should kids be allowed to go caving ?

[Leclused]

Sure they should.

I've just dropped my 2 eldest sons (11 and 13 years old) last week-end on a "kids" caving week-end. Kids aging from 11 to 18 years old go caving in small groups and make a lot of fun. They stay overnight in a bunkhouse and  play games, ...

Here in Belgium the VVS and UBS have a seperate organisation within the caving federations for kids;

VVS = http://www.speleovvs.be/index.php/jeugdwerking (page in dutch)
Their photo - page : https://picasaweb.google.com/vvs.jongeren

Dagobert

 

[bagpuss]

Sounds like you have it well organised in Belgium. My daughter would love to something like that. Although she enjoys caving with us adults I think she'd enjoy it even more with kids her age. She's in the Cubs but as yet they've not done any caving with them..

 

[EwanCameron]

My oldest (now 6) did her first trip at 3.5 and my youngest 3 is going to come out this summer

Loads of sweets/food
Loads of jumpers/waterproofs
Loads of flasks of hot drinks
Loads of adult friends to help if something where to happen to you

Petzel size 1 fits most kids heads and a head torch on the outside with some boots or gumboots.

Home bank
ABMM
Giants to base camp
Devonshire

All trips that 2 or 3 adults could easily look after a kid I find they do get cold quick so I tend to take them on very quick trips and back into a heated car with a hot chocolate very quick.

Yours
Ewan
Club Caver

 

[bagpuss]

We use this helmet - it can also be used for cycling etc which is quite handy:
http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/petzls_picchu_childrens_climbing_and_cycling_helmet/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=directory&utm_content=GBR&currency=GBP&country=GBR&SelectedBundle=165067&SelectedItem=642403&gclid=CL6Mnab4-rwCFSQXwwodwCwAeg

Wet socks (neoprene) socks are good for keeping small toes warm in wet caves, gloves also a must if it's chilly!

 

[Maj]

I've often thought - why can't one helmet be used for various sports - like caving, climbing, cycling, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, coasteering, bouldering etc. etc. etc.

I tend to use my caving helmet for cycling back from the Centre of the universe.

Maj.

 

[glyders]

My eldest (now 6) has one helmet for caving, climbing and cycling. It even has a red light that clips on the back!

 

[damo8604]

my four year old loves it!!

I was debating whether to take my 3 year old down Runscar/Thistle in the summer, she'll be a couple of months off being four but I think she would love it, the wife is harder to convince, she said social services would get involved LOL