Caving Adventure Report

Whiting’s Neck, WV and Antietam Creek Campground, MD

June 10-11, 2017

At 730 AM Saturday June 10th 22 Scouts and 4 Scouters headed out from Andrew Chapel for a local caving adventure. The destination was Whiting’s Neck and Indian Head Caves located near Martinsburg, West Virginia. After arriving and meeting up with our guides we had a safety briefing and we got geared up with helmets and headlamps. We then walked back to the cave entrances. We split into two groups given our numbers and agreed to meet up for lunch.

Both groups had an amazing time exploring in the caves and learning something about their formation. For many of the Scouts this was their first time exploring such an underground environment and seeing stalactites and stalagmites up close. We explored areas such as the Pancake Room, the Wedding Cake, the Keyhole, the Milkshake Room, the Figure Eight, the Mud Room, and many others. We determined that not every “key” would fit through the Keyhole and that Scouts and Scouters need to be ready to take different approaches to a given challenge. We all learned something about flexibility in the caves and when crawling was the best option to proceed forward. We learned new skills and practiced teamwork by spotting each other (paws not claws) at particularly challenging spots and by passing back instructions and warnings from our guides. We definitely left the caves with more than we had entered with in terms of knowledge and memories in addition to a wee bit of mud.

After caving we emerged from the 55 degree Fahrenheit caves to the much warmer surface. We got cleaned up a bit and then shuttled to Antietam Creek Campsite near Sharpsburg, Maryland. We quickly had the three patrol campsites established which left the Scouts time to enjoy games of soccer and Frisbee. After a Safe Swim Area had been established about a dozen Scouts and Scouters were able to enjoy some time swimming in the Potomac. We enjoyed great weather and a clear sky to star gaze. The next morning we got up, had a good breakfast, broke camp, and headed back to Andrew Chapel.

In addition to the Scouts and Scouters on the trip many other adults volunteered their time to transport us to and from the caves and campsites and we thank them. During and since the trip many Scouts have expressed a desire to cave again and hone their new spelunking skills. A special thanks to ASM Hindley for organizing the memorable and fantastic trip.