NSS 2008 Convention

Junior Speleological Society 2008

Welcome to the 2008 NSS Convention!

The Junior Speleological Society is charged with providing age appropriate educational, recreational and social activities during the Society’s annual convention. As adults may choose to attend a selection of sessions and social activities, so the youth of the Society are encouraged to participate in the activities offered to them.

Once registered for the convention, all youth between 7 and 17 members are allowed to use the pavilion at the times of their choosing. Florida, like many other states, has strict laws regarding the providing of day care. JSS IS NOT A DAY CARE SERVICE. While the JSS provides scheduled, chaperoned activities participation in these activities is voluntary. Once the activity has concluded parents must make their own arrangements to pick up or meet their children. We have no sign in or sign out sheets for the use of the pavilion. Therefore, children may come and go at their own leisure. Parents should take whatever steps they deem necessary to keep in contact with their children while they are not on a scheduled activity (small personal FM radio’s work great).

JSS has many exciting activities planned this year. We’d like to focus on marine biology and some of the geology unique to Florida while providing the kids with fun events. In an effort to make everything run more smoothly, there are some things of which parents should be aware.

First, most of our activities will require a great deal of driving time. There is very little close to Lake City, so all of our trips will be all-day events, with the exception of Wednesday. Some trips will need to leave early in the morning because of the length of driving time.

Second, since this is Florida and it is August, we’re expecting the weather to be very hot. All of our trips, whether mentioned or not, may have some type of swimming activity involved before returning to the fairgrounds for the evening. Florida is full of natural springs, and we will be taking advantage of that fact.

Help us be prepared

Food: Almost every trip we take will be an all day trip. While some fast food may be available on some of our trips, kids should come with sufficient food to last for the day. Because of the potential for dehydration in the hot Florida sun, sweet snacks should be held to a minimum. Children should pack water and sports drinks in their food pack.

Clothing: There will be swimming in the many natural springs of Florida on almost, if not every, trip we have planned. Children should bring a bathing suit, a towel, sun screen, bug spray, a hat, walking shoes, a set of dry clothes (can be the clothes they’re wearing for the day), and shoes to wear in the water (NOT their walking shoes) on every trip. We will also have many snorkeling opportunities. It might be helpful to purchase face mask, snorkel and fins for those planning to participate in those activities. Also, since these are wild river/springs, appropriate life-saving floatation/life jackets should be considered.

Caving: The caves we plan to visit are dry for the most part. Any caving equipment that you have such as helmets, lights, and cave-packs that you could send with your child would be appreciated. However, JSS does keep spare caving equipment for those who have none. Your child should be prepared for each cave trip with the following:

Suggested Reading: It is highly suggested and recommended that parents contact their local grotto or the NSS for a copy of “A Guide to Responsible Caving” prior to the convention and have both the parents and kids read it cover to cover. This brochure, as compiled by Ed Sira, spells out the guidelines that the JSS will follow.

Helmet: A hard hat equipped with a chinstrap and your primary source of light mounted is required. The hard hat should be of a good quality and meet Union of International Alpine Associations standards.

Back-up Lights: At least two sources of backup light with spare parts are mandatory for safe caving, carried so as not to fall and break. With a backup lighting source, compactness and dependability are more of a concern than intensity. Water-resistant flashlights, such as the Mini-Maglite, are a popular choice.

Footwear: Shoes should be sturdy hiking or work boots with non-slip, lug soles made high enough to provide ankle support. Expensive boots are not required.

Clothing: Changing into clean clothes is required after exiting the cave, especially if you are riding in someone else’s vehicle. Remember to be discreet when changing. By the way, your cave clothes will never be the same again, so use old clothing.

Gloves: The protection of gloves will keep your hands clean and help to minimize the number of cuts and scrapes you may get.

Cave Pack: A fanny pack of substantial strength or an old military pack is helpful in carrying needed extra equipment such as water, food, flashlights, batteries, carbide, plastic bags, and the like. So, start searching those yard sales for discarded fanny packs.

Large Plastic Trash Bag: A large trash bag not only can be useful for emergency warmth, but is ideal to carry dirty cave clothes home.

Kneepads: Pads are optional, but they will surely make your knees happy.

Food: Carry high-energy food sufficient for the length of the trip. It is wise to carry some extra in case the trip takes longer than expected or, in the unlikely event, you get lost.

