YCSRT's wilderness/hiking safety outreach underway

Special to the Courier

The wonderful volunteers from the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team, whose membership has been instrumental in the success of so many rescue operations, have embarked on a community outreach campaign. 

The focus of this educational program involves wilderness safety and the critical components necessary to survive if lost or stranded. Much of the target audience will be youth throughout Yavapai County as part of the "Hug a tree... and Survive" program which is a nationally recognized wilderness safety course. 

YCSRT members recently received a "train the trainer" course at Yavapai College, which involved 20 volunteers from YCSRT's Search Dog, Quad and Back Country Units. These volunteers have generously offered their time to present this program at various venues throughout Yavapai County. 

The first classroom event will be at the Chino Valley Library on Thursday, April 23, for third-and fourth-grade students from a local charter school. In early May, the trainers will teach 50 special education students in the Humboldt Unified School District. 

The team will also host the course in several libraries throughout Yavapai County, including Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Prescott and Cottonwood. The program will also be taught at the Heritage Zoo Sanctuary in Prescott as part of its upcoming "Zoo Camp" this summer.

YCSRT has also created a pamphlet titled "Wilderness Safety and Life Saving Tips." This important information should be shared with everyone who plans on an outdoor excursion. The contents serve as a reminder of how to stay safe and also provide tips on what to do if lost, injured or stranded. 

If anyone as a question regarding these programs or would like to find out about YCSRT and its volunteer opportunities, please call 928-554-6264 (leave a message) or email contactus@ycsrt.org. The team's website is www.ycsrt.org. 

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov.