K9 Nose Work® Training Camp
Camp Friendship
Palmyra, VA
April 4, 2026 – April 8, 2026
General Registration is closed.
Tuition Cost, not including housing:
Working Spot: Starts at $1525 (early bird price: $1475)
Elite Working Spot: Starts at $2450 (early bird price: $2400) Full – Please join the waitlist
Auditor Spot: Starts at $825 (early bird price: $775)
Helpers: Starts at $475 (early bird price: $425) Full
Early Bird registration costs apply through January 21, 2026. Standard registration costs apply January 22, 2026 through February 27, 2026.
Registration ends at 5:00pm ET on February 27, 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 read ALL information carefully before registering. This includes the general cancellation policy, the COVID/health and canine health attendance requirements, and the cancellation/refund policies for COVID and canine health.
Campers Arrive:
Saturday, April 4, 2026, between 9:30am – 11:30am.
Camp starts after lunch with orientation and training class.
Campers Leave:
Campers leave on Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026, after breakfast.
Camp Size:
Current limit is approximately 37 – 50 working campers plus auditing campers and Logistics Team Members. Approximately 8 campers per regular working group and 5 campers per Elite Group. We will do our best to add more working spots as needed.
Small Camp Experience!
VA Camp will offer all the amenities of our larger camps in a smaller, more personal, training atmosphere.
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.
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 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.
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 four days / 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 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 rescued and trained service dogs for veteran’s full time for 8 years.
Carolyn has been training, competing, and titling dogs for 40 years in obedience, conformation, tracking, agility, earth dog, and for the last decade plus 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 is a Summit competitor. She participated in the 2017 NACSW National Invitational winning one of the searches and placing in another. Her rescue dog, Sam, achieved his NW3 Elite in just 5 trials that included placements and a first overall for his NW2. Sam has his ELT2 with limited showing and is mostly retired. Carolyn’s current competition dog, Opal, is a black Labrador Retriever. Opal is 4.5 and is competing in Elite. Opal is a consistent worker, with multiple overall and element placements.
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 all of her Goldens: Jig, Jeep, Shamrock, Fiddler and Rookie. 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 and Jig participated in the 2013 NACSW National Invitational in California as one of 13 dogs selected throughout the country. Jig was Dog in White for the 2014 and 2017 NACSW National Invitational. Karin achieved the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) Elite Championship title with Jig, Jeep and Shamrock.
All have moved on leaving 4-year-old Fiddler as the “Man of the House” with 1 year old Rookie and the newest member of the family Zucca! Karin is a NACSW Supervising Certifying Official and Judge, a Trial Site Advisor for NACSW Trials, a CO Administrator 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.
Jen Johnson, CNWI
Jen Johnson graduated from James Madison University and Penn State University. She was a health care professional for many years until she left the industry to work with dogs full-time.
Jen started teaching with Paws Plus in 2008 in the Tracking program. The joy of watching dogs identify a scent and follow it to the end was fascinating to Jen and gave her the spark to delve into the world of canine scenting sports. Since that time, she has trained two K9NW Elite Champions.
In 2010, Jen became a K9 Nose Work fan after taking her first class with her black Lab, Shadow. Shadow was environmentally fearful and K9 Nose Work changed her life. Shadow went from being shy and trembling to an outgoing searcher that earned the Elite Championship in 2019. Seeing the positive changes in Shadow’s life, Jen became a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) in 2011 and began teaching K9 Nose Work classes in the Richmond, VA area with her parents, Jim and Janie Simmons. At Paws Plus Training, LLC, Jen works with students of all levels to discover and enhance the amazing scenting abilities of dogs. Jen enjoys watching dogs come out of their shells while participating in Nose Work and watching the bonds develop between dogs and their handlers.
Together with Janie and Jim, Jen has helped host more than 30 trial days in Virginia and volunteered at countless trials. She is a NACSW Certifying Official and Judge as well as Score Room Lead. She also judges all levels for AKC Scent Work. Jen enjoys setting level appropriate challenges for teams and watching teams across the country solve odor problems. In 2021, she became a Supervising Certifying Official and helps train certifying officials for NACSW.
Jen resides near Richmond, Virginia with her husband, son, and daughter. She currently trains Mango and Kiwi in Nose Work and Tracking.
