About the event
Join us from May 29th to June 2nd for the Balkan Cavers Camp 2024! The official program starts on the 30th of May.
Since its inception in 2007, the Balkan Speleological Union has been proudly hosting this annual event in different countries across the Balkan Peninsula. Our core mission is to cultivate a dynamic network of connections and collaborations among cavers and speleological organisations from the Balkans and the international community.
This year, we’re thrilled to introduce some exciting new elements to our program. Alongside the chance to visit and explore some of the most breathtaking caves, we are launching a series of workshops, panel discussions and many more surprises! These additional features are designed to enrich your experience and ensure that the Balkan Cavers Camp 2024 is an unforgettable event.
Our vision is not just to explore the depths of the earth, but also to forge lasting bonds among cavers and speleological organisations from the Balkan region and the world over, so join us on “Journey Beneath, Bond Beyond”
Programme
Check out the link for a detailed program of what we have planned for the Balkan Cavers Camp 2024. You’ll find a comprehensive overview of all the exciting activities and events lined up!
Workshops
This year, we will organise specialised workshops led by cavers that know a little bit more than others on different topics. We’ll dive into different caving topics, and you’ll learn a lot of new things.
Digital Cave Survey
In this workshop, we’re diving into the world of digital cave mapping. You’ll learn about the main devices and applications used for mapping caves.
Ever wondered how to get your DistoX2 just right, or what all those requirements for calibration really mean? This is your chance to talk about it and get a clearer picture. Moderator of our discussions will be Marco Corvi. He’s the brain behind the TopoDroid app, and he’s going to share all you need to know about it. You will have a chance to ask him any questions you have.
And speaking of apps, have you tried CaveSurvey? If not, you’re in for a treat. Alexandar Stoev, one of the app’s creators, will show you how it works. You’ll even get to practise mapping a cave using this software and TopoDroid. We’ll also see how different cavers put together their survey kits. So, bring yours along! We will also exchange our workflows for mapping and many other tips & tricks!
Federico Cendron, who developed cSurvey, will introduce us to this tool and how to make the most of it, and answer all of the questions for those who already have some experience with this cave mapping software.
For those interested in the latest technological advancements, Loris Redovniković from Croatia and Janusz Będkowski from Poland will present their work on affordable Lidar scanning
techniques for cavers. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize our approach to underground mapping.
This workshop is perfect if you’ve got some background in digital mapping and want to deepen your knowledge with insights from the experts themselves.
Technical Speleology Workshops
Have you ever noticed how cavers from different places might use different methods for rigging, technical climbing, or even self rescue techniques? It’s fascinating to see the variety of techniques and personal equipment preferences across the international caving community.
This workshop is your chance to dive deep into the world of technical speleology. You’ll discover how cavers in different Balkan countries approach these essential skills. But it’s not just about watching and learning; you’ll also get hands-on experience trying out these various techniques yourself. It’s a great opportunity to broaden your caving skills and maybe even add some new methods to your own repertoire.
Given the technical nature of these workshops, we recommend them for cavers who already have some experience.
Digital Navigation Workshops
Navigating karst terrains and accurately recording cave entrances is crucial for caving. Our digital navigation workshops will help you choose the best navigation apps by providing a detailed comparison of their pros and cons.
Workshop Highlights :
• ArcGIS Pro & QGIS : Learn strategies for data management, georeferencing, and more
• Web Techniques : Learn how to present survey results online, from 3D models to dynamic maps.
• AlpineQuest App : Dive into app functionalities for tracking and field mapping.
• App Comparisons & OruxMaps : Evaluate apps for field orientation and data collection
Cave Science Workshops
Our Cave Science Workshops take you on a journey where science meets practical exploration. From examining rocks up close with microscopy to interpreting geological maps, to interpreting the ways caves are formed, these workshops will equip you with the knowledge to see caves in a new light.
But that’s not all. We’ll also dive into the captivating world of underground life in Croatia, revealing the incredible biodiversity that exists in the dark.
Amidst the backdrop of global climate change, we’ll explore its impact on cave environments and speleological research. This discussion will challenge us to think about the future of caving and whether new standards and practices need to be established to adapt to changing conditions.
