ETSU Outdoor Adventure to host Worley Caving Day
“Number one is always safety,” Payne said. “We make sure our staff are trained and capable in the cave. That involves going through training, spending time in the cave themselves and knowing what to expect before we ever take students in.”
Payne said the timing of the event is intentional. Caves maintain a consistent temperature year-round, making winter an ideal season for exploration.
“When it’s really cold outside in January and February, it’s warmer in the cave,” he said. “That’s one of the cool things about caves, and it’s why we usually plan trips around this time.”
Participants will be required to follow strict safety procedures. Outdoor Adventure staff provide helmets and require each person to carry three sources of light. Leaders also bring backup heat sources, emergency supplies and containers to ensure waste is packed out of the cave.
“We’re going to be in the cave for a while, so we tell students to bring proper clothing, a change of clothes, sturdy shoes, snacks and water,” Payne said. “There’s a lot of precautionary planning that goes into it.”
The program charges students $5 to cover transportation and staffing costs. In addition, the cave owners require a $10 per person cash entry fee, which Payne said is paid on-site.
Beyond recreation, Payne emphasized the educational value of the trip. He said one goal is to reduce anxiety about caving while teaching students how to explore safely and responsibly.
“Caving doesn’t have to be this dangerous, scary thing,” Payne said. “We want to show students how to do it in a safe way that also respects the environment.”
Students will learn about geology, hydrology and cave ecosystems, including limestone formation, underground streams and wildlife such as bats, salamanders and cave crickets.
“It’s an entire ecosystem underground that’s mostly unaffected by what’s happening above,” Payne said. “It’s kind of its own little cosmos.”
Payne said participants typically range from experienced cavers to students who have only visited commercial “show caves” such as Mammoth Cave or Appalachian Caverns.
“For about 75 percent of participants, this is their first wild cave,” he said. “That makes it a really unique opportunity.”
Registration is available through the Campus Recreation portal at campusrec.etsu.edu. Students may also register in person at the Outdoor Adventure Center in the CPA, located behind the climbing wall.
“The easiest way is online,” Payne said. “You sign up, meet us at the designated time, and off we go.”
link
