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K9 Nose Work Training Camp
Camp Will-A-Way
Winder, GA
April 19, 2023 – April 23, 2023
Cost:
Working Spot: Starts at $1350 commuters/$1450 onsite – Full. Wait list started.
Elite Working Spot: Starts at $2110 commuters/$2210 onsite – Full. Wait list started.
Auditor Spot: Starts at $695 commuters/$795 onsite
Helpers: $450 commuter or housing onsite
Registration ends at 5:00pm EST on March 1, 2023 or when limit has been reached. Registration acceptance is subject to approval by the staff. A $300 deposit or full payment is required at the time of registration.
Please read all information below along with the cancellation policy carefully (posted below) before registering.
Campers Arrive:
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 between 9:30am – 11:30am.
Camp starts after lunch with orientation and training class.
Campers Leave:
Campers leave on Sunday morning, April 23, 2023, after breakfast.
Camp Size:
Working participation will be up to approximately 70 working campers plus auditing campers and Logistics Team Members. Approximately 8 campers per regular working group and 5 campers per Elite Group.

Early Bird Discount:
If you register before or on 2023-02-15, you’ll get $50 OFF the Registration Price!
Location
Camp Will-A-Way
Winder, GA
210 S. Broad St., Unit 5
Winder, GA 30680
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 NACSW 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 National Association of Canine Scent Work™ (NACSW), has created this three and a half day 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® as well as other nose work venues, and to provide a model for effective instruction for current and future nose work instructors.
We are happy to have nose work enthusiasts come to camp no matter their training methodology or preferred competition venue to learn more about the K9 Nose Work® training techniques and philosophy. All we ask is that you come with an open mind and consider our instructors’ methods if you are bringing your nose work dog.
This all-inclusive sleepover/day camp is open to all appropriate dog and handler teams as well as auditors. We will concentrate on the elements necessary to succeed at the sport and the application of K9 Nose Work® for recreation and increasing a dog’s confidence regardless of interest in competition. The curriculum for camp will cover foundation skills, all levels of exteriors, interiors, container and vehicle searches, improving skills for dogs already working the four required elements, building independent search skills, competition preparation, strategy and rules, handler skills, leash handling techniques, understanding how to read the dogs, motivation and reinforcement, trouble shooting and a variety of other necessary skills, PLUS loads of fun and camaraderie. Your days include working dogs as well as lectures and/or demonstrations, or other activities through the day and into the night.
We work with dogs that are already on odor from novices preparing for their first Odor Recognition Test to dogs that have earned titles at all levels. All dogs will be working on Birch, Anise and Clove. Only one working dog per working participant.
We (and the Camp Instructors) want to give you the best Camp experience possible! Please know that depending on who registers groups may be constructed with dogs at more than one level. Our instructors are very skilled in working with dogs at all levels and will make sure that you and your dog receive your desired level of work during your sessions. Please know that at any time during your Camp experience, you are welcome to advocate for your needs and let your instructors know what you desire for you and your dog during the working sessions. We are here for you! This is YOUR adventure!!
Note: If you are working a dog at Camp, you will be assigned to a group based on your dog’s experience. This may mean you, as a handler, will be reviewing material that you already know. If you prefer to delve into skills above your dog’s training level, auditing will be the best option.
Campers who are working dogs will be assigned to their groups based on information attained no later than 30 days before camp. We will send you a questionnaire prior to camp so you can update us with your dog’s current information.
Campers will be learning from founders of the sport along with accomplished Certified Nose Work Instructors (CNWI). Our camp instructing staff are competent, skilled teachers that are also actively involved in many areas of the sport including training, competition, judging, certifying trials, and all types of education.
Read more about each instructor below.
2/17/23 These are our current instructors.
Note change in staff:
Jill Marie O’Brien will not be able to join us at camp. Laurel Scarioni will be stepping in to round out the instructor team.
Carolyn Barney, CNWI, CPDT-KA
Carolyn has been training dogs and their people professionally since 1985. In 1991 she founded Gemini Dog Training, a full-service training and daycare facility and then DOGS! Learning Center in 2007. Over the years, Carolyn focused much of her time on behavior modification through private consulting and training classes. She has educated and coached owners of fearful, aggressive, reactive, and/or socially challenged dogs. Carolyn’s teaching background includes: group classes and workshops on clicker training skills, reactive dog management, and a variety of dog sports that included: agility, obedience, tracking, and earthdog. Carolyn attended the first CNWI training course on the east coast and is currently teaching nose work two nights a week. Her students range from those using the activity for enrichment for dogs with behavioral challenges to those that have achieved their ELTCH and are trialing in Summit.
In November 2001, Carolyn made dog training history along with 117 other dog trainers in the USA, passing the first standardized professional certification test created by what is now known as the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. For the last three decades Carolyn has trained and mentored 100’s of potential dog training instructors. Many of her previous students and staff trained through her instructor programs have gone on to become Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA), running their own classes and businesses.
The desire for a better understanding of the canine mind and behavior has been the motivating factor in all aspects of her dog experience. Beginning with traditional training techniques, she knew there had to be a better way. Pursuing that better way has evolved into clicker training and a more thoughtful scientific and effective use of operant and classical conditioning. Carolyn believes that training and behavior modification should be safe, enjoyable, and successful for both the dog and the humans who love them. Most importantly, she maintains an open mind to new information and what every dog has to teach the human student.
Along with her training and behavior work, Carolyn wrote Clicker Basics for Dogs and Puppies. Carolyn has 2 DVD’s from the Clean Run Instructor Conference, one on Agility Foundation and one on Scaredy Dogs. Carolyn has co-taught canine cognition/behavior courses at Harvard University Extension School with Bruce Blumberg PhD, lectures to dog trainers occasionally and worked for many years as a behavior consultant for the MSPCA, providing reactive dog training classes and behavior therapy for shelter dogs and their families. Carolyn’s full-time job is Training Director of Operation Delta Dog, a not for profit that trains shelter dogs for veterans with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Carolyn has been training, competing, and titling dogs for 40 years in obedience, conformation, tracking, agility, earth dog, and for the last decade in K9 Nose Work™. Carolyn’s PRT, Steiff, earned the NW Elite title and participated in the 2014 NACSW National Invitational. Carolyn’s Border Collie, Breezy, has her ELTCH title and participated in the 2017 NACSW National Invitational winning one of the searches and placing in another. In 2022, Carolyn took 13 year old Breezy out of retirement to run in a Summit trial, where they had fun and did a very good job. Her rescue dog, Sam, achieved his NW2 with a first place overall and got his NW3 Elite in three straight trials. Carolyn’s young Labrador, Opal, has her NW1 and is having fun learning all the skills she needs for a long NW career.
Christina Bunn, CNWI
Christina Bunn is the owner and master trainer of Puget Sound Detection Dogs. Christina has been training detection dogs for over 21 years and has owned and operated her own facility for over 15 of those years. Christina has evaluated hundreds of canines for work in detection and has trained over 150 for the detection of controlled substances. At one point, Christina had over 50 dogs working throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and the country of Brazil. Among the dogs that worked in Oregon, 11 of those dogs had been with Oregon State Police.
