INFO 2013 - Scouts Victoria

Caving trips are generally run on the second weekend of each month from February to November. The location will usuallybe Buchan, Mount Eccles or Portland. These caving areas are all about 4 or 5 hours drive from Melbourne. Trips may also be runat other times by special arrangement, such as additional weekend trips for Rovers, or day trips to a few caves closer toMelbourne.The weekend activities are for both novice and experiencedcavers. No previous Caving or abseiling experience isnecessary. The Trip Leader will select suitable caves based onthe capabilities of those involved. Caving activities at Buchanand Mount Eccles involve camping on the Friday andSaturday nights, so those attending must provide their owntransport, tents, food and cooking gear. Caving activities atPortland make use of a Scout hall for accommodation.For VENTURERS, about one month in advance of thecaving trip, team members will come to your Scout hall andgive an orientation talk on various aspects of the trip,including what to bring and what to expect.For SCOUTS, written instructions and maps are sent to each Troop participating in a Caving Trip. There is also an instructionletter setting out the pre-trip knowledge needed to earn the Scout Caving Badge.Cost: The cost for a weekend, includes camping fee and the use of caving equipment and helmets. For current details of cost,contact our booking officers listed below.Note: the cost is kept to a minimum, but varies for the different venues due to camping fees. (approx $30/Scout; $50/Venturer).Requirements:• You will have to supply your own overalls or old clothes, sturdy boots, a good large torch and new batteries.• In addition, cavers must also carry two emergency sources of light such as a pen torch and a candle and matches (in a plasticbag in your pocket).• There are some unique opportunities for photography, so bring a camera with flash, in a protective case and bag.• All Venturers and Scouts MUST be accompanied by a Leader.Contact for inquiries, trip arrangements and bookings:For Venturers and Rovers;Jenny Watson, - 14 Glendale Crescent, BERWICK3806. (H) 9704 7750. e-mail: watsontj@spin.net.auFor Scouts;Ian Barnard - 47 Manning Blvd. - DARLEY , 3340(H) 5367 5850. e-mail: barny.vsct@bigpond.comBookings for 2013 opened on 1st October 2012 and the venue for each month's activity has already been arranged.Early bookings are recommended. An advance (non-refundable) booking deposit is required.The Caving Team Home page can be accessed via the Scouts Victoria web site, www.vicscouts.asn.au Click on the“Activities menu, then select “Caving”.CHECKLIST FOR GROUP LEADERS AUTHORIZING A CAVING ACTIVITY:QUALIFICATIONS: Caving Leaders must first be accredited by the BLAA (Caving) – Tony Watson; phone 9704 7750Email to: watsontj@spin.net.au , who will provide all the assistance and information required.The Caving Leader must also be–• A Commercial Caving Operator - approved by Scouts Vic. and having adequate insurance, or• A qualified Scout Activity Instructor (Caving); or• A qualified Scout Activity Leader (Caving); or• A qualified Scout Activity Guide (Caving)and who, in each case, is a current member or associate of the Australian Speleological Federation.RATIOS: Minimum of 1 experienced Cave Leader for every 5 participants.LIMITATIONS:Caving is not recommended for members of the Joey Scout or Cub Scout sections (commercial tourist cavesexcepted). The extent to which members of the Scout section may engage in caving must not exceed the specificrequirements for achievement of the Scout proficiency badge.83