Caving Clubs & Courses




Vancouver Island is a mecca for caves and wild exploration with over 1000 known caves. Much of the recent exploration and mapping has been carried out by members of the Vancouver Island Cave Exploration Group (VICEG).

There has been an organized caving community  since the late 1960’s, starting with the BC Cave Hunters. Later, VICEG was formed and contributed much to the park’s early conservation efforts: surveying, inventorying and gating of sensitive caves in the 1970’s.

To this present day, VICEG continues to support Horne Lake Caves with conservation projects and semi-annual club meets. Individuals interested in cave exploring, education or management efforts are encouraged to contact the club.

Other Caving Clubs in BC

Other Cave Clubs in Canada

 

Rescue and Training Courses At Horne Lake Caves

Learn and practice vertical rope skills and rescue techniques at the annual BC Cave Rescue mini-sessions. Come hang around with the best in the Province! Great preparation for the 7 day Cave Rescue Seminar!

For 2012, BCCR will conduct 2 workshops at Horne Lake:
1) Companion Rescue Workshop   May 25 – 27, 2012
2) Cave Rescue Response Workshop  May 27 – 29, 2012

These weekend workshops will involve hands-on practice with:

    • Basic SRT rope skills (ascending / descending)
    • Equipment & safety considerations
    • Raising & lowering systems
    • Team approach to cave rescue
    • Stretcher handling
    • Mock cave rescue scenario
    • Vertical rescue in challenging terrain

COURSE FEES:  (per person)

BC Speleological Federation or ACRO members: $40/ workshop or $70/ both workshops
Search and Rescue or other caving clubs: $60/ workshop or $105/ both workshops
ALL OTHERS: $80/ workshop or $140/ both workshops
Previous BCCR registrants receive a 50% discount, but no handout materials.

Camping is available for participants at Horne Lake Campground, but should be arranged when you register. For more information on camping please click here. Tenting in a group site is $2.50 / night +HST. Use of one of our Teepees in a group site is $5 / night +HST. To reserve your own private campsite, please call 250 927 0053.

TO REGISTER CONTACT:

Phil Whitfield – Provincial Coordinator
BC Cave Rescue Association
Ph. (250) 372-5079
Email: prw46@telus.net