Christina has been an instructor at the Pacific Northwest Police Detection Dog Association’s conference for the last 10 years. Christina is a volunteer for Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue and has served in many capacities for 21 years. During her time with SCVSAR Christina has handled two canines. K9 Matty was an area search dog and was also crossed trained to locate human remains. K9 Matty’s daughter, K9 Springfield, was a trailing K9 and was also crossed trained for human remains. Christina and her K9 partners were utilized on hundreds of missions and had multiple successes in live find as well as human remains. She is the trainer for the county’s HRD Team and conducts weekly trainings.
Christina trained “Terra” the Eco Dog that currently works for EcoTech LLC in Portland, Oregon. Terra’s duties include locating buried, leaking, heating oil tanks, and detecting soil contamination, including aviation crash sites. Christina has registered two canines with Pet Partners and HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response. During Christina and K9 Springfield’s career together, they deployed to the Marysville Pilchuck Highschool murder suicide, the SPU shooting and the HWY 530 Mudslide providing comfort to those involved in these crises.
With over 45 collective years in the working and companion dog realm, Christina has worked with humane societies, boarding kennels, and veterinarian hospitals. She is a Canine Good Citizen/STAR Puppy/AKC Tricks Evaluator, Certified Nose Work Instructor and Trial Judge. She teaches 13 sport detection classes a week for all levels from intro to Summit.
Having the great honor of judging at the first National NACSW trial in 2013, Christina is known for saying, “Don’t ask your dog to lower herself to your level, you, as a handler, must rise up to your dog’s level. You must become a student of your dog.”
Christina competes at the Utility level in Competitive Obedience with her Dutch Shepherd, “Dori”. Christina and “Dori” also compete in Tracking, Agility, Lure Coursing, FAST, and Dock Diving. They have multiple competitive titles under their belt. They have explored Herding and IPO. Christina is married, the mother of 5 adult children, 2 stepsons, and has 12 grandchildren to boot.
Karin Damon, CNWI
Karin has been involved in performance events with dogs since 2002. She started out in a basic obedience class with her Golden Retriever, Keebler, and put an AKC Versatility title on him. She has competed in agility; tracking, field work, obedience and nose work with her other Goldens’: Jig, Jeep, Shamrock and Fiddler (newest member of the family). All of the clan has been involved in advertising – showing up in various places such as commercials for Claritin, Pedigree, PetSmart Dog Food, A&P Food Stores, and even appearing on “Conan O’Brien” and “Saturday Night Live”. Jeep appeared on the cover of Dog Fancy and Jig was on the AKC Website.
Karin has achieved the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) Elite Championship title with both Jig and Jeep. Jig was the first Golden Retriever in the country to earn the Championship title. Karin and Jig participated in the inaugural NACSW National Invitational in California in 2013 as one of 13 dogs selected throughout the country and was Dog in White for the 2014 and 2017 NACSW National Invitational. Karin is a NACSW Certifying Official and Judge, a Trial Site Advisor for NACSW Trials, and a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) teaching nose work since the sport came to the East Coast in March of 2010.
Karin became a certified Pet Tech First Aid and CPR Instructor in San Diego, CA and is working to finish her Canine Rehabilitation Certificate from the University of Tennessee. She was selected to work at the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta, Georgia in the equestrian, mountain biking and modern pentathlon venues. Karin retired as the Head Athletic Trainer at Centenary College to start her own business.
She is the owner of Shamrock Pot of Gold K9 Scenter in New Jersey.
Leah Gangelhoff, CNWI, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), and Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA), Leah Gangelhoff, currently owns & operates Flint Hill K-9 Training, LLC serving the Greater Birmingham, AL area. Leah has owned and operated her own canine training and behavior business since 2002, during which time she has developed thousands of private comprehensive education courses for dogs and their owners for puppy, obedience, and serious behavior issues of all kinds, including fear and aggression. While living in Los Angeles, Leah trained in narcotics detection with co-founders Ron Gaunt and Amy Herot from 2004-2006 before the activity and sport of K9 Nose Work® was born. Leah became involved in K9 Nose Work® in 2010 and is a Senior Faculty Member at the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW™), an NACSW™ Trial Judge and Trial Certifying Official, and a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI). She has also developed and presented over 30 workshops and seminars nationally and internationally on a variety of topics in K9 Nose Work®. As a Senior Faculty Member she has collaborated with Founders and Faculty to create and teach Continuing Education courses for Certified Nose Work Instructors and is currently developing and teaching a Continuing Education webinar series for NACSW™ Certified Nose Work Instructors (CNWI).
Leah has over 1000 hours of professional narcotics detection training with a large group of dogs prior to the birth of nose work as a pet dog sport, with mentors Ron Gaunt and Amy Herot and with Rodney Spicer/Gold Coast K-9 from 2004-2006. Leah has personally passed professional detection certifications (both written and search tests) in narcotics detection (POST standards) with Evolution K9 in northern California and with the Oxnard Police Department separately with two different dogs (German Shepherd and Papillon, probably the first and only in narcotics detection).
Leah has trained and trialed her own dog, Konner, a German Shepherd, in K9 Nose Work® all the way up through the new NACSW™ Summit Division for Elite Champion teams. Leah and Konner competed in four Summit Trials and achieved the highest title possible in K9 Nose Work®, a Summit title, placing 2nd Overall with pronounced designations and first and second placements in many Summit trial searches. Leah earned an NW3 Elite with her Belgian shepherd, Zephyr, placing First, First, and Second Overall at those trials and has earned an NW3 Elite, placing 2nd Overall with her Chihuahua mix shelter dog, Bruno Mars. She and her young cattle dog mix, Butterbean, have achieved their ORT title.
Leah has had the honor of being invited by the Camp Director and K9 Nose Work® Founders to teach at over 24 K9 Nose Work® Training Camps since 2011. She currently specializes in teaching K9 Nose Work® classes and privates locally and coaching groups, clinics, and seminars nationally and internationally in the sport of K9 Nose Work®.
Nancy Osborne, CNWI
Nancy got hooked on K9 Nose Work in the fall of 2010 while attending a presentation by Amy Herot and Jill Marie O’Brien at the APDT Conference in Atlanta. Inspired, she began teaching K9 Nose Work classes in 2011 and attended her first K9 Nose Work Camp in 2012. Nancy teaches nose work teams for all levels of competition. Currently teaching ten classes per week, Nancy enjoys watching students discover the amazing scenting abilities of their dogs. K9 Nose Work enriches and deepens the bond between the handler and the dog and Nancy finds it rewarding to see the magic relationship begin for each team.
Nancy has attended ten K9 Nose Work Camps in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Colorado as a working team, logistics member and an auditor. She frequently hosts K9 Nose Work Trials and ORT’s and workshops in North Carolina.
