Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue members have been trained and certified by AdventureSmart to deliver outdoor education programs suitable to a variety of ages.  These programs are available at no cost to your organization or group, and can provide valuable, even life-saving information for those who enjoy the outdoors.

What is AdventureSmart?

AdventureSmart is a national program dedicated to encouraging Canadians and visitors to Canada to “Get informed and go outdoors”. AdventureSmart combines online and on-site awareness with targeted outreach to try and reduce the number and severity of Search and Rescue Incidents.

Hug-A-Tree and Survive

Hug-a-Tree and Survive is an AdventureSmart program that helps lost children survive in the woods. It teaches children how not to become lost in the woods, and what to do should they become lost.

Hug-A-Tree and Survive is a great program to bring into your family, classroom, guide or scout unit, youth group, or any other community group interested in teaching kids about being safe.

If a child should become lost in the woods, hugging a tree can help them stay safe, and be found. Staying near a tree offers some protection from the elements, and keeps lost children in the same place, which makes it easier for searchers to find them.

Survive Outside

Statistics show that each year across Canada there are approximately 5,000 ground Search and Rescue incidents (with 1600+ of those in BC alone). They involve all types of outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers and skiers to backcountry travellers and boaters.

AdventureSmart encourages you to have fun and play, but always be informed and prepared before you set out. Time spent gaining this extra knowledge and skills can help reverse the SAR incident trend.

Three steps to safety outside …

By following three easy steps, AdventureSmart believes that outdoor recreationalists will significantly improve their chances of survival should they become lost or in distress.

1. Trip Planning. Plan your travel route. Know the terrain and conditions. Check the weather and always fill out a trip plan.  See the AdventureSmart Trip Planning page for details.   There is also a convenient Online Trip Plan available.
2. Training. Obtain the knowledge and skills you need before heading out. Know and stay within your limits.
3. Taking the Essentials. Always carry these essentials, and know how to use them. Add other equipment specific to your chosen activity, season and location.

PaddleSmart

There has been a drastic increase in popularity of recreational paddling. We want to increase the knowledge, skills and abilities of those who want to paddle, and make them better paddlers.

Before setting out on your recreational paddling adventure, make sure you follow the 3 T’s; and

• know the effects of alcohol and drugs—for your safety and the safety of others, you need to be attentive and responsive;
• know the signs of hypo- and hyperthermia as well as how to treat it;
• know how to get help and survive until rescue if an emergency arises.

Snow Safety & Education

Designed for intermediate-aged school children (grades 4-6), SSEP is an interactive multi-media presentation that teaches the essentials of winter outdoor safety and supports the use of proper equipment, knowledge and training to help reduce risks and prevent accidents. The presentation is divided into two parts:

1. PLAYING IT SAFE IN BOUNDS
   Ski hill safety for skiers and snowboarders – for a school trip to a local ski resort, or a weekend with family and friends.
2. OUT OF BOUNDS – WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY?
   Preparedness for mountainous areas outside a designated resort – for those thinking about skiing or riding out-of-bounds from a resort, or for those, including snowmobilers, who do winter wilderness trips to areas other than a resort.