereby release, hold harmless, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Foothill-De Anza Community College District, its Board of Trustees, the individual members thereof, all District officers, employees, volunteers and servants from liability from any and all claims including the negligence of Foothill-De Anza Community College District, its Board of Trustees, the individual members thereof, all District officers, employees, volunteers and servants resulting in personal injury, accidents, or illnesses (including death) and property loss arising from, but not limited to my participation on the Outdoor Club winter Yosemite trip / optional breakfast together Initial _______
I acknowledge that engaging in this activity may require a degree of skill and knowledge different from other activities. I certify that I am fully capable of participating in this activity. Initial_____
Indemnification and Hold Harmless: I agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD Foothill-De Anza Community College District, its Board of Trustees, the individual members thereof, all District officers, employees, volunteers and servants HARMLESS from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s fees brought as a result of my involvement in the Outdoor Club winter Yosemite trip / optional breakfast together and to reimburse them for any such expenses incurred. Initial _____
Assumption of Risks: Participation in the Yosemite winter Yosemite trip / optional breakfast together, carries with it many risks which can not be eliminated or even minimalized, even with trip rules and protocols, regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. The specific risks vary from one activity to another, but the risks, which I understand and appreciate, include, without limitation, by way of example:
1) trauma caused by emotional distress, fatigue, hunger, thirst, illness, exceeding my physical or emotional capabilities
2) property damage or loss
3) trauma caused by dehydration and/or weather including mild to extreme hot or cold temperatures and injuries from lightning hit or near hit, avalanche, wind, falling ice or rock, frostbite, immersion foot, being hot, cold, wet or uncomfortable
4) injuries such as scratches, bruises, sprains, sun/wind burn, animal/insect bites, allergic reactions, rashes or other poisonous plant exposure
5) risks related to hiking, walking, biking and camping including equipment failure, blisters, getting lost or disoriented, illness from unclean water or food handling, risk of head or other bodily injury from slipping/tripping/falling, (including normal terrain and/or uneven or slippery terrain, including debris, talus, snow, ice, sandy or wet surfaces), risks related to carrying/lifting packs/equipment, and if it becomes allowed in Yosemite, risks from normal handling or mishandling/storage of bear spray
6) risks relating to using campfires and camping or recreational gear, including cuts, burns (for example from a campfire or hot food/water), pinched fingers, bruises, smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning, equipment failure despite reasonable care and use
7) careless or reckless behavior on the part of myself or other trip members despite reasonable, but not full-time, supervision and careless or reckless behavior on the part of third parties
8) major injuries such as eye injury or loss of sight, fractures, dislocations, joint or back injuries, heart attack, heat stroke, hypothermia, stroke, concussions, animal bites, poisonous snakebite, and other wildlife, natural hazards or animal encounters (including diseases such as Hantavirus or rabies)
9) risks due to hospital facilities, qualified medical care and medical evacuation being limited by local conditions, limited possibility of assistance/rescue; and limited ability/inability to communicate with rescue personnel.
10) catastrophic injuries including drowning, loss of limbs, paralysis, permanent trauma and death.
11) risks and dangers that are impossible to know or predict,
12) I understand that any equipment that I provide or that I borrow from any trip participant or from the Outdoor Club or any other provider I use at my own risk and that any such equipment is provided without any warranty as to its condition or stability, including clothing and/or gear that the club advisor/officers/other trip members look at and say is adequate.
Initial _______
I have read the previous paragraphs and I know, understand, and appreciate these and other risks that are not specifically identified, are inherent in the Outdoor Club winter Yosemite trip / optional breakfast together. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks including significant ones, which cannot be prevented. Initial ____
Severability: The undersigned further expressly agrees that the foregoing waiver and assumption of risks agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. Initial _______
I further agree that the venue for any legal proceedings shall be in Santa Clara County California. Initial _______
Acknowledgment of Understanding: I have read this waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I acknowledge that I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent. Initial _______
I have read the above trip agreement and understand its terms. I execute it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance. I have no questions or have had any questions about the trip or trip rules answered.______
I acknowledge that I can read this contract at the website: marydonahue.org and I will not get a hardcopy of it ___
Print Name________________ and Initial (don’t put an “X”) one of the following statements:
_______ I am 18 years of age or older and I will be the participant.
_______ I am the parent or legal guardian of the Participant (name: _____________________ ) who is under 18 years of age to whom the above statements apply and for whose benefit I am executing this Agreement. I will be at the student’s overnight accommodation and participate in all activities the student participant does.
