HISTORY OF FUTURE ROCKHOUNDS OF AMERICA Rockhounding societies have long supported kids. Most have always had young members but often didn't know what activities to provide for them. Thus, many fell through the cracks. As no one would argue, 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 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 gave pebble pups and juniors the distinction of belonging to something worthwhile. The only requirement for kids to obtain FRA membership is to be a member of a regional club with an AFMS affiliation. There are no dues to pay to AFMS. Starting in the fall of 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, after polling local clubs, Jim added 6 new areas 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. Five more badges, and another 32 activities, were added in 2012 for The World in Miniature, Special Effects, Fluorescent Minerals, Reaching Across Generations, and Maps. Jim crafted a Fourth Edition of the Badge Manual in 2016 with a total of 20 badges and 130 activities. Many of the new activities were suggested by youth leaders—or by kids themselves. Kids earning 6 of the 20 badges earn a “Rockhound” badge and those earning all 20 badges receive an AFMS cloisonné pin and become “Rock Stars” as a mark of distinction. Program details may be found under “Kids Corner” on the AFMS website: www.amfed.org HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE AFMS YOUTH PROGRAM, FUTURE ROCKHOUNDS OF AMERICA? All you need is a group of kids (or just 1 child), a sponsor, a name, and an application to FRA! REQUIREMENTS:
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). - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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; jbraceth
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