Each year in March the Shreveport Fire Department K9 Search and Rescue Task Force and Ark-La-Tex K9 Search and Rescue Strike Team host a K9 training seminar at the Scottsville (TX) Camp and Conference Center. The goal is to further the training and education of individuals and their K9 partners so that those teams can return to their communities and make a positive difference. We bring in high-quality instructors and utilize the most up-to-date techniques and training aides to maximize what our students get from their training.
During this week-long seminar, students and their K9’s will be challenged by both indoor and outdoor scenarios as well as classroom instruction. There will be a plethora of certification opportunities and we encourage your feedback as to what certifications you may be interested in obtaining.
Students come from all across the country, so the networking opportunities are many. If you are new to the search and rescue field or are a seasoned veteran, we invite you to read more about our seminar below and fill out an application to attend our next one. We guarantee a fun and challenging experience.
2025 Seminar Information Center:
March 9-14, 2025
Location: Scottsville Camp and Conference Center (400 Harkins Ln, Marshall, TX 75672)
Cost: $425.00 (Includes meals on site, sack lunches in the field, and lodging.)
Lodging Options:
- Bunkrooms w/ community bathrooms. (No additional cost)
- Cabins which sleep 2-4 persons in each room. If you have someone you would like to bunk with, please let us know. Cabins are reserved on a first come, first served basis. ($55.00 / night)
- RV locations on site with full utility connections ($30.00 / night)
Sunday night meal:
$20.00. Your choice of chicken strips or fried catfish both served with trimmings and French fries. If you wish to purchase, please check the boxes on your registration form and include the additional cost in your payment.
Instructors / Training Classes:
Human Remains Detection (Land): Michelle Metzner, Khara Schuetzner
Human Remains Detection (Water): Pat Brown, Lisa Higgins, Ellen McGerry, Rob Ward
Live Search Air Scenting: Sherrie Kinton, Rick Morrow, Terri Slizewski
Trailing: Corbin Hodge, Jamie Hodge, Mark Holmes, Kevin Kidwell, Ray Mooney, Cheri Sorrenson, Pat Thorpe
The total number of instructors per class will be based upon the number of student applications. All classes will be limited to afford the proper instructor / student ratio which we hope will maximize time with each student. ***The maximum class size for Trailing will be 24 students. No exceptions.***
Non K-9 Attendees are welcome. However, due to expenses, we cannot provide discounts for this.
Out of courtesy to others in the class, students are expected to only work one dog per day.
HRD Students Only: When registering, the student must choose either land training or water training for their canine(s).
Certifications / Evaluations:
All certification and/or evaluation needs are left up to the discretion of our instructors. It is the responsibility of the student to let their respective instructor(s) know prior to the beginning of the seminar which certifications and/or evaluations they need.
HRD and Live Search certifications will be offered based on NASAR standards. Please visit the NASAR website to view prerequisites. (www.nasar.org)
Students must pay for the certifications / evaluations as they are provided. Please bring an additional check or cash with you to cover these costs.
Live Auction:
As a reminder, please bring items for our live auction! This is the primary method used to offset expenses of the seminar. While encouraged, items need not be limited to the canines. Feel free to bring special items for both human and canine enjoyment. Thank you!
Registration:
Seminar Instructor Evaluation:
K9 Seminar Instructor Evaluation
Additional Resources:
Map to Scottsville Camp and Conference Center
Scottsville Camp and Conference Center Website
Contact for Questions: Kerry Foster @ 318-560-1195 or kfostershr@bellsouth.net