Caving with the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey
This started back in January of 2016 when Krizza Vilchas from the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey (http://www.gscsnj.org/) contacted Philadelphia Grotto, through Andy Field, about taking Girl Scouts cave exploring. Andy forwarded the message to include me and off we went on trying to make this happen.
I have been taking Boy Scouts caving since 2004. Even though the offer was out there, no Girl Scouts had ever wanted to cave with us until now. We have had girls that were in Venturing and Girl Scout Troops that have gone caving as Venturing Crews, but never as a Girl Scout Troop. This was going to be a big deal for me. My goal was to prove that Girl Scouts do awesome outdoor adventure activities.
We had some great meetings and planning sessions, both in person and over Skype. When the day of the trip arrived we were all ready. Maybe a little nerves, but ready.
The group of Girl Scouts was made up of three different Troops of Cadets (11 to 14 y/o). Boy Scouts have a minimum age limit 14 years old. Girl Scouts have different age requirements. I don’t usually take kids this young caving, but they were prepared and ready for an underground adventure.
To say it was challenging and fun was an understatement. Just watch the video to see how well these Girl Scouts did on every challenge they faced. Spoiler alert: I’d take these girls caving any time.
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Cave Safely, Cave Softly, Cave Often,
Allen
I have been taking Boy Scouts caving since 2004. Even though the offer was out there, no Girl Scouts had ever wanted to cave with us until now. We have had girls that were in Venturing and Girl Scout Troops that have gone caving as Venturing Crews, but never as a Girl Scout Troop. This was going to be a big deal for me. My goal was to prove that Girl Scouts do awesome outdoor adventure activities.
We had some great meetings and planning sessions, both in person and over Skype. When the day of the trip arrived we were all ready. Maybe a little nerves, but ready.
The group of Girl Scouts was made up of three different Troops of Cadets (11 to 14 y/o). Boy Scouts have a minimum age limit 14 years old. Girl Scouts have different age requirements. I don’t usually take kids this young caving, but they were prepared and ready for an underground adventure.
To say it was challenging and fun was an understatement. Just watch the video to see how well these Girl Scouts did on every challenge they faced. Spoiler alert: I’d take these girls caving any time.
Questions?
If you want more information about taking youth groups caving, or you're just curious about what's involved with getting kids underground, visit the National Speleological Society - Youth Group Liaison Committee at www.caves.org/youth. Or you can email me directly at allenmaddox@youcave.org.Get Involved
YOUCave can use your help. If you have a talent that you feel would be useful to YOUCave, or can fulfill an existing opening, please email me at allenmaddox@youcave.org.Journalist
This is a volunteer position, but can look good on your resume.- Contact leads and conduct interviews by phone or Skype of people participating in youth group caving trips across the USA.
- Create and post weekly articles for the YOUCave blog.
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Cave Safely, Cave Softly, Cave Often,
Allen
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