Jessica Koester, BSAS, ABCDT, KPA CTP, CNWI
Jessica is currently a NACSW Certified Nose Work Instructor, Certifying Official and Trial Judge as well as a Trial Host. She was introduced to the sport of K9 Nose Work in 2011 after moving to San Diego, CA. She signed up for classes with her young border collie who had environmental sensitivities and fear reactivity issues. After doing several classes, she noticed that her young dog was more confident in new environments and curious of novel items, and while still cautious in new situations, he was not as prone to bark immediately. Amazed at this change, Jessica continued with K9 nose work classes and eventually applied to the Instructor Program, which she graduated from in 2013.
In 2010 Jessica graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia (MIZZOU) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science as well as a Minor in Meat Science. She also attained an additional Minor in Equine Science via dual enrollment at MIZZOU and Stephens College.
Some of Jessica’s additional certifications also include ABCDT (Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer) in 2012 with Honors and KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) in 2013. In addition, she is also a licensed A.K.C Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator as well as a CPDT C.L.A.S.S. Evaluator.
Jessica has been a dog owner all her life and has been in and around dog and equine sports from childhood. She has been privately training both horses and dogs, of all ages and breeds, over the last 17 years. She works with dogs and their owners on basic manners, trick training and does behavior modification for reactive dogs, in addition to teaching K9 Nose Work.
Jessica continues to further her education through classes, seminars, workshops, and K9 Nose Work camps. She currently has two dogs that she is trialing with, her Border Collie, Uriel (NW3) and her Papillon, Cosette (NW2). In addition to being a dog trainer Jessica is a military spouse and mother to two young children. They all currently reside in Escondido, CA.
Lee Laubach, CNWI
Lee Laubach has trained, worked, and certified with K9’s in scent detection for over 17 years. He is an Accelerant Detection K9 handler, NACSW Trial Judge, Certified Nose Work Instructor and Certifying Official for the NACSW. Lee and his K9 partner “Judge” have worked over 600 fire scenes together where they found evidence that led to multiple arrest and civil penalties for insurance fraud cases. They have also done over 1000 demonstrations on how accelerant K9’s work, locating the accelerant using their outstanding sense of smell. In 2016 “K9 Judge” was awarded the American Humane Hero Dog Award in the Arson Dog Category. Lee holds group and private classes and has conducted numerous workshops, seminars and camps. Lee is using his years of training, experience, and knowledge to help teams excel in Nose Work and grow the bond with your K9 partner.
Favorite Training Tenets:
- Observing your K9 partner and working as a team to concur any search scenario.
- Be ready to ask the question why? When working with your pup.
- Knowing how your pup searches and plays to those strengths.
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 multiple K9 Nose Work Camps in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Colorado as a working team, instructor, 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 a 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 NW3and 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.
Roberta Scarbeck, DVM, CNWI
Roberta was first introduced to nose work in 2012 with a brochure left at her veterinary office introducing the sport. At the time, Roberta’s little dog Skeeter was having major issues with anxiety and sound sensitivities, and she was hopeful that this activity would build coping skills. Not only did it help tremendously with building Skeeter’s confidence, but it also saved her when Skeeter lost her eyes to glaucoma.
Roberta has been hooked on the benefits of nose work since that time. When she first started training her younger dog, her instructor insisted that she explore the world of Nose Work competition. Chirp, an 8-year-old beagle that believes Nose Work is the best part of life, has successfully managed to “open the door” and expose Roberta to all of the many ways to become involved in the sport.
Roberta’s enthusiasm for “all-things-Nose work” has led her to travel coast-to-coast attending many Camps, continuing education workshops and seminars, and countless NACSW Nose Work trials. Since the “door opened”, Roberta is now a CNWI teaching all levels of students and is a Certifying Official and Judge for NACSW trials. She is involved in all aspects of NACSW Nose Work trials and has hosted, been Volunteer Coordinator, and volunteered at all positions. Her dog Skeeter (who is now retired from competition) achieved an NW3-ELT title. Roberta has received 4 SMT titles (with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall placements) with her wonder dog Chirp- currently the only Beagle in the country to hold a SMT title. Being able to travel across the country to volunteer and compete at trials has allowed Roberta to observe a tremendous variety of competitor and trial host teams and how they work, thereby creating amazing opportunities for continued learning.
Roberta has worked professionally with dogs for over 35 years in the Veterinary Medical field and received her DVM in 2000. She built a start-up Veterinary Practice in Northeastern IL from the ground-up that served a grateful community for almost 25 years. Roberta’s ability to read and understand dog behaviors helped her to become a caring, compassionate, and capable Veterinarian. This background has also given her a different perspective and education on the many applications for Nose Work for our canine companions.
