Our Policies

The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus (“KMC”) is part of the University of Denver (“DU” or “University”) and is for the use of University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests (collectively, “guests”). The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus has adopted these policies and procedures specific to the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus to preserve and protect the integrity of the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, its property and programs, and your safety. All guests at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus are subject to these James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus policies and procedures, as well as University of Denver Policies and all applicable local and state laws, regulations, and ordinances. 

Transportation

• Transportation Policies

  For the safety of other guests and wildlife, guests must adhere to the following rules: 

  • Please observe the posted 20 miles per hour speed limit. 
  • Limit driving through property during your visit unless needed for shuttling purposes. 
  • Since some roads are one way, please be sure to read traffic signs while driving to and from your facility. This is especially true traveling to and from the Andy and Barbara Taylor Upper Campus. 
  • Guests are not permitted to ride in the back of trucks or other non-passenger vehicles. Off-road vehicles and UTVs are prohibited. 
  • Vehicles are to be parked in the designated parking areas only. The delivery and fire lanes to all facilities must be left unobstructed. All driveways and roads must be clear of cars in case of emergencies. 
  • Since parking is limited on property, bus or van transportation is strongly encouraged. Please notify the Director of Kennedy Mountain Campus Operations, Events and Outreach (“Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach) of the number of cars and/or buses/vans you will be bringing to the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus so we can help you make appropriate parking and shuttle arrangements for your group.  
  • For health and safety reasons, transportation must remain on-site to be able to evacuate guests in the event of an emergency.  

Responsible Behavior & Group Safety

All James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus guests must follow these guidelines for responsible behavior. Your group is responsible for its own behavior, but the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus reserves the right to remove from the property any individuals or groups not acting in a responsible manner. 

• Alcohol

  In general, alcohol is not permitted at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus.  The exception is sanctioned special events in a designated location with approval of the Director of KMC Operations, Events, and Outreach.  See University Policy FINA 3.20.010 – Use and Consumption of Alcohol. 

• Firearms, Weapons, Fireworks, Candles or Illegal Drugs

  No weapons, firearms, fireworks, candles, flammable materials, or illegal drugs are allowed on James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. See University Policy SAFE 3.20.020 – Possession, Use, or Distribution of Controlled Substances and University Policy SAFE 7.10.060 – Weapons on Campus. 

• Wheeled Devices

  Bicycles, inline skates, skateboards, skates, or scooters are not allowed in University of Denver or James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus facilities. 

• Drones

  Drones may not be operated on University of Denver or the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus without obtaining prior approval from the Director of KMC Operations, Events, and Outreach.  See also University Policy SAFE 7.10.031 – Unmanned Aircraft (Drones and Model Aircraft). 

• Animals/Pets

  Pets & Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not permitted at the Kennedy Mountain Campus. Service animals are allowed, and we ask those bringing service animals to alert us so that we can make appropriate accommodations. DU students with questions should contact the University of Denver's Student Disability Services. For all other KMC guests, please contact us at kmc@du.edu or call 303-871-5355.

  Personal pets are not permitted on the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. Service animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks directly related to an individual’s physical, sensory, psychiatric, or intellectual diagnosis, are permitted. Individuals must maintain control of the service animal by way of harness, leash, tether, or voice. If the service animal is out of control, without prompt action from the handler, or is not housebroken, persons may be asked to remove the service animal from the premises.

• Personal Property

  Please avoid bringing expensive jewelry or items that may get lost or damaged during your stay. Personal sports equipment (baseballs, bats, soccer balls, frisbees, etc.) may be brought but should be handled safely. Please do not bring personal climbing gear. The University of Denver and the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus are not responsible for the damage, loss or theft of any items brought on property. 

• Defacement/Damaged Property

  Guests are responsible for any and all damages they cause to University property (real or personal) including lost keys arising from or in connection with the guest’s activities. The primary group contact will be billed for the amount and will be responsible for collecting monies from individual guests. Guests are responsible for any damage or loss to University property and will be held financially responsible for the restoration of the property to its original condition, act of God or reasonable wear and tear excepted. 

• Hunting

  Hunting is not permitted on the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. 

• Smoking

  Smoking is not permitted in any residence, facility, or on the property outside of the designated smoking zone (which is a single area on a concrete pad outside of the dining hall and identified as the designated smoking zone). See University Policy HRIC 3.20.050 – Tobacco Free Campus. 

• Marijuana

  The possession, use, and/or distribution of any controlled substance, including but not limited to, marijuana, is not permitted and a violation of University Policy. See University Policy SAFE 3.20.020 – Possession, Use, or Distribution of Controlled Substance.   

