K9 Searching & Detecting Camp
A Five-Day, Five-Night Educational & Hands-On Camp
July 12 - 17, 2026 | Waterville,Maine
This immersive residential summer camp introduces Maine high school students to the science, practice, and professional applications of K9 searching and detection. Through a combination of classroom learning and supervised fieldwork, students explore how working dogs detect scent, learn tasks, and operate alongside human handlers in real-world environments.
Students work in small teams and gain direct, hands-on experience with trained K9s while learning the scientific principles that guide modern detection and search work.
The Science of K9 Searching & Detecting is designed for students interested in science, public service, animal behavior, forensic studies, healthcare, or outdoor and environmental fields. Throughout the week, students learn how K9s are evaluated, trained, and deployed across a wide range of professions, including search and rescue, contraband and evidence detection, disease and illness detection, and therapeutic and stress-reduction roles.
Each student team is paired with a healthy, well-behaved K9 and guided by experienced instructors to ensure safety, ethical handling, and meaningful learning.
Over the course of the week, students build understanding in four integrated areas:
K9 Science & Behavior
Students explore the K9 as a biological sensing instrument, learning how canine olfaction works and why dogs outperform humans in scent detection. Instruction includes communication, behavior, motivation, and the traits required for successful working dogs.
Learning & Training Principles
Students are introduced to how K9s learn through classical and operant conditioning. Under instructor supervision, students observe and participate in foundational training exercises using reward-based methods commonly employed in professional K9 programs.
Scent, Odor & Environment
Students study how scent is produced, how it moves through different environments, and how terrain, airflow, and obstacles affect detection work. Visual demonstrations help students understand the fluid dynamics of odor and how handlers adjust search strategies accordingly.
Applied Search & Detection
The week culminates in hands-on field practice, where students participate in odor imprinting, basic search strategy development, and controlled detection exercises. Students demonstrate safe handling practices, observational skills, and applied decision-making.
Costs:
- Day Camp Option: $800.00
- Overnight Camp:
- 4 Payments: $300 each
- 2 Payments: $600 each
- Full Payment: $1,200
- Paid-In-Full Date: June 15, 2026
- No refunds will be issued once camp begins
Overnight Cost includes: housing in the dorms and meals in the campus cafeteria for the week.
Day Camp Cost includes daily lunch and two snacks.
Daily Experience at a Glance:
- Sunday: Arrival, campus orientation, housing check-in, welcome dinner
- Monday: Foundations of K9 science, safety, olfaction, and health & wellness
- Tuesday: K9 communication, behavior, and working-dog selection
- Wednesday: Learning theory and conditioning principles
- Thursday: Scent production, movement, and environmental dynamics
- Friday: Odor imprinting, search strategies, field demonstrations, and certificates
The program runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with evenings spent on campus in supervised residential housing.
Who Should Attend?
This camp is designed for high school students ages 16–18 who are curious about:
- Science and biology
- Animal behavior and training
- Forensic science and criminal justice
- Search and rescue or public service careers
- Healthcare, veterinary, or therapeutic fields
- Careers working with canines
No prior K9 experience is required.
The Alfond Community Pool Complex is a premier local swimming facility where campers can cool off, swim, and have fun in a safe and supervised environment. With spacious pools, splash areas, and plenty of room for games and water activities, it’s the perfect destination for summer adventures. Campers will enjoy swimming sessions, water challenges, and time to relax while making friends and enjoying the summer sun.
Explore the great outdoors at Quarry Road Trails, a beautiful 200-acre trail network just minutes from our camp. Campers can hike, walk, or bike winding forest and meadow paths, enjoy scenic views along Messalonskee Stream, and experience nature up close. With trails for all skill levels and plenty of space to run, play, and explore, Quarry Road Trails is the perfect off campus adventure for outdoor fun and fresh air during your summer experience.
Campers will have a blast at Gifford’s Mini Golf & Ice Cream in Waterville! Tee off with friends on the fun mini golf course, then cool down with a scoop (or two) of Gifford’s famous ice cream. It’s the perfect mix of friendly competition, laughter, and sweet treats—a classic summer adventure that everyone will remember.
Campers will enjoy an exciting outing to a Portland Sea Dogs baseball game at Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine. The Sea Dogs are a Double-A professional team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox, and their games are known for fun, family friendly entertainment in a classic ballpark atmosphere. At the game, campers can cheer on the players, enjoy ballpark snacks, take part in inbetween inning activities, and experience the thrill of live baseball under the summer sky — a perfect mix of sporty excitement and outdoor fun.
Campers will enjoy a fun-filled trip to a local movie theater, where they can relax, laugh, and watch the latest blockbuster on the big screen. It’s a perfect way to unwind, share snacks, and spend time with friends after a day full of activities, making memories, and enjoying a classic summer outing.
Campers will experience a classic Maine lobster bake, enjoying freshly cooked lobster, corn on the cob, and other traditional sides in a fun, outdoor setting. This tasty adventure is a perfect way to celebrate summer, try a local favorite, and make lasting memories with friends.
Students leave the program with:
- A scientific understanding of K9 search and detection work
- Hands-on experience with trained working dogs
- Exposure to multiple K9-related career paths
- Increased confidence, teamwork, and applied problem-solving skills
- A certificate of completion from Thomas College
Phone Numbers
- Cathy Dumont: 207-859-1211
- Darren Forkey: 207-859-1370
- Information Services: 207-859-1204
- Mail Room: 207-859-1103
- Physical Plant: 207-859-1250
- Registrar: 207-859-1108
- Safety & Security: 207-859-1399