The following contains information on our policy and procedures. We reserve the right to make changes as necessary. These guidelines are enforced to maintain the safety of our members and hosts and protect the integrity of our work. In conjunction with the Basic Rules and Polices, the following further instruction is implemented for events and investigations: The Lead Team: A) Hand picked by group leadership to act as both a committee and liaison between leadership and members. - Helps plan events and outings - Conducts initial interviews for clients and members prior to attending investigations - Assists leadership with cases at private locations such as residences. - May conduct monthly/weekly meetings as scheduled. B) The Lead team also consists of people who have helped form and build The Meadowvale Spookies and has an established working relationship and trust with leadership Members: A) People of all races, lifestyles, cultures and beliefs are welcomed to The Meadowvale Spookies. - Are guaranteed a safe discrimination free environment. - Are treated with equality and respect regardless of age gender religion or experience in the field. - Are expected to adhere to the rules and policies during group activities and maintain the integrity of our groups reputation while conducting independent investigations or guesting with other groups. - MUST have an emergency contact info card available while on investigations. B) New members: - Will be required to attend a new comers orientation and/or personal interview 1) Personal interview will be conducted prior to attending any investigations with the Lead Team 2) More serious cases may require an additional briefing prior to the scheduled investigation - Must attend three events, interview and initial "sweep" of premises by the Lead Team prior to hosting or networking independent outings while within our group.This is to ensure the personal safety of our members. ** Reference Notes: 1998 Richmond, VA A man in his early 30's joined a large paranormal group and began soliciting the young women of that group to attend "independent"cases where it was just himself and one of the women. Luckily nothing happened, but one of the young women took the preventative measures and told someone. They found out that the man is on the VA sex offender registry as a known pedophile and was charged with sexual assault and battery two years prior.** Conduct and Rules for Investigations: A) Attend at your own risk! - Although we take every imaginable measure, sometimes things happen. 1) Outdoor investigations may have tripping/falling hazards 2) Accessibility laws my be contrary to our research. If everything we read says we may access a premises, the local laws may have changed and be different. Some places may now be "No Trespassing" even if unmarked.We will do our best to research the laws, but again ... come at your own risk. 3) Bring all the equipment you feel you need, but the only person responsible for it is you. - We are not responsible for lost or stolen equipment. - Do not let anyone handle your equipment, if you do it is at your own risk. If a member damages your equipment that is between you and them. - Some entities may cause equipment failure. Please think before bringing your expensive stuff. B) The "Hunt" - Cell phones OFF or put on vibrate - Please keep the chatter limited to the events going on at that time. - Long Hair tied back - Wear what you want, but at residencies or in the presence of children, please be conservative. - Must be 18 or accompanied by an adult if under 18. - Absolutely NO recreational drug use or alcohol consumption prior or during investigations. - Do not summon,hold ritual,or try to channel any entity we come in contact with. We are there to collect evidence only! - No littering! - A Duress word will be designated. Sometimes ghost hunts can be scary and encounters with entities can vary for each individual. If you feel you are getting scared, ill, and want to leave but you don't want to feel "embarrassed" use the duress word. The Lead team will get you out of there without interrupting the investigation for others. What you tell the lead team STAYS with them 1) In the event of a medical/safety emergency, the duress is not needed. We will terminate the investigation and the proper emergency personnel will be contacted. - DO NOT WANDER OFF. Every location will be visited by the Lead Team in daylight hours prior to a scheduled event. If we mark off a parameter it is mostly because of safety. Stay within the parameter! . 1) Larger locations with larger groups, we may break down into individual teams. Do not wander from your team! If you have to leave at a certain time. Tell us. We'll escort you to your vehicle to ensure safety. - No one stays behind alone. If you wish to stay behind at a location, use the buddy system. - WE ARE NOT EXORCISTS! C) Planning: - All events and meetings will be posted on the forums,main page, and our meetup.com listing - The lead team will research and scope out outdoor premises prior to outdoor events - Any member may plan/host investigations and events, just work with the lead team. 1) The lead team will visit the premises prior to the day of the scheduled event. - The exception is special long distance outings where a day time inspection will be done with all those participating. We call these "dry runs" or "sweeps" Equipment: A) Nothing fancy is needed but here is a basic list. No one is required to purchase anything : - A notebook/pad to record events - A flash light - A Camera 1) 35mm disposable is fine 2) Digital Cameras should have but not required to have dual focuses a. If you prefer digital, try to bring a cheaper make and model than any higher cost cameras this is because of the affect some entities have on many pieces of equipment - Spare batteries and spare film. We will be taking many photos. Batteries have also been known to be drained fast when working in spirit occupied places. - If you do not own a camera, please bring a notepad and take notes of what people see, sense, feel etc. There will be many places we will visit more than once if not regularly. You will find that certain times/days/weather conditions than others. Misc: A) Personal Beliefs and customs: Being that the GTA is one of the most culturally diverse regions in North America you will notice that we all have various beliefs that differ. - Please be respectful of other people's cultures even if you don't agree. - If you feel you must do a prayer/ritual prior or after an investigation, feel free. If you do not wish to participate in one, you do not have to. - Do not try to push your religious preference on others! - If you want to bring sage,incense etc to hold a cleansing or psychic shielding ritual feel free - Personal religious items (charms, talismans, holy water etc...) may be brought with you. - The lead team is here to help you. If you need anything, let us know!