Mentors must:

• Be 21 years of age.
• Be able to serve as a positive role model for a child.
• Inform SDYHA of any misdemeanor or felony charge, arrest conviction, pardon, suspended imposition of sentence, including any/all Game, Fish, and Parks violations.
  
• Commit to spending quality learning time with a child as they learn the process of becoming a responsible, safe, and ethical hunter.
  
• Commit to meeting the responsibilities of a mentor, as outlined in the Mentor Handbook and Mentor Match Agreement.
  
• Be free of drug and alcohol abuse or treatment for 3 years.
• Have a valid driver’s license, access to an insured vehicle, and proof of insurance.
  
• Agree to intake process and an interview with a SDYHA staff member.

Mentor intake process consists of:

• Completion of the Mentor and Volunteer Application
  Application
  3 personal hunting/fishing references
  Consent and Understanding
  Talent and Media Release
  Background Check Form
• Proof of valid driver’s license and proof and insurance.
• Consenting and completing a federal background check.
• Complete an interview with an SDYHA staff member.

Please list information for three hunting/fishing references below. These may include parents, relatives, spouses, employers, friends, and/or neighbors that you have known for a minimum of two years.

In addition to the references above, SDYHA requires references from all youth serving organizations at which you have worked or volunteered in the past. Examples: 4H, Club for Boys, YMCA, church groups, sports leagues and teams.

1. The references and youth serving organizations I listed may be contacted by mail, telephone, email, or in-person
2. The information I provided may be used to conduct a background check, to include a search of public domain records, driving records check, juvenile and adult criminal history check, military records, and other records where required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth
3. I am in no way obligated to perform any volunteer services
4. SDYHA is not obligated to match me with a youth and may deny my application or close my match at any time, to protect all participants’ confidentiality, SDYHA is not required to disclose reasons for doing so
   
5. Other youth serving organizations where I have worked or volunteered may be contacted as references
   
6. As part of the intake processes, I will be required to provide additional personal information, including completion of an in-person interview, home interview, and the necessary training
   
7. I understand the information I provide in the intake process will be kept confidential, unless disclosure is required by law and with exceptions noted below
   
8. I understand that incidents of child abuse or neglect, past or present, must be reported to proper authorities
   
9. I understand that certain relevant information about me will be discussed with the parent/guardian of a child who is a prospective match (this may include demographic information, information relevant to parent/child preferences, and any information relevant to a child’s safety or well-being)
   
10. It is my responsibility to update SDYHA if any of the information I provide on this application, in my interview, or any other information provided during the intake process changes (i.e. address, phone number, auto insurance, criminal charges, allegations of misconduct regarding a minor, restraining order, etc.)
    
11. I agree to timely communication and follow-up with all agency staff
12. I agree to commit to and fulfill all my responsibilities as listed in the Mentor Handbook
13. By submitting my information, I agree to provide my Social Security Number (SSN) and other relevant information to SDYHA, and I consent to a background check using this information.

I hereby consent to the use, sale, reproduction, transfer, or conveyance, of any and all photographs, images, likenesses, and voice or video recording of me in all forms (with or without the use of my name by South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures or by any designee of the organization). I hereby consent to the use of all forms of media including advertising, trade, display, editorial, art, exhibition, and organization communications (with or without my photography and/or name). I hereby give this consent and release to South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures, their nominees and designees from liability for any violation of any personal or proprietary right and agree to hold South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures harmless from all liability from the use, sale, reproduction, transfer, or conveyance of the aforementioned items.

I understand that this is an application for a volunteer opportunity and is not a promise or commitment by South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures. I certify that all information I have provided or will provide to South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures, including this application, is true, correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I certify that I have and will answer all questions to the best of my ability and that I have not and will not withhold any information that would affect my application for a volunteer position. I understand that information contained on my application will be verified by South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures. I understand that misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for my immediate rejection as an applicant or my termination as a volunteer. At any time while involved with South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures, I agree to immediately inform my South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures point of contact of any and all infractions, violations, charges, and convictions related to any civil, domestic, or criminal occurrences. I do hereby release the organization and its employees, agents, members, volunteers and all other persons on its behalf from any and all liability for any damage or injury which I may sustain while participating in said program and activities, including but not limited to any liability to any right of action that may occur to myself directly.