Whether you’re a seasoned caver or new to the world of cave science, these workshops promise to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the complex relationship between Karstology, geology, biology, climate science, and speleology.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
For those interested in exploring topics beyond traditional speleology, we have some surprise workshops in store for you!
Presentations
Here is the schedule of presentations.
Panel discussions
Every evening, join us for two enlightening panel discussions: one on cave pollution, and the other on cave cadastres and the relationship between speleologists and the state. Speakers from various countries will share their experiences.
Cave visits
Explore the speleological heaven of Crnopac, home to the Crnopac Cave System, the largest cave system in the entire Dinarides and one of the 100 longest caves in the world.
Located at the base of Crnopac, Cerovac Caves stand out for their underground beauty and visitor accessibility. Touristic routes within each cave stretch 700 m, though they both extend over 4 km in total, predominantly horizontally. Both caves are open for tourist visits, and will be open for caver visits the whole duration of the camp as well. The Lower Cerovac Cave allows entry without SRT gear, while the Upper Cerovac Cave, also mostly accessible without SRT gear, has rigged vertical sections up to ~100 m deep, revealing recently discovered areas for experienced cavers. For more info, visit Cerovac Caves.
BALKAN SPELEO QUEST (SPELEOBALKANIJADA)
Make sure you don’t miss out on one of the most exciting parts of our event – the Speleobalkanijada! What exactly is it? Well, that’s our little secret for now. We’re keeping the details under wraps until the camp. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be pleasantly surprised! Stay tuned for an unforgettable experience that you’ll discover only when you join us at the camp. The anticipation is part of the adventure!
Scurion recognized our effort and gratefully supported us and our event and now we are giving away their Scurion 900 to a winner of the Speleobalkanijada!
Posters
We have received an impressive array of fantastic posters on cavers, detailed cartographic depictions, and insightful scientific papers. The competition is fierce, and it will be thrilling to see who emerges as the winner! The creator of the best poster will be awarded.
“WE AND CAVES” PHOTO CONTEST/EXHIBITION
As many of you are aware, the Balkan Cavers’ Camp traditionally hosts the ‘We and Caves’ photo contest/exhibition each year. This event is an opportunity for us to showcase stunning photographs from talented photographers. This year, we are excited to continue this tradition, offering you the chance to view an array of beautiful photos that capture the essence and beauty of caves and caving experiences.
Movie projections
At the event, you’ll have the opportunity to watch exciting movies and cast your vote for your favorite one. The best movie based on audience voices will be rewarded.
Photography contest
This year’s photography contest offers a unique twist. Not only will you enjoy stunning photos, but you’ll also delve into the fascinating stories behind each image. Cast your vote for the story and picture that captivate you the most.
PARTICIPATION FEE
Participation fee is 50€ for the whole event (5 days) and 35€ for two days’ participation. Deadline for payment of registration fees is 22.5.
Participation fee includes:
- participation in workshops (but individual application is needed)
- participation in other programme activities (panel discussion, presentation, exhibitions, movie projections etc.)
- accommodation in BCC camp
- dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (say thanks to OUR SPONSORS!)
- welcome gift from organisers (reusable plastic cutlery, food container, cup, and bag)
Registration
We regret to inform you that registrations are now closed as we have reached our full capacity. If you’d like to be placed on the waiting list, please email us at balkancaverscamp@gmail.com.
If you’ve already registered, please use the details below to complete the registration process.
Payee: Zagrebacki speleoloski savez
Address: Klaiceva 42/1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
IBAN: HR9023600001102239044
SWIFT BIC: ZABAHR2X
Payment Description: “Donation for BCC 2024, Croatia, (your name and surname)”.
Or use the following QR codes :
35€ :
50€ :
This is the only form of payment we accept currently
Deadline for payment of registration fees is 22.5.
If you encounter any issues with the payment process or you would like to discuss alternative forms of payment , don’t hesitate to reach out to us at balkancaverscamp@gmail.com.
Your registration will be officially confirmed once we’ve received both your payment and completed application form. Look out for a confirmation email from us!
