FIELD TRIP FOCUS

Making Memories and Discoveries As a Club

- BILL REYNOLDS

Being part of a rock and mineral club is the best way to evolve a casual interest into an exciting hobby. These organizations offer opportunities to learn about many different aspects of mineralogy and lapidary. The whole family can participate in enjoyable activities and make new friends with common interests. The knowledge of its members is often shared joyfully with one another and the community at large. Furthermore, shows, field trips, and lapidary classes sponsored by clubs are also lots of fun.

I have had the privilege of serving as president of two gem and mineral societies where I live, and I am often asked by other rockhound organization leaders, “How can we build our club?” The people who also ask often state that their club is losing membership, as members are growing older. Club leaders want to attract younger folks to pass on their knowledge and interest in the hobby. The discussion about growing clubs is an important one. There are well over 400 rock and mineral clubs across the United States, and growth is essential to keep the clubs viable. From my experience, the key to growth is realizing that people come to organized activities to learn, but most importantly, to enjoy themselves.

All in the family, the Coleman family, that is. Pictured are five generations of Coleman quartz miners. Left to right, Charlie, Frank, Ron, Kevin, and Josh. RON COLEMAN MINING