In return for being allowed to participate in Nature Discovery Center and City of Bellaire volunteer activities, and all activities incidental to such participation, I, the Volunteer (or, if the Volunteer is a minor, the Volunteer's parent or legal guardian), freely and voluntarily, without duress, execute this Release under the following terms. 

1. Eligibility 
Volunteers must be at least 13 years of age. A volunteer under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or legal guardian as set forth in Section 7 below. 

2. Term 
This Release is effective for one year from the date of signature and covers all volunteer activities with Nature Discovery Center and the City of Bellaire occurring during that period. A new Release must be signed annually to continue volunteering. 

3. Waiver and Release of Claims (Including Negligence) 
I understand that volunteer activities may involve risks of injury, illness, or property damage, including but not limited to physical exertion, use of tools and equipment, exposure to weather, terrain, plants, and wildlife, and interaction with the public, other volunteers, and program participants. 

In consideration of being permitted to participate, I, on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Nature Discovery Center and the City of Bellaire, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, and volunteers (collectively, the "Released Parties"), from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, illness, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me while participating in volunteer activities, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law. 

This Release does not apply to, and does not waive, any claim arising from the gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional acts of the Released Parties. 

4. Insurance 
I understand that Nature Discovery Center and the City of Bellaire do not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide me with financial or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability benefits or insurance of any kind, in the event of my injury, illness, death, or property damage. 
 
5. Medical Treatment 
I release and forever discharge the Released Parties from any claim arising from any first-aid treatment or other medical services rendered in connection with an emergency during my time as a volunteer. I authorize the Released Parties to seek emergency medical treatment on my behalf if I am unable to consent and cannot be promptly reached. 

6. Indemnification 
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or resulting from my own acts or omissions, negligence, or misconduct while participating in volunteer activities, including any injury to or claim by a third party. 

7. Minor Volunteers (Under Age 18) 
If the Volunteer is under the age of 18, the undersigned parent or legal guardian represents that they have the legal authority to consent on the minor's behalf, and: (a) gives permission for the minor to participate in volunteer activities; (b) agrees to the terms of this Release, including the waiver, release, and indemnification provisions above, on behalf of the minor and themselves individually; (c) authorizes the Released Parties to obtain emergency medical treatment for the minor if the parent/guardian cannot be promptly reached; and (d) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim brought by or on behalf of the minor to the extent this Release is found unenforceable as to the minor's own claims. 

8. General 
This Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Texas. If any clause or provision is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. 

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood all terms of this Release, that this is a legally binding contract, and that it affects my legal rights.