Nancy owns K9 Nose Adventures, LLC a business dedicated to Nose Work. She is trial Certifying Official as well as an ORT Certifying Official and Judge. Nancy works with Triad SPCA and People & Paws 4 Hope organizations introducing Nose Work to at-risk youth working with SPCA canine partners to help change the lives of both.
Nancy competes in K9 Nose Work with her three Labradors and a Norwich Terrier, Dugan Summit, Billie ELT1, Sheldon NW2 working on NW3 and Cate starting NW1. She didn’t plan on competing but her dogs insisted.
Nancy has worked professionally with dogs at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston as a ward, clinic, and ICU attendant and a nurse. She honed her observation skills of dog behavior teaching obedience classes and working with dogs in the daycare setting at dog day care and training facility. Nancy worked at the University of Northern Iowa, in higher education administration as the Coordinator of Student Organizations and later, the Coordinator of Non-Credit Programs organizing and managing 100 programs per year. She holds a Masters in Higher Education Administration. Nancy is also a Certified Montessori Pre-School Teacher.
Current memberships and professional affiliations the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).
Nancy currently lives in North Carolina with her uber trial volunteer husband Walt, three Labrador retrievers, Norwich Terrier and three cats.
Laurel Scarioni, CNWI
Laurel has been working professionally with dogs since 1996 with roles including animal control officer, veterinary technician, dog trainer, and behavior specialist.
She has trained and titled dogs in rally obedience, agility and, of course, K9 Nose Work®. Laurel teaches K9 Nose Work® classes and workshops, has been an instructor at PA and CO Nose Work Camps, is an NACSW™ Certifying Official, Judge and Trial Coordinator, and is an AKC Scent Work Expert Judge.
Laurel and her husband are currently owned by Agnes, a 2-year-old Brittany, and Walter, a 1-year-old “Malinauzer”.
Andy Sperber, CNWI
Andy first discovered K9 Nose Work in 2012 when he was looking for an activity his energetic 2-year-old Golden Retriever Maho could participate in. After the first 6-week class, he was immediately “hooked” and intrigued by the activity.
Using every opportunity to observe and learn how our friends communicate with us in everything they do has become a passion. Attending multiple Nose Work Camps, Seminars, Webinars, and Workshops has exposed the team to an even larger variety of training techniques and environmental situations to expand this knowledge.
His love for nose work has led him on a wonderful journey! Andy & Maho have achieved the titles of NW1, NW2, NW3, NW3 Elite, ELT 1, ELT2, ELT3 and the coveted ELT-CH. They were invited and competed with some of the top nose work teams in the country at the NACSW National Invitational competitions in Loveland, CO in 2015 and in W. Springfield, MA in 2017. They are currently competing in the Summit League and having fun at Element Specialty trials.
Andy likes to say that we never stop learning from the dogs.
Andy is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) with the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).He currently resides in New Jersey with his wife Dara (also a CNWI) and their two golden retrievers Maho & Kira. Together they teach Nose Work classes through their business Sniff4Fun, LLC.
Dorothy Turley, CNWI, CPDT-KA
Dorothy is a professional, full-time dog trainer in the Olympia, Washington area. Her business, Let’s Talk Dogs, specializes in pet dog training, behavior issues and K9 Nose Work®. She began dog training as a hobby in 1995 and quickly became involved with rescue and education work as a volunteer. She eventually transitioned to training others and quit her day job in 2002 to pursue dog training as a full-time professional.
Dorothy teaches classes, private lessons and also hosts educational seminars and workshops. She has also traveled as the working assistant to Kathy Sdao, MS, CAAB (Bright Spot Dog Training). She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) and continues her education by attending seminars and workshops. She has graduated from the Dogs of Course Instructor training, CNWI instructor training and 3 sessions of Bob Bailey’s “Chicken Camp.” Over the years she has volunteered and worked at her local shelters and various rescue groups.
In early 2010 Dorothy attended her first K9 Nose Work® seminar with Ron Gaunt. She was hooked. She knew this was a great activity that she wanted to share it with her clients. She began working with her dog and car reactive dog, Zoey, and never looked back. She had no plans to compete with this particular “problem” dog so was thrilled when Zoey not only earned her NW1 title but also took first place. Dorothy and Zoey had the honor of attending the National Invitational in November 2017. Dorothy is now a Supervising/Elite Certifying Official for the NACSW™. She is also an experienced trial and ORT host, National Trial Coordinator, Trial Representative and Score Room Lead for the NACSW™.
She shares her life with her husband and 2 dogs (all mutts) in Rochester, Washington. She is currently trialing with her Chihuahua mix, Brigette, at the Elite level.
Dana Crevling, CNWI - Camp Director
Dana is a dog training and behavior geek. Over the last 40 years she has attended, participated, or hosted hundreds of seminars, workshops, courses, camps, classes, and webinars to better understand canine and animal training and behavior.
Dana has made a career working in the dog training, rescue, and behavior professions since 1986. She worked in not-for-profit animal agencies until 1999, when she started Dogs of Course with creation of her first Instructor Training Course. Instructor Training Courses were held in a shelter environment and trained hundreds of dog training instructors over the next eighteen years. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs and their owners through quality education, while continuing to support charitable efforts, were the motivating factors when she started Dogs of Course, and they continue to be the guiding forces for all projects she creates.
Dana has been involved with canine camps starting in the mid 1980’s as a camper and/or staff member. Through her interest in agility, she created and operated an agility summer camp, Competitive Edge Sports Camp (2000-2004) that offered consistent cutting-edge training in a small friendly environment reminiscent of children’s sleepover camp. She also joined forces with Clean Run and co-produced the very popular Clean Run Camps, as well as a conference specifically for agility instructors in 2007 and 2008. It only made sense to approach the NACSW founders to start up K9 Nose Work® Training Camp as the sport started to gather momentum. Since the very first K9NW Training Camp in 2010, Dana has planned and organized over 40 K9NW Training Camps and hopes to run many more.
Dana has been competing in dog sports since 1984, believing in building a deep connection with her dogs through teamwork. She has titled in obedience, field, conformation, earthdog, rally, agility, and Nose Work. She has dabbled in tracking, canine freestyle, canine square dancing and herding. Dana has trained and competed in Nose Work with two Flat-Coated Retrievers, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a Norfolk Terrier.
Kathy Pierce, CNWI - Camp Operations Director and Guest Instructor
Kathy grew up in a dog show family and has been training dogs all of her life. Her mom showed in conformation, obedience & agility and Kathy followed completely in her footsteps. While still working as an engineer at the phone company, Kathy began trialing on the weekends in agility, hunting, obedience, rally, dock diving, etc. Then when she retired, she jumped whole heartedly into ALL the sports!
