AHSP policies

We used to have a really lengthy and unfriendly-sounding set of rules here, but think that they struck the wrong tone for AHSP. Here's a summary of our policies:

1. AHSP guests and staff have a well-deserved reputation for courtesy and consideration. Above all else, please help us uphold this reputation.

2. AHSP guests are expected to comply with instructions from AHSP and Mountain Institute staff members. We'll make every attempt to be reasonable and fair. In the end, though, our staff's decisions are final.

3. Leave your cruise missile launchers at home! We don't allow firearms, fireworks, or chemical weapons of any kind at AHSP.

4. We're sorry, but we can't permit you to bring pets with you to AHSP. Individual exceptions may be made for helper or assistance animals.

5. Anyone under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or an adult guardian.

6. Registrations and payments are final. The organizers of AHSP have to make commitments based on the projected number of attendees, so we regret that we can't offer refunds if you're unable to attend.

Following are some specific notes on policy questions that frequently arise.

Fire Safety Rules

Please make sure everyone in the camp is familiar with the use of fire safety devices in the camp and camping fire safety in general. No open fires are permitted. Only camp stoves will be permitted for cooking. A fire extinguisher is highly recommended.

Late Arrival

Attendees arriving after dark MUST NOT DRIVE VEHICLES past the designated late-arrival area near the entrance of The Mountain Institute. AHSP guests who arrive after dark are welcome to camp in the late-arrival area, or they may walk up the hill (about 0.85 mile) to the main campsites—but vehicles must remain in the late-arrival area until morning. We know it's a pain, but it's important for the safety and comfort of AHSP guests. This has been a problem in past years, so we'll take a break from our friendly tone to say this clearly: Guests who disregard this important instruction are likely to be denied access to AHSP without refund.

Alcohol

The legal age for the consumption of alcohol in West Virginia is 21 years of age. Should you choose to serve alcohol in your group, you do so at your own risk and are solely responsible for ensuring that you conform to the laws of West Virginia.

Alteration of the Camping Area

No alterations of the site are allowed. This includes the digging hole, cutting trees, etc.

Quiet Hours

Please be considerate of your neighbors and refrain from loud talking and playing loud music at all times.

We're asked about generators every year. We think that you're probably safe running very quiet portable generators from noon until 7 PM, but the bottom line is that you're responsible for being quiet enough not to annoy fellow attendees at all times.

Garbage Disposal and Recycling

As this is a remote location, no regular trash service is available. We'll provide a garbage bag when you check in, and we ask that you take your campsite trash with you when you depart. Under no circumstances may garbage or refuse be burned.

Smoking Policies

There is no smoking permitted in any building or public tent (including, but not limited to, dorms, bath house, session tents, or meeting room). Even outdoors, if your neighbors are offended by cigar or cigarette smoke, you're the one who will have to move.

Please dispose of cigarette or cigar butts in a proper receptacle and be courteous of others when smoking in public areas. Dropping butts on the ground is dangerous and is not permitted.

Common Sense

We've tried to enumerate items of potential concern in our policies, but in the end it all boils down to this: we expect AHSP attendees to exercise good judgement, courtesy, and common sense. We think you'll find AHSP to be a warm, friendly event--and we'll do our best to be flexible and accommodating whenever it's possible to do so.