Training

Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks holds field and skills training the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00-8:00 p.m. with a social afterward.  Anyone, of any skill level or interest level, is welcome to attend to those designated “Open to Prospective Members.” If attending a field training, please be prepared to be in the elements for up to two hours (hiking boots, layers, backpack, two headlamps, food/hydration, rain gear, etc.). 

Active members of SARNAK are required to attend six trainings each year. Prospective members are required to attend three consecutive training sessions to be considered for membership.

Training Schedule:

All trainings are held in the Lake Placid – Saranac Lake – Tupper Lake area. For more information on specific training locations, contact the Training Officer at sarnakadk@gmail.com.

Prospective Member: Any individual who is interested in membership, but has not submitted an application.

Pending Cohort Applicant: Any individual who has submitted an application during the acceptance period and has completed required certifications.

2023 Schedule

April 5th – Pack Test: Arduous: 3 miles in 45 minutes with 45 pounds; Moderate: 2 miles in 30 minutes with 25 pounds (Mandatory for New Members and Pending Fall Cohort Applicants)

*May 1st – Spring New Member Cohort Application Deadline*

May 3rd – Radios and Communication In SAR (Current Members and Pending Spring Cohort Applicants Only)

May 5th & 6th – Basic Wildlands Search Certification Course (Mandatory for New and Pending Spring Cohort Applicants. Optional for Current Members w/Certification)

June 7th – CalTopo and GPS in SAR (Current Members Only)

July 5th – Litters and Carry-Outs (Current Members Only)

*August 1st – Fall New Member Cohort Application Opens*

August 2nd – Mock Incident (Current Members Only)

September 6th – Field Splinting & First Aid for Walk-Outs (Open to Prospective Members)

*October 1st – Fall New Member Cohort Application Deadline*

October 4th – Pack Test (Arduous: 3 miles in 45 minutes with 45 pounds; Moderate: 2 miles in 30 minutes with 25 pounds) (Mandatory for New Members and Pending Fall Cohort Applicants. Open to Prospective Members)

November 1st – Area Search Refresh & New/Prospective Crew Boss Practice (Open to Prospective Members)

November 4th – Mental Health First Aid (Current Members Only)

December 6th – Knots in SAR (Open to Prospective Members)

2024 Schedule

January 3rd – Winter Shelter-in-Place Skills (Open to Prospective Members)

*February 1st – Fall New Member Cohort Application Opens*

February 7th – TBD (Open to Prospective Members – SIGN IN )

March 6th –  Annual Meeting (Open to Prospective Members)

*April 1st – Spring New Member Cohort Application Deadline*

April 3rd – Pack Test: Arduous: 3 miles in 45 minutes with 45 pounds; Moderate: 2 miles in 30 minutes with 25 pounds. (Mandatory for New Members and Pending Spring Cohort Applicants. Open to Prospective Members)

April/May – Basic Wildlands Search Course Certification (Friday + Saturday, dates TBD, Mandatory for New Members and Pending Spring Cohort Applicants. Optional refresh for Current Members w/Certification. Closed to Prospective Members.)

May 1st – Radios and Communication In SAR (Current Members and Pending Spring Cohort Applicants Only)

Training Links: