What is the code of conduct for Summer Springboard programs?

Every applicant to Summer Springboard and the applicant’s parent/guardian is required to review and sign Code of Conduct Agreement. Breaking the law or any of the rules & policies detailed in the Code of Conduct Agreement will result in immediate dismissal or probation at the discretion of the Summer Springboard staff. If you are on probation and you break another rule, you will be sent home immediately. Please review the Summer Springboard Code of Conduct form carefully.

Code of Conduct & Essential Eligibility Criteria

While participating in a Program, students are expected to act in a way that is respectful to the local community, promotes the educational goals of the program and ensures the safety of all students. In order to achieve this, we have created a Code of Conduct that all students are expected to follow.

• Supervision: Due to safety reasons, leaving the ) without permission or supervision, or abandoning the group while out in the community is grounds for expulsion. Because students are living in a community different from their own, students must always remain with the group or with a Program Staff member. At clearly defined times Program Staff may allow students to move freely within a predefined area, accompanied by a fellow student. At times during unstructured time students may be amongst themselves and not overseen by Program Staff. During such times it is especially important that the student respect the safety rules and guidelines and exercise caution and good judgment in order to provide their safety and wellbeing. The Student understands that they are not allowed to leave the group while outside the home base without permission from Program Staff. If the Student chooses to leave the group at any time without first notifying Program Staff, they may be sent home from the program early due to safety reasons at the Student’s family’s expense. If a Student needs to stay back at campus boundary area for any reason, he or she should approach a Program Staff member to discuss so that they can be sure a Program Staff member is aware & available to support the student.
• Personal Safety & Wellbeing: Students must be responsible for their personal safety and wellbeing. This includes taking prescriptions as advised by their doctor, staying hydrated, putting on sunscreen, using insect repellent (if advised for location), wearing culturally and weather appropriate attire, eating three meals per day, and discussing any concerns, needs, or ailments directly with Program Staff. Students must display respectful listening and follow all rules set forth by any Program Staff or adult in charge of the group.
• No Tolerance of Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Other Drugs: Strictly prohibited during the program. Even if permitted by local laws or by laws of the student’s home country, any violation of this rule may result in immediate expulsion from the program based SSB’s best judgment and understanding of the situation:
  • (1) The possession, consumption, attempted sale or purchase of: alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, illegal or illicit drugs; or the misuse of over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
  • (2) Assisting others to engage in such activity.

Program staff reserves the right to search student belongings at their discretion in cases where drug, tobacco or alcohol possession is suspected. Smoking tobacco, vaping products of any kind, using tobacco products is prohibited on all SSB programs, even with parental consent. Items that are in violation of the no tolerance policy will be confiscated by staff and will not be returned to the Student. Students are responsible for reporting any serious misconduct that they witness to a program staff member. If a student chooses not to report, they are also in violation of the Code of Conduct and the situation will be handled accordingly.

• Knives and Other Weapons: Knives, slingshots, machetes, and other items that can be utilized as weapons are not allowed on Programs. In addition, because of risk to home base and infrastructure, matches and lighters are also prohibited. Students may not purchase these items as souvenirs unless express parental consent is given directly to Terra; in these cases, Program Staff may opt to hold the item in question until the student departs from the program.
• Body Alterations: No body alterations, including tattoos or piercings are to be obtained while on a Program, even with parental consent.
• Sex and Sexual Acts and Sexual Harassment: In order to promote an experience that is safe and inclusive of all students, and also respectful of local cultural norms, students are not permitted to engage in sexual acts during Programs. Students are not allowed to enter the sleeping quarters of any room not assigned to them, unless given direct permission by a Program Staff member. Doing so will result in consequences that could lead to dismissal from the program. Students will refrain from engaging in inappropriate actions while on the program to ensure emotional and physical safety for all participants, and are encouraged to report any meaningful violations directly to Program Staff members. Inappropriate actions include without limitation: Gender harassment, seductive behavior or imposition, solicitation of sexual activity by promise of reward or threat of punishment, assault, unwanted physical contact, comments or actions which criticize a person based upon gender or sexuality, whistling or making animalistic noises towards an individual, repeatedly standing too close or brushing up against a person, giving gifts or leaving objects that are sexually suggestive, repeatedly asking a person to socialize when they has said no or has indicated disinterest, or the display and/or distribution (virtually or physically) of offensive, sexually graphic materials. Any violation of this rule may result in immediate expulsion from the program based on SSB’s best judgment and understanding of the situation.
• Water Safety: Students are only allowed to swim under adult supervision. Students must obey all rules laid out by lifeguards or supervisory staff. Students may not swim alone or participate in any unauthorized water sport. All programs may require that students pass a swim test to participate in water-based activities.
• Respect for Program Staff, Instructors and Students:  Our commitment lies in creating a safe and inclusive environment for all program participants. Racism, microaggressions, or any type of discrimination are not tolerated. Students must exhibit decency, civility, and respect towards their fellow students, Program Staff members and instructors.  The use of insensitive or otherwise offensive language or behavior or engaging in behavior disruptive to the goals of the program may be grounds for disciplinary action. 

