I talked a teacher into taking a few of us when I was 14 (1980). He only saw it as a way of shagging the 6th form girls, but it allowed the rest of us access to Whernside Manor, and some real cavers who took us on a few trips. I remember standing at the entrance to Swinstow Pot on my third ever trip and being told we were not going to use ladders for this trip and being presented with a rack (something I had never seen before).:uhoh: [It was a fairly steep learning curve!]
I joined Cerberus when I was a student, as the fallen down, but still used, cottage had appeal (especially the axe throwing competitions in the lounge :crazy: ), and we didn't need much gear for Mendip caves.
I've been training students (until the Uni. club was closed down) and Scouts ever since, and am still a Cerberus member.
Oh and, unsuccessfully, trying to get on other clubs foreign trips! :wink: