Join Future Rockhounds of America

Rockhound clubs throughout the Federations have been supporting youth groups for many years. Most clubs have always had young members but often didn't know what sorts of activities to provide for them. Consequently many youth fell through the cracks. We’re sure no one would argue the fact that we need to ensure the future of our hobby by encouraging our youth. Knowing this, under the direction of AFMS President Bill Cox in 1984, a committee was added to the AFMS called "Junior Clubs." Bill coined the name "Future Rockhounds of America" and designed a certificate to be given to junior clubs becoming members of FRA. It gives pebble pups and juniors the distinction of belonging to something worthwhile. The only requirement for obtaining FRA membership is to be organized and sponsored by a regional federation club (although exceptions can be made). There are no dues to pay to AFMS. Starting in Fall 2004, Juniors Activities Chair Jim Brace-Thompson developed a free badge program of guided activities to provide youth leaders with 53 individual activities in 9 areas: Rocks & Minerals, Earth Resources, Fossils, Lapidary Arts, Collecting, Showmanship, Communication, Field Trips, and Leadership. In 2008, 6 new areas were added with 32 more activities on Earth Processes, Earth in Space, Gold Panning & Prospecting, Gemstone Lore & Legend, Stone Age Tools & Art, and Rocking on the Computer. Kids can now earn badges in each of 15 overall areas. Those earning a minimum of 6 of the 15 badges earn a “Rockhound” badge as a mark of accomplishment and distinction. Details of the program may be found on the “Kids Corner” section of the AFMS web site: www.amfed.org/fra/meritbadge.htm.

All you need is a group of kids, a sponsor, a name, and an application to FRA!

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Your group must be a member of your regional federation, either through a sponsoring club or through an independent application into your local federation.
2. The number of youth is not important: you can have as few as 2 and as many as you can handle.
3. Age: any kids up to the age of 18.

Just fill out the application below or contact your regional federation Juniors Chair or check out the “Kids Corner” of the AFMS web site (www.amfed.org).

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FUTURE ROCKHOUNDS OF AMERICA

NAME OF YOUTH GROUP: _________________________________________________________________________

SPONSORING ADULT CLUB: _______________________________________________________________________

FEDERATION: California __   Eastern __   Midwest __   South Central __   Southeast __   Rocky Mountain __   Northwest __

CONTACT PERSON: ______________________________________________________________________________

MAILING & EMAIL ADDRESSES & PHONE: ____________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

YEAR ORGANIZED: _______________    CURRENT NUMBER OF YOUTH MEMBERS: _________

Accompany this application with a brief description of the activities you already do with your youth members, i.e., participation at meetings, club shows, field trips, and other activities. After completion of this questionnaire, please forward it to the AFMS Juniors Activities Chair: Jim Brace-Thompson, 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura, California 93003; (805) 659-3577; jbracethroadrunner.com

Last Revised on April 13, 2008
© 1998-2006 American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc.
http://www.amfed.org/fra/fut_rock.htm
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