*We ask the participants, for the sake of easier monitoring of registration fee payments, that if someone pays the registration fee instead of them, to send us an email with this information.
Plan your visit
How to get there
Our event this year is at Cerovac Caves, in the beautiful Nature Park Velebit. These caves are close to the Velebit mountains, and the nearest town, Gračac, is just 4 km away.
The main area for our event is the Center of Excellence Cerovac Caves. It has everything we need: rooms for meetings, a café bar, toilets and a big outdoor place which will be the central hub for our activities and the evening program. If it rains, don’t worry – we have a solution ready. There’s also a big rock nearby which will be a polygon for some workshops, just 5 minutes on foot.
Cerovac Caves
Grab 70a, 23440, Gračac
GPS coordinates:
WGS 84: 44.275095, 15.888321
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ktgcK4Fq1BTDvGvBA
We’ve created a comprehensive custom map to guide you through the Balkan Cavers’ Camp 2024. This detailed map will feature all essential locations within the camp, including the kitchen, toilets, workshop areas, accommodation options, and much more. Designed for your convenience, it will serve as your personal guide to navigate the event smoothly. As we finalize more details about the event, we will continuously update the map to include every piece of information you’ll need. Our map is mobile-friendly, so you can access it right from your smartphone, and we’ll share the map with you just before the event starts.
We will add more details soon.
Accommodation
For all our participants at the Balkan Cavers Camp 2024, we’ve got a campsite. Best of all, camping is completely free for attendees. Once you register at the event, you will get your spot.
Looking for different accommodation options? No problem! There are several other choices available to suit your preferences. For comprehensive details about the facilities in Gračac and the main event area, refer to the custom map we’ve prepared for you.
Whether you choose to stay in our camp or look for other accommodation, you’re sure to find a comfortable spot to rest and recharge during the event.
Food and drinks
During your stay at the camp, all dinners are included in the price. On Thursday, we have planned a vegetarian bean stew or bean stew with sausage. Friday will feature a hearty spaghetti bolognese, with a meat-based sauce as well as a vegetarian version using soy flakes. For Saturday, a selection of tortillas will be on the menu, with both meat and vegetarian options available to suit all dietary preferences.
However, should you find the offered menu not to your liking, we encourage you to explore the nearby dining options. A map of local eateries, with a variety of cuisines to choose from, will be available to help you find a meal that suits your preferences.
Meet the team
Marina – Head of the Team (Captain of the Ship):
Picture this: The Head of the Team is like the fearless captain steering our ship through the stormy seas of projects and deadlines. They’re the glue that holds us all together, leading with a compass of vision and a map of strategies, ensuring smooth sailing for the whole crew!
Natalija – Vice Head of the Team (First Mate Extraordinaire):
Ahoy mateys! Meet our Vice Head of the Team, the trusty First Mate who’s always ready to lend a hand and pick up the slack when the captain’s away. With a keen eye for detail and a heart as big as the ocean, they’re the ultimate support system for our team’s success, keeping morale high and spirits afloat!
Lovel – Head of Quality Assurance (The Perfectionist Guru):
Imagine a superhero with a magnifying glass, seeking out even the tiniest imperfections to ensure our work is as flawless as a freshly baked batch of cookies. That’s our Head of Quality Assurance! With a superpower for spotting bugs and a passion for precision, they’re the guardian of excellence, making sure our final product shines brighter than a diamond in the rough.
Luka – Head of Visual Appearance (The Design Dynamo):
Ever wonder who sprinkles that extra dash of magic dust on our projects, making them pop with pizzazz and flair? Look no further than our Head of Visual Appearance! Like an artist with a paintbrush, they transform ideas into eye-catching masterpieces, infusing color and creativity into everything we do, turning heads and dropping jaws along the way!
Igor (Dodo) – Logistics Manager (The Master Organizer):
Think of our Logistics Manager as the conductor of a symphony, orchestrating the perfect harmony of resources, schedules, and deliveries. With a knack for juggling multiple tasks and a talent for turning chaos into order, they’re the maestro behind the scenes, ensuring that everything runs like a well-oiled machine, leaving no detail overlooked!
