Cam Stuart is currently serving on the Squamish Search and Rescue Board of Directors as the Vice-President. In addition to his role on the Board, he is an active GSAR volunteer who also serves on the Winter Response, and Rope teams. As if Cam didn’t have enough on his plate, he has also taken the lead on this Fall’s MIT (member in-training) Recruitment, generously giving countless extra hours of his time to ensure a smooth and effective process for the team and all the applicants alike.
WHEN DID YOU JOIN SSAR?
2021.
What’s your day job/what do you do other than ssar?
I’m a Design Engineer at Arc’teryx.
What is(ARE) your current role(S) within ssar? Have you had a different role previously?
I’m a GSAR (Ground Search and Rescue), Winter Response Team, and Rope Rescue Team volunteer, as well as serving on the Board of Directors as Vice-President.
Why did you join?
To get more involved in the community I spend so much time recreating in, and to volunteer alongside the great folks involved in Search and Rescue.
What’s the number one thing you’ve learned since you joined?
It is astonishing how much volunteer time and energy the team puts into making sure we are ready for every task. Building and equipment upkeep, training, fundraising, community engagement, prevention, organizational admin; the list goes on.
What’s Your favourite season?
Spring! With the snow still great up high, the trails prime in the woods and the rock dry, there is no shortage of things to do outside.
Favourite Outdoor Activity?
Skiing is definitely at the top of the list but we are so spoiled with ways to spend time outside in the Sea to Sky that I never get bored.
Favourite Trail/feature?
The Tantalus Range is a favourite for skiing/mountaineering. It’s a toss up between Pleasure Trail and Hot Tuna for favourite bike trail. Climbing in the sun on the Apron is hard to beat.
what’s your favourite SSAR memory?
The appreciation from the folks we get to help is a tough one to beat. We have had people write notes to us after their incident to share how they are doing and thank us. It is a pretty awesome feeling knowing you were able to help someone out of a tough situation and make a difference in their life.
what three things do you always bring on an outdoor adventure?
Headlamp. Communication device (InReach and/or phone). As many delicious calories as I can fit!
What’s the number one thing you want people to know about Search and rescue or outdoor preparedness?
There is no shame in needing help if you get into a bad situation. With so many people recreating in the Sea to Sky Corridor accidents are bound to happen. The sooner you call for help, the better the outcome.
Our thanks to Cam for his dedication to Squamish Search and Rescue!