2026 Illinois Search and Rescue Conference

REGISTRATION - Registration Closes October 28th

17th Annual Illinois Search and Rescue Conference

November 13–15, 2026

Join Search and Rescue professionals for a weekend of networking, training, and education.
This conference provides an excellent opportunity to showcase capabilities, strengthen teamwork,
 and learn from fellow SAR professionals from across the region.

There are topics/tracks of interest for all fields of Search and Rescue.
Join us for a weekend of networking and fun.

Event Location

Little Galilee Christian Camp
7539 Little Galilee Road
Clinton, IL 61727

2026 ISARC Conference Full Brochure



WHEN:
Friday, November 13, 2026
0800–1700
Saturday, November 14, 2026
0730–2100
Sunday, November 15, 2026
0730-1330

WHERE
Little Galilee Christian Camp
7539 Little Galilee Road
Clinton, IL 61727

AMENITIES
Dinner—Friday Night
Breakfast—Saturday and Sunday
Lunch—Saturday and Sunday
Dinner—Saturday

REGISTRATION
$110 + fees—Early Registration
(ISARC Members)
$135 + fees—Early Registration
(non-ISARC Members)
$160 + fees—Late/On-Site Registrations
$25 + fees—Lost Person Behavior (includes lunch)

Lodging in a bunkhouse and food is
included in your conference fee.
Stay with us at the camp in either a
male-only or female-only bunkhouse.
The bunk-style cabins include both
heat and air conditioning.






Here is the list for the LOCAL HOTELS
Homewood Suites—Decatur/Forsyth
Phone: (217) 877-0887
Residence Inn—Decatur Forsyth
Phone: (217) 872-6600
Super 8 –McLean/Bloomington SW
Phone: (309) 874-4091
Fairfield Inn—Forsyth/Decatur
Phone: (217) 875-3337
Comfort Inn—Decatur/Forsyth
Phone: (217) 875-5500
Sleep Inn—Decatur
Phone: (217) 329-3108
Sure Stay by Best Western - Forsyth-Decatur
Phone: (217) 542-5892
Holiday Inn & Suites - Forsyth-Decatur
Phone: (217) 542-5400

Here are a few hotel options to get you started.
Check out the websites for more information

Individuals will need to make their own lodging arrangements and negotiate pricing directly with the hotel.
In many cases, individuals are able to secure better rates on their own than we can obtain through a block of rooms.

Cost is not included in conference pricing. 

You are also welcome to bring your
RV and camp at the park.
* Full hook-up RV spots
* 15 available
* $25/per night

ANNUAL AUCTION  

Saturday Night Live & Silent Auction – 7:00 PM

Join us Saturday evening at 7:00 PM for our exciting Live Auction! Our outstanding auctioneers will be auctioning off a variety of great items and packages generously donated by our
member agencies, businesses, and supporters.

Silent Auction:
Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items by signing the bid sheets. Bidding will close promptly at 7:00 PM, when the Live Auction begins.

Come join the fun while supporting the Illinois Search and Rescue Council. 

We encourage everyone to stop by, browse the auction items, and participate in supporting
Illinois Search and Rescue volunteers through this fun fundraising event.

 If you have any questions or would like to donate, please contact the Conference Committee: [email protected]


   ISARC Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made within 14 days of the conference, or failure to attend without prior notice,
 will result in forfeiture of the registration fee and any applicable processing fees.

To cancel your registration, please email [email protected].

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


FRIDAY SESSIONS

SATURDAY SESSIONS

SUNDAY SESSIONS

CLASSES

  • LOST PERSON BEHAVIOR (Extra Cost $25) - Friday - 0800-1700

    Sign in - 0800-0830
    Lost Person Behavior (all day class on Friday) is the statistical method by which Search and Rescue management can utilize information from searches all over the world to help find the missing person faster, using profiles that narrow down the characteristics of the missing person. Attendees must attend the whole day to get completion certificate.

  • BNAV - Friday - 0800-1700

    Sign in - 0800-0830
    Must be a member of a member agency to do the BNAV Course
    The Basic Land Navigation course is one of the basic training courses for personnel who have responsibilities to respond to a SAR incident as a field searcher. This course provides a broad overview of land navigation, use of compass (different types), pacing and distance determination and very basic topographic map information. This course is intended for all emergency responders, including police, fire, emergency management, and parks & recreation personnel, who might be involved in a search incident during the normal course of their duties. Prior SAR training or experience is not required to successfully complete this course, however beginning January 1, 2021, it will be required for all participants to have taken ICS-100
    and ICS-700 as a prerequisite. This course also will be required prior to participants attending Ground Search and Rescue. Participants will however have to be affiliated with an agency to take this course.

