Youth Search & Rescue Trust

Website: ysar.org.nz

Tel: 027 448 2216

Youth Search & Rescue is an independent, non-profit organisation which enables teenagers to develop the necessary skills to participate in becoming full active members of Community Volunteer Search and Rescue and Civil Defence Emergency Management.

The programme is delivered by skilled trainers with backgrounds in Emergency Management Search & Rescue, military and medical backgrounds, outdoor education specialists, police officers and firefighters. The 3-year programme covers a range of skills and specialist training including: Emergency Management, Bush craft, Communications, Leave no Trace Principles, Information Technology, First Aid, Water Safety, Weather, Leadership, Helicopter Safety, Search Techniques, Tracking, Rope Rescue Systems, Suburban Search, Geographical Information Systems, 4 Wheel Drive Safety, Environmental Awareness, Navigation, Nutrition, Search Psychology.  

One parent recently described YSAR as a "Pay it Forward Movement". Leaders paying it forward to the students, the students then paying it forward in their communities. 

“We’re aiming to create multi-skilled young people who will be invaluable to their community... It’s highly likely some of our students will go on to save lives but they’re also going to be great human beings.” – Steve Campbell, co-founder and general manager.

Acorn funding is a significant contribution to the YSAR BOP operation. This funding allows Youth Search and Rescue to get young people away from their screens into the outdoors learning how to volunteer and save lives in their community.