Background:
• Garezers is a private not-for-profit organization owned by Latvian shareholder organizations with the purpose of conducting educational, cultural, charitable, religious, and social activities.
• The business and affairs of Garezers are managed by its Board of Directors, which has approved policies and rules governing the use, function and activities of the campground. They are implemented by Garezers Administration and designees and apply to all workers, campers and visitors.
• The campground provides a site for various youth programs and other events, as well as temporary residency for participants, family members, volunteers and program or event supporters. The campground also serves the community by providing a site where individuals and families can meet in a recreational setting to socialize and establish or foster connections and friendships with others who value their Latvian identity and heritage.
• Entry to and use of the campground is restricted to program participants, their families and invited guests, and those granted permission by the Garezers Administration. It is expected that all use will be consistent with and in furtherance of Garezers purposes.
• Garezers is able to operate through the freewill contributions and fees and activities conducted at the campground. It is mandatory that all campers and visitors obtain all applicable permits for camping, vehicles, boats, and other related activities. They are also encouraged to further support Garezers with volunteer efforts and monetary contributions.
• Garezers’ goal is to provide all campground users with a pleasant family atmosphere during their use and stay. Please treat the campground with the same respect, care and common sense as you would expect in your own home, so Garezers can continue to provide this benefit for you and others. Please respect the privacy and rights of other users.
General Rules:
• The campground is open during the mid-Spring (April) through mid-Autumn (November) season only. Special permission is required for any use outside of this time period by Garezers Administration.
• These rules apply to the entirety of the Garezers campground. However, additional rules and restrictions may apply to specific areas within the campground during the peak season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and/or during the specific 6-week summer camp program timeframes. Additional rules and restrictions may also apply to certain programs, groups and/or events.
• All workers, campers and visitors shall comply with local, state and federal laws.
• Campers and visitors must be at least 18 years of age to obtain permits. Permit holders must have valid identification that verifies proof of age and will be asked to complete registration forms. The permit holder is responsible for the conduct of everyone in their party.
• Individuals under 18 years of age must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian, who will be held responsible for the actions of their children.
• In compliance with Michigan state laws, alcohol use under 21 years of age is prohibited.
• Campers and visitors are responsible for their behavior and actions, and that of their guests. Campers and visitors must be considerate of others enjoying activities at the campground. For example, remember to tone down your visitation and music (in particular amplified music or instruments) in the evenings, out of respect to others.
• All trailers, tents, vehicles and boats must display a valid permit. Vehicles and boats must be parked or moored in designated areas only. Trailers, tents, vehicles and boats without permits will be removed and/or towed at the owner’s expense. When entering the campground, please observe speed limits, drive slowly and be on the watch for pedestrians and especially children.
• Please respect the environment and help keep our campsite clean. Clean up after yourselves and deposit litter in designated garbage cans and containers.
• Pets are to be kept on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. In compliance with Michigan state laws, pets are not allowed on the beach in areas designated for wading and/or swimming.
• Glass bottles are not permitted on the beach in areas designated for wading and/or swimming.
• During the specific 6-week summer camp program time frame there are supervised swimming areas and times. Hours and additional guidelines are posted at the lakefront, and must be observed. Entry to the lake for wading or swimming at any time is at the risk of the camper and/or visitor.
• Use of fireworks, firearms or other explosives is prohibited.
• Cutting down of trees or shrubs is prohibited.
• Campfires are permitted in designated areas only.
• Garezers Administration and designees reserve the right to refuse admittance and/or to evict campers and visitors from the campground for non-compliance with these rules, using their judgment and assessment of the situation, without refund of any permits or fees.
• Questions regarding these rules should be directed to Garezers Administration.
• Garezers reserves the right to change these rules & guidelines at the discretion of Garezers, as required, and without notification. Release and Hold Harmless Agreement:
• Upon entering the campground, campers, visitors and other users recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury, and they assume full risk of any injuries, damages or loss which may be sustained as a result of any and all activities taking place on the campground.
• Upon entering the campground, campers and visitors and other users waive and hold harmless Garezers, its Board of Directors, Administration and other officers, agents, servicers, servants and employees from any and all claims from injuries, damages or loss which may result from any and all activities taking place on the campground.
• Garezers is not responsible for stolen, damaged, or lost personal property of any worker, camper or visitor.
