Blackpackers — Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, SMS Policy, Tracking, DMCA, and Accessibility Statement
Effective Date: November 24, 2025
Website: https://blackpackers.org/
Organization: Blackpackers (“Company,” “we,” “our,” “us”)
Phone: 719-203-1166
Email: patricia@coblackpackers.com
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 50, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
1. Privacy Policy
1.1. Information We Collect
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Donation details
- Event registrations
- Application forms
- Newsletter sign-ups
- Messages submitted on our website
We also automatically collect technical data using cookies and tracking tools, including:
- IP address
- Browser details
- Device information
- Pages visited
- Time on site
- Referral sources
- Analytics and pixel tracking data
Payment information is processed securely by third-party processors. Blackpackers does not store full credit card numbers.
1.2. Use of Collected Information
We may use your information to:
- Communicate updates and announcements
- Process donations or registrations
- Respond to inquiries
- Send email or SMS notifications (with consent)
- Improve our website and services
- Support organizational operations and fundraising
- Comply with legal obligations
1.3. Sharing & Third Parties
We do not sell or rent your personal data.
We may share data with:
- Trusted service vendors (email platforms, processors, CRM systems)
- Analytics partners (Google Analytics, Meta Pixel)
- Legal authorities if required
All third parties are expected to maintain strong security practices.
1.4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and tracking tools to:
- Improve site functionality
- Analyze website performance
- Track user behavior
- Support marketing
- Personalize content
Users may disable cookies in their browser settings.
1.5. Children’s Privacy (Under Age 13)
Blackpackers does not knowingly collect personal information from children under age 13.
If we become aware that information was collected from a child under 13:
- We will delete the information immediately
- Or obtain verified parental consent
Children under 13 must have parent/guardian permission to use this site.
1.6. Unsubscribe or Opt-Out
You may opt out of:
- Email newsletters
- Marketing communications
- SMS messaging (via STOP reply)
To unsubscribe from email communications, contact: patricia@coblackpackers.com.
1.7. Links to Third-Party Websites
Our website may include links to other websites.
Blackpackers is not responsible for:
- Privacy practices
- Content
- Security
- Policies of third-party sites
We encourage users to review third-party privacy policies.
1.8. Security Measures
We take precautions to safeguard information, including:
- SSL encryption
- Secure hosting
- Limiting internal data access
- Maintaining secure servers
- Online and offline data protections
Despite these measures, no data transmission is guaranteed 100% secure.
1.9. Notice to European Union Users (GDPR Transfer Notice)
Blackpackers operates in the United States.
If you provide information to us:
- Your data will be transferred to and processed in the U.S.
- By providing your information, you consent to this transfer
Your rights under GDPR may include access, correction, deletion, or restriction of your data. Contact us to request these rights.
2. SMS/Text Messaging Policy (Fully Compliant)
2.1. Consent
By opting in, you agree to receive:
- Automated text messages
- Recurring alerts and notifications
- Informational or marketing messages (non-transactional)
Your consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of purchase.
2.2. Message Frequency
Message frequency varies.
We may send additional messages based on your interaction with Blackpackers.
We may change our short code or phone number at any time.
2.3. Message & Data Rates
Standard message and data rates may apply.
Check with your mobile provider for details.
Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
2.4. Cancellation / STOP Instructions
You may cancel SMS messages at any time:
Reply: STOP
You will receive one final text confirming your opt-out.
To rejoin, sign up again through the original method.
2.5. HELP Instructions
For help at any time, reply: HELP
Or email: patricia@coblackpackers.com
2.6. Transfer of Phone Number
If you change or transfer your phone number:
- You agree to reply STOP from the old number
- Or notify us at patricia@coblackpackers.com
This is required to maintain compliance.
2.7. SMS Privacy
Your SMS opt-in data is handled under the same protections listed in our Privacy Policy.
We do not sell phone numbers or share them for third-party marketing.
3. Terms of Use
3.1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing this site, you agree to these Terms.
If you do not agree, stop using the site immediately.
3.2. Permitted Use
You may use the site for lawful, personal, noncommercial purposes.
You may not:
- Use the website to violate any law
- Attempt unauthorized access
- Upload malicious code
- Copy or reuse content without permission
- Disrupt website operations
3.3. Intellectual Property
All content, including text, logos, images, videos, and graphics, is owned by Blackpackers unless otherwise stated.
Reproduction requires written consent.
3.4. No Warranties
The site is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind—express or implied.
3.5. Limitation of Liability
Blackpackers is not liable for:
- Site errors
- Interruptions
- Data loss
- Damages from using the website
- Third-party issues
Use the site at your own risk.
4. Tracking, Pixels & Analytics Disclosure
We use tracking tools including:
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Meta/Facebook Pixel
- Email tracking (open/click data)
They may collect:
- IP address
- Device and browser data
- Interaction behavior
- Session duration
- Referral sources
Users may opt out through their browser or Google/Meta tools.
5. DMCA Notice
If you believe your copyrighted work has been used improperly, submit a DMCA request including:
- Your name and contact info
- Description of the copyrighted work
- Exact URL where the work appears
- Statement of good-faith belief
- Statement under penalty of perjury
- Your signature
Send notices to:
patricia@coblackpackers.com
We will respond in accordance with the DMCA.
6. Accessibility Statement
Blackpackers is committed to an accessible online experience.
We aim to follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
We work to ensure:
- Alt text on images
- Screen-reader compatibility
- Keyboard navigation
- Clear content hierarchy
- Adequate color contrast
If you encounter accessibility barriers, contact us at patricia@coblackpackers.com.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this combined policy at any time.
Changes take effect immediately upon posting.
8. Contact Information
Blackpackers
P.O. Box 50
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-203-1166
Email: patricia@coblackpackers.com
Website: https://blackpackers.org/