BC AdventureSmart has been awarded the 2025 John MacGregor Memorial Award in recognition of its vital role in advancing public safety and prevention across British Columbia. The award acknowledges the program’s long-standing commitment of two decades to outdoor safety education and its province-wide impact in reducing the number and severity of search and rescue (SAR) incidents.
About the John MacGregor Award
The John MacGregor Memorial Award commemorates Lt. Col. John MacGregor (VC, MC and Bar, DCM) — one of Canada’s most decorated soldiers for valour — and honours courage, dedication, and selfless service within the SAR community. Administered by the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA), the award recognizes exceptional actions during an emergency response and outstanding commitment to safety and the reduction of suffering.
About the 2024 Response
In September 2024, a large-scale search was launched in northern British Columbia after a young person went missing in a remote area. The mission quickly became one of the largest coordinated efforts in provincial history, bringing together 19 GSAR groups, hundreds of trained volunteers, and partner agencies. The operation demonstrated remarkable safety, coordination, and professionalism — qualities at the heart of the John MacGregor Award’s purpose.
Although BC AdventureSmart was not directly involved in the northern B.C. search operation that inspired this year’s nomination, the award committee recognized that its prevention and education efforts support all SAR groups in the province. The committee noted that by awarding BC AdventureSmart the $10,000 prize, all 78 Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) groups — including the 19 groups that participated in the nominated operation — would ultimately benefit through improved public awareness and preparedness.
“Prevention is a key part of search and rescue,” said Chris Mushumanski, Past President of BCSARA. “While BC AdventureSmart wasn’t deployed to the task itself, their work helps prevent future searches and supports every SAR volunteer across British Columbia. This award honours the collective spirit of collaboration and community that defines our SAR system.”
About BC AdventureSmart
BC AdventureSmart is dedicated to enhancing awareness among enthusiasts to reduce the impacts on search and rescue while contributing to the safety culture in British Columbia. Programs such as Survive Outside, Snow Safety Education, and Hug a Tree and Survive empower British Columbians to make safe and informed decisions while exploring the outdoors.