Adventure brief
Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, & Ambassador Events: Going Batty and/or Explore More Events (November)
Girl Scouts can earn unique patches through immersive, hands-on workshops and a thrilling Black Light Adventure at Lincoln Caverns. Discover the underground wonder of Pennsylvania's limestone caves in this November event.
Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, offers a hands-on underground experience that stands out in the local outdoor adventure scene. For over three decades, this destination has drawn those curious about geology, history, and the natural world beneath the surface. Its iconic caverns carve through limestone rock and showcase unique flowstone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.
The challenge and wonder of spelunking here extend beyond the usual day-trip caves—the caves’ cool, crisp atmosphere and eerie silence create an immersive environment like no other. This November, Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors can join multi-day events tailored to combine education, outdoor discovery, and fun. The "Going Batty" and "Explore More" programs give Scouts the rare chance to earn special patches by engaging with expert-led workshops and participating in a Black Light Adventure tour.
This nighttime experience exposes hidden features within the caverns, illuminating geological details and nocturnal cave life in UV light, turning the underground world into a glowing landscape of surprise and intrigue. Beyond the thrill of caving, the events incorporate hands-on conservation lessons that highlight environmental stewardship essential to cave preservation. Scouts also build bat houses, encouraging local bat populations that are vital for ecosystem health.
The mix of hands-on learning, camaraderie among troops across Pennsylvania and nearby states, and access to expert guides elevates Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks from a simple cave visit to an educational adventure. The combination of expert stewardship, rich geological features, and programming designed specifically for youth groups makes Lincoln Caverns a unique destination not just for adventure seekers but also classroom learners looking to connect science with real-world exploration. It's a must-visit site for families, educators, and scouts seeking a meaningful outdoor experience this fall.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Bring layered clothingessential
Temperatures inside the caverns remain cool year-round, usually around 52°F, so layering helps maintain comfort.
- 02Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoesessential
The cave floors can be uneven and sometimes slippery; reliable footwear will keep you safe.
- 03Use flashlights or headlampsinfo
While guided tours provide lighting, carrying your own light source enhances safety and visibility in dark passages.
- 04Register early for limited spotswarning
These events are popular and limited to Girl Scouts and leaders; advance registration is required well before the event dates.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Layered clothing
Adjusts to cavern temperature and variable outdoor weather during November events.
fallEssentialSturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction and protection on uneven, potentially slick cave floors.
EssentialHeadlamp or flashlight
Essential for black light tours and navigating darker cavern sections.
EssentialNotebook and pen
Useful for taking notes during workshops and educational sessions.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Whisper Rocks cave system, less visited and perfect for small guided groups, Nearby Raystown Lake offers quiet shoreline hikes and birdwatching
Local fauna
Little brown bats frequent the caverns and surrounding forest, White-tailed deer roam the woodland areas near the caverns
Historic heritage
Lincoln Caverns have been open to the public and supporting Scout programs since the 1970s, fostering hands-on geology and wildlife conservation education.
Mindful exploration
The site emphasizes low-impact visitation policies and teaches cave conservation to minimize human impact on fragile formations and bat habitats.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Cavern entrance, Inside main cavern chamber near formations, Trail overlook outside the caves
- Subjects
- Geological formations, Bat houses and educational displays, Scouts participating in workshops
- Best times
- Late afternoon (golden hour), During Black Light Adventure tours, Early morning in nearby outdoor areas
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Are the events open to all Girl Scouts?
These events are specifically for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts along with their leaders and registered parents.
Is prior caving experience required?
No prior experience is necessary; all activities are guided and designed for varying levels of comfort with caves.
What should scouts bring with them?
Scouts should bring layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and a flashlight or headlamp for the black light tour.
Are meals included in the event?
Yes, pizza lunch and Italian sub lunch are provided on designated days, depending on the event package selected.
Are accommodations provided?
Overnight lodging is included on Friday and/or Saturday nights depending on your chosen program.
Can non-Scout siblings attend?
Registration is limited to Girl Scouts, troop leaders, and registered scout parents only.