Welcome to Madison University Student Grotto
We are the Caving Club at James Madison University. Our main objective is to give JMU students and area residents in Harrisonburg, Va., who are interested in caving, a chance to explore the Virginias’ vast underground. We are a member in the Virginia Region (VAR) and a chapter in the National Speleological Society (NSS), a national organization that represents the interests of cavers and promotes caving.
About Us
Our main objective is to give you an opportunity to cave the vast underground in the karst region of Virginia and West Virginia.
We teach and promote safe caving techniques and conservation, such as "leave no trace" practices. Caving is inherently a risky activity, especially without proper training, so safe caving always comes first in our grotto.Membership
Everyone is welcome to join MUSG, you do not have to be a JMU student! Dues are $35 per semester. Come to a meeting, sign up for a trip and find out if caving is for you.
All members get access to use the grotto gear. This includes helmets, headlamps, cave packs, vertical gear, webbing, rope and other caving accessories. Most importantly, the club provides all the batteries for the headlamps.Students
MUSG is considered a Sports Club within the university. Each student at JMU must complete a consent form before going underground for UREC.
Several vertical training sessions occur during the school year. We use the rock wall to teach safe techniques on how to rappel and climb rope using ascenders (to use in pits underground). The UREC Rock Wall Waiver must be completed to participate.Times
During
COVID
As per UREC guidelines, MUSG cannot meet traditionally. We must use Zoom to conduct meetings and organize trips. Trips are restricted 10 people or less. Carpooling to the cave can only be done amongst roommates, all others have to drive separately. Masks and social distancing are required the entire time together, even when underground.
The Underground World
Solution caves are created by by the action of slowly moving ground water that dissolves the rock along weaknesses such as joints, fractures, faults, and rock layers to form underground passages.
