Support The Explorer Program

To be an Explorer, applicants must meet and maintain the following minimum standards:

• Minimum age 14 (by the start of the academy)
• Good community record (Pass a background check)
• Good physical health- (PT test standards will be sent prior to testing)
• Minimum 2.3 GPA (1 failing class)
• Willing to attend and complete the basic SAR training
• Minimum 2-year commitment as an active member

Note: Explorers "age out" of the program following their18th birthday

There are no special skills required to become an Explorer, other than meeting the minimum requirements. New members are accepted all year.

All new members attend the SAR Academy. This training lasts 6 days over 3 weekends and is normally held twice a year. After the academy, our members enjoy training throughout the year during regular meetings on weekday evenings and during some weekends. Training, like Search and Rescue in general, takes place in any weather. This program is a big commitment for any teenager, but the personal rewards are endless.

The SAR Academy and ongoing training features a wide range of exciting training.  From rappelling to helicopter rescue to wilderness survival, members learn skills that will last a lifetime.

Here are a few of the topics that are covered during routine training: 

• Land Navigation (including GPS)
• Man Tracking
• Search Techniques
• Rope Rescue Techniques
• Wilderness Survival
• First Aid and Wilderness Medicine
• Patient Care and Packaging
• Communications
• Helicopter Safety and Rescue
• Incident Command System (ICS)
• Traffic and Crowd Control
• Personal and Professional Ethics
• Self Defense
• Firearms Safety
• Traumatic Incident Stress