Roberta is also the cofounder of S.N.A.C.K.S.TM (Sniffing Noses Are Canine Keys to Success). (SnacksTraining.com)
Understanding the strong and beneficial connection we humans have with our canine friends- and how Nose Work beautifully complements this-motivates Roberta to enthusiastically share the joy of Nose Work with as many people as she can! Roberta lives in NE IL and shares a home with her hounds Chirp and Skeeter, and her spouse Donna Rauch (also a Score Room Lead and NACSW competitor) and Beaker “the fuzzy dog” ELT-CH (Boston/Shih Tzu mix).
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 the 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 K9NW Training Camp as the sport started to gather momentum. Since the very first K9NW Training Camp in 2010, Dana has planned and organized over 48 K9NW Training Camps.
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 three Flat-Coated Retrievers, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a Norfolk Terrier. Her current Nose Work dog, a Flat-Coated Retriever, is happily preparing for NW2 and beyond.
Marnie White, CNWI - Operations Manager
Marnie has been involved in dog sports for over 15 years, a journey that began with a Boxer named Cooper and a basic obedience class. What started as a fun way to spend time together quickly grew into a passion for training and competition earning titles in AKC Obedience and Rally, and along the way Marnie earned her CPDT-KA credential.
Everything changed after attending a National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) Nose Work® demo at the local obedience club — Marnie and Cooper were hooked!
For the past 10 years, Marnie has been a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), guiding teams at every level of the sport. Whether working with brand-new handlers or seasoned competitors, Marnie is passionate about helping teams build trust, confidence, and most importantly, having fun with your dog. She also serves as a Certifying Official and Judge at NACSW trials.
Cooper earned his NW3 title before retiring from competition. Uno, her English Setter, achieved Elite Champion and competed at the Summit Level. Most recently, Dos, a German Shorthaired Pointer, earned her second NW3 title.
Steve Stirrat, CNWI - 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!
Judy Archer-Dick, CNWI - Guest Instructor
Unlike many dog trainers and enthusiasts, Judy’s journey with dogs started mid-life. Growing up with cats as pets (in order to dissuade her constant pleas for a dog, her parents always told her as a child that the country was the place for a dog, not the city), she finally adopted a rescue Aussie when she DID move to the country. After a couple of disastrous years trying to “train” Hank with the traditional techniques, she started researching and found there was a whole new world of positive reinforcement training out there! With a young, behaviorally-challenged year-old Aussie pup named Gooseberry in tow, she attended some newly-launched local clicker training classes, eventually joining with a fellow student to take over the trainer position when their mentor moved out of town. My Best Friend Dog Training was formed in 2001 based on positive reinforcement training and promoting the dog-human bond.
Judy became a CPDT-KA in 2004 and a CBCC-KA in 2011. The first time she heard about and played around with “this new sport they are doing in California” was at a 2009 training course with John Rogerson. She finally had a chance in September 2011 to attend a fascinating workshop with Ron, Amy & Jill Marie: after being persuaded by Silke Wittig to attend Pennsylvania Nose Work Camp with a newly-adopted dog named Kat in September 2012, she was hooked!
She became a CNWI in 2013 and before Kat’s untimely death competed with her to the Elite II level. She currently teaches over a dozen Nose Work classes a week from Intro to Elite as well as working with behavioral clients through My Best Friend Dog Training. Her current dog Gemma has recently started the NW3 leg of her Nose Work journey.
Judy lives in the country with her patient husband Charles, the dog-training cat Maddie, and impetuous Gemma.
Kathy Austin, CNWI - Guest Instructor
Kathy Austin KPA CTP, CNWI, started K9 Nose Work in 2010 with her reactive Irish Terrier, Clancy. He was the first Irish Terrier to title with NACSW, earning 2 NW3s, all his NW3 element titles, and his L1C title.
Inspired by her journey with Clancy, Kathy enrolled in the Dog Trainer Professional program at Karen Pryor Academy and was certified as a KPA CTP in 2014 and became a CNWI in 2016. She currently focuses on teaching K9 Nose Work, holding classes at MSPCA Methuen, MA, offering small group coaching, and hosting trials and events. She’s a NACSW trial judge. Kathy is an active learner, attending seminars, webinars, and many Nose Work camps throughout the years. She’s also the Tech Team leader for Virtual Nose Work Camp.
Kathy’s dogs play the game for fun and enrichment at home while training for competition. Pippi retired after earning her NW3 Elite but still enjoys playing. Deuce, her 8-year-old Irish Terrier, recently earned his ELTCH and is trialing at Summit. Kathy’s newest family member is a Danish Swedish Farm Dog, named Fika.
