The term "caving" refers to engaging in organized cave science, exploration, and conservation. Unlike spelunking, caving requires training and preparation beyond that of most above-ground activities. There are a number of dangers inherent to visiting caves. When you cave with a grotto, you will learn the skills required to cave safely and responsibly.
Cuts, bruises, falling rocks, bad air, hypothermia, and fungal infections are just some of the dangers you may encounter when caving. Grotto members and leadership will teach you how to avoid these issues and the equipment required for doing so.
Always let someone who is not caving know where you are and when you expect to exit the cave. Cell phones and radios will not work underground. You must insure that a responsible party will call for help if you or someone in your party is lost, hurt, or otherwise unable to do so.
The minimum acceptable group size when caving is 3 people. If an accident occurs, one person should stay with the injured party and one should exit the cave to call for help.
Caves are an important, protected resource. Their fragile ecosystems are home to a variety of fossils, formations, and living creatures. Our top priority when vising caves is imposing minimal impact to the cave environment. When you join a grotto, you will learn to follow nationally recognized conservation ethics and cave etiquitte.
Our motto is, "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time."
A brief list of equipment used for caving is below. Using the following items will make caving trips safe and enjoyable for all who attend. We strongly suggest that you spend a reasonable amount of money to purchase quality equipment as falls and failed light sources can become serious issues in a subterrainian environment.
In addition, we always advise that you bring a change of clothes when attending Grotto trips, as some caves can be wet and muddy.