Join Future Rockhounds of America
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:
- Your group must be a member of your regional Federation, either through a sponsoring club or through an independent application into your local federation.
- The number of youth is not important: you can have as few as 1 or 2 and as many as you can handle.
- Age: any kids up to the age of 18.
If you’re interested in joining, print out the form below, fill it out, and mail it to Jim Brace-Thompson. If you have any questions or would like to reach out via phone, Jim Brace-Thompson’s contact info is listed below. Jim Brace-Thompson, 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura, California 93003; (805) 659-3577; jbraceth@roadrunner.com
