Junior Ranger is so mainstream. I prefer Junior Caver. You might not have heard of it, it’s pretty… (turns to camera)… underground.
Join us for an exciting day of adventure and exploration at the 3rd annual Junior Caver Day at Jewel Cave National Monument!
Perfect for young explorers, this event is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for caving and the natural world. From hands-on crafts to dressing up as a real caver, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
Junior Caver Day is a unique opportunity for children of all ages to learn about cave exploration, meet volunteer cave explorers, and even earn a Junior Caver patch and Cave Scientist badge. Whether you’re a seasoned caver or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This free, drop-in event is a fantastic way for families to spend the day together, learning and having fun. So, mark your calendars for Saturday, July 27th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure underground!
Event Highlights
Crafts and Activities: Engage in hands-on crafts and activities designed to ignite curiosity about cave exploration. From creating your own cave art to participating in interactive games, there’s plenty to keep young cavers busy and entertained.
Cave Gear Dress-Up: Dress up like a real caver with helmets and headlamps provided! This fun activity allows kids to step into the shoes of a cave explorer and experience the thrill of caving.
Meet the Experts: Learn from our incredible volunteer cave explorers who will share fascinating stories and insights about the hidden wonders of Jewel Cave. Discover what it takes to explore one of the longest caves in the world.
Earn Badges and Patches: Complete a series of activities to earn a coveted Junior Caver patch and Cave Scientist badge. These achievements are a great way for kids to show off their new skills and knowledge.
Swear-In Ceremony: Join the group swear-in ceremony at 2:15 PM to officially become a Junior Caver. This special ceremony is a memorable way to wrap up the day’s adventures and welcome new members into the Junior Caver community.
Plan Your Visit
Drop-In Anytime: This is a free drop-in event! Join us anytime between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM and stay as long as you like. There’s no need to register – just come ready for adventure.
Location and Directions: The event will take place at the Jewel Cave Visitor Center, located at 11149 US-16, Custer, SD 57730. The Visitor Center is easily accessible and provides a perfect starting point for your Junior Caver adventure.
Parking Information: Free parking is available at the Jewel Cave Visitor Center. Please follow the signs to designated parking areas. Parking attendants will be on hand to assist you and ensure a smooth arrival and departure.
What to Bring: Make sure to wear comfortable clothing suitable for indoor and outdoor activities, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. A sense of adventure and curiosity is a must! All necessary caving gear for the dress-up activity will be provided.
Book Cave Tours: Enhance your Junior Caver Day experience with a tour of Jewel Cave. Tours can be booked in advance at recreation.gov. Please note that cave tours are popular and may fill up quickly, so early booking is recommended to secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the event free? Yes, Junior Caver Day is a free event. All activities, crafts, and the swear-in ceremony are provided at no cost to participants.
Do we need to register? No registration is required. This is a drop-in event, so you can join anytime between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM and stay as long as you like.
Are there age restrictions? Junior Caver Day is designed for children of all ages. Whether your little one is just starting to explore or is a seasoned adventurer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What if it rains? The event will proceed rain or shine. Most activities will be held indoors at the Jewel Cave Visitor Center, ensuring a fun day regardless of the weather.
What should we bring? Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. All necessary caving gear for the dress-up activity will be provided.
Is there food available? While there won’t be food provided at the event, BHPFA sells snacks and juice at our Jewel Cave store. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks. There are picnic areas available near the Visitor Center where you can enjoy your refreshments.
Can we book a cave tour on the same day? Yes, you can enhance your Junior Caver Day experience with a tour of Jewel Cave. Tours can be booked in advance at recreation.gov. Please note that cave tours are popular and may fill up quickly, so early booking is recommended.
Support and Sponsors
This event is made possible by the support of the Black Hills Parks & Forests Association and our dedicated members, customers, and volunteers.
How to Support: Want to help make events like Junior Caver Day possible? There are several ways you can support our programs and initiatives:
- Donations: Your financial contributions are vital in helping us continue to offer free educational events and activities. Donations can be made directly through our donation window to the right or by visiting our Ways to Support page.
- Become a Member: Join the Black Hills Parks & Forests Association and enjoy benefits such as discounts in our park stores, invitations to special events, and the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting our national parks and forests. Learn more about membership.
- Volunteer: Share your time and skills by volunteering with us. Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of our events and programs.
Our Partners: We are proud to partner with the National Park Service, whose mission is to preserve and protect our natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of future generations. This collaboration allows us to offer enriching experiences like Junior Caver Day and many other programs throughout the year.