  • K9 Flanking (2:10 Hour Class) Saturday - 1300-1510

    This course is open to all conference attendees and is not limited to K9 support personnel. Participants will learn about the role of a K9 support person, often referred to as a flanker, who accompanies a K9 handler in the field to assist with navigation, communication, operational safety. The course will provide an overview of flanker responsibilities and the important role they play in supporting K9 search operations.
    Part 1 - Presentation
    Part 2 - Demo with K9's
    Led by: Linda Keen & ILLWIS

  • Pace and Compass (2:10 Hour Class) Saturday - 1520-1730

    This class is designed to assess and reinforce participants’ directional awareness and target reacquisition skills through compass refresh drills using predetermined points and flanking movement challenges. Students will evaluate another's navigation, situational awareness, and coordinated movement abilities in dynamic scenarios while identifying areas for continued improvement. Led by: Liz Brady

  • SARTopo For Sarm (4:50 Hour Class) Saturday - 1300-1730

    SarTopo For Resource Coordination Team
    Session will teach SarTopo for utilization in a Search and Rescue incident. The session will start off with the simple ins and outs of SarTopo and advance into more complex usage of SarTopo. Learn settings, assignments, printing, importing/exporting of information into/from SarTopo and some interesting tips and tricks. The session will be continuous throughout the time allowed with breaks. This is a hands-on session, so bring a laptop and be able to log into your SarTopo account.
    Led by: Kim Gotte

  • Shoreline Safety (3:20 Hour Class ) Saturday - 1300-1620

    This class is for ground searchers who work around a lake, pond or river. We will talk about Personal flotation devices (PFD), and different ways to rescue someone in the water. We will talk about some water survival skills in case you accidentally fall into water. If your agency has a PFD and a rope throw bag, please bring it with you. Led by: Tom Foust

  • Autism (1 Hour Class) Saturday - 1630-1730

    This class for the ground searcher. This was designed by a teacher who works with autistic students. We will talk about some ways to help deal with them. We will talk about techniques to help communicate with person or help calm them down. Led by: Tom Foust

  • Low Angle Rescue Support (4:50 Hour Class) Saturday 1300 - 1730

    This course focuses on the skills needed to support trained rope rescue personnel during low-angle rescue operations when additional manpower may be limited. During search operations, responders may encounter situations where a victim requires rope-assisted extrication. In these circumstances, certified rope rescue personnel may need assistance with roles that do not require technical rope rescue certification.

    Participants will learn and practice support functions such as:
    *Patient movement * Basket handling
    *Hauling operations *Safety support

    Instruction will include classroom discussion, demonstrations, and hands-on practical exercises.
    Please note that this course does not provide rope rescue certification. The skills taught are intended to support certified rope rescue personnel and should only be performed under their direction and supervision. Any real-world application of these skills should be conducted under the guidance of appropriately certified rope rescue personnel.
    All rigging systems used during this course will be designed, installed, and supervised by instructors certified to at least the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Rope Rescue Operations level or higher. While this course will not cover the technical setup of rope rescue systems, it will introduce key concepts, operational considerations, and practical applications to help participants safely and effectively support rope rescue operations. Led by: Chase Akers

  • Keys to Interoperable Communications (2:10 Hour Class) Saturday - 1300-1510

    This interactive session will highlight:
    * Basics of radio operations and incident communications.
    * Communication planning considerations related to your area of operation including P.A.C.E. Planning.
    * Illinois Strategic Technology Reserve (STR) assets that are available to support ISARC teams
    during exercise and real-world operations.
    * How to request STR assets or assistance from a state certified COML. Led by: John Nebl

  • Field Medical (2:10 Hour Class) Saturday - 1520-1730

    This lecture will focus on remote-patient assessment, environmental emergencies, trauma, and evacuation decisions in Illinois SAR’s delayed-help, wilderness-style setting. It will emphasize scene safety, primary survey, hemorrhage control, shock, splinting, environmental exposures, wounds and burns, allergic reactions, and head, neck, and spinal injuries, while also teaching rescuers to balance care with search objectives, make evacuation decisions, and meet ICS expectations for communication and documentation. Led by: Jerry Dobinson

  • SARTopo for Field (2:10 Hour Class) Sunday - 0945-1155

    SarTopo For Field Personnel
    Session will go over simple and intermediate functions that can be performed in the field using SarTopo, from settings, getting the map, using SarTopo to put in clues, tracks, etc. A few tips will help the ground searcher utilize SarTopo in field more efficiently. The session will start out in a short classroom session and then move outside to put into practice those things learned. Make sure to have CalTopo loaded onto your phone and are able to log in and have your battery charged. This will be a hands-on session.
    Led by: Mark Hinch and Al Fielder

  • Sar Support (2:10 Hour Class) Sunday - 0945-1155

    Have people on your team that can’t go in the field or regular per-sonnel that cannot go in the field today? Learn what tasks are need-ed in Search Resource Coordination that others can do to help that might not be SAR trained. Tasks such as communications, documen-tation tracking, team transportation, check-in, staging, downloading tracks from K9 collars or drones, etc.
    Led by: Kim Gotte

  • Ropes and Knots (2:10 Hour Class) Sunday - 0945-1155

    This two-hour class will teach participants how to safely move objects using ropes and straps while searching for evidence or missing persons. Proper object movement techniques can help ensure a more thorough and efficient search while maintaining safety and preserving potential evidence.