Always looking for new venues, Kathy took a K9 Nose Work Intro class with Taz, one of her springers who wasn’t thrilled with agility at the time. And they were sold on it! Taz became the first springer to earn an ELT-CH. Kathy became a NACSW trial coordinator, a NACSW Certifying Official, and CNWI. Kathy lives in the Atlanta area with her husband, Woody. She has been teaching weekly Nose Work classes for many many years while also traveling all over the country trialing and CO’ing. Kathy has hosted MANY NACSW trials in the Atlanta area and has plans for LOTS more!
Kathy stays BUSY teaching nosework classes and trialing two summit springers, two NW3 springers, and her baby girl in NW2. She has had four ELT-CH springers (the first two in the country) & recently titled and took 3rd place in a summit trial with her boy, Dusty.
Steve Stirrat- Logistics Team Supervisor
Steve has the status of CNWI and taught classes for 9 years. He recently retired from teaching as full-time Flight Paramedic for Shandscair Hospital in Gainesville, FL kept him more than busy. He now has Nose Work fun with his dogs, Koda and Murphy, as part of a group of friends that have a weekly training group.
Steve brings energy, enthusiasm, experience, and competence to our team. As the Logistics Team Supervisor, Steve starts work at dawn and goes late into the night making sure everything is running perfectly for the campers, instructors, and his Logistics Team Members. Thank you Steve!
Cindy Martin - Guest Instructor
Cindy has been involved in the sport of K9 Nose Work since 2010, when she started training her reactive dog Tahoe in the sport. She and Tahoe competed in the first NACSW trial in the Southeast in October of 2012, and she was hooked. She and her second dog, Baxter, competed in the NACSW National Invitational in November 2017, and have competed in 2 Summit trials. Tahoe achieved his Elite 3 title before passing away in January 2022. Cindy is now excited to be training her Yellow Labrador puppy Durango on primary, working toward his ORT, and is learning so much in training her third Nose Work dog.
Cindy has been teaching K9 Nose Work classes for all levels from Beginner to Summit in Huntsville, AL since 2016. She is in training to be an NACSW Certifying Official, and has judged trials in both Performance Scent Dogs and K9 Scent Games. She has also been teaching beginner obedience classes at her local dog training club for over 10 years, gaining invaluable experience with observing lots of dog behavior. She is very excited to be a guest instructor at Georgia Camp this year!
New to Nose Work:
People without nose work experience are encouraged to come to camp as auditors or Logistics Team Members to learn about the activity. We welcome instructors, sports enthusiasts, hobby trainers, and shelter workers to attend camp as your introduction to K9 Nose Work®.
Experienced Nose Work Trainers:
Our camp caters to dog/handler teams that are already on odor and experienced trainers that would like to audit. Dogs new to working on odor up through dogs ready to compete or currently competing in Nose/Scent Work trials will gain valuable experience at Camp. We welcome repeat campers back to continue their education as well as new campers that have been taking classes with instructors versed in or who are willing to learn about the K9 Nose Work® methodology.
Dog Training Instructors:
Camp is a great way for current and future K9 Nose Work®/Scent Work instructors to learn about the activity. Whether you want to start classes for fun, competition, shelter dog enrichment, or as part of a behavior modification protocol, attending Camp will provide a solid foundation, as well as, advanced training you can take home and apply. Learn from some of the world’s most skilled and experienced instructors, including founders of the sport.
If you are currently teaching K9 Nose Work®/Scent Work classes, camp provides an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills, learn the newest techniques, and understand the latest thinking behind the training. Camp gives you time to fine tune your skills, so you can go back to your students with the most current knowledge.
Certified Nose Work Instructors, as well as instructors certified with other organizations, will be given continuing education credit that is necessary for keeping your status current.
See the Continuing Education Units section below for full details.
We work with dogs and their handlers that are already on odor from novices preparing for their first Odor Recognition Test to dogs that have earned titles at all levels. All dogs will be working on Birch, Anise and Clove odor. Working spots are limited.
Working Campers, Pre-Competition and Beyond Full. Wait list started. For wait list, fill out the registration info below and click the wait list button at the bottom of the page. Then fill in your name, email address, phone number and dog training level on the window that pops up after you click the wait list button.
When you bring your dog to camp you will be placed in a group of approximately 8 dogs of similar level. Generally, these groups cater to dogs that have not yet achieved an NACSW Elite title or the equivalent in other scent work organizations.
Elite/Summit titled teams (or equivalent) are also welcome to participate in the “regular” working groups. Elite/Summit/equivalent Teams in regular groups should expect a mix of participants including those currently competing at the NW3 level. Focus will generally be at the NW3 level with only some preparation for Elite trialing.
Working Campers, Elite/Summit/SWM groups – Full. Wait list started. For wait list, fill out the registration info below and click the wait list button at the bottom of the page. Then fill in your name, email address, phone number and dog training level on the window that pops up after you click the wait list button.
We offer specialized groups for our Elite/Summit League teams and those with AKC Scent Work Master (SWM) title, or equivalent, that would like a smaller group experience. Each Elite group will have 5 dog/handler working teams instead of 8 working teams. These working groups are designed to meet the needs of teams competing in Elite Summit League and competing toward SWME and Detective Titles. Each team will benefit from specific coaching on competition strategy with more time to work through complex problems and unique challenges to better prepare them for competition. Elite Groups may consist of a mix of different levels of Elite, Summit League, SWM, and DDCH teams. Dogs must have an NW3 Elite title and/or AKC SWM, or equivalent title to participate. There is an additional fee for the smaller Elite groups.
- In the event that there are not enough Elite registrations to run the Elite Group 60 days before the start of camp, one of the following options will be offered:
- Dogs of Course will create a smaller or larger working group of teams providing all the campers involved agree to make up the cost equivalent to 5 teams. A smaller group would pay more and a larger group would pay less per dog.
- Alternately, the group will be cancelled and the affected parties can:
- Receive a full refund without penalty or transfer to a regular camp working group of 8 teams that are training at the NW3 level.
- Or run a dog other than the Elite dog at camp and be placed in the appropriate working group.
Auditing Campers: Campers who register as auditors are welcome to attend all sessions and move from group to group as long as she/he does not create a distraction or disturbance. Auditors may attend, but will not participant in, the training or other dog related activities. During working sessions we ask that auditors hold questions as it takes away from and interferes with the working campers’ time. Auditors can ask questions during lectures. Auditors must leave their dog(s) home. Anyone that stays on camp property and is not working a dog is considered an auditor.
If the primary reason for coming to camp is to learn for your students and your dog is not at the level you need instruction in or you want to learn about multiple levels, we suggest you audit camp and leave your dog home.
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.
Logistics Team Member Campers (help us at camp):
If you would like to attend camp at a reduced rate, and like to help out, this may be the option for you! In exchange for working, Logistics Team Members audit camp sessions, have the option to work their dog in four special training sessions, live in shared housing with all meals included. Logistics Team Members play a critical role in making camp run smoothly. They help set up camp (arrive early), move crates and tents, assist instructors, support campers, clean up after camp and perform a variety of other duties. There are some restrictions due to the nature of the job, but many campers find being on the Logistics Team a great option. Please note that this can be a physical job that requires lifting and the ability to walk around the Camp easily.
