Oregon Caves National Monument Educational Fee Waiver Instructions

The following information has been taken directly from National park Service Regulations (NPS-22). This is the guideline to be followed in granting education fee waivers. Bona fide educational or scientific institutions may qualify if the following conditions are met. Please Read Carefully.

Your application packages must contain all of the following:

1. Current official documentation of recognition of affiliation as an educational institution by a Federal, State or local government entity, or other evidence attesting to educational status is attached (e.g. Accreditation Letter or an Educational Tax Exemption Letter). It is insufficient to merely state or imply this on official letterhead. Your fee waiver cannot be processed without one of these documents submitted with your application.
2. There must be a direct relationship between the visit purpose and the use of the Park. The visit must be to study some aspect/resource specific to Oregon Caves. A general statement to the effect that the visit is for "educational purposes" is insufficient by itself. An explanation of what the educational purpose entails and how is related to the Park resources is required. (Course outlines, lesson plans, or a copy of the curriculum meet this requirement).
3. The applicant is providing educational credit hours based on a specific course of instruction. The visit shall not be primarily for recreation purposes. This requirement can be met by stating the course number, description, and/or a copy of the catalog description for college courses or an outline of student work required for K-12.
4. Fee Waiver Application Form---pdf | doc
   Download and complete the form then e-mail the form to orca_educ_program@nps.gov, fax, or mail it to Oregon Caves, Attention: Fee Waiver Program (the fax number and address are on the form).

If you have questions about the fee waiver process call (541) 592-2100 ext. 2260.

Chaperones are Required

Number of Chaperones allowed for each waiver will be:

• College students - 1 Chaperone per 14 students
• High School students - 2 Chaperones per 13 students
• Elementary & Middle students - 2 Chaperones per 13 students

For example: an elementary school group of 20 students is accepted for a fee waiver. The 20 students may be accompanied by 4 Chaperones at no cost. Additional chaperones must pay the standard group fee to participate on a cave tour.

Other Important Information

Applications must be received in the Superintendent's Office four weeks in advance of the anticipated visit. Refunds will not be granted. Fee waivers will not be given after arrival at the Monument.

Please download the following file and distribute to your group prior to visiting Oregon Caves. Leader's Checklist for Fee Waiver, pdf file

When the Visit is Recreational...

You are entered as an "organized - noncommercial" group. The following fees are then in effect:

• $6.00 Adults, ages 17 and over
  $4.00 Juniors, ages 16 and under

Fee waivers are not granted solely or partially on distance to their facilities and/or economic justification.

Organizations that are generally considered service, civic, or fraternal, e.g. Scouting, Rotary, Elks, and so forth do not qualify for the educational fee waiver, unless they met the above applicable criteria.