Program students come from all walks of life and embraces diversity and actively fosters a culture of acceptance, inclusivity and tolerance, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or socioeconomic status. 

The use of bullying tactics before, during, or after program start which include insensitive or otherwise offensive language or behavior or engaging in behavior disruptive to the goals of the program may be grounds for disciplinary action. We define bullying as harassment, intimidation or any act intended to exclude or cause harm to another personal physically or psychologically.

Verbal or physical threats of violence towards other students or program staff and/or play fighting will not be tolerated, and will result in immediate removal from the program.

• Commitment to the Program: Students must be committed to the program. This means students will approach all program activities with an open mind and will participate in all aspects of the program. Students recognize that a certificate of course completion and/or letter of reference is earned and not automatically awarded. Terra may withhold the certificate and/or letter of reference in response to violation of the Code of Conduct or lack of participation in the program.

Essential Eligibility Criteria:

At Summer Springboard, we welcome age-eligible teens who are excited about the opportunity to travel to apply for our programs. The following eligibility criteria are not intended to be exclusionary, but to identify the fundamental elements of participation with the goal of a safe and meaningful experience for everyone in the group. SSB programs are not therapeutic programs and are not able to support struggling teens seeking behavior or mental health outcomes.

Applications are carefully considered and screened to align with these criteria. It is not uncommon for SSB to require supporting documentation or information in the application screening process to confirm eligibility or suitability for program participation. Failure to disclose full medical history may also result in the application not being accepted, additional fees, and/or removal from the program. Please discuss with our team for any further clarification or concerns.Ability to independently manage daily personal care, including self-administering & self-managing personal medications or treatments, including mental health and self-care while away from support systems or regularly scheduled professional treatment plans.

• Students experiencing or with a history of chronic illnesses, acute psychiatric conditions, behavioral issues, or some types of disability may require additional screening to determine suitability. For example, it may be required that additional details are disclosed, medical specialists sign off, and that independent stability is demonstrated consistently for 12 months leading up to the program start date. 
• Physician support is required for all participants and parent/guardian support is required for those under 18 years of age. Changes in medical history must be disclosed in a timely manner. 
• Demonstrate a willingness to try new things and remain open, inclusive, alert, engaged, respectful, tolerant, and communicative in a new environment while tolerating significant levels of ambivalence and ambiguity. 
• Commit to proactively communicating with SSB staff directly if help is needed.  
• Ability to self-regulate various environmental challenges and stressors (high heat and humidity, cold, altitude, insects, change in diet, change in time zones, sharing spaces, roommates, going without a cell phone or other technology devices, etc.).
• Ability to walk unassisted distances over 1 mile, lift items weighing 40 pounds, and follow detailed instructions in English to avoid hazards. Participants may opt out of certain activities on most programs if needed, in consultation with program staff and parents.
• Maintain a reasonable level of situational awareness appropriate to circumstances and exercise sound judgment regardless of direct supervision. 
• Must be willing to independently travel between home and the destination airport. (flights, arrival, etc. – unaccompanied minor services may be available with the airline)
• Agree to and follow the SSB Code of Conduct, abide by local laws, and comply with recommended preventive measures presented by SSB staff recognizing risks and hazards.

Violations of the Code of Conduct will trigger disciplinary action which could include expulsion from the SSB program or a complete elimination or reduction of credited community service hours. While most Code of Conduct violations result in immediate expulsion from the program, there may be instances where a verbal warning or written contract may precede expulsion when deemed appropriate by Program Staff. In the case of expulsion, the student will be sent home on the next available flight at the expense of the student’s parents or legal guardians, even if there is only one day remaining in the program without a refund.