BLACK ELK RETREAT TERMS & CONDITIONS
Last Updated: March 13, 2026
Please carefully read the following Terms & Conditions relating to your participation in Black Elk Retreat ("Retreat"), presented and operated by Hawkeye Ranch Services LLC ("Promoter," "we," "our," or "us"), together with its affiliated entity Hawkeye Ranch Holdings LLC, which owns the real property and facilities at which the Retreat is held (collectively, "Hawkeye Ranch Entities"). By registering for the Retreat, you ("Attendee") agree to the following Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not register for or attend the Retreat.
ELECTRONIC ACCEPTANCE. Attendee's electronic registration, click-through acceptance, or submission of payment constitutes a valid and binding signature and acceptance of these Terms & Conditions in accordance with the Wyoming Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Wyo. Stat. §§ 40-21-101 et seq.). Attendee agrees that electronic acceptance has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
IMPORTANT: BY REGISTERING FOR THIS RETREAT, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO THESE TERMS IN THEIR ENTIRETY, INCLUDING THE ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER AND RELEASE, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROVISIONS. YOU ALSO AGREE TO EXECUTE THE SEPARATE HAWKEYE RANCH ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT PRIOR TO PARTICIPATION.
1. RETREAT OVERVIEW
Black Elk Retreat is an in-person experiential, psycho-spiritual retreat experience held at Hawkeye Ranch in Wyoming, owned and operated by Hawkeye Ranch Holdings LLC and Hawkeye Ranch Services LLC respectively. The Retreat includes lodging, meals, group sessions, equine experiences, outdoor activities, and other programming as determined by Promoter.
Retreat programming, faculty, schedule, activities, meals, and accommodations are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of Promoter.
The Retreat is not a medical, psychiatric, or clinical treatment program. It is an experiential retreat that may include facilitation by licensed professionals acting in a retreat facilitation capacity only, and not in any clinical treatment, diagnostic, or ongoing therapeutic relationship capacity.
2. REGISTRATION, PAYMENT, AND INTAKE
Full payment is due at the time of registration unless otherwise expressly approved by Promoter.
As part of the registration process, Attendee is required to complete all requested intake forms and materials within 5 days of purchase, or by any earlier deadline communicated by Promoter. Promoter reserves the right to cancel a registration if required intake materials are not completed on time.
Because this Retreat includes therapeutic, spiritual, and equine-based elements, Promoter reserves the right to determine whether the Retreat is an appropriate fit for each Attendee. Promoter's screening and intake process is intended to identify whether participation is appropriate and safe, but this screening does not constitute a clinical assessment, diagnosis, or guarantee of safety or outcome. Completion of intake and acceptance by Promoter does not create a therapist-client, medical-provider, or any other professional relationship. If, based on the intake process, Promoter determines that the Retreat is not an appropriate fit, Promoter may cancel the registration and issue a refund at its discretion.
3. CANCELLATION, REFUND, AND NON-TRANSFER POLICY
By purchasing registration for Black Elk Retreat, Attendee understands and agrees to the following:
Attendee has 48 hours from the time of purchase to request a full refund. After that 48-hour period, the registration is non-refundable.
Registrations are non-transferable. Promoter does not provide refunds for missed travel, illness, family emergencies, scheduling conflicts, dissatisfaction, change of mind, or failure to attend. Because of the limited capacity and highly curated nature of this Retreat, these policies are firm.
We strongly recommend that Attendee purchase travel insurance to protect against illness, emergency, weather disruption, airline cancellation, or other unforeseen circumstances.
If Attendee is unable to attend for any reason after the 48-hour refund period, no refund will be issued.
4. IF PROMOTER CANCELS OR RESCHEDULES THE RETREAT
If Promoter cancels the Retreat for any reason, including but not limited to weather events, wildfire, unsafe conditions, insufficient enrollment, staff illness, facility issues, or other circumstances beyond Promoter's reasonable control, Attendee will receive either:
a refund of amounts paid to Promoter, or a credit or transfer to a future retreat date, at Promoter's discretion.
Promoter is not responsible for any other costs incurred by Attendee, including but not limited to airfare, lodging outside the Retreat, rental cars, airport transfers, travel insurance, lost wages, or other travel-related expenses.
4A. FORCE MAJEURE
Neither Hawkeye Ranch Services LLC nor Hawkeye Ranch Holdings LLC shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing obligations under these Terms arising from causes beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God; fire; wildfire; flood; earthquake; extreme weather; epidemic or pandemic; government action, order, or restriction; war; terrorism; civil unrest; power or utility failure; unavailability of key personnel, facilitators, clinicians, or staff due to illness, injury, or emergency; damage to or destruction of Retreat facilities; or any other event or circumstance outside Promoter's reasonable control (each, a "Force Majeure Event").
In the event of a Force Majeure Event that prevents, substantially impairs, or materially alters Retreat programming — including but not limited to the unavailability of a key facilitator, partial cancellation of programming, or required modification of Retreat activities — Promoter's sole obligation to Attendee shall be, at Promoter's election: (a) a full or partial refund of amounts paid, (b) a credit toward a future retreat, or (c) reasonable modification of programming. Promoter shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or other damages arising from a Force Majeure Event, including but not limited to travel costs, lost wages, or other expenses incurred by Attendee.
Attendee acknowledges that Promoter cannot guarantee the participation of any specific facilitator, clinician, or speaker, including Dr. Gregory Bottaro, and that the unavailability of any individual does not constitute grounds for a refund outside the 48-hour window or a claim against Hawkeye Ranch Entities.
5. ATTENDEE ELIGIBILITY AND FIT
This Retreat is intended for adults who are emotionally, spiritually, and physically able to participate in a structured, in-person retreat environment that includes group experiences, equine interaction, outdoor movement, and faith-based programming.
This Retreat is not intended for those in acute psychiatric crisis or for individuals who require a higher level of care than can be safely provided in this retreat setting. Promoter reserves the right to deny participation or remove an Attendee from the Retreat if Promoter determines, in its sole discretion, that participation would be unsafe or inappropriate for the Attendee or the group.
Promoter also reserves the right to ask Attendee not to participate in specific activities or portions of the Retreat if needed for safety, clinical appropriateness, or group well-being.
Attendee Representations. By registering, Attendee represents and warrants that: (a) they are not currently in acute psychiatric crisis; (b) they have disclosed all known physical, psychological, and medical conditions relevant to participation; (c) they have consulted with their own physician, therapist, or mental health provider as appropriate before registering; and (d) they are not currently under a directive from any licensed provider advising against participation in intensive group retreat experiences.
Removal During Retreat. If Promoter determines that an Attendee must be removed from the Retreat for safety reasons, Promoter will make reasonable efforts to assist Attendee in arranging departure. No refund will be issued in such circumstances. Promoter is not responsible for any travel, transportation, lodging, or other costs associated with early departure.
6. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EQUINE PARTICIPATION
Attendee understands that this Retreat takes place on a working ranch and involves:
uneven terrain
gravel paths
stairs
sand, dirt, and natural outdoor surfaces
time spent outdoors in varying weather
required interaction with horses as part of the retreat experience
Attendee acknowledges that horses are a core part of the Retreat experience and that participation in equine-based sessions is expected.
Attendee further understands that horses are animals and, even when well-trained and carefully handled, can behave unpredictably. Promoter takes reasonable precautions to create a safe environment, but Attendee accepts the inherent risks associated with being around horses and participating in ranch-based activities.
Attendee acknowledges and agrees that pursuant to Wyoming Statute §§1-1-121 through 1-1-123, individuals assume the inherent risks of recreational activities, and recreation providers are not legally responsible for property damage, injury, or death resulting from the inherent risks of recreational activities. Equine activities carry inherent risks that cannot be eliminated, including but not limited to the unpredictable behavior of horses, equipment failure, and the natural environment of the ranch.
If Attendee has concerns about physical stamina, mobility, or participation requirements, Attendee is responsible for contacting Promoter before registering.
7. HEALTH, MEDICAL, AND EMERGENCY CARE
Attendee is solely responsible for determining whether they are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually fit to participate in the Retreat.
Attendee agrees to disclose relevant medical, dietary, mobility, or other important information requested during the intake process. Promoter will make reasonable efforts to accommodate disclosed dietary needs and restrictions when possible, but cannot guarantee accommodation of all needs or preferences, especially if not disclosed in advance.
If Attendee requires emergency medical treatment during the Retreat, Attendee consents to such treatment and agrees to be financially responsible for any resulting medical or related expenses.
Attendee understands that Promoter is not providing medical care and is not responsible for monitoring Attendee's health condition throughout the Retreat.
Crisis Protocol. In the event that an Attendee experiences a psychological or medical emergency during the Retreat, Promoter and its staff will make reasonable efforts to contact emergency services and facilitate appropriate care. Attendee expressly authorizes Promoter personnel to call for emergency medical or mental health care on Attendee's behalf and to transport or arrange transport to a medical facility if, in the judgment of Promoter's staff, such care is needed. Promoter has no responsibility for the quality or outcome of medical or mental health care provided following such notification or transport. All costs of such care and transportation are solely the responsibility of Attendee.
No Monitoring Obligation. Promoter and its staff are not obligated to monitor Attendee's physical or psychological condition on a continuous basis. Attendee is responsible for communicating any change in their condition to Promoter staff during the Retreat.
8. ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER
By attending the Retreat, Attendee voluntarily assumes all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to risks related to travel, outdoor environments, ranch property, uneven terrain, weather, food allergies, communicable illness exposure, equine interaction, emotional discomfort, psychological distress, responses to group therapeutic or spiritual programming, physical exertion, and group retreat participation.
