YSAR Charter

Objectives
To recruit and prepare young people to become full active members of the Tauranga SAR Group.

Goals
To graduate at least 6 members per year to SAR qualified status.

Mission Statement
To impart a love, respect and understanding for the New Zealand wilderness to young people through a SAR specific training program while preparing them to save the lives of lost and injured persons.

Graduation Standards and Benefits
Upon graduation each member will be able to operate effectively for up to 48 hours in the field, whether in a group or alone, while applying current search theory and practice in a safe manner.
Each graduated member will receive the following benefits upon acceptance as a member of the Tauranga SAR Group:
· The issue of a pager and vest
· Eligibility to attend callouts on 24/7 basis
· The right to attend all TSG training events
· The assignment of a mentor from the TSG membership
· Life skills knowledge relating to the New Zealand wilderness and coastal areas, navigation methodology and search and rescue techniques

The Requirements
Tauranga YSAR members will be:
· In the 14 – 18 year age range as of 1st February
· Able to participate in an intensive 4-6 month induction program of indoor and outdoor skills commencing in February each year
· Able to commit to the on-going training program for the remainder of the year
· Willing to present for assessments to achieve the milestones required for graduation
· Willing to uphold the Tauranga YSAR Group code of conduct
· Able to maintain the standard of fitness required to meet the graduation requirements

The Tauranga YSAR graduates will all achieve a standard above the normal entry requirements of the Tauranga SAR Group.

Time Commitment
The 4-6 month training program will consist of:
· Weekly training sessions of 2 – 3 hours
· Weekend activities including training camps and tramps – up to 2 per month

Costs
There is no joining or membership fee however each member will be expected to provide for each outdoor training event:
· Clothing and equipment as specified
· Food and a contribution to travel costs
The clothing and equipment must meet the minimum standards stipulated by the leaders to ensure the safety of each participant during the event.

Members or parents may need to provide assistance with transport to/from some weekend events.

Management Structure and Adult Members
Although the Tauranga YSAR Group (TYG) is a sub-group of the Tauranga SAR Group (TSG) it is important that the YSAR program will have minimal impact on the existing program of the TSG.
The TSG will provide to TYG:
· Trainers and subject matter expertise as required
· Management guidance and support via the TSG committee
· Equipment as required although it is preferred that TYG becomes self-sufficient
TYG is expected to manage its own affairs in terms of:
· Keeping financial and training records
· Applying for grants
· Acquiring and maintaining equipment
· Developing and implementing the program and assessment regimes
· Coordinating logistics associated with all training events

Adults are required for these roles and expressions of interest are welcomed.

Code of Conduct
Each member will agree to abide by the code of conduct of the YSAR Group.
The management committee reserves the right to suspend or terminate the membership of any person who violates one or more elements of the code. The Code of Conduct has clauses related to the following:
· Use of radios and SAR equipment
· Behaviour of a violent or sexual nature
· Behaviour which could discredit TYG or TSG or attract adverse publicity for either
· Use of drugs and alcohol
· Leave No Trace policy

Key Assessment Milestones
Each member is required to present at regular intervals or appointed date and times for assessments. The key milestones on the path to graduation are:
1 The written test at the completion of the 6 month training program
2 The Basic Bush Survival, Safety, Navigation and Bushcraft assessments
3 Outdoor First Aid – for second year members
4 Bush Solo 1 and 2
5 Bush Solo Navigation 1 and 2
6 Outdoor Activity Management 1


The Induction Training Program
The 6 month Induction Training Program will include the following elements:
General Skills
· Code of Conduct, structure, Leave no Trace etc (1 week)
· Bushcraft – includes Survival and Risk Management (4 weeks)
· SAR radios (2 weeks)
· Bush navigation (map, compass and GPS) (5 weeks)
· River crossing and river safety (1 week)
· First Aid (1 week)
· Weather (1 week or a w/e course)
SAR Specific Skills
· Helicopter safety (1 week)
· The SAR System, roles and structure (1 week)
· Tracking (1 month or a w/e course)
· Search methods (1 week or a w/e course)
· Clue management (1 week)
· Rescue methods (1 week)

The Recruiting Program
Unless there are special circumstances members can only join the TYG in February each year. As of 1st February that year new members must be in the age range 14 – 18 years.
The program for recruiting may follow this pattern:
· December each year
· Try to get publicity in the Tauranga Press
· Send a letter to the Principal of each Secondary School in Tauranga advising them of the intended program
· The first week of the school term
· Place posters on school notice-boards
· Conduct a lunchtime presentation to sell the concept to students
· The second week of the school term
· Conduct a public meeting for parents and students
· Distribute application forms
· Interview student and parents
· Third week of term
· Commence the weekly training sessions and training camps/tramps

This document is a work in progress. In its final form the contents should be split over several documents however at this stage it provides a conduit for thoughts and ideas as they develop.

In order to progress the development of YSAR we need to keep working on these documents.

YSAR Training

Where will the training take place?
The weekly training sessions will be on Wednesday nights (starting at 7.00pm). The weekend camps will be held in nearby bush areas. (Pirongia and the Kaimai ranges for the Hamilton Group) Later in the year there will be trips to places further away and a week long trip over the Xmas/New Year period.

What happens if I miss a training session or camp?
Every one of the training sessions and camps are critical however we do understand that due to other commitments you may occasionally miss one. Absence from two or more consecutive training events without prior committee approval will result in the review of your membership status.

Will I get rides in helicopters?
During the initial training there are theory sessions on helicopter safety. After you graduate you may have the opportunity to ride in helicopters.

Can I get qualifications through belonging to YSAR?
Yes. All the courses provided by SARINZ contribute to Certificate and or Diploma qualifications. You do have to be 16 or over to receive the credits for the courses.