Venita Lawyer, CNWI - Guest Instructor
Venita served in education as both a teacher and school administrator for 27 years. During this time, Venita was instrumental in training and bringing the first two facility dogs to Northeast Indiana. Her passion for innovation in education was matched only by her commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive school environments.
Venita’s love of learning has actively continued into her retirement through participation with her dogs in NACSW Nose Work classes, workshops, seminars, coaching groups, camps, trialing, and serving as a volunteer at trials as well as a Volunteer Coordinator. These experiences have broadened her understanding of canine behavior and deepened her appreciation for the teamwork required in the sport.
Venita currently has three Standard Poodles – Annie and Kearney, who are currently trialing at the Elite Level, and Talise, who is getting ready to join them. Each of these pups brings their own unique styles to the game. As a result, Venita has been challenged as their handler to adjust and sharpen her observation skills to be an effective teammate. Their individual personalities continually inspire her to adapt her training approach and celebrate their distinct contributions.
In addition to the three dogs, Venita also has a love for her two Ragdoll cats – Finnegan and Grayson. Their gentle nature adds a sense of balance and joy to her home, complementing the energy of her poodles.
Venita currently teaches nose work classes in Fort Wayne and loves to watch the connection develop between the handler and their dog. It is always exciting to see new learning take place not only with her dogs but with others. The collaborative community this platform provides allows teams to feel safe as they develop new skillsets as a team and training partner. Witnessing the growth and confidence of both handlers and dogs reinforces her dedication to this field.
It is with great enthusiasm and respect for teams and their learning that Venita became a CNWI to further her knowledge base and, in turn, support the learning of others. Her journey continues to be guided by curiosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to the well-being and success of both people and animals.
Cindy Martin, CNWI - Guest Instructor
Cindy has been involved in the sport of K9 Nose Work since 2010, when she started training her reactive dog Tahoe. She and Tahoe competed in the first NACSW trial in the Southeast in October 2012, and she was hooked. She and her second dog, Baxter, competed in the NACSW National Invitational in November 2017. Tahoe achieved his Elite 3 title, and Baxter earned her Elite Championship and competed in two Summit trials. Cindy is excited to now work her rockstar yellow Labrador, Durango, who is currently competing at the NW3 level.
Cindy has been teaching K9 Nose Work classes for all levels from Beginner to Summit in Huntsville, AL since 2016. She is a CNWI and an NACSW Certifying Official and has judged trials in both Performance Scent Dogs and K9 Scent Games. She also taught beginner obedience classes at her local dog training club for over 10 years, gaining invaluable experience with observing lots of dog behavior. She has been a guest instructor at the Georgia and Virginia camps and is looking forward to teaching full time.
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 –
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/DDCH groups – Full, please join the waitlist
We offer specialized groups for our Elite/Summit League teams and those with AKC Scent Work Master (SWM) title, USCSS Detection Dog Champion (DDCH), 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 USCSS DDCH (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): Full
If you would like to attend camp at a reduced rate, and like to help out and stay busy, this may be the option for you!
In exchange for working, Logistics Team Members audit camp sessions, join the discussion groups and demos, and have the option to work their dog in four special training sessions. For Colorado Camp, Logistics Team Members pay for their own housing and food at the YMCA of the Rockies. Get a private lodge room or share a room with your friends. Logistics Team Members play a critical role in making camp run smoothly. They help set up camp (arrive early), work at registration, put up signs, direct traffic, move equipment when needed, assist instructors, support campers, clean up after camp, and perform a variety of other duties. Colorado Logistics Team Members need to have a vehicle to drive around the camp as the property is huge and cannot be walked around efficiently. 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 Michele 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 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 Friendship has been family run for over 50 years. Located in Palmyra, VA, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this camp is just 30 minutes from Charlottesville, VA and 1 hour from Richmond, VA. Easy access to highways as well as shopping and dog friendly hotels. Situated on 520 acres of rolling hills with a spectacular lake, open fields, and lots of places to walk your dog (on leash please), Camp Friendship provides a perfect setting for nose work fun.
The camp is EXTREMELY HILLY. Campers must be able to walk up and down hills on their own to get to search areas and around camp. Campers must expect to walk around camp, not drive.
Commuters: Campers that prefer more up-scale accommodations are welcome to commute to camp each day. Commuters who are working dogs should plan on crating their dogs in their vehicles. Campers must provide their own shade as needed. We will not have a commuter crating cabin at this camp. All meals, classes and all activities are included with commuter tuition.
