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 program site 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, with a buddy system. 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 for Summer Springboard to prioritize 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,  they should communicate with a Program Staff member to ensure that a staff member is aware and available to provide support.
• Personal Safety & Wellbeing: Students must be responsible for their personal safety and wellbeing. This includes taking prescriptions as advised by their doctor, staying hydrated, applying 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, by laws of the student’s home country, or acceptance from guardians, any violation of this rule may result in immediate expulsion from the program based on 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.
  • (3) Being in the presence of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, illegal or illicit drugs; or the misuse of over-the-counter or prescription drugs. It is the student’s responsibility to remove themselves from a situation where they are exposed even if they are not partaking.
  • (4) If staff members are made aware of tolerated substance use on the final day of the program, students will not receive their Certificate of Completion and/or Letter of Participation from their Academic Instructor.

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 or if a student is over 18 years old.
• Rooming: Students are not allowed to enter any room not assigned to them unless given direct permission by a SSB Program Staff member. Any student who is in a room other than their own may result in disciplinary action.
• Sex and Sexual Acts: In order to promote an experience that is safe and inclusive of all students, and respectful of local cultural norms, students are not permitted to engage in any sexual acts during SSB programs. Exclusive relationships and/or public displays of affection, even if consensual, are also not considered appropriate behavior while on a SSB program. These expectations help ensure the emotional and physical safety of all participants and maintain a positive group dynamic. Any violation of this rule may result in immediate expulsion from the program based on SSB’s best judgment and understanding of the situation.
• Sexual Harassment: SSB is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is free from sexual harassment and misconduct. Students must refrain from engaging in any inappropriate or unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature and are encouraged to report any violations directly to staff members.  Inappropriate actions include, without limitation:
  • Gender-based harassment, seductive behavior, or coercion
  • Solicitation of sexual activity through promises of reward or threats of punishment
  • Assault or unwanted physical contact
  • Comments, jokes, or gestures that target or demean someone based on gender or sexuality
  • Whistling or making animalistic noises towards an individual
  • Standing too close, brushing against, or blocking another person’s movement
  • Giving gifts or leaving sexually suggestive items
  • Repeatedly asking someone to socialize after they have declined or shown disinterest
  • Displaying, watching, or distributing sexually explicit or offensive materials (physically or virtually)
  • Any form of sexual harassment is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

• 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.
• Cell Phones: To ensure an optimal learning environment, students are required to turn off their phones during class or specific academic activities. If this rule is not followed, SSB staff reserve the right to collect the phones for the duration of the class or specific academic activity. Exceptions to this policy may be made if SSB Staff request phone use for educational purposes or any specific reason related to the class or specific academic activity. Students are expected to comply with this policy respectfully to support a focused and productive learning experience.
• Respect for Program Staff, Instructors and Students: Our program is committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment for all participants. Discrimination, racism, microaggressions, or bullying of any kind are not tolerated. Students must show respect and civility toward peers, Program Staff, and Instructors at all times. Program students come from all walks of life and actively embrace diversity, fostering a culture of acceptance, inclusion, and mutual respect for all. We honor and value every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic background, or physical, sensory, or mental health condition. Any use of offensive language, harassment, intimidation, or behavior disruptive to the goals of the program may result in disciplinary action or removal. Verbal or physical threats, as well as play fighting, will not be tolerated. Any use of offensive language, harassment, intimidation, or behavior disruptive to the goals of the program may result in disciplinary action or removal. Verbal or physical threats, as well as play fighting, will not be tolerated.
• 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.                               

Violations of the Code of Conduct will trigger disciplinary action which could include expulsion from the SSB program or may be ineligible to receive the Certificate of Completion and/or Letter of Participation. 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.