Please contact Bonnie for an information packet to help you decide if this is a job for you.
Camp is open to all adults, who are at least 18 years old, interested in K9 Nose Work and can meet the requirements of camp.
All campers must be in good physical condition and able to walk to all activities as cars will be parked in the parking area. This is facility is on a relatively flat terrain although search areas are spread out.
All Campers must be physically able to move their crates, other gear, and your dog short/medium distances to get to the next training area. It may be up or down an hill. A wagon or other type of cart is recommended.
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 agree and adhere to the Dog Attendance Policy.
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 sturdy but light weight and easy to carry. A small dolly or a crate cart that can roll on bumpy dirt roads or grass could be very helpful if you want to move your own crate or to move in and out of your housing.
There will be a designated smoking area for those who want to smoke. 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.
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.
Camp Will-A-Way is centrally located to accommodate campers from the southern states. Located in Winder, Georgia, midway between Atlanta and Athens, Camp Will-A-Way is just a half day’s drive from Greensboro, NC, Columbia, SC, Nashville, TN, and Montgomery, AL. Memphis, TN and Orlando, FL are only a day away. This camp is close to the highway, and all amenities including many housing options, making it convenient for our commuters. Surrounded by water, Camp Twin Lakes-Will-A-Way sits on 100 relatively flat acres inside of Fort Yargo State Park in Winder, GA. Camp Will-A-Way has buildings for inside training as well as covered work areas and an abundance of outside space for search education. In addition to the main campus, Camp Will-A-Way has an additional area with a large barn, covered arena, farm area and their CCC Building that houses a woodworking shop, pottery area, and outside teaching kitchen with seating. If you or your dog are still looking for something to do after class, there are 20 miles of dog friendly trails in Fort Yargo State Park. All dogs must be leashed on the trails.
Camp Photos:
Please see the “Tuition, Lodging and Other Camp Options and Fees” Section below for details about housing options that are still open.
UPDATE: February 14, 2023
Onsite lodging is full, except for Logistics Team Members
On site lodging is limited at this camp. We will do our best to accommodate as many campers as possible. Each camper requests the lodging that best meets her/his needs. If your request is available we will provide that housing if appropriate.
Campers that stay on the property will be housed in octagon shaped cabins. Each cabin has 3 “pie wedge” shaped rooms with private bathrooms that are divided by flexible accordion door partitions. Although the sections are visually closed off, you will still be able to hear the campers and dogs on either side of your room. The cabins have heating and air conditioning set at a comfortable temperature by the facility.
The cabins at this facility are best for friendly quiet dogs due to the sound traveling from room to room and that the rooms are divided by flexible accordion doors. At this time, we do not believe these cabins are a good fit for reactive or socially awkward dogs as they have limited security and auditory privacy. Campers will be asked to bring one or two expens or baby gates to help secure the doorways.
For 2023, we will be limiting each room to either be a single/private (1 person and 2 dogs) or a semi-private (2 – 3 people and 2 – 3 dogs). Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis.
We encourage Campers to request roommates, as well as cabin-mates, to help us select the best housing for each camper. We prefer only to put people who know each other into semi-private rooms. However, we will do out best to work with campers that want to stay on the property and need roommates. Number, size, and special needs of dogs, or camper requirements, may dictate the lodging accommodations options available.
It will be up to each camper to work with her/his room or cabin-mates to create a safe and equal living environment. This may require that dogs will have limited time loose in the room and must sleep in their crates or an ex-pen at night or dogs and people will need to be quiet at night or early in the morning to not disturb the neighbor in the next room.
Auditor and Logistic Team (helpers) accommodations at this camp will be in semi-private rooms. If there are single rooms available when camp registration closes auditors may upgrade. Please contact Dana if you have questions.
Campers are expected to bring their own linens. A linen service is available for an additional fee of $25 for those that are flying or using public transportation to camp and are unable to bring their own. Linen will include: towels, a set of sheets with pillowcases, a pillow and blankets.
We encourage campers that prefer more comfortable accommodations to commute to camp each day.
Commuter Lodging and Information:
- Click here for ideas on local hotel and campground information. We also encourage campers to look into B & B and vacation home rentals for additional housing options.
- Commuters will park in a large parking lot a short walk to the dining hall as well as many of the search areas.
- Commuters may bring their own Easy-ups with weights to secure and set-up their own area to relax or to park their vehicle under while at Camp. Campers can leave their Easy-up tents overnight as long as they are lowered and properly secured.
- RV commuters see “RV Policy” section
We are excited to have space in the paved parking lot for RV day parking for up to 5 RVs/trailers. RV campers will register as RV commuters so we can plan for your vehicles.
This area has a number of RV campgrounds nearby. We are sorry, but we do not have overnight RV parking at Camp Will-A-Way.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served in the dining hall at designated times starting with lunch on arrival day and ending with breakfast on move out day. The menu will consist of simple but healthy, filling food for omnivores as well as vegetarians. Snacks will be available throughout the day. We look forward to having a great food experience. We are sorry but we cannot promise to cater to specific dietary restrictions and suggest campers that have special needs supplement their meals as needed. Grocery stores are just a short ride from Camp.
- 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. The additional dog(s) may not pose any safety, handling or other concerns during camp.
- Only one working dog per working participant. No swapping of dogs during camp classes.
- Non-working dogs must stay quietly in the lodging accommodations or vehicle if commuting while the handler is in class with the working dog.
- Dogs are worked one at a time while the other dogs are resting in crates in the training area until her/his turn.
- Dogs must be able to stay quietly in a crate out of owner’s sight when not working or when owner is not in their lodging. Handlers must sit with dogs that vocalize in their crate during class to quiet them and will miss the opportunity to watch others.
- Dogs must be crated when left alone in the cabins/rooms. Owners are responsible for any damage the dog does to the facility.
- Females in season will be allowed at this camp. See ‘Rules for Females in Season’ below for details.
- Dogs must be healthy and free of contagious conditions including fleas. Dogs found with a contagious illness that may affect the rest of the dog population may be asked to leave without refund.
Your dog’s mental health is important to us, as is the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of all camp participants. If your dog falls into one of the above categories, we ask that you leave him/her at home and attend camp as an auditor.
Dogs that are NOT good candidates for the sleepover camp experience:
- Dogs with moderate to severe separation stress are not good candidates for camp. Dogs must be crated away from the owners during meals, lectures and in working sessions in unfamiliar environments. At Camp we live and train in close proximity so dogs that vocalize regularly and for extended periods of time create stress for other campers and dogs in the area. For most dogs with separation issues Camp compounds the problems seen at home or in classes. At this camp car crating is not realistic during class as vehicles are parked remotely.
- Dogs that have moderate to severe dog to dog aggression. For many dogs with serious spatial issues living 24-hours a day for multiple days in a novel environment, with strange dogs everywhere, can significantly increase stress, inappropriate behavior, aggression, and/or arousal. Dogs that cannot calmly walk by another dog within 8′ – 10′ or be crated in the same area as other dogs do not generally make good candidates for camp.