Commuter vehicles will be parked in multiple zones around camp with many of the parking spots either at the edges of the camp at the equestrian ring parking area or the edge of a field in dry weather conditions. These areas require walking for many of the search areas and for meals. We also have a small lot at the dining hall. Parking zones will be assigned on a first-come basis. We will do our best to accommodate commuting campers with ADA placards/license plates. However, there are limited spots for ADA commuting campers so close parking is not guaranteed and should not be expected. The requirements for attending camp are that each camper must be able walk around camp on their own.
Commuters are responsible for locating and making their own sleeping arrangements. Below is a partial list of area dog friendly hotels. There are also many VRBO and Airbnb rentals in the area. The “Bring Fido” website has some ideas for lodging as well.
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.
HOUSING IS LIMITED at this camp.
2026 Housing: Each camper requests the lodging that best meets her/his needs. We will do our best to work with campers that want to stay on the property. Due to limited housing on the property, priority may be given to campers that have a roommate(s) in order to best accommodate as many people as possible. Campers must find their own roommates. This may mean that commuting is required if your housing choice is not available.
The housing at Camp Friendship offers a true sleepover camp experience. Campers should expect rustic charm and very basic amenities. The cabins are not heated or air-conditioned. Cabins will be equipped with a space heater or fan furnished by the camp. All cabins have twin beds/bunkbeds.
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.
Camp Friendship’s housing is comprised of “villages.” Some villages have bathrooms in the cabins while others have a centrally located bathhouse.
Pine Grove: There are two types of cabins. The first configuration has 4 bunkbeds and 2 single beds in one large room with private 2 toilet and 2 shower bathroom. The other configuration has 2 bunk rooms with own door off a main entrance area, each room has 3 bunk beds and 1 single bed with a private bathroom with 1 toilet and 1 shower. Park next to your cabin.
Cedar Grove: There are two types of cabins. The first configuration has 6 bunkbeds in one large room with private 2 toilet and 2 shower bathroom. These cabins are open to reactive or friendly dogs. The second configuration has 2 bunk rooms off a main entrance area, each room has 3 bunk beds and 1 single bed with a private bathroom with 1 toilet and 1 shower. There are NO DOORS to close rooms off from common foyer, Campers MUST use an expen and sheets to close off the entrance from the other room. These rooms offer moderate privacy and can be good for friends who want their own rooms but don’t mind someone nearby. FRIENDLY non-reactive dogs only. Park in one of the two lots right by your cabin.
Dogwood: These cute cabins are perfect for campers that want their own space. Each cabin has 4 bunkbeds. Restrooms are located in a bathhouse just a short walk away. Campers that stay here should be fully mobile and can walk on uneven ground. Parking is close to these cabins.
Shared Cabin Bunk Rooms: Multiple occupancy cabins will house approximately two to four people in a cabin bunk room. Number, size, and special needs of dogs, or camper requirements, may dictate the lodging accommodations options available. Owners of reactive or socially awkward dogs should only room with friends that understand and can accommodate the dog’s spatial requirements or stay in a private/single room, or commute. 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 may need to 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:
A limited number of single bunk rooms/cabins are expected to be available.
Pet Cleaning Fees: $60
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 $60 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.
Local Hotels
15 – 20 Minutes from Camp Friendship:
- Best Western Plus Crossroads Inn & Suites, 135 Wood Ridge Ter, Zion Crossroads, VA 22942. Pet fee $40/day. A refundable cleaning and damage deposit of $150 is required upon check-in. Allows dogs up to 80 pounds.
- Hampton Inn Zion Crossroads, 10800 James Madison Hwy, Gordonsville, VA 22942. Non-refundable fee $75 (1 to 4 nights), Max Weight is 75lbs, 2 pets max.
- Prospect Hill Inn, 2887 Poindexter Road, Louisa, VA 23093. Pet fee of $35/dog/night. 2 dog maximum
25– 30 minutes from Camp Friendship:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlottesville, 2036 India Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901. $75 pet fee/stay. Big dogs welcome.
- Holiday Inn Charlottesville Monticello, 1200 5th St SW, Charlottesville, VA 22902. $20/pet/ night
- Red Roof Inn, 2011 Holiday Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901. One pet up to 80 pounds stays free.
- Hyatt Place Charlottesville, 2100 Bond St, Charlottesville, VA 22901. $75 pet fee/stay (up to 6 nights).
- Graduate Charlottesville, 1309 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903. $75 pet fee/stay.
- Wolftrap Farm, 17379 Wolftrap Dr., Gordonsville, VA 22942. See FAQ for dog information.
We will have room for 3 – 4 camper RV/travel trailer parking spots in 2026.