Signature of Participant or Participant’s parent or legal guardian______________________ Date______________
Parent or legal guardian info:
name __________________________________ and age _________of parent or legal guardian if they signed
home phone number of parent or legal guardian if they signed:_________________
cell phone number of parent or legal guardian if they signed:_________________
type of photo ID parent or legal guardian if they signed:_________________
and license/ ID number ____________________
Where will the under 18 year old participant and participant’s parent or legal guardian be staying over night together on the trip?
Which De Anza class is the participant enrolled in _______________
is the participant’s parent or legal guardian enrolled in _______________?
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Having a meal together at the end of the Yosemite winter trip is a great way to celebrate and share what people did – made it to the top of Yosemite Falls, learned to ski, took soooo many great photographs
and to plan ahead for the next Baylands kayaking lesson and August Grand Teton trip.
The club previously went to breakfast at the Ahwahnee hotel but they started remodeling the hotel dining room and in 2022, 2023 and 2024 so we did our own pot-luck breakfast together that many of us preferred to the hotel brunch.
We plan again for 2025 to have a pot-luck breakfast the last morning of our weekend trip (Sunday, Feb. 2). Details about signing up to bring whatever you would most like to eat, with enough to share, (chocolate, juices, fruit, pastries, pies, nuts, bagels and tooooo many choices of toppings, cheese plate, salami, . . . chocolate) will be discussed at various pre-trip meetings.
For info on the logistics of food storage, dealing with iced car door locks, staying warm and comfy overnight, where to pitch your tent, and more, go to: First-timer’s instructions Yes, a lot of this applies to people who will stay at a hotel or tent cabin instead of the campground.
Most people will take four, 4 1/2 or maybe five hours to drive to Yosemite. If you don’t want to set a new record for taking too much time to get to Yosemite (currently the winter trip record is 13 hours by a guy who didn’t use our directions and drove around the mountains all night), then read
Snow camp carpools and driving directions.
Prepare for winter driving has a link to bad weather driving tips, tips for using tire chains, tricks for dealing with frozen car locks, how to prepare your vehicle for winter driving, a winter survival kit for your car and what to do if you get stranded.
Did you read Safe driving in rain and fog ?
Will it actually snow during our trip? Maybe, maybe not. Snow camp weather, hike safety and first aid considerations
What if it storms so much on the winter trip they close the road to the ski resort? We won’t be able to ski or take one of the long hikes. Will there be anything to do except hide in the car, play cards at the laundromat or go online at the Lodge? The answers are at: Things to do during a Yosemite snow storm besides hiding in your tent
Yes, below are tracks of a black bear that the student is comparing his paw to . ..
Road trip advice and etiquette has links to radio station guides and gasoline prices across the country.
For a laugh and for pictures of tents to NOT take on our trips scroll down to the bottom of Camping Blunders
There’s easy camping info at: Have more fun camping and camping solutions for women
For the answer to the question: How do I convince my parent(s)/guardian that I can go on this trip? or How do I convince them to pay for some gear for the trip? Go to: Snow camp FAQs
Sometimes people do a tour around to get best photos of famous locations in Yosemite Valley.
See places to take photos of Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and Staircase Falls.
You can take a short walk to the view below, or hike all the way to the top of this waterfall, one of the tallest in the world.
This view below of Yosemite Falls in February is from the far left hand portion of the lower Yosemite Falls walkways/trails.
Read about the hike to the top at Upper Yosemite Fall hike.
Having read everything, you can take a peek at a few of the required pre-test questions at:
Snow camp pre-test sample questions.