SCHOOLS & SCOUTING

Indian Echo Caverns is a great place for learning and adventure. Whether a scouting group, school group or other organization we will be happy to help your activity be a success.

The multitude of beautiful formations in the caverns and the array of magnificence will amaze visitors. The history of the caverns, including the story of the Pennsylvania Hermit, William Wilson, the Mystery Box, the early explorers, and the Native Americans, are explained in detail.

The tour is 45 minutes in length. A professionally trained, interpretive guide explains the caverns' geology and history, and shows the beautiful formation of the caverns. All tours begin at the gift shop.

The temperature is a constant 52 degrees. A light wrap is recommended for those sensitive to cooler temperatures.
Cameras with flash and camcorders are permitted.

No backpacks or bags may be taken into the caverns.

Educational Tours

We specialize in educationally interesting tours that attract thousands of school students and other groups annually. With our expansive grounds, picnic areas, petting zoo, playground and, of course, the Caverns Tours, there is always something for everyone!

Group Admission

Please call 717-566-8131 for details. Reservations are required in advance.

Scout Programs

Dear Scout Leaders,

Following is the Indian Echo Caverns “Mission Statement.”  It summarizes our goals and emphasizes the importance we place on teaching our youth groups. Each year thousands of school and scouts visit our facilities. Indian Echo Caverns knows the importance of teaching not only by lecture, but utilizing PowerPoint methods for our badge presentations, hands on demonstrations, educational cavern tours, and showing life experiences that will expand their knowledge, while at the same time be enjoyable. 

Mission Statement:

Indian Echo Caverns is dedicated to educating while entertaining.  With this hallmark statement as the basis for our philosophy we have established high goals for ourselves in relating information to our visitors. Constant effort is made, on our part, to keep abreast of accurate and current information in all of our programs. However, it is important that you, the leaders and visitors, are aware that each group is taught on its ability to learn. It is our goal to present information in a manner and level to which the “students” can learn from and understand. Schools and scouts have always taken precedence in our education programs. With this intent, the interest, and dedication by the staff of Indian Echo Caverns, we welcome everyone to visit us and enjoy the learning experience.  

 All Scout Programs require a minimum of 10 Scouts in addition to Leaders and family members.

Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts

All Brownie and Junior Girl Scout Programs include the following:

- PowerPoint Presentation about the Try It* or Junior Girl Scout Badge*, including a lecture and demonstrations inside our climate controlled Conference Room
- Tour of Indian Echo Caverns
- Gem Mill Junction...panning for gemstones when the attraction is open, OR a bag of our special sand mixture containing gemstones in the off-season
- Lunch: Sandwich, cookies, chips and a drink
- Indian Echo Cavern Badge
- Indian Echo Caverns Certificate for each badge
* Badges are to be provided by each Troop for individual participants.

Eco-Explorer Brownie Try It This Try It involves a presentation with hands on demonstrations introducing Brownies to ecology and animal life.  

Earth and Sky Brownie Try It  This Try It involves a presentation with hands on demonstrations introducing Brownies to various entities involving the sky, animals, and the effects of climate on the earth.      

 Wildlife Junior Girl Scout Badge This badge involves the study of animals and their interactions in the environment.  It is presented as a PowerPoint presentation with demonstrations and lab like activities.  Additionally, there is an emphasis on bats.  

Rocks Rock Junior Girl Scout Badge This badge is given as a presentation with outbreaks for demonstrations and lab-like activities.  Beginner rock collecting, kinds of rocks, erosion and weathering, introduction to geology, careers involving rocks, global views and interpretations are among the topics discussed and taught for this badge.

Price for this program is $25.00 per Scout. Please estimate a 3-4 hour program for Brownies, including lunch; and a minimum 3-4 hour program (or longer) for Junior Girl Scouts.

Prices for leaders and family members NOT participating in the Badge Programs are:

Caverns Tour (Group Rates):
Adults: $8.00
Children 3-11: $4.00
Gem Mill Junction: $7.00
Lunch: $6.00 per person

 Boy Scouts – Webelos

All Scout Programs require a minimum of 10 Scouts in addition to Leaders and family members.

Webelos Badge Program

Geology Webelos Badge

- Includes workshop, lecture and demonstrations
- Tour of Indian Echo Caverns
- Gem Mill Junction...panning for gemstones when the attraction is open, OR a bag of our special sand mixture containing gemstones in the off-season Please estimate a 3 hour program (not including lunch).

Price per Scout is $16.00 - Lunch can be provided for $6.00 per person (with advance registration) and includes a sandwich, cookies, chips and a drink.

Prices for leaders and family members NOT participating in the Badge Programs are: Caverns Tour (Group Rates):
Adults: $8.00
Children 3-11: $4.00
Gem Mill Junction: $7.00
Lunch: $6.00 per person
 

Visit our Plan Your Visit page to get more information on hours and dates. Or call 717.566.8131 for more details about our group educational tours.