The Disaster Relief Spring Chainsaw Retreat will provide opportunities for training in the advanced skills useful in our DR ministry. The retreat is hosted by Collin Baptist DR and sanctioned by Texans on Mission DR. It is open to
volunteers across the state who want to learn or improve those skills.
This is a week-long retreat April 7-11. Monday will primarily be a travel, day with the retreat actually beginning with the evening meal that day.
Everyone attending the retreat must register via this web page. There is a $25 registration fee for each volunteer. This is a training retreat intended for persons who expect to deploy with a Chainsaw Disaster Relief unit. Everyone is expected to have current Texans on Mission DR credentials before arriving at the retreat.
2025 Chainsaw Retreat
Timberline Baptist Camp
15363 FM 849, Lindale, Texas
April 7-11
Cost: $25
Each person registering must select a Training Track from those listed below. Because of class scheduling, you can enroll for only one track. Please read the class descriptions for details.
Students should plan to dress for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.
Registering for a track below registers for the retreat.
(Specialty Training class descriptions can be seen below the track listing.)
Click on ONE track below to register.
You may register for only ONE.
Track A: Basic Climbing (limit 12) plus Rescue
Track A-1: Ground Support (limit 6) plus Rescue
Track B: Heavy Equipment
Track C: Rigging (limit 30) plus Rescue
Track D: Roofs & Ladders plus Camp Chainsaw, STIHL Training & Rescue
Track E: Temporary Roof plus STIHL Training, Camp Chainsaw & Rescue
Track F: Man Lift plus STIHL Training, Camp Chainsaw & Rescue
Track G: Camp Chainsaw plus STIHL Training & Rescue
Track H: Basic Chainsaw plus Camp Chainsaw, STIHL Training & Rescue
When you finish your track, you (everyone) will complete the week assigned to Camp Chainsaw, which is practical experience.
Lodging and meals are provided as part of the retreat. Lodging is in a dorm and includes a lower bunk and mattress. Each attendee should bring sheets, pillow, blankets or sleeping bags and toiletries. (Men and women have separate group sleeping arrangements.)
This year we have made arrangements with Stihl Distributing Co. in McKinney to teach a one-day class on "small engine maintenance and repair." This will be an optional class for those not involved in other training at the time the class is taught. If eligible for the Stihl training, that class is noted in the description of your track. Other optional training that will be taught in the evening includes “Stop the Bleed” and “First Aid."
Specialty Training Descriptions
Track A: Basic Climbing & Ground Support Training
NOTE: BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING MUST HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BEFORE TAKING THIS TRAINING.
Basic Climbing and Ground Support training is conducted together, with the Rescue module added.
The Basic Climbing class is limited to 12 students. The Ground Support class is limited to six students. Everyone attending the Ground Support class will be trained in everything the climber gets but will NOT get off the ground. That will make them a GREAT Ground Support person for a climber.
Due to time requirements for this class, it begins at 3 p.m. Monday, and the Stihl training cannot be added.
The Rescue Class will be all day Friday and is included in the climbing/rescue registration.
Prerequisites:
- Current Texans on Mission DR credentials
- Texans on Mission Basic Chainsaw Training
- Recommendation from student's Chainsaw Blue Cap using the BASIC CLIMBING RECOMMENDATION form. Click here to download the form.*
Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.
* Completed recommendation form MUST be emailed to David Meyer (davidmeyertx@verizon.net) seven days before the class begins.
Track B: Heavy Equipment Training
NOTE: BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING MUST HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BEFORE TAKING THIS TRAINING.
Target Audience: Texans on Mission Disaster Relief volunteers desiring certification in heavy equipment operation.
This course is an overview of policies and procedures for those wishing to volunteer with a Heavy Equipment Unit. Safety procedures are an important part of this course. After the classroom presentation, there will be a hands-on section in which the student will be allowed to operate available equipment (skid steer).
Pre-registration online is required.
Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.
Track C: Rigging
NOTE: BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING MUST HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BEFORE TAKING THIS TRAINING.
The Texans on Mission Rigging Class teaches safe rigging techniques using ropes, slings and hardware working with ground crews and climbers to skillfully and safely remove limbs, dismantle trees and create mechanical advantage. Students are provided classroom and hands-on instruction, practicing safety for workers, care of equipment and property. Each student will receive a textbook, which is included in the registration fee.
Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.
Track D: Roofs & Ladders
NOTE: BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING MUST HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BEFORE TAKING THIS TRAINING.
This is a class which introduces the concept of using a chainsaw off the ground. You will consider and discuss practices and safety techniques which must be taken into account when working in this new environment, both on ladders or on rooftops.
Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.
Track E: Temporary Roof Training
Target Audience: Texans on Mission Disaster Relief volunteers interested in placing tarps on roofs damaged by a disaster or interested in providing ground support. Chainsaw volunteers willing to tarp roofs as part of the chainsaw cleanup are also part of the target audience.
This training provides an overview of the ministry’s mission, as well as basic techniques, procedures and safety concerns in tarping a roof after a disaster. While some volunteers need to work on the roof, there is also a need for trained volunteers to serve on the ground crew.
Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.
Track F: Man Lift Training
This is the Basic Man Lift class with the Rescue module added. Participants must have current Texans on Mission Disaster Relief credentials and have completed the Basic Chainsaw Training class. Students must have demonstrated their ability to use a chainsaw, (i.e. can buck, limb and drop a tree with minimal or no Blue Cap intervention).
Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.
Approximately one week before the class starts, students registered for the Man Lift class will be sent a link by Bill Sims what will contain training for the knots you must know before you get to class.
Track G: Camp Chainsaw
Camp cleanup and associated tree work. Small teams will work throughout the
camp removing trees as designated, then relocating debris, always with an emphasis
on safety of the individual and avoiding physical damage to camp infrastructure.
Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-
sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes
and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.
Track H: Basic Chainsaw Training
Target audience: Texans on Mission Disaster Relief volunteers wanting chainsaw training to
work with the DR Cchainsaw ministry.
- Basic skills on how to safely operate chainsaws while helping survivors after a disaster.
- Basic tree felling and bucking techniques will be introduced/reviewed.
This course begins Monday evening with classroom training. The remainder of the week will be hands-on training with a chainsaw.
Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.
Chainsaws and safety equipment will be provided. All attendees will receive a manual. Pre-registration online is required.
Track Special: Rescue Training
Target Audience: All chainsaw Blue Caps and their designated Lead Person(s). Also all trained persons volunteering with a unit which uses climbers.
The class teaches duties of all on-site personnel needed to remove a climber from
a tree in the event they become incapacitated and unable to remove themselves.
Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-
sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes
and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.