You MUST be self-contained. No hook-ups available.
Dogs must be leash-walked. No “expen toilet areas” please.
Eating at Camp Friendship will go beyond your expectations of “basic camp food.” Chef Matt has been on the Friendship staff for many years and took over as the head chef in 2025. Chef Matt provides fresh high-quality scratch-made farm to table dining that will send you back for second helpings! Breakfasts will always include a fruit and yogurt bar. Lunch and dinners will have salad bars. You will enjoy a great meal no matter whether you are an omnivore, vegetarian, vegan, dairy free or gluten free. We are sorry, but we cannot cater to specific dietary restrictions beyond the basic categories and suggest campers that have special needs supplement meals as required.
Campers and staff eat together in the dining hall, outside at picnic tables, or takeout to your cabin. 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. Coffee and tea service with daily snacks are always available, too.
Camp Friendship offers limited shared refrigeration (no freezer) as well as ice for your cooler. You may also want to bring a plug-in cooler for your cabin.
Grocery stores are about 15 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. 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.
- 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 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 and are asked NOT to attend:
- 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 during training 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 puppies 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.
Dogs with human reactivity/aggression at any level cannot attend this camp.
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 are working on having a small camp store, with fun Nose Work related items, for you and your dog. Dogs of Course may bring some items if possible.
The shopping opportunities will be at designated times during free time/non-class time.
Cash and checks are always strongly encouraged. Bring multiple checks in case there are multiple vendors. Credit card payment may be limited due to WiFi conductivity or vendor preference.
At Dogs of Course events, we have a tradition of helping those less fortunate. To date, Dogs of Course has facilitated $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/auction. The Richmond Animal Care and Control is the recipient of the charity auction for 2026.
Donations are by cash and checks only. Campers may write a check directly to the charity for a tax write-off.
NACSW™
10 CEUs for CNWIs
CCPDT
5.5 CEUs for working spot
4 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.
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 upon arrival at camp and/or during camp. Campers that test positive for COVID-19 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 if the level of COVID-19 spikes dramatically in the area/country. 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. 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 February 27, 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 for this camp is due February 6, 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
Camp tuition covers lodging, meals and all classes and activities. Tuition includes 1 working dog and an additional companion dog if you wish. See costs for additional dogs (more than 2) below.
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 Friendship 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 | Early Bird Costs (to 1/21/2026) | Standard Costs (after 1/21/2026) |
| Working Spot – Commuter/base rate 8 dog and handler teams per group |
$1475 | $1525 |
| Working Spot – Elite – Commuter/base rate (+$925) 5 dog and handler teams per group |
$2400 | $2450 |
| Auditor Spot – Commuter/base rate | $775 | $825 |
| Helper – Commuter/base rate Logistics Team Member, with or without dog. Register only if you’ve been approved/accepted. Email Michele for information. Shared cabin housing: Additional $100 plus $60 cleaning fee for those with a dog. You will see 2 options when you register: Choose either LTM commuter or LTM with camp housing. |
$425 | $475 |
| Room/Accommodation Options | ||
| Cedar Grove – Shared Bunkroom: Private unheated bunk room for 2 people. Private bathroom with 1 toilet and 1 shower. 3 bunk beds. Space heater provided by the camp. Convenient parking near cabin. Each cabin has a main entrance into a foyer with two bunkrooms. There are NO DOORS to close rooms off from common foyer, Campers MUST use expen and sheets to close off the entrance from other room. FRIENDLY non-reactive dogs only. CAMPERS MUST ALREADY HAVE ROOMMATES AND LIST ON REGISTRATION. Limited number. |
+$125 | |
| Dogwood – Single or Double: FOR ALL DOGS: Private unheated bunk room for 1 or 2 people. 3 bunk beds. Space heater provided by the camp. NO BATHROOM in cabin. Nearby Bathhouse for toilets and showers. Convenient parking in village area. Camper must be able to negotiate uneven ground. CAMPERS MUST ALREADY HAVE ROOMMATE AND LIST ON REGISTRATION. Both Reactive and Friendly dogs are welcome. For working teams only. Auditors cannot have singles. |
+$125 | |
| Cedar Grove – Shared Cabin: Private unheated cabin with bathroom for 2 – 4 people who want privacy. Preference may be given to larger groups. Space heater provided by the camp. Open floor plan with 4 bunk beds and 2 single beds. Two private bathrooms with 1 toilet and 1 shower. Convenient parking near cabin. CAMPERS MUST ALREADY HAVE ROOMMATES AND LIST ON REGISTRATION. Reactive dogs welcome IF approved by all occupants. Limited number. |
