Details of this trip are still coming together, and we will be getting feedback from Scouts at the next meeting.

We will be exploring Laurel Caverns, located in southern Pennsylvania (about 3 1/2 hours from North Olmsted, near the Pennsylvania/West Virginia/Maryland borders).

Tentative Plans

• Upper Caving (see description below)
• Cave Rappelling -or- Geology Merit Badge

Dates

• Depart: May 19 (Friday), leave early evening
• Return: Sunday, May 21

Costs

This trip will cost more than a traditional camping trip.  We will be staying at a commercial camp ground, and the costs of camping, caving, rappelling, or the merit badge program need to be factored in. We will know more once we determine an exact itinerary.

Upper Caving

Laurel Caverns says:

Because the elevation difference from the upper passages of Laurel Caverns to its lower passages is about 45 stories (450 feet) two caving activities (i.e. spelunking) have been created.  For the most part, these two trips cover different parts of the cave, though both have in common the main passages

We will be doing the Upper Caving activity, which takes about two hours.

Laurel Caverns has a firm policy for admittance. Please note:  Any individual under the age of 18 arriving without a parentally signed release form or not properly prepared will not be admitted to a caving activity.  Trip sponsors and leaders may not sign for anyone as a proxy for the parent.  In other words, the Scoutmasters cannot sign a release form on your behalf.

COME PREPARED

• Bring at least two good sources of light.
  • A headlamp and a handheld light are best. Cellphone lights, keychain lights, and other such dim sources are not acceptable.
• Wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, and shoes with good tread and ankle support.
• Laurel Caverns will supply the hard hats.
• Each participant must also fill out and sign a Laurel Caverns release form.
• Links to the forms can be found on their web site at this link: http://www.laurelcaverns.com/spelunking-caving/#  Look for the graphic labeled “upper caving release form.”
• The cave temperature is 52 degrees.
• Bring a change of clothing; this is a real caving trip and participants will get the wet sands of the cave on their clothing.

Cave Rappelling

• Participants must be at least 12 years of age.
• The cave rappelling activity requires a signed release form which, for anyone under 18 years of age, must also be signed by a parent or legal guardian.  The rappelling release form is at this link:  http://www.laurelcaverns.com/cave-rappelling/  Look for the graphic labeled “Climbing Release Form.”

Laurel Caverns says:

This activity is designed for beginners.  The activity begins with an instruction session.  A double belay (two-ropes – two staffers) is used.  All equipment is provided by Laurel Caverns.  Every participant is guaranteed at least two drops.  Since our rappelling cliffs are in the cave, rain is never a problem.