GENERAL INFORMATION

CAVING: At the time of this publication, White Nose Syndrome has created a lot of uncertainty in the sport of caving. The Nashville Grotto has chosen to print the SERA Guidebook as planned. We have included some hiking and surface adventures in the guidebook as well as many activities at the event itself to encourage cavers to be conscious of their activities in regard to the spread of White Nose Syndrome. The Nashville Grotto decided to include caves in the guidebook in hopes that the guidebook will provide a valuable reference in the future; although, some of the caves between its covers may be closed or inappropriate to visit during the SERA Carnival. At the time of this publication, it is impossible to predict what caves on private, SCCi, or state land will be closed during the event. Please visit the cave information booth, which will be set up near the SCCi tent for information about the cave or caves that you plan to visit during the event. The Nashville Grotto asks SERA Cave Carnival participants to take all reasonable and necessary precautions to avoid the spread of White Nose Syndrome.

RESCUE AND FIRST AID SERVICES are available at the First Aid Tent. The tent is staffed 24 hours a day. Always notify someone of your plans before going caving. Nearby Hospitals are Hutcheson Medical Center in Fort Oglethorpe (706) 858-2000 and Health South Chattanooga Hospital in Chattanooga (423) 698-0221.

NO BOMBS of any sort are allowed on the SERA grounds. If it goes boom, it is a bomb, and if caught making or setting off a bomb, you will be asked to leave SERA. Air horns and other loud noisemakers are prohibited, as are generators.

NAME TAGS must be worn and visible at all times. If you leave SERA, be certain to take your name tag with you. You will not be readmitted without it.

WATER STATIONS are placed around the field and near the dumpsters. See campground map for locations.

ICE AND FOOD ITEMS are available at the Munchie Stand/Big Johns BBQ.

CAMPSITES: Please respect the camping areas, and camp only where allowed. If any modifications are made to the camping area, please leave the site as you found it before going home. Do not cut down or put nails in trees. A large map is available to write your site on at the Registration booth.

CAMPFIRES: Use of propane or charcoal grills for cooking is allowed in campsites. For fellowship, please visit the fire rings at Vendor’s Row or the sauna area.

PETS: Pets are allowed at SERA for an additional registration fee. Pets must be attended and on leash at all times. You will be responsible for picking up all pet waste during the event. Non-socialized pets are prohibited from the event.

PARKING: Please do not park on the roads. To conserve parking and camping, please pull well off the road, be courteous by observing one way and speed limit signs, and watch for pedestrians.

THE BATHHOUSE has twelve total shower stalls of continuous warm water. Help us save resources by conserving water when showering. All gray water must be held in containment tanks and then pumped out at our expense. Please do not wash dishes or muddy cave clothes in the bathhouse.

SAUNA AND HOT TUB USERS PLEASE BE DISCRETE. Clothing is required during the daylight hours. No cameras or glass containers are permitted. No one under the age of 19 is allowed in the Spa area after 5pm.

TRASH should be deposited in the dumpsters provided. Extra trash bags are available at Registration and at the Nashville Grotto site. Please leave the area clean and free of litter.

RECYCLE: Bins are available throughout the campground for collecting recyclables. Please use them!

PLEASE BE A CONSIDERATE NEIGHBOR. Keep music and noise down, especially after midnight.