JHPTS Program News
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We recently completed and Advanced Tracker class and a Basic Tracker class held June 8-13 at the RAM Center north of Sundance, WY. Hot temps, heavy winds, and extremely dry vegetation made the tracking a challenge. Sign cutting was practiced along with Sign Aging boxes and Crime Scene Investigation. It was a great class with Instructors Joel Hardin, Kathy Decker, Julie Balch, Marcus Lemasters, and Bob Austin.
On April 23-25, JHPTS Visual Tracking held its first sanctioned 24-hour course of the year in Newport, Oregon. Sponsored by Pacific Crest Trackers Association and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue, this course saw the typical full range of weather conditions from bone dry to torrential downpour. Once again, students discovered that tracks to not melt in the rain. Kathy Decker and Marcus Lemasters were the Instructors, assisted by Mary Beebe. We are pleased to announce three upgraded certifications that occurred at this class. Congratulations to new Apprentice Trackers:
Stan Mills, Don Kangas and Anthony Quinones
Our next sanctioned course will be held in Wyoming in June. Please see our calendar for details.
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April 4, 2021
Break out your tracking gear, get your
calendars out and make plans to attend a course! There are 5 sanctioned courses posted for 2021
on the website. April, June and August are the current opportunities. More
courses are being discussed with various sponsors. For those that are new to the program or
those that have a location and a team to help sponsor a course, jump on the
website to find out how to make it happen.
The lead tracker in your area knows how to do it, or they know who to
call to start the ball rolling.
Those
familiar with the program fully understand the 24 hour course that welcomes all
skill levels. Three of the 5 courses
support the 24 hour course outline.
Many of you
asked for this, and here it is! Two of the courses currently offered are
TFM/Advanced Tracking courses. Students
should be a minimum of Basic Certification. This training will concentrate on
bringing all trainers, designated trainers, and Lead Trackers up to date on
JHPTS Visual Tracking policy changes, certification procedures, and methodology
in presenting JHPTS Visual Tracking. As we have communicated, the TTT (Train
the Trainer) that was previously held in a central location has moved to the
field, with the goal of having three sessions in various locations throughout
the country this year.
The Wyoming and Montana classes offer
the TFM/Advanced course and the 24 hour course back to back. These two courses
are the best cost options in years. For
$350 you can have a 24 hour course or the TFM/Advanced course, or get both
courses for no additional cost if your schedule supports the time commitment. Look on the website for full details.
Courses,
Trainings, Certifications:
April 23-25th Newport, Oregon 24 hour course
June 8-13th Sundance, Wyoming TFM/Advanced course and 24 hour
course options
August 17-22nd Cardwell, Montana TFM/Advanced course and 24 hour course options
Details of
all courses are available on the website!
Recent Mission
Congratulations go out to Snohomish
County Volunteer Search and Rescue K9 and Tracker teams who followed boot
prints to locate a man who went missing on February 11th! Bob Austin, Robert Cavness, Jim Hedges and
Shelene Rosenbach are the trackers that responded to this mission. You may view
the article at https://lynnwoodtimes.com/2021/03/04/snohomish-county-volunteer-search-and-rescue-find-missing-man/.
Opportunity and Request
JHPTS Visual Tracking and Training
is currently looking for someone within the program to take on the duties of
being treasurer for the company. Kris
Scovel currently serves as our treasurer and has served in this role for many
years. She has requested to step away
from this role by the end of 2021. I
would like to discuss this position with any of you that are interested. Kris is available through the end of the year
to help with the transition.
Dan Scovel
President
JHPTS Visual Tracking and Training
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