+$225 | |
| Cedar Grove – Single: FOR FRIENDLY DOGS Private unheated bunkroom for 1 person. Private bathroom with 1 toilet and 1 shower. 3 bunk beds. Space heater provided by the camp. Convenient parking near cabin. Each cabin has a main entrance into a foyer with two bunkrooms. There are NO DOORS to close rooms off from common foyer, Campers MUST use expen and sheets to close off the entrance from other room. FRIENDLY non-reactive dogs only. Limited number. For working teams only. Auditors cannot have singles. |
+$225 | |
| Pine Grove – Single: FOR REACTIVE DOGS Private unheated bunkroom with bathroom for 1 person who want their own cabin bunkroom. Space heater provided by the camp. Each cabin has 2 bunk rooms with own door off a main entrance area, the room has 3 bunk beds and 1 single bed with a private bathroom with 1 toilet and 1 shower. REACTIVE DOG HOUSING. Limited number. For working teams only. Auditors cannot have singles. |
+$325 | |
| Commuter: Stay offsite and commute to camp daily. Includes three meals a day and all activities; no housing. Dogs crated in your car when not in class. Cars may be parked on the outskirts of camp or in athletic fields. |
+$0 | |
| RV Spot Only 3-4 RV/camper spots at this camp. You must be self-contained. There are no hookups. Parked near the show ring. |
+$125 |
| Additional Options | ||
| Three Dogs Only for working participants, auditors cannot bring dogs. Must live in single housing, standard multi plus, or commute. Select this option if you are bringing 3 dogs to camp. |
$90 | |
| Four Dogs Only for working participants, auditors cannot bring dogs. Must live in single housing, standard multi plus, or commute. Select this option if you are bringing 4 dogs to camp. |
$180 | |
| Please contact Dana if you need to bring more than 2 dogs for one working participant as this may limit housing options or your ability to be a camper. |
||
| Linen Service – no linens Campers must bring their own linens. There is no linen service at this camp, |
N/A | |
| Cleaning Fee For Working Campers and LTM bringing a dog and living in a cabin. Auditors, RV campers and commuters do not need to pay a cleaning fee. |
$60 |
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 group registration and auditors, $275 for Elite group registration and Logistics Team Members refunds are between $100 for camp housing and $200 for those commuting.
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.
(Updated 7/14/2026)
Refund Schedule:
- Cancellations received within 3 days of registration, full refund minus third party payment processing fees. If you change your mind about attending camp within 3 days of your registration, a full refund will be offered (minus third party payment processing fees).
- 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 (minus third party payment processing fees).
- 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 (minus third party payment processing fees). 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. LTM and Auditors will be refunded 50% of the tuition after the $200 non-refundable, non-transferable, cancellation fee is deducted (minus third party payment processing fees).
- 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-19/Flu/Health Specific Refund Info:
(updated 5/15/24)
Due to the ever-changing national COVID-19 situation, it is difficult to anticipate what will be happening when camp runs. With the goal of providing a safe healthy environment to the best of our ability the following refund policy applies to all campers. We have done our best to come up with a refund policy based on current information that we feel is fair for both the camper who may have COVID-19 or another contagious illness, the other campers and staff, and Dogs of Course.
- Campers who get COVID-19 within 7 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 only if we are able to fill your spot from our current wait list.
- Campers who arrive at Camp and test positive and/or have a temperature at registration will not be refunded any portion of their tuition.
- Campers who get COVID-19 during camp will not be refunded any portion of their tuition.
- These refund 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.
These policies may change depending on the current COVID-19 information and status. Dogs of Course will make a reasonable effort to inform registered campers of significant changes in this policy but is not responsible for guaranteeing the information is communicated. We will update this page as policies change.
Canine Health Specific Refund Info
(updated 11/27/23)
Due to the unpredictable and highly contagious nature of canine upper respiratory virus, canine flu, and kennel cough, in addition to any other type of contagious disease, we are instituting a refund policy to specifically address this health concern in order to protect dogs attending camp. The nature of the sport of nose work places a dog at higher risk because their noses are touching where other dogs’ noses have been and as well as the saliva left behind.
4 to 6 weeks before Camp: If your dog was exposed to, or contracted, any of the above viruses between 4 to 6 weeks from the start of camp, please follow the policy below.
- Your dog must be free of ALL symptoms and no longer deemed contagious at least TWO (2) weeks after the last occurrence of the symptoms have subsided.