- Puppies under 5 months of age cannot attend camp. Pups older than 5 months must be comfortable with crating in an unfamiliar environment, being crated away from their owner and be mentally mature enough to handle the stress of a multi-day camp. Older pups should be completely housebroken if attending camp. We cannot have housebreaking accidents in the camp owned facilities.
- Dogs that are reactive to PEOPLE cannot attend Camp. At Camp dogs will be exposed to many different strangers during classes and while living on the campus. Dogs are asked to work problems in close proximity (in particular – interiors) to other campers and staff members. All dogs must be able to tolerate quick movement, gesticulation, normal and repeated eye contact, vocal interaction, close proximity, and unplanned encounters from men and women. We cannot provide special accommodations for dogs that are not comfortable with all types of people in close proximity.
- This includes human reactive dogs that have acclimated to a class or private lesson situation but are still reactive with strangers, in strange situations, or react when under stress. Tolerance to people in a regular class or familiar situation is not a good indicator that a dog will do well at Camp. Again, the living and group training logistics over multiple days in the Camp environment will often magnify issues or cause a regression in modified behavior.
- We cannot accommodate dogs that are human aggressive or have fear issues that may evoke a warning or an aggressive response.
- Dogs that threaten other dogs or humans, or are considered to be a perceived danger at camp to themselves or others will be asked to leave. No refunds will be offered if a dog is excused from participating in camp or asked to leave the camp grounds.
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.
- All dogs must be able to be safely and humanely physically controlled by their registered handler.
- All dogs must be kept on a six foot leash unless in designated areas or working directly in a session with camp staff personnel (no moving dogs from one area to another on flexi-leads or long lines).
- Dogs must remain ON LEASH at all times… NO EXCEPTIONS. (except where noted)
- Dogs must be crate trained and able to be crated safely and quietly away from the handler.
- No dog/dog play or interaction will be permitted unless between two dogs residing in the same household.
- There will be a designated long line or flexi-lead exercise areas for playing ball or swimming your dog. We will not have an off lead area at camp. Off lead outside exercising must be done off camp property.
- 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. Please ask permission before you let your dog approach or get too close to other dogs. 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.
- 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. See above.
- Dogs that need space or react to dogs or are worried must wear a red bandana and have a bandana tied to his/her crate (or car) to help communicate the dog’s needs.
- Campers must be willing to negotiate with his/her cabin-mates so there are fair and peaceful living conditions for all involved. Please expect that your dog will need to be crated at least part of the time when in the cabin.
Female dogs with working spots in season will be permitted to participate in this camp. Additional dogs coming to camp as non-working companions can NOT be in season. If a registered working dog comes in season, the dog may participate if the camper agrees to the following rules:
- At Camp Winder, owners must commute or have a single room that can be completely secured. The yurt style housing at Camp Winder is unlikely to be able to accommodate females in season. If available, upgrading housing to accommodate your dog may incur an additional fee. For housing planning and/or exceptions, please discuss with Dana.
- Commuters must crate their dogs in their vehicles during lunch and lectures.
- Your dog must wear pants at all times except when toileting in designated area.
- Expect to have a designated toilet area near your cabin or vehicle if commuting.
- Movement of female dogs in season will be restricted to going to and from classes and toilet area.
- Bring a sturdy crate for your dog; your dog cannot be left unattended in a room with other dogs present.
- Expect that your dog may need to run last in classes depending on your group dynamics.
- Non-working dogs are NOT allowed at camp if in season.
- Dana Crevling/Camp must be notified in advance that you will have a female dog in season at camp so she can prepare for you.
See Cancellation and Refund section for all options including refunds.
At this time we do not expect to have our large camp store at the 2023 GA K9NW Camp. We may offer the option of on-line shopping ahead of time or limited items for sale.
We will continue the Dogs of Course tradition and hold our charity raffle in 2023. Raffle proceeds will go to fighting canine cancer.
NACSW™
10 CEUs
CCPDT
15 CEUs for CPDT-KA/KSA
1 CEU for CBCC KA/KSA
IAABC
CEUs for working spots – pending approval
CEUs for auditors – pending approval
KPA-CTP
30 CEUs for working spots
27 CEUs for auditors
No video or audio taping of lectures, demonstrations 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, Facebook, etc. without permission. There may be some videotaping done by the staff or instructors for educational or promotional purposes if participants at the workshop have signed a photo/video release. Auditors and campers may NOT videotape other teams working unless they are videoing for the person working with her/his camera. Any approved videotaping is for personal use only.
Photography is welcome and encouraged at camp. Campers are encouraged to take still photographs at camp and post on social media. Before you post a photo of another person on social media, please be sure to have their permission.
Elena Pesavento, from Spot On Photo, will be taking photos at camp this year.
COVID-19 (1/6/23 revision)
Due to COVID-19 and all the uncertainty that has come with it, we need to let you know several things:
- Our goal is to provide a safe environment where we can all feel comfortable, and risk is minimized while still enjoying the camp experience.
- ALL participants must not have contracted COVID less than 10 days prior to coming to camp AND must be symptom free.
- ALL participants must not have been in contact with, living with, or exposed to any person with COVID- 19 for at least 5 days prior to the start of camp.
- All Campers are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated.
- PCR testing 5 days prior to traveling to camp is strongly recommended/encouraged. See refund policy. If you can’t get PCR testing, please rapid test instead.
- Campers should rapid test one last time test before leaving home and then minimize exposure when traveling to camp to maximize chances for a negative test at registration.
- Campers will be required to take rapid tests and may have temperatures taken upon arrival at camp and/or during camp. Campers that test positive and/or have a temperature will be asked to leave.
- Campers should bring 2 rapid test kits with them to camp. One to use at registration in the presence of a staff member. The second rapid test should be saved to have available if needed while at camp.
- All Campers must wear masks for interior searches and depending on the level of COVID-19 in the area/country, you may be asked to wear masks outdoors as well. Or if things are really good, we may not need masks. Best to plan for them. We will be making decisions based on CDC guidelines and current outbreak levels. We will err on the side of caution.
- By coming to camp, you will agree to cooperate with the rules or regulations set in place with regards to mask wearing, hand sanitizing, food handling, and other protocols.
- You will be asked to sign a COVID-19 waiver before coming to camp, indicating that you have had at least the required initial vaccine(s) and one booster within the last 12 months or that you understand that you may be at greater risk if not vaccinated or boosted. Further you will state that you do not currently have COVID-19 and have not been in contact or exposed to any person with COVID-19 in the past 5 days.
- Social distancing will be strongly encouraged and/or required in certain situations.
- Non-compliance may result in dismissal from Camp without a refund.
- Campers with COVID may not participate in Camp and will be asked to leave.
- By registering and attending Camp you fully understand that there is risk of contracting COVID-19.
