What is it, Where is it, How do I learn More???

The Regional Certified program has been working hard to train new candidates for the March exam. We currently have four patrollers who are in the program, four that are studying hard to hone their skills so that they can be successful in the program and two who have expressed an interest. This is way up in comparison to the days when there was no local training available. So, what takes so long to prepare? Some of the things that the candidates are required to do are:

• Learn 8 knots so that you can tie them anytime, even in the dark.
  (this is a prerequisite before you can go onto the Low angle rescue station)
• Set up a 1:3 low angle rescue in less than 20 minutes.
  (We have one candidate that can do it in 12 minutes)

• Establish new limits to your skills
• Be efficient
• Increase safety for you and your students
• Increase participation in MTR Programs
• Share knowledge
• Hang with cool people
• Do cool things

What:

Instructor Development (ID) is a required course for NSP patrollers that have an interest in becoming an Instructor in the NSP organization. A patroller that wants to become an instructor in Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC), Skiing & Toboggan (S&T), Skier Enhancement, Toboggan Instruction, or Mountain Travel and Rescue (MTR) must first take Instructor Development. ID can also be taken as a Senior Elective for those patrollers that are not sure about becoming instructors, but want to learn more about the program and get an elective in the process.

What is a Nordic patroller? We’re the folks at the OEC refreshers with the large packs holding everything from saws and shovels to duct tape, tools, bivy sacks and a First Aid equipment than those little fanny packs. During the season, Nordic patrollers also provide skier safety and equipment services at ski touring centers, state parks, and forests, on organized ski tours, at special events and just about anywhere there’s snow.