First photo by JTpawprints, all others by Karen Hocker
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2/13/2012 Registration and updated information will be
posted shortly for the 2012 camp. This page is from last
year and is still posted to give perspective campers
general information.
K9 Nose
Work™ Training Camp
September 2 - 6/7, 2011
Camp Westmont
Poyntelle, PA
In the
beautiful Pocono Mountains
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Handler Camp:
9/2/2011 -
9/6/2011, 3.5 days, 4 nights
Instructor Education Camp:
9/2/2011 -
9/7/2011, 4.5 days, 5 nights
Campers Arrive:
Friday, September 2, 2011 between 10am - 12noon, lunch served.
There will be seminars or activities in the afternoon and
required orientation after
dinner.
Campers Leave:
Handler Campers leave Tuesday morning, September 6, 2011, after
breakfast.
Instructor Education Campers leave Wednesday morning, September
7, after breakfast.
K9 Nose Work™ is
a dog training activity designed to develop a dog’s
natural scenting ability by using her/his curiosity,
desire to hunt, and love of toys, food and exercise.
The art and practice of nose work is open to dogs of
all shapes and sizes and has made basic search dog
skills available to companion dogs, creating a new
sport arena for dog enthusiasts. Not only has it
proven to be a great activity for all types of dogs,
but the founders' techniques make this one of the
most accessible activities for the widest variety of
dog handlers regardless of previous training
experience.
Dogs of Course, in association with the founders of
K9 Nose Work™ and the National Association of Canine
Scent Work,LLC™ (NACSW) have created this three and
a half (or four and a half) day NACSW™ approved
Training Camp. K9 Nose Work™ Training Camp is
designed to enhance the understanding of K9 Nose
Work™, to develop the skills necessary to compete in
the sport of K9 Nose Work™, and to provide a model
for effective instruction for current and future
nose work instructors.
This all-inclusive sleepover camp will concentrate
on the elements necessary to succeed at the sport of
K9 Nose Work™ as well its application for increasing
a dog’s confidence regardless of interest in
competition. The curriculum for camp will cover
starting dogs, introducing odor, introducing
exteriors and vehicle searches, improving skills for
dogs already working the four required elements,
handler skills (leash handling techniques,
understanding how to read the dogs, competition
rules), trouble shooting and a variety of other
necessary skills, PLUS loads of fun and camaraderie.
We are happy to take dogs at all levels of nose work
training from beginners getting their first exposure
to dogs ready to compete or competing. Each dog and
handler team will be grouped with other similar
level participants to maximize learning and progress
during camp. There will be a certain number of
assigned working spots for each skill level. Dogs on
odor will be working on Birch. Anise may be added as
an additional odor for dogs preparing for NW2
competition depending on the camper groups. If you
and your dog are ready to add another odor please
let us know ahead of time and we will see about
accommodating your request. Only one working dog per
working participant. Approximately 8 campers per
group.
Camp will consist of the three and a half day
Handler Camp open to all appropriate dog and handler
teams as well as auditors. For instructors that are
currently teaching nose work or those that would
like to start classes or training groups, the camp
offers instructor education options for those
interested in becoming a Certified Nose Work
Instructor (CNWI). The Instructor Camp is comprised
of the Handler Camp and an additional instructor
education day. There are two instructor education
day options to pick from. The first is Day 1 of the
K9 Nose Work™ Instructor Education Course. Day 1
will be taught by one or more of the founders who
will discuss many of the key elements that they have
found to be successful. K9 Nose Work™ staff and
participants are expected to engage in dialog
regarding trouble shooting, reading the dog's
behavior, and how each dog problem solves and
masters the environment by tapping into basic
survival behaviors. The second option is the
Continuing Instructor Education Workshop for CNWIs
or any instructor that has already completed one or
more days of the K9 Nose Work™ Instructor Education
Course. It will be led by one or more of the
founders and will focus on more advanced topics. The
Continuing Instructor Education Workshop does not
replace the required curriculum toward certification
but will offer the instructor additional insights
and knowledge important to mastering K9 Nose Work™
instruction. The Instructor Camp options must meet a
minimum attendance level to run and may be limited
depending on popularity. See requirements for
Instructor Camp in "Participant Requirements"
section.
Campers will be learning from the three founders of
the sport along with Certified Nose Work Instructors
(CNWI). Our camp
instructing staff are competent skilled teachers
that are also actively involved in many areas of K9
Nose Work™ - training, competition, judging, and
instruction.
Current limit is up to 72 campers plus auditors.
Continuing Education Credits:
15 CEUs from
IAABC expected
CEUs from CCPDT are pending. We received credits
from CCPDT for the 2010 camp so we hope to get them
again this year. Once we know the exact credits
given, we will update this information.
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You can expect a full day of
Nose Work activities as well as an evening event.
When more than one person
attends from a family with one dog, one person is designated the handler and
does all the training. The other person is an auditor. Family members cannot
take turns working the dog.
Topics/Activities may include:
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- Blind Searches - When and Why
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- How to Set-up Hides to Maximize
Training
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- Container Drills - Beginner through
Advanced
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- Understanding Odor in the
Environment
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- Building Desire to Search
Independently
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- Understanding Nose Work Competition
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- Proper Use of the Reinforcer
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- Preparing for Competition
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- Interior Searches - Beginner
through Advanced
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- Odor Recognition Testing
(additional fee)
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- Exterior Searches - Beginner
through Advanced
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- Vehicle Searches - Beginner
through Advanced
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*Topics
to be covered and number of instructors are subject to adjustment based on
the number of attendees and the overall training levels of the teams present.
 Camp Westmont is nestled in the heart of the
magnificent Pocono Mountains in Wayne County, PA
just
2.5 hours from New York City and centrally located
for easy access from a variety of other metropolitan
areas.
Situated on 325 acres of gently rolling hills with a
spectacular 100 acre lake, open fields, and hiking trails (on leash please), Westmont provides
a
perfect setting for nose work fun. Camp Westmont has a number of buildings
for inside training as well as an abundance of
outside space for exterior and vehicle search
education.
Campers and staff eat together in the
dining hall and stay on the property.
Breakfast, lunch and
dinner will be served in the dining hall at
designated times. The menu will consist of healthy,
filling food for omnivores as well as vegetarians.
We are sorry but we can not cater to specific
dietary restrictions and suggest campers that have
special needs supplement the meals as needed.
 Each camper
requests the lodging that best meets her/his
needs on a first come basis. There are a number of compact
single rooms with their own small private bathroom.
The single rooms are best for one adult and one or
two dogs due to very limited floor space and will
likely require stacking crates. Or enjoy the full summer camp experience and bunk in a multiple
occupancy cabin with shared bathroom facilities.
Most cabins have two bunk rooms for each shared
community bathroom. Please note that
bunk rooms do not have doors to separate them from
the washroom facilities so campers will need to
provide an ex-pen, baby gate, or other barrier to
keep dogs in the sleeping area and limit them from
wandering into the bathroom or other bunkroom
in the cabin. In
general there will be three to four people in a bunk
room and four to eight per cabin.
Campers may
request roommates.
If two campers want to be guaranteed a bunkroom (or
a couple in a single room) all to themselves, the
pricing is considered "single occupancy".
Number, size, and special needs of dogs, or camper
needs, may dictate the lodging accommodations
options available. Owners of reactive or socially
awkward dogs should have single
occupancy unless rooming with friends that can
accommodate the dog's spatial requirements.
Campers that prefer
more up-scale accommodations are welcome to commute
to camp each day. The fee for day campers would be
the same as multiple occupancy camp.
Campers are expected
to bring their own linens. A linen service is
available for an additional fee of $20 for those that are flying
or using public transportation to camp and are
unable to bring their own. Linen will include: three
towels, a set of sheets with pillowcases and a
blanket. Beds
in the cabins are twins and in the single rooms are
queen size.
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A limited number of
RVs are welcome, however they must be self-contained.
The camp does not have water or electrical hook-ups
or a dump station.
It is possible that there might be limited
electricity (10Amp) that can be taken from the buildings at
some parking locations. RV owners should plan to
bring 50 -100 feet of electrical cord and other
equipment needed for plugging in.
The RV sites are in
busy areas so please expect dogs and people walking
by and the probability of classes being run in the general area. If you would like a more remote
location we will do our best to accommodate you if
you tell us at least two weeks ahead of time. In
that case you must be self contained. We will assign
a location for each RV ahead of time.
