What is the Coquitlam Search and Rescue Adventure Skills Challenge?

Test your outdoor skills, win prizes in new Coquitlam Search and Rescue challenge

Coquitlam's Steve Chapman said the goal is not only to educate the public about what Search and Rescue volunteers do and to be prepared for outdoor trips, but also to build awareness about the non-profit society and to fundraise in its milestone year.

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1 / 1 Steve Chapman with Coquitlam Search and Rescue prepares for the inaugural Adventure Skills Challenge. Registration opens April 1, 2022.MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

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If you got lost in the back country, would you know what to do?

As part of its 50th anniversary, Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) is launching a contest to test the public’s skills in the outdoors.

Organized by longtime SAR member Steve Chapman, a Coquitlam resident and the team’s director of community education, the Adventure Skills Challenge takes place over seven weeks starting May 10 — with a task dropped every week for groups of up to four people each.

Chapman told the Tri-City News that groups will be required to complete the weekly assignments to qualify for awards, and a grand prize will be handed out on July 2 to the best team.

Among the exercises will be

navigating with a GPS device
planning for a back country trip
using hiking equipment

The challenges will take place in urban, as well as forested, areas within the city limits, he said.

And, best of all, the competition is open to residents of all ages, as long as there’s an adult in each group.

“All fitness levels are welcome, too. It’s not strenuous,” Chapman said.

“The primary focus is education and learning outdoor skills. It’s more about increasing awareness and being prepare in remote areas.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, Coquitlam SAR has been busy with calls for assistance from stranded hikers in the wilderness.

Last December, SAR president Helena Michelis told Coquitlam city council that the volume in 2021 wasn’t as high as in 2020; however, volunteers still recorded extra activity levels:

incidents: 71 (537 volunteer hours)
exercises: 145 (980 volunteer hours)
events: 67 (3,130 volunteer hours)
total activities: 283 (4,649 volunteer hours)

REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 1

As for the Adventure Skills Challenge, Chapman and other SAR volunteers will be judging the results from the groups over the seven weeks.

To participate, group members will be required to sign a liability waiver at registration, which opens on April 1.

The entry fee is $80 per team.

As well, each team will need a compass; mobile phone; personal hiking gear; and camera (for stills and video).

Chapman said the goal is not only to educate the public about what SAR volunteers do and to be prepared for outdoor trips, but also to build awareness about the non-profit society and to fundraise in its milestone year.

“It’s a perfect way to get ready for the summer season and to recognize our 50th year.”

• Tri-City businesses are encouraged to donate prizes for the inaugural Coquitlam SAR Adventure Skills Challenge. Call 604-248-4716 or email [email protected] to help with the cause. Meanwhile, to contribute to Coquitlam SAR, go to its website and click on the Donate Now button.