Attendee agrees to release, waive, and hold harmless Hawkeye Ranch Services LLC and Hawkeye Ranch Holdings LLC, Hawkeye Ranch, its owners, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, speakers, clinicians, equine professionals, priests, affiliates, partners, and representatives from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, damages, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to Attendee's participation in the Retreat, except where prohibited by law.
This release expressly includes claims arising from the negligence of the released parties, to the fullest extent permitted by Wyoming law. Attendee understands that this is a full and final release of all claims, known and unknown, arising from or related to the Retreat.
Attendee is also responsible for any damage they cause to persons, animals, property, or facilities during the Retreat and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Hawkeye Ranch Services LLC and Hawkeye Ranch Holdings LLC for any such damage caused by Attendee's negligent, reckless, or intentional acts. This indemnification obligation extends to any third-party claims, including claims brought by other Retreat participants or third parties, arising from or related to Attendee's conduct during the Retreat, whether on or off Hawkeye Ranch property.
Separate Waiver Required. As a condition of participation, Attendee must execute the separate Hawkeye Ranch Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks and Waiver and Release Agreement prior to the commencement of the Retreat. These Terms & Conditions and that Waiver are intended to be read together and are complementary. In the event of any conflict between this Section and the separate Waiver regarding the scope of released claims or assumption of risk, the broader provision shall control.
9. NO PROFESSIONAL OR GUARANTEED OUTCOME
The Retreat is intended as an experiential, psycho-spiritual retreat and educational experience. Any licensed professionals or qualified facilitators who participate in the Retreat do so solely in a retreat facilitation capacity. Their participation does not create, and shall not be construed to create, any therapist-client, counselor-client, medical-provider, legal, financial, or other professional advisory relationship between Attendee and such individuals or between Attendee and Promoter, whether during or after the Retreat.
Promoter does not guarantee any specific emotional, spiritual, therapeutic, relational, or personal outcome from attending the Retreat. Attendee is solely responsible for their own decisions, actions, interpretations, and results.
Promoter also does not guarantee individual session time with any specific facilitator, clinician, or leader, including Dr. Gregory Bottaro. Group assignments, clinician pairings, and scheduling are determined at Promoter's discretion.
Nothing in the Retreat constitutes a clinical diagnosis, treatment plan, prescription, or ongoing care arrangement. Attendee is encouraged to maintain their existing relationships with personal healthcare and mental health providers and to consult those providers regarding any concerns arising from Retreat participation.
10. ATTENDEE CONDUCT
Attendee agrees to behave respectfully and professionally toward all staff, clinicians, clergy, hosts, equine professionals, and fellow attendees throughout the Retreat.
Alcohol and Substances. The use of alcohol during the Retreat is subject to any restrictions communicated by Promoter. The possession or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances not prescribed to Attendee is strictly prohibited at all times on Hawkeye Ranch property. Violation of this policy is grounds for immediate removal without refund.
Social Media and Privacy. Attendee agrees not to post, share, or publish on social media or any other public platform any photographs, video, audio, or written descriptions identifying or depicting other Retreat participants or their personal disclosures, without the express written consent of the individuals depicted or identified. This obligation survives the conclusion of the Retreat.
Photography on Property. Personal photography and video for private use is permitted in outdoor common areas of the ranch. Photography or video recording of any Retreat session, group activity, facilitated exercise, or other programmatic content is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from Promoter.
Promoter reserves the right to remove any Attendee from the Retreat, without refund, if Attendee is disruptive, unsafe, disrespectful, intoxicated, uncooperative, in possession of illegal substances, or otherwise behaving in a manner that negatively affects the safety or experience of others.
11. CONFIDENTIALITY
Because of the personal nature of this Retreat, confidentiality is of primary importance.
Attendee agrees to respect the privacy of all other attendees and not disclose, share, repeat, record, or distribute any personal information, stories, disclosures, or identifying details shared by other participants during or after the Retreat.
Promoter may require Attendee to sign a separate confidentiality acknowledgment as part of the intake or opening retreat process.
Attendee understands that failure to respect confidentiality may result in removal from the Retreat without refund, and may expose Attendee to civil liability to affected participants.
Attendee acknowledges that the confidentiality obligations in this Section and the media restrictions in Section 10 and Section 12 are complementary and should be read together. Sharing identifying information about other participants on social media or through other channels constitutes a breach of this Section regardless of the medium used.
12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND RECORDING
All Retreat materials, content, curriculum, exercises, handouts, and related intellectual property are owned by Promoter or used with permission and are protected by copyright and other applicable laws.
Attendee may not copy, reproduce, distribute, teach from, record, photograph, publish, or share Retreat materials or sessions without prior written permission from Promoter.
