NASAR FUNDAMENTALS OF TRACKING
Establishing the direction of travel of the lost or missing subject is paramount towards a successful result of the search. There are but only a few resources that can do this with any certainty. A searcher trained in tracking skills and the ability to perform them on a search is one such reliable resource. Searches are clue driven and being track aware is the skill for the ultimate level of clue awareness and can be learned by any member of a land search team.
Class size is limited to 24 - Register Today.. Order your books now! We will only have a limited number to sell in Camp.
This NASAR program compliments all other current NASAR courses and certifications. We believe it will enhance every team member’s ability to respond in any SAR environment. This is a consistent and complete examination of a SAR Tracker nomenclature, tasks expected, acceptable tactics to perform tracking on a search for a missing subject. 20 hours (Friday night 7 PM through Sunday 5 PM).
You will learn how to track humans while part of a SAR Team and with the passing of the written test you can come away with a level of NASAR SARTech TRACK AWARE upon completion.
We will focus on a cycle of five skills sets; Detection, Interpretation, Recording, Tactics and Trailing (DIRTT) which are all needed by the SAR Tracker in a lost person incident. The course provides information regarding equipment needed, core terminology, tracker responsibilities, SAR Boss expectations, tracking tasks to be performed and then outline a 'practicing of tracking skills' path you will need to follow to elevate your tracking abilities above and beyond track aware. This personal practice is essential if you wish to be assigned as a Tracker during the SAR mission.
There are no pre-requisites, however, SARTech II or an equivalent is highly recommended as we will not be covering any of the basic SAR outdoor skills. The material contained is germane to any land search environment or CAL OES SAR TYPING.
This SAR Academy will be held within Camp Silverado and will be mostly outside. We are in Amador County California off Hwy 88 –
Google Map search for Camp Silverado Lodge.
Camp is on the northeast side of the lake.
Tents and small RV camping (no hookups) and meals (meals are extra $$$ and must be pre-registered) are available. Larger (greater than 18' RVs are not advised). Camp is semi-primitive and no potable water. Toilets should be up and running. Bring in drinking water. $50 of the class fee goes to Friends of Camp Silverado a 501(c)3 non-profit Tax EIN 45-4253732 this amount and any additional donation will go toward continued Camp development. If you see value in the development of this type of usage for this facility, you can donate here if you wish. DONATE HERE. There is NO reduction in class fee if you choose not to sleep in Camp and your $50 will be processed as a donation.
Preparations for the written test can be accomplished through attendance of NASAR’s Tracking Course and/or reading these 2 books on the subject of SAR tracking. Available from the NASAR Bookstore. Link to Tracking Books on NASAR Website.
1. Fundamentals of Mantracking: The Step-By-Step Method by "Ab" Taylor and Donald Cooper *** RECOMMENDED
2. Foundations for Awareness, Signcutting and Tracking by Robert Speiden
Additionally available out there:
3. Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning How by Jack Kearney
4. NASAR's Fundamentals of Search and Rescue; Chapter 13 by Jones and Bartlett Publishers
More information can be obtained from the NASAR website. Participants should read Exam details while there. Link to Tracking Class on NASAR Website.
Lead Instructors Del Morris, Robert Plantz and George Dresnek have been volunteers in the northern California Search and Rescue community for many decades . They draw from mentored instruction all sourced from AB Taylor himself. Sadly AB passed in 2011. Have questions about NASAR Fundamentals of Tracker Course or wish to become a NASAR Tracking Instructor? Contact Del Morris 1662del@gmail.com or 707-338-4760
Out-of-Camp sleeping options are:
Out of Camp eating options:
Getting there:
These maps should help. They show you major routes in (zoomed out) and the minor roads into Camp (zoom in). In general from the west you have Hwy 50 to Pollock Pines and pick up Mormon Emigrant Trail (my fav, but may be closed due to snow) to 88 or through Jackson and straight up Hwy 88. You can come in from Nevada or South Lake Tahoe via 89/88 from the north.
What is the schedule?
The Class begins Friday night at 1900 with check-in and lecture. If you opted to be fed, your first meal will be at 1800 Friday. You are welcome to come in the night before to acclimate to the altitude and experience the terrain. Sunday we are usually done about 1600 and you are welcome to stay an extra night to avoid Hwy 50 and 80 Sunday traffic.
Camping? RVs?
Camp has plenty of room. Toilets should be up and running. Large RVs, fifth wheels, and trailers are not recommended. Anything longer than 18 feet should be questioned. The road in is a single car width having very few turnouts and the trees are tight. We will not be responsible for you losing pieces of your vehicle(s). RVs can fit easily in the USFS Dispersed Campsite (Martin Meadows) , Plasse’s, the Silver Lake East (USFS), or the Silver Lake West (EID) campgrounds that are close by. You will be welcome to come into Camp earlier and stay later. Adding 1-2 days at either end (or both) is OK.
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
There is an expectation that you are an active member of an organized search and rescue team with current affiliation or have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) status with an Agency Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for Search and Rescue in your area of response.
However, NASAR does not have this as a requirement. If you are interested in the topic you may register for the class. Explorers and Venture Team members under 18 must be accompanied by their adult team representation as per BSA requirements. NASAR Instructors are not to assume this role. These adults should be also taking the course and paying the course fees, but exceptions can be made. Call Del 707-338-4760
What can/can't I bring to the course? What should I prepare for? What should I bring?
No restrictions on anything that you are legally allowed to possess on USFS land. Let it be known that we will not be shooting guns. There are the usual hazards – mountain lions, bears, and rattle snakes (all very very rare). There are mosquitos and the sun at this altitude is intense. No poison oak, no ticks, or skunks. We are at 7500 feet in elevation, altitude adjustments and hydration may be a concern. YOU MUST BRING DRINKING WATER, All water in Camp is to be considered non-potable and for washing, flushing, and fire suppression only. If you are a SAR Team member - Bring all of your SAR gear (you may need it).