RV's must arrive
between
10am - 11:30am on Friday so we have the
staffing to get the vehicle settled. No late
arrivals. No exceptions.
Additional non-working
dog fees also apply to people staying in RV's. Two
dogs per registered working camper.
Campers must be at least 18 years old.
All campers must be in good physical condition
and able to walk
to all activities as cars
will be parked at the edge of camp in the parking area. The camp is large and
the main camp is slightly hilly in places. Expect that walking from one end
of camp to another will take 10 minutes.
Campers must be willing to
clean up and sweep their room/cabin before going home, leaving it in a neat
and tidy condition.
Campers must clean up after
his/her dog(s) and deposit feces in garbage receptacles.
Campers will need two crates for their working dog. One for the room and a
second one to bring to the work stations. We suggest your working crate to be
light weight and easy to carry. A small dolly or a crate cart is suggested.
Camp Westmont has agreed to be a restricted smoking facility
for our group. All smoking must be done in designated open
areas and never inside a building, structure, or in a wooded
area. Violation of these rules is grounds for dismissal
without refund.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited
when working dogs or attending classes.
Handler Camp is open to adults interested in K9
Nose Work.
Requirements for Instructor Education Camp
(Day 1) are:
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Currently instructing K9 Nose Work
class, leading on-going practice groups or interest in
developing a K9 Nose Work program/classes for your
business or organization.
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Currently a dog training instructor
with 2 years of teaching experience.
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Attendance as an auditor or working
participant at camp.
Requirements for Instructor Education
Camp (Continuing Education Workshop) are:
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Must have attended a NACSW taught
Instructor Education Course Day 1 (previously known as
Orientation Day) taught by the founders.
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Currently instructing K9 Nose Work
class, leading on-going practice groups or interest in
developing a K9 Nose Work program/classes for your
business or organization.
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Currently a dog training instructor
with 2 years of teaching experience.
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Attendance as an auditor or working
participant at camp.
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Certified Nose Work
Instructors are welcome
Auditors: Campers who register as auditors are allowed to
attend all sessions and move from group to group as long as
she/he does not create a distraction or disturbance.
Auditors are allowed to watch but will not participant in
the training or other dog related activities. Auditors must
leave their dog(s) home. Anyone that stays on camp property
and is not working a dog is considered an auditor.
Auditor
accommodations will be multiple occupancy in the cabins only
in 2011. Exceptions will be made for couples or friends when one person in the single or private cabin is a working participant. If there are singles available when camp
registration closes auditors may upgrade. Please
contact Dana if you have questions.
Commuters: Campers that prefer to commute from home
or an area hotel are welcome at camp. The cost for commuters
is the same as campers staying in multiple occupancy cabins
and includes all meals and all activities. Commuters are
responsible for locating and making their own sleeping
arrangements.
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This is a working camp for dogs and their people.
The nature of K9 Nose Work™ is to be open to as many
dogs as can be safely accommodated. This includes
dogs with varying social skills, spatial
requirements or that may be considered mild to
moderately reactive. However, the camp environment
is very different than standard classes and
workshops. It can be additionally stressful for dogs
to navigate so we ask that campers use their best
judgment for the health and safety of her/his dog as
well as the other campers. Please read the
parameters for canine participation prior to making
the decision to register for a working spot or as an
auditor. If you have further questions please
contact Dana to discuss your situation.
Canine Rules of Engagement:
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We ask that, regardless of how friendly your dog
may be, you respect that not every dog is
comfortable with other dogs approaching and may
communicate their displeasure. So please do not
allow your dog to approach dogs without
permission. Managing your dog is your direct
responsibility. Participants that must be
repeatedly reminded of camp rules about not
allowing their dog to approach other dogs; or if
their dog poses other safety concerns may be
dismissed from camp without refund.
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If you work a dog that does not do well in close
proximity to other dogs or humans, you will need
to evaluate carefully the appropriateness of camp
for your dog. We will make every effort to create
an environment that can accommodate the varying
types of dogs. However the number of dogs at camp,
combined with increased training time and on-site
lodging may be more than some can handle. Dogs
that seriously threaten other dogs or humans, or
are considered to be a danger at camp will be
asked to leave if we can not work out a safe
solution for all. Dogs with a bite history are not
candidates for camp. No refunds will be
offered if a dog is excused from participating in
camp or asked to leave the camp grounds.