Unauthorized recording of Retreat sessions, group discussions, or materials is strictly prohibited.
13. PHOTO, VIDEO, AND AUDIO RELEASE
Attendee understands that portions of the Retreat may be photographed or recorded by Promoter or its authorized agents. By attending, Attendee grants Promoter the right to use Attendee's name, image, likeness, voice, testimonial, and photographs or recordings for promotional, marketing, editorial, or educational purposes in any media now known or later developed, without compensation or further permission, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
If Attendee has a serious privacy concern, Attendee should notify Promoter in writing before the Retreat.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Promoter agrees that it will not use, in any public promotional material, recordings or images that capture an identifiable Attendee's personal disclosures made during a facilitated group session without that Attendee's separate written consent. This limitation applies solely to facilitated session content and does not restrict Promoter's right to use general ranch photography, group activity footage, meals, outdoor activities, or other non-session content in which Attendee may appear.
14. FOOD, BEVERAGES, AND LODGING
The Retreat includes meals and beverages as specified by Promoter. Meal style may vary and may include communal dining, buffet-style meals, and plated dinners.
Attendee understands that lodging is part of a ranch retreat setting, not a luxury hotel setting. Accommodations may include private bedrooms with shared bathrooms or upgraded private bath options, depending on the room selected.
Attendee acknowledges that the property is rustic-luxury in nature and that room layouts, décor, and exact amenities may vary.
Promoter discourages food storage in cabins or guest rooms due to the ranch environment and wildlife considerations.
15. TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL
Attendee is responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the Retreat unless otherwise specifically stated by Promoter. Transportation is provided for attendees to/from Cody Airport.
Promoter may provide general arrival and departure guidance, including suggested airport timing or transfer windows, but Attendee remains solely responsible for booking and managing their own travel.
Attendee is strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
16. COMMUNICABLE ILLNESS
Attendee understands that attendance at an in-person retreat carries some inherent risk of exposure to communicable illness, including but not limited to COVID-19, flu, colds, or other viruses.
Attendee agrees not to attend if they are actively ill, contagious, or experiencing symptoms that could reasonably endanger others.
No refund will be provided due to illness or inability to attend after the applicable refund window.
17. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wyoming.
Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Retreat, including any claim related to personal injury, shall first be submitted to good-faith mediation before a mutually acceptable mediator. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved by litigation filed exclusively in Park County, State of Wyoming, and Wyoming law shall be determinative. Attendee expressly waives any right to bring claims in any other jurisdiction or venue.
If Attendee asserts a claim against Hawkeye Ranch Services LLC or Hawkeye Ranch Holdings LLC that is ultimately withdrawn, dismissed, or decided in favor of Hawkeye Ranch, Attendee agrees to pay all costs and attorney's fees incurred by Hawkeye Ranch in defending that claim, to the extent permitted by Wyoming law.
Shortened Limitation Period. Any claim or cause of action arising from or related to the Retreat or these Terms must be commenced within one (1) year of the date the Retreat concludes, regardless of when the claim is discovered. Any claim not brought within this period is permanently barred. This shortened limitation period applies to all claims, including personal injury, property damage, and breach of contract, to the fullest extent permitted by Wyoming law.
If any provision of these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. With respect to the release and waiver provisions in Section 8, if any part of such provisions is held unenforceable, the remaining release language shall be construed to provide the maximum enforceable scope of protection permitted by Wyoming law, rather than being voided in its entirety.
18. UPDATES TO TERMS
Promoter may update these Terms & Conditions at any time. The most current version will govern Attendee's participation.
19. GENERAL PROVISIONS
No Waiver. Promoter's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms in a particular instance shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or of Promoter's right to enforce it in any other instance. All rights and remedies of Promoter are cumulative and not exclusive.
Electronic Signatures. Attendee's electronic acceptance of these Terms, including click-through registration and submission of payment, constitutes a valid and binding agreement under the Wyoming Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Wyo. Stat. §§ 40-21-101 et seq.) and has the same legal force and effect as a handwritten signature.
Headings. Section headings are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of these Terms.
Construction. These Terms shall not be construed against either party as drafter. Attendee acknowledges that they have had the opportunity to seek independent legal counsel prior to agreeing to these Terms.
20. CONTACT
Hawkeye Ranch Services LLC
4148 Southfork Road, Cody, WY 82414
21. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
These Terms & Conditions, together with the separately executed Hawkeye Ranch Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks and Waiver and Release Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between Attendee and the Hawkeye Ranch Entities with respect to the Retreat and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements, whether oral or written. These Terms may not be modified except by a written addendum signed by an authorized representative of Hawkeye Ranch Services LLC.
Black Elk Retreat is presented and operated by Hawkeye Ranch Services LLC, with Retreat activities taking place on property owned by Hawkeye Ranch Holdings LLC.