PARTICIPANT WAIVER AND RELEASE

La Casa de Maria

Version: November 2026

This Participant Waiver and Release is entered into between the undersigned participant (“I” or “me”); Southern California Retreat Foundation (“SOCARE”), which operates La Casa de Maria; and Immaculate Heart Community (“IHC”), which owns the La Casa de Maria property in Montecito, California (the “Property”). “Released Parties” means SOCARE and IHC and each of their respective officers, directors, members, employees, volunteers, agents, consultants, and insurers. A consultant engaged to advise, manage, or represent SOCARE or IHC is a Released Party even if it is an independent contractor. Released Parties do not include independent contractors engaged to teach or facilitate programs, provide food service, or perform physical construction, repair, or maintenance work on the Property. Any direction, permission, approval, or request from SOCARE under this Release may be given by its employees, agents, consultants, or contractors acting on its behalf. I am attending a program on the Property voluntarily and agree to the following.

Adults only. This program is for participants 18 years of age or older. I represent that I am at least 18. If I am under 18, this form is void and I may not participate except as separately arranged in writing with SOCARE.

1. Voluntary Participation and Assumption of Risk

My participation in this program and my presence on the Property are entirely voluntary. Activities may include prayer, meditation, worship, reflection, ritual and liturgy, spiritual direction, talks and teaching, group discussion, gentle movement or yoga, walking, and time on the grounds. I understand the Property is an outdoor garden and oak-woodland property with conditions that may include uneven terrain and pathways, mature trees and falling limbs, creek and drainage areas, wildlife, insects, bees and beehives, variable and limited outdoor lighting, seasonal wildfire and post-fire debris flow risk, and active construction in parts of the Property. I further understand that the Property was affected by past natural disasters and that repair and restoration may be ongoing, with both known and unknown conditions. If I choose to drink alcohol, I understand that it impairs judgment, balance, and coordination and increases these risks, especially on paths and grounds after dark. I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks of participation and presence—including physical injury, illness, emotional or psychological distress, exposure, property damage, and in rare cases death—whether known or unknown, and whether or not arising from ordinary negligence.

2. Physical and Mental Fitness; Medical Authorization

I represent that I am physically and mentally able to participate and have disclosed to SOCARE any condition that may affect my safe participation. The Property is not a medical facility, and no Released Party provides medical, psychiatric, or psychological care; I am responsible for my own health decisions and for seeking professional care as needed. In an emergency, I authorize SOCARE to arrange medical care on my behalf, and I accept responsibility for its cost. I confirm that I carry my own health insurance or otherwise accept responsibility for my medical expenses.

4. Independent Teachers and Facilitators

Teachers and facilitators who are not employees, officers, members, or volunteers of SOCARE or IHC are independent contractors, not employees or agents of any Released Party. SOCARE does not direct or control the content of their teaching, and I am not relying on any Released Party to supervise their personal conduct.

5. Rules for Use of Property

I will follow all directions of SOCARE; wear appropriate attire and closed-toe footwear where required; not remove anything from the Property without SOCARE’s permission; and not enter areas that are fenced, under construction, or marked restricted, staff-only, or unsafe. I will not bring any person to the Property who is not registered for the program without SOCARE’s prior approval; if I do, I am responsible for that person and will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim by or arising from that person.

6. Alcohol and Drugs

SOCARE does not sell, serve, or provide alcohol. Use of alcohol on the Property is highly discouraged, and any alcohol other than beer or wine, cannabis, and any illegal drug or controlled substance (other than medication prescribed to me and taken as directed) are strictly prohibited. If I am 21 or older and bring beer or wine for my own consumption, I do so at my own risk, and I agree to drink in moderation, not share alcohol with anyone under 21, not drive after drinking, and stop if asked by SOCARE.

7. Image and Recording Release

SOCARE and IHC may photograph or record program activities, and I grant each of them the right to use my image, likeness, or voice for archival, educational, and promotional purposes without compensation. I will notify SOCARE in writing if I do not wish to be recorded.

8. General

California law governs this Release, which is intended to be as broad and inclusive as the law permits. It binds my family, estate, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns, and may be signed by hand or electronically. If any provision is held invalid, the remainder stays in full effect. If I attend through a group or organization that has a separate written agreement with SOCARE or IHC, this Release applies in addition to that agreement, and wherever the two differ, the provision giving the Released Parties greater protection controls.

9. Waiver of Unknown Claims (California Civil Code § 1542)

I waive California Civil Code § 1542, which provides that a general release does not extend to claims the releasing party does not know or suspect to exist at the time of signing and which, if known, would have materially affected the settlement. I understand I am releasing claims I may not know or suspect to exist.

By checking the box at registration, I confirm that I have read this Release and Waiver, understand it, have had the opportunity to ask questions, and voluntarily agree to its terms. Checking the box is my electronic signature.