Adventurous Scouts from Dawsonville Boy Scout Troop 422 recently embarked on an excursion to Raccoon Mountain Caverns in Tennessee.

Known for its beautiful 100 percent natural cave formations and vast underground passageways, the scouts encountered natural beauty while beneath the ground.

Armed with gloves, pads, lights and helmets, the scouts explored for more than four hours before settling down to camp inside a cave overnight

The next morning the Scouts worked with gemstones to earn their Geology merit badges.

Assistant Scoutmaster Brent Orr said, “The Scouts had to really pull together as a team and encourage one another as they made their way along this strenuous trek.

“Overcoming feelings of claustrophobia and fear of heights helped the boys feel a strong sense of accomplishment and self-confidence at the end of their caving expedition.”