Volunteers

We would like to take a moment to thank those who have volunteered to help during past conventions. Your time, effort, and patience are greatly appreciated. Likewise, to those who have become permanent staff, your specialized knowledge and dedication make the realization of the goals of the JSS possible. Thanks to all! Without you, JSS would be unable to provide the number of activities now present in our schedule.

This year we continue to need volunteers to drive vans, help chaperone trips, and monitor the JSS building. We are also seeking volunteers who are familiar with the caves of the area. If you’d like to have some fun and help us at the same time, please contact Faye Bowersox, the co-chair of the JSS, at dsrtgold99@aol.com

Trip Guidelines

All times listed are for departure from the JSS pavilion at the Campground. Please check in at the JSS pavilion ½ to 1 hour before departure time. If a trip is full an alternate list will be formed. Names on the alternate list will be selected starting at ½ hour before the trip is scheduled to leave. Extra trips will be added as participation increases and volunteers are available.
Trips are scheduled for return within 1 hour of the scheduled time, but this may change. Please check with a JSS representative if meeting your child at the end of a trip may be a problem so special arrangements can be made.
Children will need a sack lunch for the trips that are all day long. Snacks are also encouraged. Water will need to be brought along.
Proper clothing and equipment (including shoes, gloves, helmets, lighting and knee pads) must be used. Lighting sources attached to the helmets are required.
Children under the age of eight (8) years of age must have a parent accompany them.
Children attending the Thursday activities will not return in time to attend the photo salon, so on Thursday evening we will hold our Pizza & a Movie Night. This evening is at no extra cost to the parents. All the Pizza, chips and soda that the kids can pack away will be provided. Please be aware the movies that will be shown are rated G, PG, PG-13, and R. A list of the movies for this activity will be available to any parent that asks for a copy and we encourage your review and input.
Up until the time of convention, please monitor the convention web-site for updated schedule information. Once convention begins, updated information will be posted daily in the JSS Pavilion and in the convention newspaper.

JSS Schedule of Events

Click here for a larger version

There is no charge for any wild caving trip.

The vertical training is a JSS cornerstone program. This is a full day of vetical training under the very experienced instruction of Ed Keys, Jr.

Descriptions of Trips

August 11

Ichetucknee Springs: Escape the heat with a day of tubing and swimming. White tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks, and blue heron can be seen from the river. Bring a lunch. Tubes can be rented on site.

August 12

Homosassa Springs is an excellent opportunity to observe native animals in their natural settings. Animals include cougars, bears, bobcats, otters, alligators, crocodiles and fox. Wild life encounters feature alligators, birds of prey and Florida snakes. There is also a hippopotamus. Okay, so that’s not natural to Florida, but he’s very interesting. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see manatees up close in their natural environment! Admission: Adults (Age 13 and over)…$9.00; Children (Ages 3 – 12)….$5.00

August 13

As usual, we will be having vertical training in the gym with Ed Kehs. Training includes rappelling as well as practice with ascending. We encourage all the youth to participate!

Activities available for those who are not training will include horseback riding, a trip to the zoo, and/or swimming at Olustee Beach. Olustee Beach is lake swimming with bathrooms and playgrounds. Horseback ride along trails at Skunkie Acres. Ponies (in a round) are available for children too small/young to ride a full horse. Cost: $15.00 per person for full horse; $10.00 per person for ponies in the round. Each ride lasts about an hour.

In the evening there will be the Discover Scuba Class from 6pm to 9pm. Experience what scuba diving is like! Instructor Stephanie Johnson will guide you through the basics of diving and how to operate the equipment. That's all it takes to get you breathing underwater in the safe confines of the city pool. Discover Scuba is simple, easy, and fun. It's the most convenient way to experience the actual sensation of scuba diving. This class is open to ages 8 and older. Scuba equipment is being provided by Stephanie, but if you have your own, please bring it. Space is limited so, if you're coming to convention and you want this class, you can e-mail Faye at dsrtgold99@aol.com to reserve your spot.

August 14

Lubee Bat Conservancy: Come and see their collection of Flying Foxes, the largest bats in the world! The Malayan Flying Fox weighs about 2 ½ pounds with a wing span of about 6 ft. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about fruit and nectar bats and see these amazing mammals up close.