    Topics covered include:
    Basic knot tying and practical applications
    Safe use of ropes and straps
    Techniques for moving objects during search operations
    Safety considerations when lifting, dragging, or repositioning items
    Preserving search integrity and minimizing scene disturbance.

    Through instruction and hands-on practice, students will gain practical skills that can be applied during a variety of search and rescue missions. Led by: Dan Zaccard

  • Salvation Army (1 Hour Class) Sunday - 0945-1045

    The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) provides criti-cal support to search and rescue teams during emergencies, disas-ters, and extended response operations. EDS teams are equipped to assist first responders with meals, hydration, snacks, and emotional and spiritual care. In addition to mobile feeding capabilities, The Salvation Army can help coordinate extended resources such as port-able restrooms, command center-style trailers, utility terrain vehi-cles (UTVs), ATVs, and other logistical support equipment needed to assist field operations and improve responder effectiveness. EDS works alongside emergency management agencies and public safety partners to help ensure search and rescue teams remain supported, equipped, and mission ready throughout every stage of an incident response.
    Led By: Christi Gonzalez

  • Team Building Challenge (1 Hour Class) Sunday - 1055-1155

    Come out and be part of a fun, hands-on team-building challenge—helping foster engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving skills - Led by: Linda Keen & Jim Hilgenberg

Pre-Order Merchandise - All merchandise must be pre-ordered by October 28th

  • Long Sleeve Shirts

    SAR - Orange - Back of Shirt

  • Short Sleeve Shirts

    SAR - Orange

  • Long Sleeve Shirt

    SAR - Blue

  • Short Sleeve Shirt

    SAR - Blue

  • Long Sleeve Shirt

    SAR - Yellow

  • Short Sleeve Shirt

    SAR - Yellow

  • ISARC - Conference Shirt

    ISARC - Conference 2026

  • ISARC - Polo Shirts

    Blue

  • Challenge Coins - 10.00

    [186 remaining]

  • ISARC - Hats - 25.00

    Baseball Hats - Navy Blue

    [96 remaining]

  • ISARC - Patches - 7.00

    [98 remaining]

  • ISARC Clings - 5.00

    [220 remaining]

  • Zipper Hoodies

  • Pull Over Hoodie

Location Information

  • Little Galilee Christian Camp
  • 7539 Little Galilee Road, Clinton, IL, 61727 US
  • Google, Bing, MapQuest

  • Early Registration - ISARC Members

  • Early Registration -NON- ISARC Members

  • LATE/ON-SITE Registration -

  • Will you be lodging on-site during the conference?

  • Lodging N/C for Thursday Night if you are attending the Friday Class Only.

  • Will you be lodging off-site during the conference?

  • Thursday Night - 11/13/26 - Camping sites are available for attendees participating in Friday classes.

  • Friday Night 11/13/26

  • Saturday Night 11/14/26

Merchandise pickup will be at the conference. There will be NO shipping of merchandise. Payment is required at time of pickup.
If you are unable to attend the conference, please arrange for someone from your agency to submit payment on your behalf.

No refunds will be issued after October 28th. After October 28th, all registrations must be completed at camp. Registrants may wish to purchase the optional Registration Protection Plan, which may provide reimbursement for eligible unforeseen circumstances, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

I confirm that I am 18 years of age or older and have met all required prerequisites.

Purchase ProtectionRECOMMENDED

Add Purchase Protection for a small fee and get a 100% refund of your registration purchase should you be prevented from attending due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. (Full Terms)

Why protect your registration purchase? Purchase Protection covers:

Severe Illness and Injury
COVID-19
Hospitalization
Death in Family
Transportation Failure
Crime and Home Emergency
Employment Obligations
Acts of Nature
Legal Obligations

Purchase Protection covers many common unforeseen circumstances, but exclusions apply. View full List of qualifying circumstances and exclusions.

* Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Not available for or applicable to events, attendees, or travel outside of the USA. Purchase Protection is a service offered by Purchase Protection LLC. Purchase Protection is not an insurance policy. It is a service that will refund you 100% of your event fees, taxes and dues should you be prevented by unforeseen circumstances from attending the event. Purchase Protection does not apply to, and will not reimburse, charitable donations. Purchase Protection fees will be charged as a separate transaction. Any changes made to your purchase will not change the amount covered in this agreement.

Read Full Terms and Conditions

Billing Information

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
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