• Respectful Behavior & Quiet Hours

  Please be aware there are often multiple groups enjoying the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus at once, as well as private staff residences. Do not enter facilities that you have not reserved and be respectful of other groups. Quiet hours are from 11:00 P.M. until 7:00 A.M. Please respect other visitors by returning to your facilities and minimizing noise during this time. 

• Trails & Property Boundaries

  The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus is bordered by CO-74 on the south and Roosevelt National Forest on the north, east and west. If you’re interested in hiking on the property, please ask a staff member for a hiking map and explanation of trails and boundaries, as the rugged and vast terrain can make for difficult navigation. 

First Aid & Emergency

The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus is in a remote location and 45 minutes from the closest medical facility in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Local Emergency Medical Services (“EMS”) response time is 20-30 minutes.  

The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus has adopted an Emergency Plan to address emergencies, including but not limited to, medical emergencies, severe weather, and wildfires.  Each group that visits the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus must attend the welcome orientation covering key points in the Emergency Plan. 

Each group is responsible for the emergency and medical care of its guests. In the event of an emergency, you should call 911. The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus has trained staff members that also may be able to assist. In the event of an emergency, please notify the Director of KMC Operations, Events, and Outreach or the On-Site Director (as identified in the Emergency Response Plan). 

• CPR/First Aid Provider

  Your group must have at least one (1) individual present on site who is CPR and First Aid certified from a nationally recognized provider including training in blood borne pathogens. For your safety and convenience, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are located at The Kennedy Mountain Campus Activity Center, the Kennedy Mountain Campus Dining Center, the Kennedy Mountain Campus Health Center, and the Lower Campus Lodge.

• Medical Information

  The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus expects that you maintain a roster of your group participants, their respective addresses, emergency contact names and numbers, a list of known allergies or health conditions, restrictions, or other accommodations as well as permission to treat forms.

• Medical Treatment

  Each group is responsible for providing or coordinating their own first aid kit and emergency care and transportation. 

• Medicine Dispensing & Storage

  Medications must be carried and dispensed only by an appropriate representative of your group. All medications must be secured and stored appropriately so that they are accessible only to the appropriate group representative for dispensation. Your group may provide a lockbox for medication, or you may talk to your James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus staff about a secure space for medication storage during your stay.

• Emergency Assistance

  In the event of an emergency, dial 911 for EMS services.

• Transport to Urgent Care or Hospital

  Your group is responsible for transporting any guest in your group to urgent care or the hospital (except in situations where flight for life or an ambulance has been ordered by the applicable emergency responder). You must ensure that you always maintain adequate transportation for all members of your group on-site during your visit (in the event of an emergency such transportation shall be used to transport affected members of your group to safety and/or urgent care or the hospital).

• Weather Emergencies

  A horn blasted three (3) times will sound on the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus in the event of a tornado and some severe weather situations. Emergency information can be found in the information bulletin posted in each building. In the case of a tornado or a severe wind event please move to the nearest building and seek shelter in an internal room (room without windows). In cases of severe lightning or thunderstorms, please move to the nearest shelter or building and out of harm’s way. 

Programs & Services

• Facility Set-Up

  All facilities have a standard set-up. Please do not move furniture/mattresses between facilities. The use of tape and/or pushpins on walls and tables is prohibited. Permissible methods of hanging include sticky-tack and painter’s tape. If your group damages any facility or fails to reset a facility, the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus may charge you for additional labor to restore or repair such facilities at the rate of $50.00 per hour.

• Programming & Activities

  During your stay, you are welcome to hike, explore, and enjoy other aspects of the property. Many activities (i.e., rock climbing, challenge course, archery, camping, etc.) require the engagement of James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus staff and must be arranged prior to your event. Swimming in the lake is prohibited without a James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus staff lifeguard present. Likewise, use of the challenge areas and equipment is not allowed in the absence of James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus staff trained on such equipment. During James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus staff-led activities, all guests must wear closed-toe shoes; provided, however that for water-based activities, sandals that stay on the foot or water shoes may be used.  

• Assumption of Risk

  All guests must complete a James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus Assumption of Risk form. Minors must have this form signed by a parent/legal guardian. These forms need to be sent out to your guests, completed, and returned to Director of Kennedy Mountain Campus Operations, Events & Outreach prior to their arrival on property. Guests will not be allowed on the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus if we do not have a completed Assumption of Risk form on file. 

• Food Service

  Groups must use James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus’ catering services. No outside caterers are allowed. Our staff will contact you prior to your event to collect your menu choices, any specific dietary needs, and estimated numbers. Our kitchen staff can accommodate specific diets including vegetarian, gluten-free (limited selection), and vegan with prior notice. Assistance with other needs is available on a limited basis. Please provide your menu selections, mealtimes (if not using a designated meal shift) and dietary needs at least 45 days prior to your event. Final guarantees for all meals must be provided to the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus 14 days prior to your event. Your group will be billed for this guaranteed number or the actual number of attendees, whichever is higher. 

