CERTIFIED PROGRAM: 2010-2011 Report
Submitted by: John Kane, ME Region Certified Program Chair

This Certified Program report comes to you “Full Circle”.  Since my last report we have performed 2 summer camps one in July of 2010 and the most recent in August of 2011.  Both had different focuses and preparation determined by the needs of the candidates.  Even the event names have changed year-to-year.  The 1st annual event was called Certified Summer Fun in the Sun. The 2nd annual was dubbed Summer Cert Fest and the most recent event, our 3rd annual named Certified Boot Camp.  I think this name will stick for some years to come because we are doing a lot of work in a short period of time.  Last year our Certified Boot Camp was highlighted in the National Ski Patrol Magazine.

Please see the following activities performed:

• We “Z” dragged ATV’s up steep embankments
• We performed Chair Lift Evacuations from 40 feet in the trees
• Deep leaves and underbrush beacon searches
• OEC – Certified Level – Scenarios
• Skiing, (slalom for free ski and moguls on flat moguled terrain
• Interviews
• Avalanche Training - yes, in the dead of summer!

We had patrollers represented from all over the Eastern Division.  In fact, every state in our Division was represented except for Rhode Island. See the Eastern Division NSP website, click on Events and see the pictures.  Hopefully we can entice those sailors from Newport up our way next year!  On behalf of the candidates, I would like to thank all of those examiners that come from all over the division, year after year, to lend their help, experience and knowledge to enrich others.  Moreover, the environment lends itself for the candidate and examiner to personally interact (1-to-1) in a comfortable and FUN environment which helps to learn more about each others skill sets.

Next year’s Certified Boot Camp is scheduled for August 4 & 5, 2012.  Call JK to let me know you're coming.

It was another successful year in getting around the state to bring the program to our members

The Certified Group has only 3-4 Intro-to-Certified events scheduled in the Eastern Division and one of them happens every year at Sunday River (1/19/12).  A Pre-Course is also available for those interested in entering into the program.  Last year, David Lemieux from Sunday River successfully passed his pre-course and participated in the test at Gore Mtn, NY.

The Gore exam was more predictable than recent years.  There was lots of snow, but firm surfaces on top with breakable crust in other places.  Gore’s terrain was outstanding for the exam which meant that it offered the kind of challenge one would expect.  Maine had the following candidates enrolled this year:

• Wayne Arsenault, Saddleback – Completed 6 of 10 components – 1 Year left - *had to take a bye into the 2012 season due to an injury.
• Mami Iwamoto, Sunday River – was not successful in the 3 years allotted, but is determined to stay with the program to see it through. 
• Scott Krall, Sunday River – Completed 6 of 10 components – 1 year left
• Dave Lemieux, Sunday River – First year.

As usual, a great effort by all of our Maine candidates.  It is great to see the effort, the prep work and determination these patrollers are committing to.  You would be proud to know that they represent the very best of the best patrollers we have in Maine.  I’m sure that they would love some more company, by either having candidate associates or good folks cheering them along.
So, please make plans to come to Jay Peak for the exam next year.  While the exam is hard during the day, these guys and gals know how to party at night. 

We continue to visit the Maine Region resorts throughout the season tagging some training along with other programs like S&T and OEC Clinics.  I have been approached by many members with a lot of interest in the Certified program.  We are starting to see increased participation by continually forwarding opportunities of “can do” environments and to demystifying the Certified Program.  So continue to talk up the program and participate at our “Intro to Certified” held every year at Sunday River in January and the Certified Boot Camp in the summer.  Please see schedule of dates to be posted in the fall on the website: www.maineregionnsp.org.
 
The schedule next year is as follows:

Pre-Course & Intro to Certified
Sunday River – January 19, 2012

Certified Exam
Jay Peak – March 23 – 25, 2012

If you are interested in finding out more about the Certified program, please call or write me anytime.

Thanks again for your time, effort and support of this great program.