- In an emergency call 911
Creston Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) members are 100% volunteer professionals, dedicated to serving their community and aiding those in distress.
Training regularly to be able to respond 24/7 when needed, our members fill a variety of roles from Ground Search to support and auxiliary roles like radio operators, drivers, food and facility staff and command staff.
All training is provided, and there are opportunities for anyone willing to put in effort and function as part of a positive-focused team. There truly is no feeling like when you are part of bringing the lost person home.
Being a part of the CVSAR team is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as team members have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Joining is a great way to build on existing skills, develop new skills and gain valuable experience in areas such as wilderness survival, navigation, and first aid.
Search & Rescue is a challenging and rewarding experience that allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on their community.
Creston Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) is a 100% volunteer organisation committed to aiding those in distress. Whether you’re an avid hiker, looking to stay skilled and in shape, or are an expert on firsthand survival wisdom, Creston Valley Search and Rescue relies on a variety of skills at all times and welcomes your involvement.
Creston Valley Search & Rescue is always open to new members. We begin training new groups once or twice a year.
Ground search and rescue is a complex undertaking that requires many levels of support. As such, we offer a wide range of positions accommodating various levels of experience, age and physical ability. The following are only some of the volunteering opportunities available:
Supporting Creston Valley Search & Rescue takes a wide variety of skills that may be undertaken by GSAR or non-GSAR members, such as:
To be considered for Auxiliary membership, applicants must demonstrate strong initiative, have relevant specialty skills and prior volunteer experience. Note that acceptance as an Auxiliary does not guarantee future acceptance into the GSAR program. While we are not accepting applications at this time, you may direct your enquiries to recruitment@crestonvalleysar.ca.
Please include a clear description of your area of interest or skills. as well as any prior volunteer experience.
Making a difference
Being a part of the Creston Valley Search and Rescue team allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on their community by helping to save the lives of those who are lost or in danger.
Personal growth and development
Being a part of the Search and Rescue team can be a great way to develop new skills and gain valuable experience in areas such as wilderness survival, navigation, and first aid.
accomplishment & Responsibility
Search and Rescue is a community driven initiative. Being a member can provide a sense of responsibility and accountability to the community as well as being a valuable member of the team and in the community.
Professional development
Many Search and Rescue teams offer opportunities for members to gain professional qualifications, such as wilderness first aid, and can be an opportunity for members to develop a career in emergency services.
Learning new skills
Search and Rescue teams often provide regular training sessions, which can be an opportunity for members to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies.
Helping others
The main purpose of Search and Rescue teams is to help people in need, and being part of the team gives members the opportunity to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of those they help.
Overall, being a part of a search and rescue team in Creston, British Columbia, Canada can be a challenging and rewarding experience that allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on their community.
While many of our members bring a suite of outdoor and other relevant skills, these are not necessary to be accepted. CVSAR strongly values members with leadership, dedication and strong interpersonal skills who are readily available to support search and rescue as well as day-to-day association activities.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia’s (JIBC) Ground Search and Rescue training program is the foundation of becoming a GSAR member and is delivered locally by CVSAR. This provides students with the necessary practical experience in emergency response, search methodologies, navigation, survival and related skills. The training and testing culminates in a final 24 hour skills and survival test. Once a volunteer is certified in GSAR, further training may be available in advanced skills such as Rope or Swiftwater rescue, tracking, or first aid, to name a few. Eligibility for participation in advanced training may have additional pre-requisites.
CVSAR continuously monitors its capacity to meet the demands for search and rescue services and carries out recruitment activities as needed. Our recruitment is always open to those interested.
No, CVSAR is an entirely volunteer organisation, there are days when you may be working, spending family time or just might not be in the head-space
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Learn new skills, be a part of a team and provide a vital service to the community.
We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of this land throughout Canada and honour their Elders past and present.
We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways, and neighbouring Bands since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations Peoples’ artistic and cultural expression, their being and history.
We recognise we are guests located within the Ktunaxa Territory, home of the Yaqan Nukiy Band who are the unceded and unsurrendered Traditional Owners on which the land we are privileged to gather, live, learn and work on. We pay our respect to both past and present, and to our shared future.