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Each working participant will be permitted to
bring their registered working dog, plus one
additional non-working dog at no additional fee.
Additional non-working dogs will be permitted
based on available space and there will be an
additional fee. No swapping of dogs during camp
classes and the additional dog may not pose any
safety, handling or other concerns during camp.
Campers that want to work two dogs are camp should
contact Dana at Dogs of Course for more details.
We all want to have a pleasant experience; the
success of this event will rely on everyone being
diligent in complying with all the canine rules of
engagement.
We hope to have camp items for sale as well as odor kits and other Nose Work
supplies.
Video and Audio Taping Policy |
No video or audio taping of lectures
or classes permitted. At the discretion of the
instructor and facility, videotaping of your
own dog may be allowed during runs but may not be
posted on a public website such as You Tube without
permission. There may be some videotaping done by
the instructors for educational purposes if
participants at the workshop have signed a
photo/video release.
There will be an official NACSW Odor Recognition
Test (ORT) the afternoon of Friday September 2, 2011
for campers only. A separate premium list will be
included either with your final confirmation after your
registration for camp is complete or about 4 weeks
before camp starts. There is an
additional fee for the ORT. Registration and payment
for the ORT will be my mail. Day of the test
entries will be available if time permits. Birch and
Anise only. If you have passed your Birch and Anise
ORT and would like your dog to be tested on Clove
please contact Dana separately.
Camp tuition covers lodging, meals and all classes and
activities.
Registration is closed.
| Tuition
per Person |
On or Before 7/15/11 |
After 7/15/11 |
| Handlers Camp (9/2 - 9/6, 3.5
days, 4 nights): |
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| Multiple Occupancy (3 - 4
people in a bunkroom or RV) |
$725 |
$775 |
| Single
Occupancy (1 person or 2 people that want their own room or bunkroom) |
$825 |
$875 |
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| Instructor
Education Camp (9/2 - 9/7, 4.5 days, 5 nights): |
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| Multiple Occupancy (3 - 4
people in a bunkroom or RV) |
$925 |
$975 |
| Single
Occupancy
(1 person or 2 people that want their own
room or bunkroom) |
$1025 |
$1075 |
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| Auditors
(without a dog) |
tuition
cost minus $275 |
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Additional
dog fee:
Each additional dog over two per camper |
$80 |
$80 |
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| Odor Recognition Test:
Sign-up and payment separately. A premium list will be e-mailed to interested campers for registration. |
pre-registration $25,at camp $30 |
pre-registration $25,at camp $30 |
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Registration ends at
5:00pm EST on August 19, 2011 or when limit has been reached.
Registration acceptance is subject to
approval by the staff.
A $200 non-refundable deposit or full payment is
required at the time of registration.
Full payment is due no later than 30 days prior to the start of camp.
Payment Options: You may pay
via PayPal or check. Your registration will not be considered complete until
we receive payment. Registration is pending for check payment until received
and processed.
Working spots are limited to a maximum of approximately 72 participants.
Auditing is
available. The number of auditor spots available is related to the overall
number of participants.
All persons attending camp as non-working participants will be required to
register as an auditor. Due to the nature of this event no exceptions will be
permitted for this camp.
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Please read the
cancellation policy carefully before
registering. |
All cancellations must be sent to
Dogs of Course
and received in writing. An acknowledgement of your cancellation will be
emailed to you within 3 business days from Dogs of Course. Please keep a copy
of the cancellation email for your records; your cancellation is not valid
without this confirmation of receipt. K9 Nose Work™
Training Camp and Dogs of Course are not responsible for cancellations that
do not reach the office by the deadlines.
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Cancellations received on or before July 14,
2011 will be refunded less the $200 non-refundable deposit
or
registration may transfer to another
qualified person for a $25 processing fee. The participant is responsible for finding
a qualified replacement at the same level and working out reimbursement arrangements with that person.
An e-mail or faxed letter transferring registration to the new person must
be sent from the original participant along with the $25 transfer
fee to Dogs of Course during the specified timeframe.
