K9 Nose Work Training Camp – Camp Chen-A-Wanda, PA 2026

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/scent work venues, and to provide a model for effective instruction for current and future 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 and/or handlers at more than one level. Our instructors are very skilled in working with dogs at all levels and will do their best to 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 accomplished 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, certifying trials, hosting trials, and instruction.
Read more about each instructor below.

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 at the edge of camp in the parking area. This facility is on VERY hilly terrain.

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 (or vehicle) 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 Chen-A-Wanda is nestled in the heart of the magnificent Pocono Mountains in Susquehanna 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 acres of rolling hills with a spectacular lake, open fields, and hiking areas (on leash please), Chen-A-Wanda provides a perfect setting for nose work fun. Camp Chen-A-Wanda has a number of buildings for inside training as well as an abundance of outside space for exterior and vehicle search education.

Click Here to take a virtual tour of the grounds!

Please see the “Tuition, Lodging and Other Camp Options and Fees” Section  below for details about housing options that are still open.

Lodging listed below may change due to ongoing camp improvements. We will update as necessary.

Each camper requests the lodging that best meets her/his needs on a first come basis. Campers from the previous year have the option to return to their housing or upgrade (if available) before general registration opens.

Housing: We will do our best to work with campers that want to stay on the property and need roommates. This may mean that commuting may be an option if your housing choice is not available.

Cabin Bunk Rooms:  Most campers will enjoy the full summer camp experience and bunk in a cabin as a single or with multiple occupancy. Multiple occupancy cabins will be approximately two to four people in a cabin bunk room. Campers may request roommates. If two or more campers want to be guaranteed a bunk room all to themselves, the pricing is considered “standard rate plus occupancy.” Number, size, and special needs of dogs, or camper requirements, may dictate the lodging accommodations options available. Owners of reactive dogs or socially awkward dogs may find it best to room with friends that understand and can accommodate the dog’s spatial requirements or stay in a private/single room. For those campers with dog reactive dogs that are coming on their own and are staying in the cabins (not a single room/bunk), we will do our best to match you with another camper that has a dog with similar social needs or an auditor. If we cannot find an appropriate match we will contact you about commuting. It will be up to each camper to work with her/his bunk mate to create a safe and equal living environment. This may require that dogs will have limited time loose in the bunk room and must sleep in their crates or an ex-pen at night. Campers with “friendly” dogs should expect that this may be required for your dog as well.

Single Rooms/Cabin Bunk Rooms:
There are a limited number of compact single rooms with their own small private bathroom. The single rooms are best for one adult or a couple and one or two dogs due to limited floor space and may require stacking crates.
Also available are private single rooms that share a Jack & Jill bathroom with one other room. Limited number. Rooms are small. Crates may need to be stacked.
A limited number of single cabins (bunkroom) are also available. This option will give the camper a private bath and exterior entry with multiple twin bunk beds and plenty of room to stretch out.  Some of the twin bunk beds can be moved together to give you more space.

The housing at Camp Chen-A-Wanda offers a true sleepover camp experience. Campers should expect rustic charm and very basic amenities. The rooms and cabins are not heated or air-conditioned. Some rooms have fans.

Campers must bring their own linens. There is no linen service. Campers should plan to bring sleeping bags or heavy blankets. Electric blankets for the beds are welcome.

Pet Cleaning Fees: $25
The ability to stay at a children’s camp with our dogs is a privilege. No matter how well we clean-up after ourselves, facilities need extra cleaning after dogs stay.  For all campers living on-site that bring dogs there will be a $25 per camper pet cleaning fee. This includes Logistic Team Members who bring a dog with them to camp. Commuters, Auditors and LTM without a dog do not have to pay the fee.

Additional cleaning or damage fees may be required if a camper leaves their housing in worse condition than when they arrived.

Commuters: Campers that prefer more up-scale accommodations are welcome to commute to camp each day. The cost for commuters includes all meals and all classes/activities. Commuters who are working dogs should plan on crating their dogs in their vehicles when not in class. Vehicles will be parked at the edges of the camp or in one of the athletic fields that may be a walk from the main activities. Campers must provide their own shade as needed. We do not provide a commuter crating cabin at this camp.

Commuters are responsible for locating and making their own sleeping arrangements. “Bring Fido” website has some ideas for lodging, as well as VRBOs in the Thompson, PA area.

We will have room for 2 camper RV parking spots in 2026.

You MUST be self-contained. There may be a possibility for 20 amp electric hookup with very long extension cord, but access to power is not guaranteed.

