Upcoming Events

Black Diamond Annual Meeting and Cookout
Saturday, 19 August, 2023 all day
Backbone Rock Recreation Area, TN 133 south of Damascus, VA
Our annual cookout is open to all BDSAR members and their families. Potluck for sides and desserts and drinks. Annual meeting in the early evening.
If you wish to camp for the weekend, reserve a campsite soon with the US Forest Service (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251757)

SAR Academy Supplemental Training
3-day Training: 4-6 August, 2023 0800-1700 each day
1267 4-H Camp Road
Appomattox, VA 24522

Class #1: Chicken Camp (24hr)
Lead Sally Dickinson - Presented as Fully Involved K9
"Those who desire precision behavior, clear and accurate communication, and the ability to deliver meaningful and actionable feedback. Past participants include animal trainers, trainers of humans who train animals, sports coaches, teachers, public safety leaders, human resource specialists and many more."
K9 handlers will receive first preference followed by management and Search Team Leaders.

Class #2: Land Navigation Workshop (24hr)
Lead: Rob Speiden

Class #3: Scene Preservation for SAR Practitioners (16hr) & Is it Human (8hr)
Lead: Mike Maggard & Jim Russell
This curriculum will replace and cover the requirement for "Crime Scene Preservation" as outlined in some certification standards.
The Is It Human class from Jim Russell will also be presented.

Class #4: SAR Mapping Workshop (24 hr)
Lead: Billy Chrimes
This will be an advanced offering covering more detail about processes as well as items like aircraft, cell forensics, and GPS.
Pre-requisites include: Management Team Member, Lost Person Behavior, basic computer ability, laptop computer.