Tomislav (Mile) – Public Relations Manager (The Storytelling Sorcerer):
Meet our Public Relations Manager, the enchanting storyteller who weaves narratives that captivate hearts and minds alike. With words as their wand and charisma as their charm, they’re the spellbinding voice of our team, casting a positive light on our endeavours and building bridges with the world, one captivating tale at a time!
Barbara – Head of Finance (The Budgeting Maestro):
Ever met someone who can make numbers dance like they’re at a ballroom gala? That’s our Head of Finance! With a keen eye for fiscal fitness and a talent for balancing budgets tighter than a high wire act, they’re the financial wizard who keeps our ship from sinking, ensuring that every coin is accounted for and every investment pays off in golden dividends!
Katarina – Volunteer Manager (The Heartstring Conductor):
Enter the Volunteer Manager, the heart and soul of our team’s altruistic endeavours! With empathy as their compass and kindness as their currency, they’re the maestro of goodwill, orchestrating a symphony of volunteers who give their time and energy to support our cause. Like a conductor guiding an orchestra, they harmonise passions and purposes, creating a melody of impact that resonates far and wide!
About BSU
The Balkan Speleological Union (BSU) is a regional organisation dedicated to the advancement and collaboration of speleological activities across the Balkan Peninsula. Established to promote the exploration, study, and conservation of caves, the BSU serves as a platform for communication and cooperation among speleologists from different countries within the Balkan region.
The BSU was founded during the First Meeting of National Speleological Organizations of Balkan countries in Vratza, Bulgaria, on September 7th 2002. Its duration is unlimited. The BSU has its headquarters in Sofia, Bulgaria. It is covered by the International Union of Speleology.
The member countries of the Balkan Speleological Union as of 2023 include Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia, while other participating nations comprise Turkey, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia.
In the realm of research and exploration, the BSU plays a pivotal role in facilitating joint efforts to explore and document caves, potholes, and other underground formations throughout the Balkans. Education and training are key aspects of the BSU’s mission. The organisation provides valuable educational resources, organises workshops, and supports training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of speleologists. With a commitment to conservation, the BSU advocates for the protection and preservation of cave ecosystems. It promotes responsible exploration practices and works to raise awareness about the significance of subterranean environments. Collaboration is a cornerstone of the BSU’s approach, fostering partnerships among speleological organisations, researchers, and enthusiasts. This collaborative spirit allows for the sharing of expertise, data, and experiences, contributing to the collective knowledge of the speleological community.
Internationally, the BSU takes pride in Representing the Interests of Balkan Speleologists on the global stage. The organisation actively participates in global speleological events, contributing to the broader understanding of cave systems worldwide.
Below is a list of the Balkan Cavers Camps throughout the years.
- 1st Balkan Cavers Camp (2007 – Bulgaria)
- 2nd Balkan Cavers Camp (2008 – Greece)
- 3th Balkan Cavers Camp (2009 – Turkey)
- 4th Balkan Cavers Camp (2010 – Romania)
- 5th Balkan Cavers Camp (2011 – North Macedonia)
- 6th Balkan Cavers Camp (2012 – Slovenia)
- 7th Balkan Cavers Camp (2013 – Montenegro)
- 8th Balkan Cavers Camp (2014 – Serbia)
- 9th Balkan Cavers Camp (2015 –Croatia, Ogulin)
- 10th Balkan Cavers Camp (2016 – Bulgaria)
- 11th Balkan Cavers Camp (2017 – Greece)
- 12th Balkan Cavers Camp (2018 – Romania)
- 13th Balkan Cavers Camp (2019 – Turkey)
- 14th Balkan Cavers Camp (2020 – Bulgaria) -> cancelled
- 14th Balkan Cavers Camp (2021 – Slovenia)
- 15th Balkan Cavers Camp (2022 – Bulgaria)
- 16th Balkan Cavers Camp (2023 – Serbia, Zlatar)
Contact us
If you have any questions, we are at your disposal and available via email at balkancaverscamp@gmail.com .
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