Campers and staff eat together in the dining hall. 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 healthy, filling food for omnivores as well as vegetarians. We are sorry but we cannot cater to specific dietary restrictions and suggest campers that have special needs supplement the meals as needed.  There is no refrigeration available for campers, so please plan on bringing an ice cooler or a plug-in cooler to keep your personal food fresh. Ice will be available at camp free of charge. Grocery Stores are about 30 minutes 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. Please note that in the standard rate, multiple housing, we are allowing no more than 2 dogs per person. 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 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.

Canine Health Policy
Due to the nature of the sport of nose work dogs are placed at higher risk because their noses are touching where other dogs’ noses have been including the saliva left behind. Dogs must be healthy and free of contagious conditions including, but not limited to canine upper respiratory virus, canine flu, kennel cough, and fleas. Dogs that still may be contagious due to illness, or exposed to an illness, may be asked not to attend. Dogs with a contagious illness that may affect the rest of the dog population may be asked to leave without refund. PLEASE READ the Canine Health Specific Refund Information carefully.

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 categories below, we ask that you leave her/him 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 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 of 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.

Bringing a Dog into the United States
If you are traveling to the United States with your dog, please verify that your dog meets all the requirements to enter the US.  The CDC rules changed August 1, 2024.  Please visit the CDC website for more information.

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 her/his crate (or car) to help communicate the dog’s needs.

Campers must be willing to negotiate with her/his 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:

• Dana Crevling/Camp must be notified in advance that you will have a female dog in season at camp or if you want to change dogs so we can prepare for you.
• Non-working dogs are NOT allowed at camp if in season.
• Owners must commute, have roommates that agree to dog being in same cabin, or have a single room. For housing questions, please discuss with Dana Crevling.
• 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 areas.
• Expect to have a designated toilet area near your housing or vehicle if commuting.
• When possible, there may be designated toileting areas near search areas if a remote location is available.  You may need to walk your female to a remote location or back to the cabin to toilet during class. Females in season cannot toilet in common areas that may be overly distracting for other dogs.
• Female dogs in season may be walked for exercise around the property but MUST be wearing PANTS at all times. You are welcome to exercise your dog off the property.
• Bring a sturdy crate(s) for your dog; your dog should not be left unattended in a room with other intact males present. A sturdy crate is best for training class crating as well to ensure an accident does not happen.
• Expect that your dog may need to run last in classes depending on your group dynamics.
• Please use common sense and courtesy for other campers and dogs that may be impacted by having a female in season at camp. This includes not “hanging around” in common areas or exercising in known search spaces during off hours with your dog etc.
• Campers that do not follow the rules may be asked to leave without refund.
• Dana Crevling reserves the right to adjust these policies as needed to ensure the smooth running of camp and with consideration for all campers.

See Cancellation and Refund section for all options including refunds.

We will have a camp store with fun Nose/Scent Work related items, including T-shirts, for you and your dog. Cash and checks are strongly encouraged. Credit card payment may be limited due to wifi conductivity.

At Dogs of Course events, we have a tradition of helping those less fortunate. To date, Dogs of Course has facilitated over $463,000.00 in charitable donations! Most often the recipient is a dog-related charity or of humanitarian interest. Guidelines on how to participate will be announced in the final camper preparation letter.

We hope campers will support our selected charity by either donating a new item or participating in the raffle. The recipient of the charity raffle for 2026 is TBD. Donations are by cash and checks only. Campers may write a check directly to the charity for a tax write-off.

This year’s charity is Morris Animal Foundation.

Since 1950, Morris Animal Foundation has invested nearly $60 million in more than 1,220 canine health studies. They have contributed to early research that contributed to the parvovirus vaccine and development of genetic tests for heart diseases, eye diseases and seizure disorders. They are also at the forefront of funding cancer studies in dogs, including hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma and osteosarcoma.

NACSW™
10 CEUs for CNWIs

CCPDT
11.5 CEUs for working spot
8 CEUs for auditor

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.

