Become an NCA Member

The National Cave Association has 4 memberships available.  Check below to see the benefits of each membership.
Download the membership application and email the completed application to bob@cavern.com.

MEMBER CAVE

Any show cave located in the United States may apply for membership in the National Caves Association (NCA) as a Member Cave provided it meets the following criteria:

1. It is a natural occurring void beneath the surface of the earth that has been made accessible to the public for tours.

2. It must be sponsored in writing by a current NCA Member Cave.

3. It must carry adequate general liability insurance.

4. It must make a reasonable effort to have a representative attend the NCA Convention and Annual Business Meeting each year.

5. It must agree to be subject to visits by representatives of the NCA Board of Directors to determine continued eligibility for membership.

6. It must meet the reasonable standards of expectation as identified in the NCA’s Points of Excellence as follows:

a. Safety: Maintain a safe environment for guests and employees and comply with all applicable public laws.

b. Resource Management: Practice good conservation and preservation measures to maintain and protect the natural resource.

c. Resource Interpretation: Provide sound interpretation of the resource to guests.

d. Hospitality: Be friendly, courteous and helpful to guests.

e. Appearance: The overall property should be well maintained and clean with an appearance pleasing to guests.

f. Facilities: Provide and maintain adequate facilities to serve guests.

g. Business Ethics: Conduct business in an ethical manner and comply with all applicable public laws.

Initial membership must be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors. Continuing membership shall be on an annual basis and may be reviewed by the Board of Directors prior to renewal.

INTERNATIONAL MEMBER CAVE

Any show cave located outside of the United States may apply for membership in the National Caves Association (NCA) as an International Member Cave provided it meets the following criteria:

1. It is a naturally occurring void beneath the surface of the earth that has been made accessible to the public for tours.

2. It must be sponsored in writing by a current NCA Member Cave.

3. It must carry adequate general liability insurance.

4. It must make a reasonable effort to have a representative attend the NCA Convention and Annual Business Meeting each year.

5. It must agree to be subject to visits by representatives of the NCA Board of Directors to determine continued eligibility for membership.

6. It must meet the reasonable standards of expectation as identified in the NCA’s Points of Excellence as follows:

a. Safety: Maintain a safe environment for guests and employees and comply with all applicable public laws.

b. Resource Management: Practice good conservation and preservation measures to maintain and protect the natural resource.

c. Resource Interpretation: Provide sound interpretation of the resource to guests.

d. Hospitality: Be friendly, courteous and helpful to guests.

e. Appearance: The overall property should be well maintained and clean with an appearance pleasing to guests.

f. Facilities: Provide and maintain adequate facilities to serve guests.

g. Business Ethics: Conduct business in an ethical manner and comply with all applicable public laws.

Initial membership must be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors. Continuing membership shall be on an annual basis and may be reviewed by the Board of Directors prior to renewal. International Member Caves may not vote on NCA business matters.

AFFILIATE MEMBER

This non-voting membership is available to organizations that wish to affiliate with the National Caves Association, including, but not limited to, organizations that provide goods and/or services to the show cave industry and wish to support the Purposes of the NCA.

  1. Affiliate Membership is not available to Show Caves or their representatives.
  2. Affiliate Membership is contingent upon approval by the Board of Directors.

Affiliate Membership Benefits

  • Access to contact information for all Member Caves.
  • Opportunity to advertise in the monthly membership newsletter, Cave Talk.
  • Opportunity to attend the annual national convention.
  • Be mentioned as a preferred vendor of the association.

SUPPORTING MEMBER

This non-voting membership is available to individuals who have previously been associated with a National Caves Association Member Cave or International Member Cave and who wish to continue supporting the Purposes of the NCA.

Individuals associated with Show Caves that do not meet the Eligibility Criteria for membership as a Member Cave or International Member Cave are not eligible for Supporting Membership.

Individuals who provide or intend to provide goods and/or services to the Show Cave industry do not qualify for Supporting Membership.

  1. Supporting Members may attend the Annual Business Meeting.
  2. Supporting Membership is contingent upon approval by the Board of Directors.

Supporting Membership Benefits

  • Opportunity to attend the annual national convention and business meeting.
  • Access to monthly issues of the Association’s newsletter, Cave Talk.
  • Opportunity to support the Association’s purposes and goals.
  • Opportunity to serve on a variety of committees within the Association.

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