The Orion's Challenge
May 17-19, 2024
Stambaugh Scout Camp
Canfield, OH
The Orion's Challenge is a 2 and 1/2 day SAR scavenger hunt that is organized to simulate a search call out. The objective of this event is to give the experience of a search and all its stressors, in a controlled environment. It's intended for individuals to gain experience with others in their field of work, and learn how to solve a puzzle with other team members that might be unfamiliar.
There will be 3 teams of 4-5 handlers and their K9's. Each team will have an instructor and will be given a scenario to collect clues, report findings and hopefully solve the scenario. Each team will be given a designated area to search simultaneously with the other 2 teams. The teams will need to organize with the search manager (at the mobile command post) and come up with their search strategies to solve their case. It will be a timed scenario and will mimic a real search, meaning you will need to adjust and adapt to changes throughout your search scenario.
Each team will receive points throughout the weekend and there will be a prize for the top team! Points will be awarded for time needed to complete scenario, clues found, radio skills, and debriefing ability, There will be other group skill challenges set up throughout the event to earn additional points for each team. Examples of some of the extra group skills challenges would be reward delivery, GPS mapping ability, K9 obstacle course, and many more!
We will be utilizing 100 acres of private property that has a lot of unique attractions and real-life training scenarios. The various training props and scenarios provide opportunities for a creative and challenging search. There is a pond and a creek that will also be utilized in your search sectors.
There will be PRIZES too!
There will be prizes awarded to the top team, each individual on the winning team will receive their own prize package. Just solving the scenario doesn't win the prize. It will be a TEAM effort, working together is the main objective, that is how you win the title of 2024 Orion's Challenge winner!
Each participant will receive a patch to commemorate the 2024 Orion's Challenge and the winning team will be showcased on the 2025 Orion's Challenge patch.
This seminar is designed for all levels of search teams (live and HRD) with or without a K9.
This seminar is not set up to be an instructional event, but your team designated instructor will be able to help troubleshoot any training issues that may come up during your team searches. This event is meant for SAR handlers to learn how to use the tools and information they are provided with to construct a search team and delegate the correct tools and/or skills needed to perform the tasks set before them.
Emphasis will be on the Following:
Instructors:
Bill Dotson
Alex Tkacenko | Central Jersey K-9 Search and Rescue
Chelsea Gill | Midwest Search Dogs, Inc.
Details:
When: May 17-19, 2024
(Event Hours: Seminar daily schedule will vary but generally run from 9:00am-4:30pm each day. It will conclude at 1:00pm on Sunday.). Meals will be provided on site Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Stambaugh Scout Camp | Canfield, OH
Cost: $450 per handler (with or without a K9)
This event will include lodging in a dorm-style cabin and all meals starting Friday breakfast and concluding with lunch on Sunday.
There will be 3 teams of 4-5 handlers and their K9's. Each team will have an instructor and will be given a scenario to collect clues, report findings and hopefully solve the scenario. Each team will be given a designated area to search simultaneously with the other 2 teams. The teams will need to organize with the search manager (at the mobile command post) and come up with their search strategies to solve their case. It will be a timed scenario and will mimic a real search, meaning you will need to adjust and adapt to changes throughout your search scenario.
Each team will receive points throughout the weekend and there will be a prize for the top team! Points will be awarded for time needed to complete scenario, clues found, radio skills, and debriefing ability, There will be other group skill challenges set up throughout the event to earn additional points for each team. Examples of some of the extra group skills challenges would be reward delivery, GPS mapping ability, K9 obstacle course, and many more!
We will be utilizing 100 acres of private property that has a lot of unique attractions and real-life training scenarios. The various training props and scenarios provide opportunities for a creative and challenging search. There is a pond and a creek that will also be utilized in your search sectors.
There will be PRIZES too!
There will be prizes awarded to the top team, each individual on the winning team will receive their own prize package. Just solving the scenario doesn't win the prize. It will be a TEAM effort, working together is the main objective, that is how you win the title of 2024 Orion's Challenge winner!
Each participant will receive a patch to commemorate the 2024 Orion's Challenge and the winning team will be showcased on the 2025 Orion's Challenge patch.
This seminar is designed for all levels of search teams (live and HRD) with or without a K9.
This seminar is not set up to be an instructional event, but your team designated instructor will be able to help troubleshoot any training issues that may come up during your team searches. This event is meant for SAR handlers to learn how to use the tools and information they are provided with to construct a search team and delegate the correct tools and/or skills needed to perform the tasks set before them.
Emphasis will be on the Following:
- Team Building
- Defining search strategies
- GPS Handhelds
- GPS Collars
- Note Taking
- Clue Finding
- Search report documentation
Instructors:
Bill Dotson
Alex Tkacenko | Central Jersey K-9 Search and Rescue
Chelsea Gill | Midwest Search Dogs, Inc.
Details:
When: May 17-19, 2024
(Event Hours: Seminar daily schedule will vary but generally run from 9:00am-4:30pm each day. It will conclude at 1:00pm on Sunday.). Meals will be provided on site Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Stambaugh Scout Camp | Canfield, OH
Cost: $450 per handler (with or without a K9)
This event will include lodging in a dorm-style cabin and all meals starting Friday breakfast and concluding with lunch on Sunday.
