Building a solid foundation for chaplaincy
Oregon Chaplains Basics Academy will be held September 8-11, 2025 (checking into dorms on Sunday evening, Sept 7.) Classes, meals, and lodging are located at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training in Salem, Oregon. Classes are from 0800 to 1715, with a variety of speakers and topics each day (see flyer).
For the next Basics Academy, check this site again in March of 2025. Basics is generally offered in September or early October.
The quality of a foundation affects the strength and resiliency thereafter. Effective First Responder Chaplains master the basic building blocks of knowledge and skill. Experience and new tools can be added over time, but the basics provide the solid building blocks for knowing how to connect with First Responders, typical on-scene protocol, how to respond to crises, and what is needed to maintain your own health and resiliency.
The academy consists of four full days packed with information and skill-building (see the schedule from last year as an example). Seasoned chaplains who have been in the trenches teach many of the class components. The evenings are free for rest, walking the trails, and talking with others, as well as asking the questions students are pondering. We are excited to draw on many of these instructors to help you be the best you can be as a chaplain!
All meals are provided in the dining hall with First Responder cadets. Sharing the campus with police and fire students provided great opportunity to observe and familiarize ourselves with First Responder culture. Learning extended beyond the classroom to the full DPSST environment. A certificate of completion is awarded to participants at the conclusion of the academy.
Cost: $449 – covered instruction, meals and lodging at DPSST. This discounted fee is made possible by financial contribution from the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Trust Fund.
Questions may be addressed to Kay Bruce at chaplainkaybruce@gmail.com or (360) 910-2701
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN MAY 1. Our Payment page provides information to pay online or by mail.
Chaplains serving in the State of Oregon have priority. Applicants must submit the following:
○ Agency or professional chaplaincy organization endorsement letter
○ Proof of background check
○ Ecclesiastical endorsement
If you have a Google login, upload your documents here, email them here, or
Mail them to Public Safety Chaplaincy c/o Mary Zachary
1500 NW 167th Place Beaverton, OR 97006
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