Basic Caving –
Cornell Outdoor Education
Phillips Outdoor Program Center
B01 Bartels Hall, Campus Road
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-6183
Instructors:
Mark Holton
Mh45@cornell.edu
Meeting Times:
See the web for details
Attendance/Timeliness Policy
We expect all students to be at all class meetings. (Instructors may choose to exempt you from the Wednesday class.) Please
remember that this course is a physical education class at a major institution of higher learning, attendance is required for
successful completion. Should you need to miss more than one class for any reason, please speak with one of your instructors,
and he or she will refer you to the Caving Programs Coordinator.
The instructors have planned the course to use the entire class time. You are expected to be on time and ready to participate at
the beginning of each class.
This is a participation based class, and cell phones have proven detrimental to students’ ability to participate fully in our courses.
As a result, no cell phone use will be allowed during activities. Failure to recognize this policy or a failure to participate actively in
the class may result in loss of credit for the course based on lack of participation. Plus, your phone will get destroyed in the cave
anyway!
Topics Covered
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Cave safety and emergency procedures
Introduction to Caving Equipment
Proper use and care of Caving Equipment
Navigation in Caves
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Basic Geology of Limestone Cave Systems
Leave No Trace as applied to caving
White Nose Syndrome
Goals:
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Students should have fun and develop an appreciation for caving
Students should gain an understanding of basic caving skills.
Students should learn to take responsibility for their own safety while caving.
Students should learn how to properly use and care for caving equipment in an indoor environment.
Get excited to learn more about caving and ask questions!