Caving Organizations

PrintPDF

While caving is usually done in small groups, there are many benefits to belonging to an organized caving group. Most caving organizations provide resources such as newsletters and libraries, activities such as regular meetings and regional caving events, and opportunities to join other cavers on trips and projects. These organizations are usually the best place to meet experienced cavers who can provide information on cave locations and training in basic and advanced caving techniques.

National Organizations
	In the United States the National Speleological Society (NSS) was founded for the purpose of advancing the study, conservation, exploration, and knowledge of caves. The NSS is made up of individual members who are usually involved with local NSS affiliated grottos (clubs) and regional organizations. An annual convention is held each summer in different parts of the United States.
Local & Regional Groups
Local and regional groups sponsor trips, offer training, teach and practice cave conservation, and generally provide a framework for enjoying and studying caves. The NSS has a list of affiliated caving clubs (referred to as grottos) organized by state that you can use to find an organization in your area. For example, in the immediate Baltimore-Washington area there are two active NSS grottos and a large independent cave club that work together on many projects:
	Baltimore Grotto is the Baltimore, Maryland area chapter of the National Speleological Society (NSS), dedicated to the exploration, study and conservation of caves. The grotto meets the first Wednesday of each month in Catonsville, Maryland.
	The District of Columbia Grotto (DC Grotto), a local chapter of the National Speleological Society (NSS), is dedicated to the exploration, study and conservation of caves. DC Grotto meets the third Tuesday of each month in Silver Spring, Maryland.
	The second largest independent organization of cavers in the United States, the Potomac Speleological Club (PSC) is dedicated to caving, conservation and the science of Speleology. The PSC meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in Arlington, Virginia.