Caving is safer, more fun, and more educational with the help of ranger led programs!
Lava Beds interpretive rangers are available to present education programs for your class if scheduled far enough in advance. Requests for programs should be made at least 6 weeks in advance of the field trip. Three curriculum based programs are currently offered, with others in development.
Please call Education Coordinator Angela Sutton at (530) 667-8119 for more information, to make program reservations, or to give your feedback and suggestions on our ranger led education programs.
Mushpot Cave Geology Program
This 30-minute introductory slide show is presented in the underground amphitheater inside Mushpot Cave. The amphitheater is able to accommodate groups of up to 60 people. The program is designed to engage elementary and middle school students in learning about the Medicine Lake shield volcano, how the lava tube caves formed, how people can go through the caves safely, and how and why to protect the caves as they explore.
Curriculum standards- California 4th-6th grades
Curriculum standards- Oregon 4th-8th grades
Valentine Cave Tour
A ranger leads the class through one of the monument’s most popular lava tube caves, explaining the process of formation, pointing out the spectacular features, and introducing students to the fascinating critters that live in caves. The tour lasts roughly one hour, and a group larger that 30 is not recommended.
Curriculum standards- California 4th-6th grades
Curriculum standards- Oregon 4th-8th grades
Captain Jacks Stronghold Walk
Another popular program takes students through Captain Jacks Stronghold, a natural lava fortress. This is one of the most important sites of the Modoc Indian War of 1872-1873. The hour-long program immerses students in a consideration of the events leading up to the war, the two very different cultures involved in the conflict, victories and defeats on both sides, and the eventual outcome of this tragic war. Due to the narrow, enclosed nature of the Stronghold and its trails, groups of more than 30 are not recommended. Larger groups may split and request back-to-back tours if rangers are available.
Stronghold tour curriculum standards- California 5th grade
Stronghold tour curriculum standards- Oregon 5th grade
In Development: Fire Ecology Program
Lava Beds is considering making changes to a fire ecology program that takes students to places in the monument that have experienced prescribed fire. Changes would focus on making the program more curriculum-based to meet science goals for middle school students. Your suggestions are welcome!
