
I surveyed nearly 100 clubs affiliated with the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (one of seven regional federations composing AFMS), and I found six "best practices" the most highly engaged clubs employ in starting and successfully maintaining a youth program within their ranks.
STEP ONE: HAVE A CHAMPION!
The number one ingredient for success? Have a Champion! In my survey, clubs listed two reasons for not having a youth program: 1) no kids; and 2) lack of a volunteer willing to take this on. I'll tackle number one a bit later. Meanwhile, let's focus on number two.
The few clubs experiencing long-term success have one thing in common: a true-blue and committed Champion, with a capital C. Among the clubs where this has proven to be the case, that Champion was often the parent of kids who were especially into our hobby or a current or retired teacher.
Identify who, within your club, is the most "kid centric." Then encourage and help that person. Begin with the parents of a child who is bonkers for minerals or fossils. Or a parent who is already a leader of a 4-H, Girl Scout, Boy Scout, home-schooling or similar kids' program. A Champion will be someone already invested as a parent, an educator, a community leader, or a volunteer involved in a kid-centric program. If you lead a rock and gem society, meet and greet and get to know everyone, and once you spot that one person who might serve as a Pied Piper for kids, latch onto and encourage him or her. My own Ventura Gem & Mineral Society has had ups and downs with our youth program. The times we’ve been up are when we’ve had one truly invested Champion take charge. Without a Champion, there is no youth program.
STEP TWO: SUPPORT YOUR CHAMPION
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Rock&Gem Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Rock&Gem Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF VOLCANIC ROCK
As a mineral resource, volcanic rock is decidedly short on glamour.

The Other Copper Minerals
12 Lesser-known Collectible Species

MINERAL COLLECTING -AND ROCK & GEM
Evolving Together FOR 54 YEARS

Gemstone Trends
A Look Back at 2024 & What to Expect in 2025

How to Make a GEM BEAD NECKLACE
No Lapidary Experience Needed!

Framing Nature's Art
Faceting Rutilated Quartz for Beginners

BEDAZZLED BLUE SEAM AGATE
More than several centuries ago, mining was the profession most often seen as befitting of men.

ROCK & GEM FIELD GUIDE:
Spinel is a captivating gemstone with a rich history of being mistaken for gems like ruby and sapphire.

SNAKE SCALE DROP 1.5:1
This Faceting Focus is revisiting the briolette gemstone design because of its popularity with independent and hobby gemstone faceters.

STONE CHIC
How Earth-Inspired Decor Brings Comfort to our Home