What is the Tracking Training about?
The tracking training course, called Track and Clue Awareness (TCA) teaches you how to track people through the bush. This is core training for all search and rescue members and the most enjoyed of all the courses provided by SARINZ. This course is usually run specifically for YSAR members during in July/August.

How to join YSAR

Is there an interview when we apply?
Yes there is. We want to ensure that you and your parent/guardian are absolutely clear about the commitment you are making. Consequently we will only accept you if we think you will have a reasonable chance of meeting the graduation criteria.

Is there an on-line registration system?
Yes, at the YSAR New Zealand website
The first time you use the On-line Application form you should add your email address and a password (plus any other details you can). Then click Add at the bottom of the page. To make further changes or to review your details you Logon using your email address and password. When you make further changes click Submit at the bottom of the page. You can print a copy of your registration details to send in with the signatures. If you have already sent in your form we will add your details to the site and notify you of your password. Problems with the use of this form can be resolved by email or a phone call to us. The most common error when you submit a page is with the dates. They must be exactly in the format dd/mm/yyyy to avoid an error.

Will I miss out if my application form is not completed correctly?
No. We know that many people are struggling with some parts of the form - especially the question "In your own words describe why you would like to join the YSAR Group with the reasons that your application should have serious consideration". Provided your application is one of the first 30 received you WILL get an interview so don't worry too much about the question - it is intended to give us some idea of what your thinking is. We will most likely ask you the same question during the interview so the question is included to encourage you to think about it.

Does an On-line Application entry count?
Yes this will count as one of the first 30 - provided we have received a hard copy with the signatures.

Can I join part way through the year?
No. It is intended that new members will only be accepted at the start of the year. However contact us if you think you are a special case.

Is there a waiting list?
No. We will only accept 30 applications. From these we will select the 20 people who are the most suitable. Therefore it is important that you get your application in to us as soon as you can - it is the first 30 application forms received that count.

Are there any medical conditions that would preclude me from joining YSAR?
Each case is dealt with on its own merits. When you apply to join YSAR, we will ask you to disclose any medical conditions that you have, and any medication that you are taking. Please be honest because we ask these questions for your safety, and for the safety of those around you. Examples of acceptable medical conditions among YSAR members may include asthma, allergies, and impaired vision. You can also ask your Doctor if you are unsure as to your suitability.

Do I have to have tramping experience to become a member?
No, but it will help us to be confident that you know what you are getting into.

How fit do I need to be?
You will need to be fit – not to the extent that you can run a marathon but fit enough to carry a pack to the top of Pirongia without being killed by the experience.

What does it cost to be a member of YSAR?
It will cost around $140 per member.This covers the Joining Fee and the Equipment Levy. There will be regular costs for travel and food for the camps.
The real cost will be for the gear you will need, however you can borrow or hire some of the more expensive items. If you are considering the purchase of new gear then talk to us first. Remember you are entitled to discounts as a YSAR member.

Why the joining fee and equipment levy?
Some of the equipment provided is very expensive. For example the replacement value of a radio is $1000 and for a GPS $800. The levy helps us to maintain and replace this gear. The joining fee includes the cost of a starter kit with some important items of equipment.

About YSAR

Why only 20 members?
The YSAR intake each year is restricted to 20 to ensure all members get the assistance they need to have a reasonable chance of graduating.

What happens if I have to drop out?
We expect that some people will drop out during the year. That is fine by us as we understand that people's priorities change. We sincerely hope that the training gained during your time with us will have been fun and that the training was of value to you. We especially hope that you will have learned to enjoy being in the bush.

At the end of the initial training, during June, there is a written test. Will I have to leave YSAR if I fail it?
Yes. However you can apply to sit the test again within two weeks and/or you can apply to join again next year.

Are the Police involved in YSAR?
Yes. The local Police SAR Squads are very supportive of the YSAR Groups and will assist with some of the training.

Will my YSAR membership help me to get a job when I leave school?
We believe so. Your YSAR graduation will prove that you can make a serious commitment and stick with it. This should help you when you apply for a job.

Will I be allowed out of school to help on a search?
When you graduate we will help you to negotiate with your school principle for permission to leave school whenever there is a SAR callout. Of course this will include helping to get permission for you to carry your pager at all times (except during physical education) while at school.

Will I be able to use my own car for YSAR activities?
Yes, however you will not be permitted to take other YSAR members as passengers when travelling to/from YSAR camps.

Is YSAR just for guys?
No. We know from our experience that girls can be as good as and often better than the guys at all aspects of Search and Rescue. Each application for membership of YSAR is considered the same regardless of the gender of the applicant.

What is the connection of YSAR with the local SAR Group?
The YSAR committee will have at least one representative from the local SAR Group and vice versa. Both organisations have busy training schedules so as much as possible the management and fundraising processes will be kept separate.

Is there a national body for SAR?
Yes. YSAR and local SAR Groups are all affiliated to the national body called NZ Land SAR.

Is there a uniform?
Yes. We issue a high vis vest to each member to wear during camps - for safety reasons. We also have a casual shirt available for purchase by members.

Do I get automatic membership of the local SAR Group when I graduate?
No. The local SAR Group committee has the final say on membership, however we expect all YSAR graduates to be accepted as our standard for graduation is so high.

Day Walk Gear Check List

Day Pack
Notebook and pencil
Head torch, spare batteries
Survival Bag/Blanket
Compass
Whistle
Food
Plastic water bottle or camel
Parka – waterproof and windproof
Polar fleece top
Polypro top
Long john polypro
Beanie or balaclava
Personal first aid kit

Optional Items
Waterproof matches or lighter
Cooker, Billy
Fly sheet
Gloves or mittens
Plastic bag to keep clothes dry
Toilet paper
Sunhat, sunblock (Summer)