See Cancellation and Refund section for COVID specific refund policies.
2023 Camp Tuition
Tuition includes 1 or 2 dogs. See costs for additional dogs below. Camp tuition covers lodging, meals and all classes and activities.
Lodging preference is not guaranteed. We have limited camp housing, so once the reserved rooms fill up, you will only be able to attend as a Commuter.
Anyone who is not staying at Camp Will-A-Way is considered a commuter. Commuter rate applies to campers staying in any housing that is not designated for our group. The Commuter fee will cover meals, all training and other activities.
Tuition | before or on 2-15-2023 | after 2-15-2023 |
---|---|---|
Working Spot – Full. Wait list started. For wait list, fill out the registration info below and click the wait list button at the bottom of the page. Then fill in your name, email address, phone number and dog training level on the window that pops up after you click the wait list button. | $1350 | $1400 |
Working Spot – Elite (+$760) Full. Wait list started. For wait list, fill out the registration info below and click the wait list button at the bottom of the page. Then fill in your name, email address, phone number and dog training level on the window that pops up after you click the wait list button. | $2110 | $2160 |
Auditor Spot | $695 | $745 |
Helper Logistics Team Member Register only if you’ve been approved/accepted. Email Bonnie for information. Helpers can choose Camp Housing or Commuter option. | $450 | $450 |
Room/Accommodation Options | ||
Logistics Team Housing Only | +$0 | +$0 |
Semi Private Room: FULL Cabin Room for 2 working teams or 2 working with 1 auditor or 1 LTM without dog. If you want to stay with someone during camp, tell us your roommate’s name. And cabin-mates’ names if you know. | +$100 | +$100 |
Single: FULL Private room in a cabin. 1 person with 1 or 2 dogs. Working campers only. | +$200 | +$200 |
Commuter: Stay offsite and commute to camp daily. | +$0 | +$0 |
RV Commuter Parking Spot: Day Parking Only. No overnight parking Limited to 5 parking spots. Tell us the size and type of RV. | +$0 | +$0 |
Additional Options | ||
One additional dog (total of three dogs) Only for working participants; auditors cannot bring dogs. | $90 | $90 |
Two additional dogs (total of four dogs) Only for working participants; auditors cannot bring dogs. | $180 | $180 |
Please contact Dana if you need to bring more than 3 dogs for one working participant as this may limit housing options or your ability to be a camper. | ||
Linen Service For people who are taking public transportation and cannot bring their own linens. | $25 | $25 |
Cleaning Fee No cleaning fee charge at Camp Will-A-Way | N/A | N/A |
Registration ends at 5:00pm EST on March 1, 2023 or when limit has been reached. Registration acceptance is subject to approval by the staff.
Due to the timing of registration opening, full payment is required at the time of registration. Please note that the non-refundable portion of your tuition is $200 for regular working groups, Logistics Team Members and auditors and $275 for Elite Groups.
Payment Options: You may pay via PayPal or check. Your registration will not be considered complete until we receive payment and approve your attendance. Registration is pending for check payment until received and processed and we approve your attendance.
Working spots are limited. 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.
Housing and special notes about registration: IMPORTANT. PLEASE READ. Registration for this camp is different than what you may have encountered in the past.
When you register, you will pay the commuter rate in full.
You will see a selection of housing choices when you begin your registration. This is due to the fact that lodging at Camp Will-A-Way is limited and may not be suitable for all dogs.
- Campers that stay on the property will be housed in octagon shaped cabins.
- Each cabin has 3 “pie wedge” shaped rooms with private bathrooms that are divided by flexible accordion door partitions. Although the sections are visually closed off, you will still be able to hear the campers and dogs on either side of your room.
- The cabins have heating and air conditioning set at a comfortable temperature by the facility.
- The cabins are best for friendly quiet dogs due to the sound traveling from room to room and that the rooms are divided by flexible accordion doors.
- At this time, we do not believe these cabins are a good fit for reactive or socially awkward dogs as they have limited security and auditory privacy.
- Campers will be asked to bring one or two expens or baby gates to help secure the doorways.
- We will be limiting each room to either be a single/private (1 person and 2 dogs) or a semi-private (2 – 3 people and 2 – 3 dogs). Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis.
- We will be asking for your housing preferences when you register.
- If you have roommate (sharing your “pie” wedge) and cabinmate (campers in other wedges in your cabin) preferences, you will be able to note that on your registration form.
- We will contact you roughly 1 week after you register to let you know what housing we can offer you and your dog/s.
- If the housing does not work for you and you are unable to stay off site and commute, you will be refunded in full without penalty if you tell us within 3 business days of us contacting you.
- After that 3 day period, regular refund policy will go into effect.
Commuters have close parking and can set up easy-ups to create a space for them to relax or shade their vehicles.
Please read all information below along with the cancellation policy carefully (posted in next section) before registering.
All cancellations must be sent to Dogs of Course and must be 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.
Please note that the non-refundable portion of your tuition is $200 for regular working groups, Logistics Team Members and auditors and $275 for Elite Groups.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
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. This policy is without exception.
If you have concerns about the cancellation/refund policy, please consider researching “Trip/Travel Insurance” options independently.
Refund Schedule:
- Cancellations received within 3 days of registration, full refund. If you change your mind about attending camp within 3 days of your registration, a full refund will be offered.
- Cancellations received 60 days or more before the camp start date will be refunded in full less the $200 /$275 non-refundable, non-transferable (neither to another person nor camp, event, seminar), cancellation fee.
- Cancellations received between 60 and 30 days of the camp start date, will be refunded 50% of the tuition after the $200/$275 non-refundable, non-transferable, cancellation fee is deducted. If Dogs of Course obtains a qualified working team that meets the replacement qualifications (see below) either on our wait list or through Dogs of Course marketing search 30 days before the start of camp, tuition will be refunded in full less the $200/$275 fee as indicated in first bullet above. Campers will not be able to locate their own replacements. Campers may refer candidates to Dogs of Course to be placed on the wait list. All replacement campers must come from the camp wait list. Qualifications for replacement are: The dog may need to be working at the same level as the dog previously registered, the camper agrees to all policies and the team can fit the previously requested housing assignment or commute.
- Due to the nature of running a dog training camp cancellations received 30 days or fewer before the camp start date will not receive a refund nor be eligible for the replacement option stated above.
- Each Nose Work® Camp is considered a “Single Event.” As such, registration for one camp cannot be transferred to a different camp. Changes from one camp location to another will be treated as a cancellation for the original camp registration per the above policy. At that time, the camper will be free to register for an alternate camp when camp registration opens for the public. There will be no “early bird” or “pre-registrations” allowed when cancelling one camp and wishing to enroll in an alternate camp.
COVID Specific Refund Info:
Due to the ever-changing national COVID situation, it is difficult to anticipate what will be happening when camp runs. We have done our best to come up with a refund policy based on current information that is fair for both the camper who may have COVID, the other campers and staff, and Dogs of Course.