• Campfires

  Due to fire ban restrictions in Larimer County, open flame campfires are not permitted. Wood from outside the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus is also prohibited for environmental and pest reasons.  The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus has gas fire pits that are permitted under the Larimer County fire ban.  If you wish to use the gas fire pits you must contact the Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach to coordinate such use.

• Linens

  For an additional fee, the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus can provide linens and towels for your use in the cabins.

• Equipment Rental

  If you need to rent a projector, screen, easel/flip chart pad, or TV, please contact the Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach, in advance. Technology built-in to a facility is included free of charge. Various other items may be rented upon request. Please ask the Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach for a list of these items.

Event Details

Before your group arrives on property, the Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach will be in touch with you to confirm your event details.

• Deposit & Contract

  See your event contract for details on payments, confirmed numbers, supporting forms, important deadlines, and cancellations. Contracts and deposits must be fully signed and returned by the due date listed in the agreement.

• Check-in Time

  Please be sure to schedule a check-in time with the Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach so they can walk through the facilities with you, confirm your event details and provide you with emergency contact information. If you realize you will be early or late for your check-in time, please contact the Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach as soon as possible. During your check-in, a James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus staff member will review the campus safety procedures and emergency procedures.

• Number of Guests

  Let the Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach know the number of people you expect to have at your event. It is important that we know the number of male/female guests as well as the number of chaperones in your group so we can help you determine the most comfortable sleeping arrangements. 

  Confirmation of final numbers must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event. If no number is received the number on the contract will be used. If the final number is higher than that on the contract, the amount billed will reflect the final number. Minimum billing numbers apply. If we are providing meals for your group, menu selections are also due at this time. 

• Event Agenda

  If your group has a planned agenda, we recommend forwarding this information to the Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach so we can confirm your event details.

• Check-out and Clean-up

  Please allow fifteen (15) minutes before departure to meet with a member of the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus staff regarding your stay. All lodging and meeting facilities must be left clean and in acceptable condition upon departure. Participants and groups must remove all trash from their facilities. If the conditions of the facility require extra cleaning or maintenance work, your group may be billed for these services at the rate of $50.00 per hour.

Environmental Stewardship

The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus values protecting the environment.

• Recycling

  We have provided recycling bins at various locations throughout the property. If you have trouble locating these bins during your stay, please contact the Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach. To help reduce waste, we recommend groups bring re-usable water bottles and coffee mugs for the duration of the stay.

• Trail Usage

  We encourage you to enjoy our trails. Please use our trail maps and always stay on the trails. This will help to lessen the impact we make on the environment. Please do not harm or collect plants, vegetation, or wildlife.

Programs Involving Youth

Groups are responsible for complying with the University of Denver Policy RISK 2.50.060 – Protection of Minors on University Premises and in University Programs and the University’s Procedures for the Protection of Minors.  Please consult the University’s Youth on Campus website for more information on the Policy and Procedures for Youth on Campus.  

Groups are responsible for supervising minors during their stay at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. For all events involving minors, groups must have at least one adult for every 12 minor participants. All group participants ages 18 and younger must be always accompanied by an adult. The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus asks groups to observe the following supervision ratios for programs based on participant age: 

• 5 years and younger: 1:5 staff-to-youth ratio (1:6 for day programs) 
• 6-8 years: 1:6 staff-to-youth ratio (1:8 for day programs) 
• 9-14 years: 1:8 staff-to-youth ratio (1:10 for day programs) 
• 15-18 years: 1:10 staff-to-youth ratio (1:12 for day programs) 

Additionally, at least 80 percent of staff should be 18 years of age. All staff should be at least 16 years of age and at least two (2) years older than the minors with whom they are working. 

Two (2) staff members/chaperones must always be present any time minors are showering, changing clothes, sleeping in cabins, and being transported both on and/or off-site (e.g., in the case of an emergency involving a minor that requires transportation to urgent care, two (2) staff/chaperones must accompany the minor). Adult staff members/chaperone may not be alone in a one-on-one situation with any minor participant without (at minimum) a direct line of sight to another staff member/chaperone. 

If your group is unable to meet these ratio requirements, please inform the Director of KMC Operations, Events, and Outreach immediately. 

Pursuant to the University Policy RISK 2.50.060 – Protection of Minors on University Premises and in University Programs, all adults working with minors must have completed a background check and training on the detection and prevention of child abuse.