- If your dog was exposed to, but never contracted, the virus during this time, your dog is free to attend.
- Your dog must be cleared by a vet and deemed safe to have nose-to-nose contact with other dogs.
- A veterinary note may be required based on the severity of the symptoms and the amount of time that has elapsed since the last symptom was noticed.
- If your dog does not meet this criteria, she/he will not be able to attend camp (nor will an alternate dog that is a housemate or exposed).
- We will refund you in full, less the non-refundable deposit, ONLY IF we can find a qualified replacement.
3 weeks and 6 days or fewer before Camp: If your dog was exposed to, or contracted, any of the above viruses between 3 weeks and 6 days before camp, please follow the policy below.
- If your dog contracts any of the above viruses or any other highly contagious disease within 3 weeks of the start of camp, we will refund you in full, less the non-refundable deposit ONLY IF we can find a qualified replacement. All dogs must be completely symptom free for at least 2 weeks before Camp.
- If your dog was exposed to any of the above viruses or any other highly contagious disease between 3 – 2 weeks of the start of camp and your dog never shows symptoms nor has been re-exposed to the virus, your dog may attend Camp.
- If your dog was directly exposed to any of the above viruses or any other highly contagious disease 2 weeks or less before the start of camp, your dog may not attend as it is possible the virus is incubating, and the dog could become sick or be carrying the virus. We will refund you in full, less the non-refundable deposit ONLY IF we can find a qualified replacement no later than 10 days before Camp starts.
- 9 days and less before camp, we will be unable to seek a replacement due to the nature of preparing for camp. No refund is available.
- A veterinary note may be required to receive a refund.
All campers and staff bringing dogs will be required to sign a waiver 7-10 days prior to the start of camp confirming that their dog(s) do not currently have, nor recently have had, one of the contagious canine illnesses.
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 (minus third party payment processing fees).
- Due to the nature of running a dog training camp changes from a working spot to an auditor/logistics team member spot or to a lower tuition working 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 (minus third party payment processing 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 Friendship
573 Friendship Way
Palmyra, Virginia 22963
Airports: (times are approximate and will vary based on traffic conditions)
- Washington, DC (Dulles) – 2 hours
- Richmond International, VA – 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Charlottesville, VA – 45 minutes
Local Hotels
15 – 20 Minutes from Camp Friendship:
- Best Western Plus Crossroads Inn & Suites, 135 Wood Ridge Ter, Zion Crossroads, VA 22942. Pet fee $40/day. A refundable cleaning and damage deposit of $150 is required upon check-in. Allows dogs up to 80 pounds.
- Hampton Inn Zion Crossroads, 10800 James Madison Hwy, Gordonsville, VA 22942. Non-refundable fee $75 (1 to 4 nights), Max Weight is 75lbs, 2 pets max.
- Prospect Hill Inn, 2887 Poindexter Road, Louisa, VA 23093. Pet fee of $35/dog/night. 2 dog maximum
25– 30 minutes from Camp Friendship:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlottesville, 2036 India Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901. $75 pet fee/stay. Big dogs welcome.
- Holiday Inn Charlottesville Monticello, 1200 5th St SW, Charlottesville, VA 22902. $20/pet/ night
- Red Roof Inn, 2011 Holiday Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901. One pet up to 80 pounds stays free.
- Hyatt Place Charlottesville, 2100 Bond St, Charlottesville, VA 22901. $75 pet fee/stay (up to 6 nights).
- Graduate Charlottesville, 1309 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903. $75 pet fee/stay.
- Wolftrap Farm, 17379 Wolftrap Dr., Gordonsville, VA 22942. See FAQ for dog information.
Questions? Contact Dana Crevling at Crevling@dogsofcourse.com
Get a feel for what happens at camp by watching the sample slide show.
2024 Virginia K9 Nose Work Camp Slide Show
What Past VA Campers are Saying:
- This was my first camp & I had a great time & learned so much! Very well done!! R.W. VA 2024
- Thank you for many, many years of bringing us excellent dog training speakers and trainers. You have impacted the education of so very many of us! L.G.R VA 2024
- SO THRILLED TO HAVE ATTENDED. SEE YOU AGAIN!! K.G. VA 2024
- I really liked the size of the camp in terms of amount of campers. The camp was small, but felt very personal and we were able to interact with more people. I think this was my favorite camp experience so far. R.D. VA 2024
- I just want to say thank you to you and your team for giving us such an incredible experience. J.V. VA 2024
- Instructor kindness and empathy are truly valuable for the students. Thank you for making sure it’s a positive event. V.V. VA 2024
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.