Caving is a great adventure for young people and leaders providing that it is controlled correctly and safety. It allows exploration in dark, damp and perhaps a little frightening places. It develops teamwork and mutual support in difficult places and presents an opportunity to understand the fragile world underground and a need for conservation.

If you have any queries that are NOT covered in the following information please email caving@surrey-scouts.org.uk

So where can we go Caving?

Caving Permits

Applications for permits to lead Scout parties into caves or mines should be made on the Application for an Adventurous Activity Permit form, available from the web site www.scoutbase.org.uk or from The Scout Information Centre at Gilwell Park. The completed forms should be sent direct to your choosen Assessor, who will also try to answer any queries.

During a Technical Competence assessment you will be assessed for your technical skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the activity. This is likely to be through a practical assessment, except where you hold an appropriate National Governing Body award or a renewing an identical permit, and you have recent on-going experience. Full details of the syllabus you will be assessed against can be found in the appropriate Assessment Checklist. Once you have had the technical assessment you must take the assessment form to your DC who will issue a permit. For those who do not belong to a district you should take the form to the responsible commissioner, e.g. ACC (Activities).

Permits can be obtained by Explorer Scouts and Network members, as well as by Leaders. Each permit can be tailored to the level that your skills, experience and requirements justify, meaning that restrictions may be placed on such matters as areas, venues or facilities. This ensures that you can lead activities at the right level. An adventurous activity permit allows you to lead that activity for young people within Scouting. It shows people in Scouting, the young people and their parents that you have the necessary skills and experience to be able to lead these important activities.

Caving Club:

Chairman: Derek Sutherland - Tel: 01420 520341

The Surrey Scout Caving Club provides and promotes opportunities to enjoy caving activities and encourage high standards of safety and leadership. It is available to Explorer and Network scouts and adult members of the Scout Association. It can provide events for all levels of ability from introductory talks, novice trips underground to serious expeditions for the experienced enthusiast.

Evening social/planning meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month (except June & August) at Ye Olde Windsor Castle, Little Bookham.

The Club organises experience days at Merstham Mines which are open to non-members. Caving expeditions, meetings and social events are organised for members.

Details of the club's experience days and events are shown in the Caving Event Section below. For details of the experience days contact - Colin Knight - 01293 784544, for details of other trips contact Andrea Roberts - 01293 617027.