Raccoon Mountain Cavern January 16 th – 17, West Hills Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37419, Itinerary: Saturday, Jan. 16 th Depart:9:00am Eat lunch on the road just before you get to Raccoon Mountain Location of potential restaurants will be provided Arrive:12:30 pm Activities:12:30 pmMB Classes: Geology, Soil & Water, Forestry are completed that day. Environmental Science and Orienteering are partially completed that day Other activities Dinner:4:30 pm – 5:30 pm (catered) Cave Tour:6:00 pm-10:00 pm Lights out:10:30 pm Sunday, Jan. 17 th Reveille: 7:00 am Exit Cave:7:30 am Shower/Breakfast:7:30 am – 9:00 am Worship Service:9:15 am Depart for At.:10:00 am PC:12:30 pm

What should you take into the cave? No expensive clothing! The tour can be rugged, wet, and muddy with occasional walking in several inches of water. The operative words are mud, muddy and more mud! Plan on having all gear that is taken into the cave to get muddy. Wear long pants. Blue jeans work well, but coveralls, overalls, or work pants are acceptable. Please do not wear anything with an elastic waist as they tend to be pulled down (or even off) when belly crawling. Please do not bring paper-type disposable coveralls as they tear easily and offer virtually no protection. Wear either a long-sleeved T-shirt or a short-sleeved T-shirt with a flannel shirt over it. Sweat pants and jackets tend to be too hot. Please remember that, even though the cave is always 60 degrees, you can get hot and even break a light sweat during the crawls.

What should you take into the cave? con’t Hiking boots or high top sneakers (no street shoes). Boots or athletic shoes with good traction are necessary. Worn out, slick sneakers are dangerous! No shoes with cleats as, while they give traction in the mud, are dangerous on bare rocks. Eyeglasses tend to fog up when you are staying still but clear up with movement. Consider bringing an elastic sport strap to hold your glasses on while you are caving. Canteen for drinking water (must attach at belt) Complete change of clothes as you will get muddy. A plastic bag for dirty clothes and gear.

What should you take into the cave? con’t You will need to bring a sleeping bag or bed roll, small pad (camping pads work very well, and a plastic sheet. Please make sure that the plastic does not have any paint chips on it as they will stick to the cave floor and might upset the delicate ecosystem within the cave. Clean clothes to sleep in. Sweat pants, sweatshirts, and warm socks work well. While people stay warm during the tour even though the cave is a constant 60 degrees, they quickly lose body heat to the ground. If you chill easily, we suggest you pack an extra jacket. Small flashlight for campsite after tour. Glow sticks are good for those who do not enjoy total darkness. Small plastic bag for trash removal

What equipment does Raccoon Mountain provide? A safety helmet, headlamp with battery pack, gloves, kneepads and a duffel bag (overnight tours). They provide standard size Army duffel bags and you must be able to fit all your belongings into the bag. Please do not bring items that you will not need as they just take up valuable space. Do not bring framed backpacks Can you purchase items that you forgot to bring? Raccoon Mountain sales a variety of camping supplies, toiletries, batteries, film, disposable cameras, snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks in our gift shop

Are cameras permitted inside the cave? Yes, but disposable cameras are highly recommended as expensive cameras can be easily damaged while caving. Can you take food into the cave on an overnight tour? Certain snacks can be brought into the cave. We suggest water or Gatorade / PowerAde for drinking. Sport top bottles work best. Carbonated beverages such as soft drinks are prohibited as they can easily explode and leave a sticky mess. As for snacks, beef jerky and most candy bars are acceptable except for those that contain flour as they may crumble. Baked goods such as crackers are also prohibited. In summary, no carbonated beverages, no glass containers, no coolers, and nothing that crumbles.

Are restroom facilities available during the tour? Portable restroom facilities are located near the sleeping areas. Are showers available after the tour? We have a bathhouse with private showers that you may use. Large groups are asked to keep showers as short as possible to minimize waiting times. Group leaders are asked to supervise their group and to make sure that there is no horseplay and that the facilities are not damaged.