Training Weekends

Our training program is designed to create field-ready ground searchers over the course of four months (one weekend per month). Most training weekends begin at 8:00AM Saturday, end on 4:00PM Sunday, and will require overnight camping. Training weekends are only for candidates and members of CALSAR. Pets and guests, including family and friends, cannot attend.

Candidates will be trained in general backcountry skills, navigation, search methods, rescue procedures, shelter-building, knots, rappelling, wilderness first aid, and more. In order to graduate and become a full member, you must complete all coursework, certifications, and training weekends. There are no make up weekends!

Below are more details on each of our upcoming training weekends for our 2026 academy.

SAR 1: Jan 24-25

An introduction to search & rescue processes and procedures as followed in California and the actions expected of you as a search & rescue "ground pounder" during a SAR operation. Skills emphasized include radio usage, shelter building, search techniques, and litter packing.

Navigation: Mar 21-22

Learn how to use a map and compass, select routes, describe locations in the backcountry, and use CALTOPO to navigate precisely on searches. Skills emphasized include terrain interpretation, following compass bearings, and CALTOPO map elements.

Wilderness First Aid (WFA): Feb 21-22

Teaches the basics of care and treatment of injured individuals in a wilderness context, specific to what we do in search and rescue. Upon completion, students earn a Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification. We require all candidates take the course to train with your cohort class and refresh on wilderness and search and rescue techniques, even if you have a higher medical certification.

SAR 2: Apr 18-19

A multi-part academy conclusion that puts everything to use in the field! New skills involve basic technical rope skills via knots, harnesses, and low angle rappelling. The weekend will wrap with a unit-wide mock SAR reviewing ICS basics, briefings + debriefings, lost person profiles, and field safety.

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