The Front Range Grotto is contacted on a regular basis by adult leaders of scout troops and other youth groups seeking assistance with a cave trip. Sometimes grotto members are available to help lead such trips, or give short introductory presentations on cave topics. Other times we simply give advice on how to make sure a trip is safe, enjoyable, educational, and not damaging to the cave. If you are considering a caving trip for your youth group or troop, we hope the information below will be of help. Contact information can be found on the grotto officers page.
Excellent compilations of information on youth group caving can be found on the National Speleological Society website here.
A number of printable NSS brochures on general caving topics and those related to youth groups can be found here.
The Boy Scouts of America have information for conducting safe activities in general found here.
BSA information specifically about caving can be found here.
As you plan for your trip, remember that each participant must wear a helmet and a helmet-mounted light in order to cave safely. Also know that leaving litter or human waste in caves is unacceptable.
If you are looking for an appropriate cave for your trip, you might start by considering Colorado’s commercially operated show-caves. They can provide ‘off-trail’ caving experiences complete with trained guides and appropriate loaner equipment. Cave of the Winds (link here) is located outside Colorado Springs, CO. Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park (link here) is located near Glenwood Springs, CO.
Wild caves can also be appropriate for youth group trips, but additional caution and planning is necessary. Respect private property and do not trespass to visit a cave. One popular introductory-level caves on public land in Colorado is Fulford Cave (link here). A description of Fulford Cave is available here
Hubbard’s Cave is another introductory level cave and directions are available here
Be safe when you go caving, and remember: Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but (carefully placed) footprints, kill nothing but time.