Template:Cave Exploration (Ranger Award elective)/req
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:'''Requirement 2'''. Knots | :'''Requirement 2'''. Knots | ||
::a. Learn the following knots used in caving: | ::a. Learn the following knots used in caving: | ||
| - | :::* Endline knots: bowline]] figure six, figure eight on a bight | + | :::* Endline knots: [[bowline]] [[figure six]], [[figure eight on a bight]] |
| - | :::* Midline knots: bowline on a bight and butterfly | + | :::* Midline knots: [[bowline on a bight]] and [[butterfly]] |
| - | :::* Joiner knots: water knot, fisherman, figure eight on bend | + | :::* Joiner knots: [[water knot]], [[Fisherman's knot|fisherman]], [[figure eight on bend]] |
| - | :::* Prusik knot | + | :::* [[Prusik knot]] |
::b. Teach these knots to your crew, another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout group, or another group. | ::b. Teach these knots to your crew, another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout group, or another group. | ||
Revision as of 10:39, June 4, 2009
Mobile Menus: Cub Scouts - Boy Scouts - Venturing - Sea Scouts
:Requirement 1. Learn about caving
- a. Write the National Speleological Society (NSS) to request information about caving and information about caves and cavers near you.
- b. Learn about the different types of caves.
- c. Learn about caving courtesy, caving dos and don'ts, and what the BSA policy is on cave exploring.
- d. Read at least one book about caving.
- Requirement 2. Knots
- a. Learn the following knots used in caving:
- Endline knots: bowline figure six, figure eight on a bight
- Midline knots: bowline on a bight and butterfly
- Joiner knots: water knot, fisherman, figure eight on bend
- Prusik knot
- b. Teach these knots to your crew, another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout group, or another group.
- a. Learn the following knots used in caving:
- Requirement 3. Ropes
- a. Learn about the different types of ropes available for climbing and caving and explain the uses of each and the characteristics of each.
- b. Learn proper climbing rope care. Know and practice proper coding and storage.
- c. Know how to keep proper records on climbing rope and how to inspect it for wear and damage. Know when to retire a rope.
- d. Using the knowledge acquired above, make a tabletop display or a presentation for your crew, another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout group, or another group.
- Requirement 4. Rappelling and belaying
- a. Demonstrate that you know how to properly and safely rappel a distance of at least 30 feet.
- b. Demonstrate that you know how to ascend a rope using mechanical ascenders or Prusik or other ascending knots. Ascend at least 30 feet.
- c. Know and explain the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of single rope (SRT) and double rope (DRT) for rappelling and belaying.
- Requirement 5. Outfitting
- a. Visit a sporting goods store or NSS-affiliated organization or have them make a presentation to your crew so you can learn about personal caving gear, including helmets, light sources, backup lighting sources, clothing, boots, cave packs, etc.
- b. Find out what the American National Standards Institute requirements are for helmets.
- Requirement 6. First aid
- a. Make a list of what you need in your personal cave pack. Include your personal first aid kit and cave survival gear.
- b. Learn what crew equipment is, including a first aid kit, caving ropes, and ascending equipment.
- c. Help make a first aid kit for your crew or group and demonstrate that you can keep it up.
- d. Demonstrate to your crew, another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout group, or another group how to construct both a personal and crew first aid kit.
- Requirement 7. Caves
- a. Learn about the many types of cave formations.
- b. Make a tabletop display or presentation on cave formations and caving conservation for your crew, another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout group, or another group. Include practices such as proper carbide removal; care of walls, ceiling, and formations; and principles of Leave No Trace.
- Requirement 8. Find a cave you would like to visit; get permission to enter it; make a trip plan including cave location, a list of participants, expected time in the cave, expected date and time of return, and an emergency contact; and then go in the cave, led by a qualified caver.
- Requirement 9. From a cave expert, learn about natural and fabricated hazards such as mudslides, loose rocks, pits, deep water, critters, complex routes, wooden ladders, and flooding.
- Requirement 10. Maps
- a. Using a three-dimensional cave map, learn what the standard map symbols represent.
- b. Using the knowledge above, make a tabletop display or presentation for your crew, another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout group, or another group.
Cave Safety
Caves can be dangerous if you are not properly trained or equipped. Here are some cave safety tips:
- Join an experienced group for proper training and safe caving.
- Never go caving alone. At least four cavers are a minimum.
- Always carry three sources of light.
- Don't attempt caves beyond your ability.
- Use proper gear, including a properly fitted helmet and suitable clothes.
- Leave word with family or friends about your trip plan, including cave location and expected return time.
- Always use the safer alternative when you have an option.
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