Natural History Museum: I know (groan), ANOTHER museum. But this place is unlike anything you’ve visited before. It has a replica of a famous cave in Florida. What cave would be complete without a caver? Come see if you can find him! It also has fossils of now extinct mammals, including a giant sloth. At least, I think it’s a sloth. Come see, and you tell me! There is also an amazing butterfly rainforest to visit that is planted with tropical trees, waterfalls, and a walking path. Admission: Adult: $8.50; Student (13-17): $6.50; children (3-12): $4.50. There is also an ‘Out of Africa’ exhibit available for an additional admissions charge, for those who are interested.

Ginnie Springs: Swimming, tubing, canoeing…Ginnie Springs has it all. A snackbar with a grill and sandwiches are available. We’ll go to Ginnie Springs after the visit to the Lubee Bat Conservancy and the Natural History Museum. The park closes at 7 pm, so there will be plenty of time to cool off in this clear spring! Admission: Adults: $12.00; Children 7- 14: $3.00. Canoe and Kayak rental: 2 hours: $10. No pick-up service is provided.

August 15

There’s so much to do in St. Augustine! Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, an national archeological park, is where Ponce de Leon came ashore. Castillo de San Marcos is a fort right on the bay. For those of you less historically minded, there is also a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Admission to Ripleys: Adults: $14.99 (plus tax); Children (5-12): $7.99 (plus tax); Admission to Ponce de Leon: Adults: $7.50; children (6-12) $4.50. Admission to Castillo de San Marcos: Adults: (16 and up) $6.00; children (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult): free.

What trip to Florida would be complete without a trip to the beach? It’ll be a nice way to wind down from a busy conventional schedule. We’ll visit St. Augustine Beach and do a little beach combing. IF the tide is favorable, we can swim in the surf. However, you’ll have to decide if you want to go to the beach or visit St. Augustine, because there won’t be time today to do both!

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The information presented might be out of date or incorrect.
Caving,climbing, hiking, biking, boating, etc. are dangerous and can result in serious injury or worse.
By exploring this web site you agree not to hold the National Speleological Society, 2008 NSS Convention,
or the author(s) responsible for any damages, injuries, or death arising from any information on this Web site.
Caving, hiking and traveling in the back country is not without risks. The weather can change in an instant and there are many exposed places where
a loss of footing can lead to a certain death. Be prepared for your journey and be sure to check the current weather before heading out on your adventure.
Research any trip or activity before attempting it. Do not substitute the information on this web site for experience or training. Please recognize your limitations.


