Mid Atlantic Regional Search and Rescue

Mid Atlantic Regional Search and Rescue We are a non-profit 501C3 organization dedicated to providing professionally trained and certified gr EMERGENCY DISPATCH 609-963-6900

09/05/2026

Drop into the tent to learn in an informal one-on-one or small group format with instructors.

We will cover:

The basics of topographic maps-
•Reading and interpreting key symbols including contour lines, grid lines, terrain, road and building symbols etc
•Differences between true north, grid north and magnetic north
•Orienting the map - when you need to and when you don’t
•Using USNG and UTM coordinates to report and find a location
•Using a protractor to find a bearing from A to B
•Basics of Compass Use
•The compass as a multi-tool
•Declination - what is it and why do I care? •Setting declination on your compass
•Taking a bearing from map and transferring to the field, and vice versa.
•Optimizing the accuracy of using a compass
•Using a compass to find a point through dead-reckoning
•Practical exercises to complement the above - dead reckoning (SarTech 2 type), line flagging, staying on bearing, etc.
•Route preparing strategies - staying found. •Using catching features, handrails, aiming off, using slope aspects
•Getting lost and what to do about it. •Triangulation
•Demonstration stations/please touch: make a compass; clay contour lines miniatures - make different shapes

Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sarcnj-sarex--2026

09/05/2026

Autism: A Guide for First Responders

Instructor Gerald Turning Jr.

Captain Gerald Turning Jr. served 25 years as a police officer in New Jersey, recently retiring from the rank of Captain. He served most of his police career as a decorated K9 Handler, Trainer, and Unit Supervisor.

Captain Turning also served as Internal Affairs Commander, Patrol Division Commander, and policy writer for his police department.
In 2012, Jerry began writing about his experiences as an autistic dad and established a successful blog, Bacon and Juiceboxes. He earned a following of over 45,000 fans worldwide who share his family’s challenges and triumphs.

As a member of two beloved communities: Law Enforcement and Special Needs Families, Jerry has shown unwavering commitment. He found his calling in bridging the gap between these communities, improving communication, and establishing solid relationships between First Responders and the families they serve and protect.

Jerry has lectured nationally, authored articles, and received awards for his efforts in Autism Awareness for First Responders. He recently published his first novel, Desperate Pursuits, centered around a police officer processing the fresh diagnosis of his autistic son.

Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sarcnj-sarex--2026

09/05/2026

A introduction to cave rescue by NJ Initial Response Team and meet their members.
Cave rescue is one of the most demanding and specialized disciplines in search and rescue. It requires rescuers to operate safely in confined, dark, and often hazardous environments while managing complex technical challenges and limited access. Successful cave rescue operations depend on teamwork, sound decision-making, technical proficiency, and a thorough understanding of cave environments.
This introductory course provides students with a foundation in cave rescue principles, including cave hazards, personal protective equipment, patient packaging, communications, movement techniques, and rescue system considerations. Emphasis is placed on safety, risk management, and the unique operational challenges encountered during underground rescue incidents.

Cave Rescue Saturday 2:00 pm-3:30 pm (Scout House)
Cave Rescue Sunday 9:00am-10:00am (Scout House)

John Gumbs has been involved in rescue and first aid communities for over 35 years. He was a founding member of NJIRT about 35 years ago, was a NJ EMT for over 30 years, EMR instructor, NCRC Cave Rescue Instructor for over 15 years (13 as a National Instructor). John has taught area first aid squads and fire departments low angle rope rescue techniques and wilderness evacuation. He has provided hundreds of YMCA campers opportunities to rappell and climb and coordinated and ran YMCA caving trips in NJ and WV. He was a NASAR SAR TECH 2 provider when the NJIRT was doing wilderness response.

Will Test was born and raised in Central PA as an outdoorsman and caver, Will now spends most of his time teaching others, introducing new cavers to the sport and working on exploration projects. He has been active in the rescue community for the last decade. Will is passionate about teaching vertical caving and has organized and led multiple National Speleological Society Vertical Training Commision Level 1 courses and is the current Northeast Regional Coordinator. He is an National Cave Rescue Commission Instructor, and is deeply committed to the rescue and caving communities. Will currently serves as Deputy Chief of his local municipal SAR team, West Milford Search and Rescue, and as Assistant Chief of New Jersey Initial Response Team, specializing in cave and abandoned mine rescue. He also uses his vertical skills to help NJ Fish and Wildlife with banding of Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons.

Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sarcnj-sarex--2026

09/05/2026

Anthropology Saturday 9/19 10:00am-12:00pm (Upper Classroom Lodge on Lake)

Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sarcnj-sarex--2026

Anna W. Delaney, DFS., M.A.
Forensic Anthropologist
New Jersey State Police/Office of Forensic Sciences

Anna Delaney began her career with the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences in 2004. Over the years; Anna has worked in the Mitochondrial DNA Lab, CODIS DNA Lab and has supervised the Forensic Anthropology Unit since 2017. Anna specializes in human osteology, odontology, non-human comparisons, skeletal trauma analysis, excavations and exhumations. She provides training to Law Enforcement Agencies throughout New Jersey and is a guest lecturer at several Universities. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida’s Distance Learning Program. Anna also populates the NamUs database with information on New Jersey’s Unidentified and Missing Persons cases, modifies NCIC records for missing and unidentified and assists the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit with retrieval of medical and dental information. Anna works closely with Forensic Odontologists, Medical Examiner’s Offices and local, state and federal agencies. In addition to her casework, she has been working on the remains found at the Red Bank Battlefield, Fort Mercer, Gloucester County, New Jersey since June 2022.

08/28/2026

•Want help setting a strong foundation for you and your puppy?
•Have gaps in your training you want to address?
•Getting ready to certify and you’re looking to gain skills to take you and your dog to the next level with real world scenarios?

Come join Alex Tkacenko at the NJ SAREX taking place at Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown, NJ. Alex has an incredible amount of knowledge and experience. He truly pours his heart into his students and wants them to get the most out of every trail they run. From puppy runs and building beginners to experienced dog teams, he’ll push you to think outside the box while maximizing your dogs ability to work through complex scenarios.

We still have some spots available! Don’t miss this opportunity as his seminars fill fast!
See you there!

Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sarcnj-sarex--2026

08/28/2026

Have you been searching for an affordable Wilderness First Aid class with an experienced instructor?

Just hop on over and take a look at our WFA class being offered at the NJ SAREX 2026! Our instructors, Jeffrey and Mark, are a dynamic duo with a plethora of knowledge who also love to have fun while they teach. Some of the comments and feedback we received last year were:
“This was the best WFA class I’ve ever taken!”
“So glad this was offered and the price was very affordable!”
As professional volunteers, continuing education shouldn’t break the bank. Come join us for two days of learning or two days of refreshing your skills.
While our event is tailored towards Search and Rescue personnel, any outdoor enthusiast is encouraged to join us to enhance your skills, knowledge, and build your confidence to respond in an emergency in the great outdoors.

Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sarcnj-sarex--2026

08/28/2026

Are you new to Mountain Rescue and want to learn more?

Bryan Enberg has been part of New Jersey Search and Rescue’s Mountain Rescue team for many years and is excited to be able to offer this course at the 2026 NJ SAREX. We will have use of a rappel tower for two full days of hands on learning. ALL STUDENTS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN GEAR:

•helmet
•harness
•descent control device
•rope ascension system
•gloves
•eye protection

Any student without the listed equipment will not be able to attend the class, NO EXCEPTIONS.

This course will cover:
•knots
•anchors
•movement on rope for patient access

We still have spots available and we’re quickly approaching the event- get your registrations in! We have several on-site lodging options available- tent space, cabins, private rooms, group options!

Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sarcnj-sarex--2026

08/28/2026

Our two Area Search instructors are another dynamic duo with decades of experience. This is open to ALL LEVELS- how to set up proper puppy runaways to near operational or operational K9 teams. Vicki and Howie are prepared to set strong foundations, help you develop a solid training plan, assist you with closing the gaps in your training, or pushing you and your dog to apply scent theory on complex scenarios.

We still have some spots available so don’t miss out on your chance to get in some solid training while still having a ton of fun. Audit spots are also open if you’d like to take the opportunity to soak up the knowledge without working your dog.

Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sarcnj-sarex--2026

05/04/2026

Handler and K-9 hanging on the high line.

Address

Egg Harbor Township, NJ
08234

Telephone

+17326746413

Website

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