About the
Arkansas Search and Rescue Association
Mission Statement
The mission of ASARA is to act as a professional, educational, and standardization organization which supports search and rescue by promoting, and assisting in the development of resources, training and educational opportunities with the underlying purpose of saving lives.
Purpose
The purpose of the Arkansas Search and Rescue Association (ASARA) is to promote and assist in the development of search capabilities within the State of Arkansas.
The Association is dedicated to the advancement of search and rescue skills, the standardization of procedures, communications and equipment, and the continued improvement of the coordination between federal, state, county, and local paid and volunteer search and rescue agencies and organizations.
Latest Posts
- 2026 ASARA State SAR Conference
Updated April 29, 2026
The Arkansas Search and Rescue Association Board is excited to announce that we will be hosting the 2026 ASARA State Conference June 6-7, 2026 with pre-conference training on Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5. The conference will be hosted at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR.
Conference Cost and Information
Pre-Conference Cost:
- All Pre-Conference classes are both Thursday and Friday
- Cost includes attendance to the class and includes breakfast, lunch, and supper both days.
- Cost may not include required or recommended books or other supplies. Please see course description below for details
- Worldwide Trackers – Fernando Moreira SAR Tracker 1 Course
- ASARA Member Teams: $280 per attendee
- Non-ASARA Members: $300 per attendee
- NASAR Wilderness First Aid
- ASARA Member Teams:$200 per attendee
- Non-ASARA Members: $220 per attendee
Conference Cost:
- Cost includes attendance on Saturday and Sunday and includes meals
- Breakfast, lunch, and supper on Saturday
- Breakfast and a boxed lunch on Sunday
- ASARA Member Teams:
- Early Bird Registration: $110 per attendee
- Standard Registration (after May 10, 2026): $130 per attendee
- Non-ASARA Member Teams:
- Early Bird Registration: $130 per attendee
- Standard Registration (after May 10, 2026): $150 per attendee
- Students:
- Early Bird Registration: $80 per attendee
- Standard Registration (after May 10, 2026): $110 per attendee
- ATU Students (does not include any meals):
- Early Bird Registration: $30 per attendee
- Standard Registration (after May 10, 2026): $60 per attendee
Please Note: Class days, cost, and other details are subject to change!
Please Note: Extra items such as books and ASARA merchandise will be available for purchase at the conference for additional fees.
Total cost for the Conference will vary depending on which classes you choose to attend, lodging, and any cost associated with optional extras such as ASARA merchandise purchases.
Deadline to register to get the Early bird discount is Sunday, May 10 by 23:59.
Any registrations on or after May 10 will be billed at the standard rate. On-campus lodging will not be available after May 10. No exceptions.
SCHEDULE as of April 29, 2026
Pre-Conference Course Information
Worldwide Trackers – Fernando Moreira SAR Tracker 1 course
- 20 hours
- Cost:
- ASARA Member Teams: $280 per attendee
- Non-ASARA Member: $300 per attendee
- Days: Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5
- Lead Instructor: Fernando Moreira
- Phone: (775) 338-0882
- E-mail: training@worldwidetrackers.co
- Equipment, Supplies, and Class Materials:
- Course Description:
Training to prepare SAR members for urban, rural and night tracking under “ideal” conditions. This course is for the SAR or law enforcement person that has the desire to become a tracker for the purpose of Search & Rescue. It is an intensive course with 4 hours of classroom and 16 hours in the field. Based on Jack Kearney’s “Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning How” and developed with his consent, this course teaches all the basics.
This 20 hour basic class is the foundation to all of our classes.
NASAR Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course
- 16 hours (2 Days)
- Cost:
- ASARA Member Teams:$200 per attendee
- Non-ASARA Members: $220 per attendee
- Days: Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5
- Lead Instructor: Chris Charles
- Phone:
- E-mail:
- Equipment, Supplies, and Class Materials:
- NASAR Wilderness First Aid Book
- Book is NOT included in the course fee
- Book is available from NASAR bookstore, Amazon, and other sources
- Pen or pencil
- Notepad
- NASAR Wilderness First Aid Book
- Course Description:
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is a 16-hour course designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to medical emergencies and injuries in remote and outdoor settings. Students will learn how to assess, treat, and manage common injuries and illnesses that may occur in wilderness environments, where access to medical help is limited or delayed. This course emphasizes hands-on training, scenario-based learning, and practical application of first aid principles in challenging outdoor conditions.
https://nasar.org/page/WFA
Breakout Session Information
Saturday, June 6:
07:00-08:30
- Breakfast and Networking
08:30-12:00
- General Session
- General SAR Update
- National Guard/USAR Helo-Field Team
- New Tech with sUAS in SAR
- Field Team interaction with K9 resources
- Keynote Speaker – Chris Boyer, NASAR Executive Director
12:00-14:00
- Lunch
14:00-15:30
- Before the Call – Being Mission Ready
- Patient Assessments
- Tracking – Fernando Moreira
- NASAR Instructor Development
15:30-16:00
- Break
16:00-17:30
- Map Reading 101
- Enhancing Probability of Detection (POD)
- Tracking – Fernando Moreira
- NASAR Evaluator Development
17:30-19:00
- Dinner
19:00-20:00
- Recognition / Door Prizes
20:00-21:00
- “SAR Fun Night” – Details to be determined
Sunday, June 7:
07:00 – 08:00
- Breakfast
08:00 – 12:00
- SAR Exercise – Details to be determined
Immediately following morning activities
- Lunch & Debrief
Other Conference Features:
- Thursday Evening: TBA
- Friday Evening: Arkansas Search and Rescue Association General Membership Meeting and Election (Note: Must be a member of a current ASARA member team to attend)
- Saturday Evening: “SAR Fun Night”
Lodging and Meals
On-campus lodging is available in Nutt Hall Wednesday, June 3 – Saturday, June 6: $40 per Night
Virtual Tour of a Nutt Hall Dorm Room – https://youtu.be/Wu-qpW6mn9s
Attendees will need to provide their own linens.
No alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or pets are allowed.
You may also secure your own lodging off-campus if you prefer.Please Note: Couples that wish to lodge together will need to specify this on their registration form.
Please Note: The fees for lodging are in addition to pre-conference and conference fees and any other fees you may have.
Please Note: Class days, cost, and other details are subject to change!
Please Note: Extra items such as books and ASARA merchandise will be available for purchase at the conference for additional fees.
Total Cost for the Conference will vary depending on which classes you choose to attend, lodging, and any cost associated with optional extras such as books or ASARA merchandise purchases.
Registration Deadline is Sunday, May 10 by 23:59.
Any registrations on or after May 10 will be billed at the standard rate. On-campus lodging will not be available after May 10.
Thank you to our 2026 ASARA State SAR Conference Sponsors
Class Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Are you or your business interested in being a Conference Sponsor? Take a look at our Sponsorship packet or contact an ASARA Board Member
On-line Conference Registration Form
If your team enjoys having events such as our State Conference, please consider having your team join ASARA to help support our efforts. Please see the Membership page for information.
Please check back here or follow our Facebook Page for updates.