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NSS Regional Coordinator Program

Hi! My name is Mary Schubert; Missouri's Youth Group Regional Coordinator. I'm guessing that you have found your way to this web page by going through the National Speleological Society's (NSS) web site about youth group caving (http://www.caves.org/youth). Did you read the guidelines and safety recommendations for youth groups and their leaders (http://www.caves.org/brochure/grc.pdf ; http://www.caves.org/youth/boyscout.htm )? If not, you can go back there now, or read through this page and go back after. Either way; BE SURE to read these items.

Provide assistance to cavers, grottos, and youth group leaders in order to conduct safe and appropriate caving experiences.
Encourage youth groups to participate in training that will develop the youth group leaders to conduct safe trips into an appropriate cave.
Encourage youth groups to learn about their organization's requirements for caving activities.

Who am I? I am just an ordinary person except that I have a passion for caving and enjoy sharing share that passion with others, especially youth. Because I care for and respect the fragile cave features and ecosystems, I want to make sure folks who go into caves not only do so safely, but have similar respect and care so that the caves will endure (according to natural processes) and the critters who depend on caves will continue to thrive. After all, these very critters may some day save our lives (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1998150.stm http://www.cavescience.com/default.htm; http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/solarsystem/cave_slime.html).

We are so lucky to be here in Missouri, known as "The Cave State". At a recorded 6000 caves, in this country, we are second only to Tennessee in number of caves. We are also blessed to have available to us a large variety of commercial caves. You can see the entire list at http://www.caves.org/youth/MO_Map.htm. Many offer "wild" cave tours, which may be an excellent way for youth groups to begin their caving experience. I look forward to caving with you. Mary Schubert Choclt3376@centurytel.net