		Junior Speleological Society 2008 Welcome to the 2008 NSS Convention! The Junior Speleological Society is charged with providing age appropriate educational, recreational and social activities during the Society’s annual convention. As adults may choose to attend a selection of sessions and social activities, so the youth of the Society are encouraged to participate in the activities offered to them. Once registered for the convention, all youth between 7 and 17 members are allowed to use the pavilion at the times of their choosing. Florida, like many other states, has strict laws regarding the providing of day care. JSS IS NOT A DAY CARE SERVICE. While the JSS provides scheduled, chaperoned activities participation in these activities is voluntary. Once the activity has concluded parents must make their own arrangements to pick up or meet their children. We have no sign in or sign out sheets for the use of the pavilion. Therefore, children may come and go at their own leisure. Parents should take whatever steps they deem necessary to keep in contact with their children while they are not on a scheduled activity (small personal FM radio’s work great). JSS has many exciting activities planned this year. We’d like to focus on marine biology and some of the geology unique to Florida while providing the kids with fun events. In an effort to make everything run more smoothly, there are some things of which parents should be aware. First, most of our activities will require a great deal of driving time. There is very little close to Lake City, so all of our trips will be all-day events, with the exception of Wednesday. Some trips will need to leave early in the morning because of the length of driving time. Second, since this is Florida and it is August, we’re expecting the weather to be very hot. All of our trips, whether mentioned or not, may have some type of swimming activity involved before returning to the fairgrounds for the evening. Florida is full of natural springs, and we will be taking advantage of that fact. Help us be prepared Food: Almost every trip we take will be an all day trip. While some fast food may be available on some of our trips, kids should come with sufficient food to last for the day. Because of the potential for dehydration in the hot Florida sun, sweet snacks should be held to a minimum. Children should pack water and sports drinks in their food pack. Clothing: There will be swimming in the many natural springs of Florida on almost, if not every, trip we have planned. Children should bring a bathing suit, a towel, sun screen, bug spray, a hat, walking shoes, a set of dry clothes (can be the clothes they’re wearing for the day), and shoes to wear in the water (NOT their walking shoes) on every trip. We will also have many snorkeling opportunities. It might be helpful to purchase face mask, snorkel and fins for those planning to participate in those activities. Also, since these are wild river/springs, appropriate life-saving floatation/life jackets should be considered. Caving: The caves we plan to visit are dry for the most part. Any caving equipment that you have such as helmets, lights, and cave-packs that you could send with your child would be appreciated. However, JSS does keep spare caving equipment for those who have none. Your child should be prepared for each cave trip with the following: Suggested Reading: It is highly suggested and recommended that parents contact their local grotto or the NSS for a copy of “A Guide to Responsible Caving” prior to the convention and have both the parents and kids read it cover to cover. This brochure, as compiled by Ed Sira, spells out the guidelines that the JSS will follow. Helmet: A hard hat equipped with a chinstrap and your primary source of light mounted is required. The hard hat should be of a good quality and meet Union of International Alpine Associations standards. Back-up Lights: At least two sources of backup light with spare parts are mandatory for safe caving, carried so as not to fall and break. With a backup lighting source, compactness and dependability are more of a concern than intensity. Water-resistant flashlights, such as the Mini-Maglite, are a popular choice. Footwear: Shoes should be sturdy hiking or work boots with non-slip, lug soles made high enough to provide ankle support. Expensive boots are not required. Clothing: Changing into clean clothes is required after exiting the cave, especially if you are riding in someone else’s vehicle. Remember to be discreet when changing. By the way, your cave clothes will never be the same again, so use old clothing. Gloves: The protection of gloves will keep your hands clean and help to minimize the number of cuts and scrapes you may get. Cave Pack: A fanny pack of substantial strength or an old military pack is helpful in carrying needed extra equipment such as water, food, flashlights, batteries, carbide, plastic bags, and the like. So, start searching those yard sales for discarded fanny packs. Large Plastic Trash Bag: A large trash bag not only can be useful for emergency warmth, but is ideal to carry dirty cave clothes home. Kneepads: Pads are optional, but they will surely make your knees happy. Food: Carry high-energy food sufficient for the length of the trip. It is wise to carry some extra in case the trip takes longer than expected or, in the unlikely event, you get lost. Volunteers We would like to take a moment to thank those who have volunteered to help during past conventions. Your time, effort, and patience are greatly appreciated. Likewise, to those who have become permanent staff, your specialized knowledge and dedication make the realization of the goals of the JSS possible. Thanks to all! Without you, JSS would be unable to provide the number of activities now present in our schedule. This year we continue to need volunteers to drive vans, help chaperone trips, and monitor the JSS building. We are also seeking volunteers who are familiar with the caves of the area. If you’d like to have some fun and help us at the same time, please contact Faye Bowersox, the co-chair of the JSS, at dsrtgold99@aol.com Trip Guidelines All times listed are for departure from the JSS pavilion at the Campground. Please check in at the JSS pavilion ½ to 1 hour before departure time. If a trip is full an alternate list will be formed. Names on the alternate list will be selected starting at ½ hour before the trip is scheduled to leave. Extra trips will be added as participation increases and volunteers are available. Trips are scheduled for return within 1 hour of the scheduled time, but this may change. Please check with a JSS representative if meeting your child at the end of a trip may be a problem so special arrangements can be made. Children will need a sack lunch for the trips that are all day long. Snacks are also encouraged. Water will need to be brought along. Proper clothing and equipment (including shoes, gloves, helmets, lighting and knee pads) must be used. Lighting sources attached to the helmets are required. Children under the age of eight (8) years of age must have a parent accompany them. Children attending the Thursday activities will not return in time to attend the photo salon, so on Thursday evening we will hold our Pizza & a Movie Night. This evening is at no extra cost to the parents. All the Pizza, chips and soda that the kids can pack away will be provided. Please be aware the movies that will be shown are rated G, PG, PG-13, and R. A list of the movies for this activity will be available to any parent that asks for a copy and we encourage your review and input. Up until the time of convention, please monitor the convention web-site for updated schedule information. Once convention begins, updated information will be posted daily in the JSS Pavilion and in the convention newspaper. JSS Schedule of Events *Click here for a larger version* There is no charge for any wild caving trip. The vertical training is a JSS cornerstone program. This is a full day of vetical training under the very experienced instruction of Ed Keys, Jr. Descriptions of Trips August 11 Ichetucknee Springs: Escape the heat with a day of tubing and swimming. White tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks, and blue heron can be seen from the river. Bring a lunch. Tubes can be rented on site. August 12 Homosassa Springs is an excellent opportunity to observe native animals in their natural settings. Animals include cougars, bears, bobcats, otters, alligators, crocodiles and fox. Wild life encounters feature alligators, birds of prey and Florida snakes. There is also a hippopotamus. Okay, so that’s not natural to Florida, but he’s very interesting. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see manatees up close in their natural environment! Admission: Adults (Age 13 and over)…$9.00; Children (Ages 3 – 12)….$5.00 August 13 As usual, we will be having vertical training in the gym with Ed Kehs. Training includes rappelling as well as practice with ascending. We encourage all the youth to participate! Activities available for those who are not training will include horseback riding, a trip to the zoo, and/or swimming at Olustee Beach. Olustee Beach is lake swimming with bathrooms and playgrounds. Horseback ride along trails at Skunkie Acres. Ponies (in a round) are available for children too small/young to ride a full horse. Cost: $15.00 per person for full horse; $10.00 per person for ponies in the round. Each ride lasts about an hour. In the evening there will be the Discover Scuba Class from 6pm to 9pm. Experience what scuba diving is like! Instructor Stephanie Johnson will guide you through the basics of diving and how to operate the equipment. That's all it takes to get you breathing underwater in the safe confines of the city pool. Discover Scuba is simple, easy, and fun. It's the most convenient way to experience the actual sensation of scuba diving. This class is open to ages 8 and older. Scuba equipment is being provided by Stephanie, but if you have your own, please bring it. Space is limited so, if you're coming to convention and you want this class, you can e-mail Faye at dsrtgold99@aol.com to reserve your spot. August 14 Lubee Bat Conservancy: Come and see their collection of Flying Foxes, the largest bats in the world! The Malayan Flying Fox weighs about 2 ½ pounds with a wing span of about 6 ft. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about fruit and nectar bats and see these amazing mammals up close. Natural History Museum: I know (groan), ANOTHER museum. But this place is unlike anything you’ve visited before. It has a replica of a famous cave in Florida. What cave would be complete without a caver? Come see if you can find him! It also has fossils of now extinct mammals, including a giant sloth. At least, I think it’s a sloth. Come see, and you tell me! There is also an amazing butterfly rainforest to visit that is planted with tropical trees, waterfalls, and a walking path. Admission: Adult: $8.50; Student (13-17): $6.50; children (3-12): $4.50. There is also an ‘Out of Africa’ exhibit available for an additional admissions charge, for those who are interested. Ginnie Springs: Swimming, tubing, canoeing…Ginnie Springs has it all. A snackbar with a grill and sandwiches are available. We’ll go to Ginnie Springs after the visit to the Lubee Bat Conservancy and the Natural History Museum. The park closes at 7 pm, so there will be plenty of time to cool off in this clear spring! Admission: Adults: $12.00; Children 7- 14: $3.00. Canoe and Kayak rental: 2 hours: $10. No pick-up service is provided. August 15 There’s so much to do in St. Augustine! Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, an national archeological park, is where Ponce de Leon came ashore. Castillo de San Marcos is a fort right on the bay. For those of you less historically minded, there is also a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Admission to Ripleys: Adults: $14.99 (plus tax); Children (5-12): $7.99 (plus tax); Admission to Ponce de Leon: Adults: $7.50; children (6-12) $4.50. Admission to Castillo de San Marcos: Adults: (16 and up) $6.00; children (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult): free. What trip to Florida would be complete without a trip to the beach? It’ll be a nice way to wind down from a busy conventional schedule. We’ll visit St. Augustine Beach and do a little beach combing. IF the tide is favorable, we can swim in the surf. However, you’ll have to decide if you want to go to the beach or visit St. Augustine, because there won’t be time today to do both!