- Campers who get COVID within 10 days of the start of Camp or are still symptomatic (other than sense of smell/taste) will be refunded in full minus the non-refundable deposit. Camper must show proof of positive COVID PCR test from a health care provider to be refunded.
- Campers who arrive at Camp and test positive and/or have a temperature at registration will be refunded as follows:
- Campers who have had a negative PCR test 5 days or less before the start of Camp will be refunded in full minus the non-refundable deposit. Proof of the negative PCR test from a health care provider is required to be refunded at this level.
- Campers who have not had a PCR test 5 days or less before the start of Camp will be refunded tuition minus the non-refundable deposit and an additional $300.
- Campers who get COVID during camp will be refunded on a prorated basis. Each case will be looked at individually.
These policies may change depending on the current COVID information and status. Registered campers will be informed of changes in this policy.
Changing Attendance Levels:
- Campers may change from a working spot to auditing/logistics team member, from an Elite working spot to regular working spot, auditor, logistics team member, or from auditor to logistics team member, under the following guidelines:
- Changes received 60 days or more before the camp start date will be changed for a $25 administrative fee.
- For changes between 60 and 30 days, the camper will receive a refund of 50% of the difference between the two registration fees.
- Due to the nature of running a dog training camp changes from a working spot to an auditor/logistics team member spot received 30 days or fewer before the camp start date are not eligible to receive a refund.
- Campers with working spots that switch to auditing/logistics team member are subject to housing changes available to auditors. This may include switching from a single accommodation to multiple occupancy or require commuting.
“No Shows” and Leaving Early:
- Campers that leave early for their own reasons or are “No-shows” will not receive a refund.
- Participants asked/required to leave the event/property by the camp director or lead instructors will not be refunded any part of the tuition.
- Reasons for dismissal from camp may include, but are not limited to:
- Dogs that are disruptive to other campers, dogs, the staff, or the facility
- Dogs that exhibit aggression deemed unmanageable/unsafe by the staff for the camp environment
- Dogs that cannot be safely managed and/or trained by their handler
- Unresolved camper conflict, disruptive or inappropriate behavior
- Rule non-compliance
- Health issues, either canine or human, that may impact or endanger other dogs or campers. See COVID specific policies.
- Health issues that negatively impact the dog’s emotional, mental or physical well being
- Reasons for dismissal from camp may include, but are not limited to:
Force Majeure:
- 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.
Options for Female Working Dogs in Season only:
- Dana Crevling/Camp must be notified in advance that you will have a female dog in season at camp so we can plan accordingly.
- Option 1) Working dogs that come into season are allowed if the camper agrees to specific rules. See Females in Season section.
- Option 2) Bring a different qualified dog working at the same level
- Option 3) Switch to auditor registration and receive a refund for 50% of the difference between the two registration fees
- Option 4) The camper can cancel and be reimbursed per the general policy.
- If a non-working dog comes into season the person must leave the dog home and will 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.
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. This policy is without exception.
If you have concerns about the cancellation/refund policy, please consider researching “Trip/Travel Insurance” options independently for your protection.
Camp Will-A-Way
210 S. Broad Street, Unit 5
Winder, GA 30680
From Atlanta (approx. 1 hour):
• Take I–85 North to exit #106: Hwy 316 East toward Athens/Lawrenceville.
• Travel 21 miles and turn left onto GA–81.
• Travel 3 miles and the entrance to Fort Yargo State Park will be on the right.
• Once through the main gate/guard shack, take a left at the stop sign. (Just let them know that you are going to Camp Twin Lakes– you do not need to pay.)
• Continue straight through the second stop sign.
• Travel 0.4 miles, then turn right onto Yargo Camp Rd.
• Travel 0.5 miles, then turn right onto Will–A–Way Road which will lead you into Camp Will–A–Way and parking.
From Athens (approx. 30 minutes):
• Take Epps Bridge Parkway to GA–316 W/US–29 N.
• Travel 9.3 miles and turn right onto Hog Mountain Road/US–29/GA–53.
• Travel 4.6 miles and turn left on S. Broad Street/GA–81.
• Travel .6 miles and the entrance to Fort Yargo State Park will be on the left.
• Once through the main gate/guard shack, take a left at the stop sign. (Just let them know that you are going to Camp Twin Lakes– you do not need to pay.)
• Continue straight through the second stop sign.
• Travel 0.4 miles, then turn right onto Yargo Camp Rd.
• Travel 0.5 miles, then turn right onto Will–A–Way Road which will lead you into Camp Will–A–Way and parking.
From Augusta (approx. 2.5 hours):
• Take I–20 West to exit #172: US–78/GA–17 toward Thomas/Washington.
• Travel 21.6 miles and turn left at N. Bypass E. Continue to follow GA–10/GA–17/US–78.
• Travel 42.2 miles and turn left to merge onto US–29 South
• Travel 6.3 miles and take exit #1: US–29 S/US–78 W/GA–16 W toward Monroe/Atlanta.
• Turn left at Epps Bridge Road/Epps Bridge Parkway. Continue to follow US–29.
• Travel 12.7 miles and turn right onto Hog Mountain Road/US–29/GA–53
• Travel 4.6 miles and turn left on S. Broad Street/GA–81.
• Travel .6 miles and the entrance to Fort Yargo State Park will be on the left. Once through the main gate/guard shack, take a left at the stop sign. (Just let them know that you are going to Camp Twin Lakes–you do not need to pay.)
• Continue straight through the second stop sign.
• Travel 0.4 miles, then turn right onto Yargo Camp Rd.
• Travel 0.5 miles, then turn right onto Will–A–Way Road which will lead you into Camp Will–A–Way and parking.
Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Atlanta, GA
Questions? Contact Dana Crevling at Crevling@dogsofcourse.com
Get a feel for what happens at camp by watching these sample slide shows.
2017 Georgia K9 Nose Work Camp Slide Show
2018 Colorado K9 Nose Work Camp Slide Show
“This was our first time at camp. We were blown away with all we learned and experienced. The instructors were a wealth of knowledge and experience. We would definitely attend camp again.” D.S. GA
“…a memorable and enriching experience – from working sessions to lectures to building and maintaining camaraderie!” J.M. GA
“It was, literally, the most stimulating nose work educational experience I’ve ever had…” J.C. OR
“As an ANWI, Camp was invaluable. Being able to watch so many different instructors work with so many teams as students, watching the problems they set up for the teams, seeing how they coached in all different styles… I came away with so much information on how to teach. As a competitor, I now have a new way of looking at my training, new insights into the whole ‘culture’ of the NACSW way of approaching scent work. “Trust your dog”, “It depends”, all mean a lot more to me than before camp. AND – it was so much fun to meet other instructors, competitors and people from all over the world, who just want to explore their bond with their dogs.” M.K.
If you have questions about whether you and/or your dog qualify for camp or other concerns, please contact Dana via the email link. Click here to email Dana Crevling
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Read the housing and special notes under “Registration Info” above.