2008 CAVING CAMP
6:1 Ratio
Offered Weeks 2-8
$495/week
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ABOUT CAVING: No other caving program in the area comes close to this program. We are unsurpassed in the area, and comparable to none. Our caving camp offers underground education that is only available at Calleva. Campers explore a variety of caves and are offered up great opportunities to learn more about our cavernous environments. Whether understanding the principles of group movement in tight spaces, or recognizing speleohazards and various speleothems. Cavers learn how to move safely and help out their fellow campers in a supportive group setting. If it brings a smile to your face to be muddy and crawl around, then this is the program for you. Instructors guide the group to proficiency in leading skills, spotting and cave mapping, and hopefully will cap the week with an unassisted small group expedition! We use a wise progression of caves so that campers can increase their comfort levels and skill development. Calleva offers campers the best in caving protection with professional grade helmets and lights, complete joint padding, and protective cave suits to keep the dirt out and warmth in. Caving Camps are Calleva's only "indoor" program with climate controlled "air conditioning"! While all others are exposed to the weather, cavers exit the cave without the foggiest idea of passing showers or heat index warnings. Calleva primarily use caves in Maryland's Washington County, and West Virginia's Jefferson County. We have caves that are wet, as well as dry caves; small caves and big caves; caves that require no skills to caves with vertical passage. Calleva maintains a safe experience with extremely qualified staff and dedication to maintaining strong cave ethics.
Meet the Instructor: Alex "Sideshow" Seidel
BASIC ITINERARY:
Cave: Carnegie Cave & McMahon's Mill
Camp: Antietam Creek Campground
See Needslist below
Day 1: Intro to cave, cave equipment, ethics, speleohazards. Cave: Dam 4.
Day 2: Spotting/ Speleogenesis/ Group Dynamics. Cave: Howell Cave.
Day 3: Cave ecology/Map reading. Cave: Dellinger's Cave.
Overnight Options: 3 cave challenge: Carnegie Cave, Hundred Holes, & Whiting's Neck Cave (vertical drop).
Franklin WVA. Cave incident & speleothem class/Small group Expedition. Cave: Trout, New Trout, Hamilton. All itineraries are subject to change due to staff/camper decision based upon skill levels, water levels, environmental hazards, and thirst for adventure. All changes to itineraries go through the Calleva Office first!
BASIC NEEDSLIST: All campers are expected to bring everyday: Water bottle, Shorts and T-Shirt, Towel, 2 pair shoes (one to get muddy, and one for driving back!), & Lunch. Calleva provides all safety/technical gear including: Helmet, Headlamps, Suits, Padding, & Ropes. Participants may bring their own caving gear, but gear must first be inspected by Instructor.
BASIC OVERNIGHT NEEDS: Sleeping Pad, Sleeping Bag, Daily Needs: 2 changes of clothes for caves, Flashlight/Headlamp, Cup, Bowl, & Spoon, Warm Jacket, Rain Gear. *Clothes will get wet in cave on day 1 of overnight!!! Need long underwear top & bottom and synthetic socks.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Due to the distance of caves from Calleva, each day will require a drive no less then 45 minutes. This has never been an issue (Caving is one of the more popular activities at Calleva), but parents should be aware of this issue. Counselors work very hard making it a fun and productive time on the bus.
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