Learn about the Society's diverse programs, activities, and aspects of speleology in which members are involved. Understand the benefits of membership in the Society, and the value of membership to caves, caving, and speleology.

Caves are the world's most remote and fragile wilderness. They provide irreplaceable habitats for rare plants and animals, some of which spend their entire lives in complete darkness. On its way to our drinking supply, water often travels through caves into wells, springs, and aquifers, the source of most of our drinking water. A cave’s intricate passageways and dramatic formations offer exquisite scenery and fascinating opportunities for research and mapping. Many caves also preserve fragile prehistoric and historic records for millennia.

Lava tubes play important roles in our ecosystem, our history, and our culture. Caves formed in lava are found where volcanoes have produced certain types of flowing lava--western United States, Canary Islands, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kenya, Australia, Pacific Ocean islands, and other volcanic hot spots. The islands of Hawaii harbor some of the world’s most spectacular lava tubes.

Policy statement and guidelines on caving prepared by the Youth Groups Liaison Committee of the National Speleological Society and the Boy Scouts of America

Caving can be a hazardous activity when the proper equipment, skills, and judgment are not used. Trips that are led by adults inexperienced in caving, and trips containing large numbers of participants compound the hazards already inherent in this activity. Youth groups information is presented in a series of 4 brochures, each being targeted to a specific audience. Read all four brochures to gain a balanced perspective of what it takes to orchestrate a successful caving trip with a youth group.

Bats Brochure (color)  1.22MB
Bats Brochure (b&w) 849KB 

Bats are among the most beneficial yet misunderstood mammals. They control insect populations, pollinate cacti and tropical fruit trees, and are important to medical and scientific advances. Sadly, bat colonies throughout the world are declining drastically as humans, intentionally and unintentionally, endanger bats and disturb their habitats. Bats are extraordinary in a number of ways.

Youth Group Caving; Legal Issues and General Information for the Experienced Caver  22.6KB


Information for Youth Group Leaders and
Parents  31.6KB


Caving Equipment; A Discussion for Youth Group Leaders and Parents 19.2KB  


Equipment Checklist 18.5KB  

NSS Annual Reports