Registration is not transferred until
payment and documentation have been received and acknowledged. The camp
director or staff has the option to refuse a replacement registrant if
he/she does not qualify to be a camper or is not at the same level as the original camper. In the case that the replacement
person does not qualify then the original camper who registered is
responsible for finding another person or must take the refund available.
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Cancellations after July 14,
2011 and on or before August 20, 2011 will be refunded 50% of the tuition
after the deposit is deducted or
registration may transfer to another
qualified person for a $25 processing fee. The
participant is responsible for finding a qualified replacement at the same level and working
out reimbursement arrangements with that person.
An e-mail or faxed letter transferring registration to the new person must
be sent from the original participant along with the $25 transfer
fee to Dogs of Course during the specified timeframe.
Registration is not transferred until
payment and documentation have been received and acknowledged. The camp
director or staff has the option to refuse a replacement registrant if
he/she does not qualify to be a camper or is not at the same level as the original camper. In the case that the replacement
person does not qualify then the original camper who registered is
responsible for finding another person or must take the refund available.
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Due to the nature of
running a dog training camp cancellations received after August 20,
2011 will not receive a refund and registration can not be transferred to
another person.
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We do not allow female dogs in
season on the property. If a registered working dog comes in season the
camper has the option to: 1)bring a different qualified dog 2)switch to
auditor registration and receive a refund for 50% of the difference between
the two registration fees 3) the camper can cancel and be reimbursed per the
general policy. If a non-working dog comes into season the person can leave
the dog home and be reimbursed the additional dog fee (if applicable) minus
a $25 admin fee or if the camper cancels the general refund policy above
will apply.
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Campers that have to leave early for their
own reasons or are "No-shows” will not receive a refund.
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Participants asked to
leave the event/property by the camp director or lead instructors will not be refunded any
part of the tuition.
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No part of
the tuition fee will be refunded if the camp cannot take place or be
completed by reason of fire, civil disturbances, an Act of God, public
emergency, or any other cause beyond the control of the camp organizers.
This policy applies to
participants that must withdraw for ANY reason, including but not limited to
injury, illness, emergency, and personal or work-related reasons.
Click here for directions through Google Maps
Via I-80
GW Bridge-80W (towards the Delaware water gap) Stay on route 80W for
approximately 87 miles to exit 293. (route 380N) Take 380N approximately 20
miles to exit “route 6E-Carbondale”. Take 6E to exit 7 (Carbondale business
district). The exit will be on the left side of the road, make a left off
exit and go approx. ½ mile to first right (Canon St). Go on Canon Street to
full stop and make a left. Go down hill to end and make a right onto 171.
Stay on 171 approx. 15 miles and make a right onto 370 go 4 ½ miles to our
sign on the left.
Via the Thruway and Quick Way
NYS Thruway to exit 16 (Harriman). Take route 17 west to second Hancock exit
#87 (not 87A) about 1 ¾ hours. Turn left off exit, left onto main St….Go 1
long block making a right after a gas station. Go over RR tracks and bridge
and continue on Rt. 191 for 1 mile, making a right turn onto route 370 west.
Go approximately 12 miles to Camp Westmont turn right at camp sign, just
after the blue and white sign for Village of Poyntelle.
From Philadelphia
NE extension of PA Turnpike to exit 37. Take route 81 north to route 6 East
through Carbondale, PA making a left after you ride through onto route 171
north. Continue about 15 miles, making a right turn onto route 370 East. Go
approximately 4 ½ miles to Camp Westmont sign on left side, make left.
From Baltimore
1-95 to 695 west. Take 695 west 83 North (towards York & Harrisburg) Take 83
north (towards Wilkes-Barre and Scranton). Take 81 north to route 6 east
through Carbondale, Pa, making a left after you ride through town, onto route
171 North. Continue about 15 miles, making a right turn onto route 370 east.
Go approximately 4 ½ miles to Camp Westmont sign on the left side, left into
camp.
Hotels:
Camp Westmont has a long list of lodging options on their website.
Click here for
list.
Contact Dana Crevling at
Crevling@dogsofcourse.com or leave a message at 508/529-3568 EST, 8am
-7pm M-F. Messages will be returned within 2 business days.
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