Karen Ogden, Sirius Photography,  will be our professional photographer again this year. She will be taking photos of the camp experience for you to purchase. See her work and previous PA camp photos on https://sirius.smugmug.com

COVID-19 (5/15/24 revision)
Due to ongoing COVID-19 and Flu concerns and our commitment to providing the safest environment possible, 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-19 within 7 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 encouraged to discuss vaccination and risks of attending Camp with their doctors. Vaccination is not required.
• These policies also apply to all other highly contagious illnesses that have health implications for the whole community. The specific number of days to be illness free may be adjusted depending on the specific illness.
• PCR testing or rapid testing 5 days and then one day prior to traveling to camp is encouraged.
• 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.
• 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 for COVID-19 and/or have a temperature will be asked to leave without refund. Campers that have other contagious illness either at registration or during camp may not participate in Camp and will be asked to leave immediately without refund.
• You will be required to sign a COVID/health waiver before coming to Camp stating that you do not currently have COVID-19, flu or other contagious illness and have not been in contact with or exposed to any person with COVID-19 in the past 5 days. Or if you are recovering from COVID-19, that you are symptom-free (other than loss of taste/smell) and were diagnosed with it at least 7 days before the arrival date.
• All Campers should be prepared to wear masks for interior searches depending on the level of COVID-19 in the area/country. 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.
• Social distancing may be encouraged and/or required in certain situations.
• 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. The host has the right to adjust procedures and protocols.
• Non-compliance may result in dismissal from Camp without a refund.
• By registering and attending Camp you fully understand that there is risk of contracting COVID-19, Flu or other contagious illnesses.
• By registering and attending Camp, you fully agree to accept the policies, and decisions made by the Camp Director or person acting as Director or given authority to make decisions and their interpretation of these or other related policies listed or not listed.
• Dogs of Course will make a reasonable effort to inform registered attendees of significant changes in this policy but is not responsible for guaranteeing the information is communicated. We will update this page as policies change.

See Cancellation and Refund section for COVID-19/Health specific refund policies.

Registration ends at 5:00pm ET on August 19, 2026 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 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. Full payment is due no later than 90 days  prior to the start of camp – June 5, 2026.
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.

Please read all information below along with the cancellation policy carefully (posted in next section) before registering.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to register.

2026 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 Chen-A-Wanda 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.

Camp Chen-A-Wanda
355 Camp Road
Thompson, PA 18465

From NJ and NY via the NY State Thruway
NY State Thruway to Exit 16 to Route 17 West. Exit 104 Raceway Road
Take 17B (alongside Monticello Raceway) to Fosterdale
At Fosterdale- go straight ahead, 5 miles to Route 97
Turn Left onto Route 97 for approximately 500 feet
Turn Right into Cochecton and take 371
Continue on Route 371 and pass thru Pleasant Mount and Herrick Center
Go straight ahead into Herrick Center
As you go straight ahead, Route 371 West becomes Route 374 West
In 3 miles you will come to Dimock Corners
Turn Right to CAMP CHEN-A-WANDA (about 2 miles)

From NY and NJ via the George Washington Bridge/Route 80
George Washington Bridge to Route 80 to Route 380 North to Route 81 North
Exit at 206 (old Exit 63) Lenoxville, Elk Mountain Ski Resort
When exiting from highway, go straight at the stop sign
Follow the signs to Elk Mountain Ski Resort by following 374 East
It is about 8.7 miles to Elk Mountain
Go 1.1 miles past Elk Mountain
At the stop sign – head left and continue on 374 East
At the four corner intersection, 374 East turns to the Right. Go straight – Do not turn Right *Camp CHEN-A-WANDA is 2 miles ahead on the Right

From Philadelphia via Pennsylvania Turnpike
Take I-76 W via the ramp to Valley Forge
Take exit 331B to merge onto I-476 N for 115 miles
Take exit onto I-81 N toward Binghamton
Take exit at 206 (old Exit 63) Lenoxville, Elk Mountain Ski Resort
When exiting from hwy, go straight at the stop sign
Follow the signs to Elk Mountain Ski Resort by following 374 East
It is about 8.7 miles to Elk Mountain
Go 1.1 miles past Elk Mountain
At the stop sign – head left and continue on 374 East
At the four corner intersection, 374 East turns to the Right. Go straight – Do not turn Right *Camp CHEN-A-WANDA is 2 miles ahead on the Right

Airports: (times are approximate and will vary based on traffic conditions)

• Newark, NJ – 3 hours
• Newburgh, NY – 2 hours 15 minutes
• JFK, NYC – 3 hours 30 minutes
• LaGuardia, NYC – 3 hours, 10 minutes
• Albany, NY – 2 hours 45 minutes
• Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA – 1 hour 15 minutes

Questions? Contact Dana Crevling at Crevling@dogsofcourse.com

If you have questions about whether you and/or your dog qualify for camp or other concerns, please contact Michele via the email link.  Click here to email Michele.