Thanks for checking this section out!  Chances are that you, or your child, are wanting to be involved with Polestar-Outdoors.  That is AWESOME!  We've included some information about how to get involved and answers to some other questions that you may have.  Please browse around, and if you have a question, click here to contact us.  

 

Click here to find the forms to get started on becoming an official Polestar-Outdoors student!

 

How are Youth selected?  What qualifications must they demonstrate before participating? 

• Our program is primarily designed to accommodate youth who have no other avenue to enter the outdoor recreation world, however, we do not limit this!  Basically, any youth who wants to enter the program is allowed (provided we have enough mentors). The youth applies by filling out a Youth Application form, and a liability release form which must be signed by a parent or guardian, Depending upon the activity desired, there may be other forms/requirements needed.  Don't worry, we will help finding out what they are/getting those done!  (We can provide help with finding, attending, etc, the required Hunter Safety Course).  If a youth wants to hunt they must agree to go shooting with the mentor 2-3 times before going into the field. This is required to demonstrate they are competent and safe with a weapon. 

How many years can a kid be in the program?  

• We have no set limit, but generally pick up a kid at 11 years of age and they are welcome to stay in the program until 18.  We hope that youth who have been in the program 2-4 years can become apprentice mentors and work closely with their own mentor to help with the younger youth.  In the State of New York, students must by 14 years of age to hunt Big Game animals (Bear, Deer).  

How long is the commitment on the part of the youth and/or mentor? 

• Each mentor knows that the commitment to the program is for 1 year, but if everything goes well they usually like to stay with the kid for 2-3 years.  The youth commitment is for one season (may be 3-6 months) but they know that if they want to stay in the program they can.  We want the program to be an easy in-easy out situation for the youth as we are trying to introduce youth to outdoor activities and the enjoyment of hunting and fishing. However,  if somebody discovers that they aren't  interested we want them to be able to exit easily without any stigma.

Can youth be removed from the program?  Who decides?  

• YES,  we reserve the right to remove a youth 'for any reason'. We must maintain absolute safety and if somebody will not follow safety procedures as outlined by the mentor, that youth will be removed.  (Ex.=failure to use life vest, when required---unsafe gun handling, etc.)  The decision is made by the Program Director with the input of the mentor.

• It is also possible for a mentor to be removed from the program.......'without cause'.  Again, we must make sure that the youth entrusted to us are 'managed' in a totally safe and professional way.  Each mentor knows that they are serving at the will of the directors.  Having said all this, let us quickly add---we are very careful in the original selection process and we have never had to remove either a youth or a mentor.