Young people from across Tauranga are being encouraged to apply for a 'life-changing” youth search and rescue course.

The three-year course, aimed specifically at Western Bay of Plenty students, is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and aims to teach youngsters how to effectively find lost or injured people.

Former Otumoetai College student Peter Thompson. Photos: Supplied.

Throughout the course students learn to take care of themselves in difficult outdoor environments and eventually aid police and skilled volunteers with official searches.

Along the way, participants also collect qualifications, including a national certificate in emergency management.

YSAR founder Steve Campbell says only 24 new trainees are accepted each year to take part in a weekly lesson and monthly camps.

Applications are now open for next year's intake.

'We're aiming to create multi-skilled young people who will be invaluable to their community,” explains Steve. 'It's highly likely some of these students will save lives.

'But it's also life-changing for the participants. We take a real cross section of kids and what they all have in common is huge potential.”

The programme started in 2008 in response to an aging search and rescue volunteer base, and has surpassed all expectations and attracted interest from groups from throughout New Zealand.

'A lot of people would love to replicate what we do,” adds Steve.

He credits much of the programme's success to the leadership and knowledge of trainers, who include people with military and medical backgrounds, outdoor education specialists, police officers and firefighters.

Former Otumoetai College student Peter Thompson says the course increased his self-confidence, as well as leadership and public speaking skills.

'It taught me to take responsibility for the actions I make,” Peter says.

Former Aquinas College head girl Kathryn Dyer says YSAR gave her a high level of competence in outdoor pursuits and solid friendships.

'But it also gave me confidence in myself to step outside of my comfort zone in pursuit of my goals,” she says, 'all whilst giving back to the community through helping the lost and injured.”

For more information and application forms, go to: www.ysartauranga.co.nz

Former Aquinas College head girl Kathryn Dyer.