The Orion's Challenge
June 23-25, 2023
Garrettsville, 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 handlers and K9's, including a minimum of 1 - Live Find K9 (Trailing or Area) and 1 - HRD K9. Each team will be randomly chosen 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. There will be score sheets to document the clues and the location of the clues as the team works and completes their scenario. The teams will be scored on time taken, clues found, and debriefing ability, There will be other group skill challenges set up throughout the event to earn additional points for each team.
We will be utilizing 600 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 40 acre lake that will be utilized in your search sectors and will also be available for your K9's to swim after the event has finished each day. We will dedicate 3-4 locations on the lake so that more than one K9 can enjoy their playtime.
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 2023 Orion's Challenge winner!
Each participant will receive a patch to commemorate the 2023 Orion's Challenge and the winning team will be showcased on the 2024 Orion's Challenge patch.
This seminar is designed for all levels of search teams (live and HRD).
This seminar is not set up to be an instructional event, but 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
SDONA Personnel on Hand:
Bill Dotson
Becky Saltzmann
Details:
When: June 23-25, 2023
(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.). Lunch will be provided on site Friday and Saturday.
There will be a grill on site if you prefer to make your own meal.
Where: Gerrettsville, OH - Private Property - Address will be provided upon registering
Cost: $250 per handler with ONE dog.
$100 Audit (no dog).
**Due to the focus of this seminar, we are limiting this to one dog per handler so you can focus on getting the most out of the exercises and scenarios over the entire weekend.
