What does Caving offer
The information listed here is intended to help Leaders who would like to arrange Caving for their section. It also has information for Leaders/Adults who would like to get involved with this activity.
Founded in 2011, the Derbyshire Scout Caving Team offers professional caving experiences for Scouts sections from within Derbyshire and beyond. We are split into 2 sub teams based in Derbyshire (covering caves and mines around Derbyshire) and Cheshire (including the mines at Alderley edge).
Group Visits
We can run sessions at your meeting place. These are ideal as an introduction to Caving for Beavers and Cubs. Typically, this would include caving games and a show and tell of specialist caving and mine exploration equipment.
Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Network
We run caving trips for all abilities in Derbyshire. You can expect most of the Scouts to come back wanting more. Beginners trips include simple walk through mines.
For the Cubs we can also offer caving trips for your pack. This will generally be a simple mine exploration trip where we explore a local lead mine and talk about the various mining techniques and rock formations.
For the budding cavers amongst your troop, our trips can be more extreme and include vertical ladder climbing.
For Explorers and Network we can run more advanced trips with longer duration and more challenges.
Adults
If you don't fancy entering the cave/mine, bring your Scouts along as there is no requirement for your leaders to come on the trip. However, you are more than welcome you come along thought!
We offer evening and weekend experiences for all age groups. We design and adapt each individual trip to the participant's ability or group's requirements meaning we can cater for all ages, fitness levels and disabilities. We have an experienced instructor team who can provide trips on weekday evenings or weekends. All safety equipment is provided including an over suit, helmet, light and climbing harness.
Each caving/mine trip can be an evening or weekend experience for all ages groups:
• We design and adapt each individual trip to the participant's ability or group's requirements meaning we can cater for all ages, fitness levels and disabilities.
• We have an experienced instructor team who can provide trips on weekday evenings or weekends.
• All safety equipment is provided including an over suit, helmet, light and climbing harness.
Be Prepared for Caving Activity
Your leader and our instructors have been hard at work organising and preparing for your caving/mine exploration trip underground. However, this is a little bit that you need to do in order to get the most out of your underground experience and be as safe as possible at all times.
• Get a good night's sleep the night before to make sure you are full of energy for your trip.
• Have a good hearty meal before coming on your caving/mine exploration trip.
• All caving/mine exploration trips do get wet, muddy and sweaty. Wear old clothes you don't mind getting filthy.
• Strictly no denim, no shorts and no trainers/crocs/sandals.
• Footwear must be Wellies or Walking Boots.
Cub trips in Mouldridge, Wood or West MineYou should wear/bring:
We will provide:
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Scout, Explorer or adult tripsYou should wear/bring:
(*) Can be left in the car for after the activity We will provide:
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Location and Costs for Caving
I'm afraid it's not possible to give a "standard" costs for Caving. Our costs very depending on what location is used and if we have to pay other costs, e.g. trespass and/or parking fees. Please contact us (see below for link) with your requirements and we will provide you with a costs for a Caving trip.
We do have camp blanket badges available to buy at £1 each.
Note: Once you have confirmed numbers for people who are going underground, this is what you will be charged for, We are not able to give refunds for people who do not attend on the day.
Contact and frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How can I arrange Caving for my section? How do I book this? |
I'm afraid we currently do not have an on-line booking option for this activity. |
| How do I contact the Caving SASU to ask them any questions or ask how I can get involved? | Click here to contact the Caving SASU If you have ever fancied becoming a caving instructor, we offer training and guidance on becoming an instructor with the team. We can help you to achieve your caving and mine exploration Scout activity permits. No previous experience necessary. |
| I've got a technical question about Caving, who should I contact for advice and support? | Click Caving Team to contact the County Caving advisor. They will be able to help you with any technical or Scouting related questions. |
| Where can I find out the current fact sheets and Scouting policies, relating to Caving? |
Scouting UK has published lots of useful information. |
| As a Leader, what should I expect when my section performs this activity and what badges can this activity count towards? |
Scouts has provided a useful overview of what you can expect and what badges this activity covers. |
| What is the National Governing Body (NGB) for Caving? | British Caving Association. Click here to visit their web site. |
Events Caving Team supports
Additional Information
Click here for images and reviews from recent caving sessions.
Sections supported
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| Adults / Leaders |