Christine Strub is a longtime volunteer with Squamish Search and Rescue as well as an integral part of the AdventureSmart program and our Prevention Team. We had an opportunity to catch up with Christine and ask her a few questions about her involvement with SSAR.
WHEN DID YOU JOIN SSAR?
I think our GSAR training started in February of 2011.
Why did you join?
My husband and I saw a “Hug A Tree” presentation at the Alice Lake Amphitheatre by Al Modin (a former SSAR member) and his crew. We went home and filled out the SSAR application that same day. Also, my brother has been a “Bergretter” (SAR Technician) back home in Austria for over 25 years, so it runs in the family.
What’s your day job/what do you do other than ssar?
My background is in hospitality & tourism. These days I am a cross country ski and biathlon instructor. In a different capacity, I teach Red Cross courses for youth, facilitate outdoor fitness programs for seniors and work with seniors with neurological deficits. Most recently I’ve taken on a temporary Recreation Program Coordinator position for the District.
What is(ARE) your current role(S) within ssar?
I’m a GSAR member and Prevention Team Coordinator, as well as a part of the Winter Response Team.
What’s the number one thing you’ve learned since you joined?
The learning never stops, but I would say that repetition makes you more confident in what you do.
What’s Your favourite season?
If I lived in Ontario, it would be Fall. For the West Coast I like the lush greens all year long. But I’m also a winter child. As you can see, it is undecided – I like all seasons!
Favourite Outdoor Activity?
I like snowshoeing/running in the winter and trail running in the summer. I blame the running on the Squamish50, I have volunteered for the race since the inaugural one and have run it every year since 2013.
Favourite Trail/feature?
Everything up – haha, that’s not a trail name… How about Credit Line? Be sure to watch for oncoming bike traffic!
what’s your favourite SSAR memory?
I would say currently, a recent moment at a trailhead. My colleague Nicole and I were tackling a statistical approach at this trailhead, collecting data for our research. When Nicole went through the essentials with a couple and asked if they carry an emergency blanket, the man lifted his shirt slightly and said “I will cover my partner with my chest hair”. This makes me laugh whenever I think about it.
what three things do you always bring on an outdoor adventure?
Only three items? Haha, I always have the biggest bag. People have laughed and questioned why I was carrying so much stuff, but I’m usually the one that laughs in the end! Three (well, four) must-haves: water/electrolytes, a whistle, an emergency blanket, and gummy bears.
What’s the number one thing you want people to know about Search and rescue or outdoor preparedness?
SAR members all around the world are ready to respond to your call for help (for outside of Canada: please make yourself familiar with the number to call, local protocols and potential costs involved for a rescue when overseas). Please do your homework before you go, leave a trip plan and pack the essentials but remember that rescues in Canada are free; make the call sooner than later if you think you’ll need help.
About the Prevention Team
The Squamish Search and Rescue Prevention Team was established in 2011 when Christine officially joined the society. Since June of 2011 the prevention team has recorded an astounding 24,613 in-person contacts with members of the public, logging a combined 1,929 hours of volunteer service. As if those numbers aren’t impressive enough, the Prevention Team was primarily made up of only 2 members for 8 of the past 11 years, with a third member joining in 2019!
You can find the prevention team advocating for outdoor safety at various events in and around the Sea to Sky, all the way from Vancouver to Pemberton. They often get invited to give presentations for schools and other groups, and spend hundreds of hours each year conducting informal surveys, education campaigns and outreach events at trailheads throughout Squamish.
In 2018, two Squamish SAR volunteers — Christine Strub and Cheryle Bass — were honoured for giving the most AdventureSmart presentations in the province. Together, they were the first to reach more than 10,000 people each with their prevention talks, as they educate people on how to prepare themselves for the outdoors. Source.
Thank you to Christine and the prevention team for everything you do!