True North Treks


BACKGROUND HISTORY FOR THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Who Should Complete this Form?
This form should be completed by a medical professional who can attest to the applicant’s medical history and specifically their cancer care/treatment history. This should NOT be completed by the applicant.
What is Your Role in Completing this Form?
True North Treks is NOT requesting medical clearance from you, so please do not communicate this to the applicant as it can cause confusion. Medical clearance and ultimate approval for our treks is provided by TNT’s Medical Director upon review of the provided information. If we have any question on the applicant’s capacity to successfully complete the course, we well call him or her to discuss it, and if needed, contact you for additional clarification.
What is True North Treks?
True North Treks (TNT) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that since 2008 has supported adolescents, young adults, and caregivers through free backpacking, canoeing, and nature retreat-style experiences in backcountry wilderness destinations or at a nature-based retreat center in Upper Michigan. Treks usually last from 4 to 6 nights in duration and are led by professional guides who are trained as wilderness first responders, have established contacts with local medical personnel, and utilize satellite communication devices for safety and medical evacuation purposes.
TNT is NOT a correctional, therapeutic, behavioral or rehabilitation program and is not a place to quit smoking, drinking or drugs or to work through severe behavioral or psychological problems. We ask that participants refrain from tobacco use, substance use, or unsafe behaviors or they will risk expulsion from the trek at their own expense. Prior physical conditioning and an enthusiastic mental attitude are prerequisites. Each participant is expected to take good care of him or herself.
What are Potential Risks and Demands on a Trek?
TNT courses are usually offered during summer, fall, and winter months (winter at our retreat center); however, participants could still be faced with challenging weather conditions including storms, high winds, varying temperatures, intense sunlight and insects. Physical demands on the applicant may include carrying a backpack weighing upwards of 40 pounds over uneven terrain, ascending and descending steep surfaces, and/or canoeing in rivers with strong currents. Elevations for some courses range from sea level to 10,000 feet. On backcountry treks, participants sleep outdoors in tents and protected shelters and will spend most days hiking, backpacking and/or canoeing. They set up their own camp and prepare their own meals. Because some TNT participants may be immuno-compromised, appropriate water purification methods (e.g., boiling, filters) are used to prevent cryptosporidium.
The current medical status and health history of our applicants can add to the potential for adverse health reactions. Because TNT operates in remote areas, evacuation to modern medical facilities could potentially be delayed depending on the circumstances. Because participant safety is our first priority, everything will be done to assure the safety, health and well-being of TNT participants.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COMPLETE THIS FORM ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT SO THEY MAY EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE AND POWERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH NATURE, CONNECT WITH PEERS, AND CONNECT WITH THEMSELVES!

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