Caving With Boy Scout Troop 44

Troop 44, from Morristown, NJ, wanted to try a real caving trip. They’ve been to a commercial cave and did some studying of geology. They’re Scoutmaster, Mr. Morrison, contacted me and we started making plans. We batted around a few dates and finally arrived at one that was good for everyone.

His next problem was that a few parents were a bit nervous. I sent him a link to this website and where most of the current pictures were posted. This seemed to have helped a lot as the plans kept moving forward.

The day of the trip was great. We meet at a convenience store so everyone could get some last minute necessities. Took a ride over to the parking area for the cave, well, the rest is on the video.

Enjoy.


https://youtu.be/bWOkQ00WSfs

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.

Regional Coordinator

The purpose of an NSS Youth Regional Coordinator is to provide informational assistance to cavers, grottos, and youth group leaders so they may conduct safe and appropriate cave-related experiences. In addition to caving trips, these experiences may include presentations on ethics, geology, biology, techniques, and safety, as well as other topics of speleology.    
Regional Coordinators:

• Monthly written report with:

             Progress - Accomplishments
             Plans – Projects To Do
             Problems and Challenges

• adhere to all guidelines, policies, and requirements of the National Speleological Society (NSS).
• adhere to all guidelines, policies, and requirements of the appropriate youth group organization.
• treat all youth groups with equal consideration.
• make themselves available to grottos within their region, to assist them in working with youth groups.
• make themselves available to youth groups within their region, to assist them in conducting safe caving trips and learning about caves.
• promote responsible caving practices for youth groups.
• promote responsible caving practices by grottos and cavers when working with youth groups.
  

While not required by the NSS YGLC at this time, most youth organizations may require;

• State background checks
• FBI Clearances
• Red Cross, or equivalent CPR and First Aid
• Cave Rescue training

Regions needing a Coordinator;

·         Western Region which includes California, Oregon and Nevada.

·         Ohio Valley Region which includes Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky

·         Arizona Region which includes Arizona.

·         Northwest Caving Association which includes Idaho and Oregon.

·         Texas Speleological Association which includes Texas.

Journalist

·         Contact leads and conduct interviews in person, by phone or Skype, of people participating in youth group caving trips across the USA.

·         Create and post weekly articles.

Safety Education Coordinator

·         Provide and maintain a written “Best Practices” currently recognized by the National Speleological Society Safety and Techniques Committee, Vertical Section, and National Cave Rescue Commission.

·         Serve as a liaison for the Youth Group Liaison Committee to those committees.

·         Advise and answer Regional Coordinators with questions on this topic.

Geology Education Coordinator

·         Provide education material about cave and karst geology to Regional Coordinators.

·         Oversee development of curriculum on cave and karst geology for Regional Coordinators.

·         Advise and answer Regional Coordinators with questions on this topic.

Biology Education Coordinator

·         Provide education material about cave biology to Regional Coordinators.

·         Oversee development of curriculum on cave biology for Regional Coordinators.

·         Advise and answer Regional Coordinators with questions on this topic.

Visit Our Store

Making a purchase at our store not only gets you a great t-shirt, it also helps get kids underground. Show some YOUCave love and get some swag. https://shop.spreadshirt.com/YOUCave/


Cave Safely, Cave Softly, Cave Often,
Allen