The Kids Area is a small portion of the Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral
Society's annual show where children can participate in fun educational
activities while learning about geology, rocks, gems, and minerals. The
Kids Area has special programs for Scouts where different age levels can
earn a geology-related "badge" by going through the area and completing
the appropriate paperwork. There are programs for elementary school
field trips, Cub Scouts, and Webelos. We will be resuming our Girl Scout
badge program when we receive more information on their new earth science
related badges. Stay tuned.
Who can sign up in advance?
School field trips and Scout troops, packs, and dens. If you are using
this event as a family outing for your scout troop, you may sign up
siblings with your group. The fees remain the same for siblings, and if
they are signed up in advance with your group, they will also receive
a show patch and a rock bag with a beginning rock collection. Please
indicate on your signup form how many siblings you are paying for
with your scout group so that your group's ticket packet is assembled
correctly. If your group is a mix of different scouting groups
(ie. Cub
scouts or Webelos), please use one form and write
on the form the total number of each different scouting group (ie. 3
Cub Scouts, and 2 Webelos). Also indicate any
non-scouting children that you are paying for as well.
Do I have to sign up my group in advance?
You don't have to sign up in advance, but please be aware that groups
who have signed up and paid in advance will be allowed entrance into the
Kids Area before any groups who did not sign up in advance. In past years
we have regularly had over 2000 children participate in the Kids Area,
and probably 90-95% were signed up in advance. We anticipate similar
numbers in 2012. Advance registration will ensure that your group will
get a show patch, rock bag, beginning rock collection, and appropriate
paperwork (if you are bringing a scout group). Additionally if you sign
up your group in advance, you will receive one free adult show admission
ticket for each three Kids Area tickets that you purchase in advance.
If I sign up my group in advance, do they have to attend the Kids Area as a
group, all at the same time?
YES! Advance registration is exclusively for larger groups who will
be attending the show and the Kids Area on the same day at the same
time.
The tickets are good for one day and one time slot only.
Please be on time.
Kids Area tickets are not refundable and not exchangeable. Please
check your schedule prior to purchasing your tickets.
How do the time slots work?
Each group that signs up in advance will be assigned a time slot according
to availability. You are requested to indicate your preference in the
time slots. I suggest that you number the time slots that you would
be able to attend (1- most desirable, 2 – second most desirable, 3-
third most desirable, etc.). If you choose only one time slot and it
is full, your check and sign up form will be returned to you with our
regrets. Numbering time slots enables our registrar to possibly place
you in another desired time slot with room for your group.
How can I sign up my group in advance?
Click on the link to the type of flier for your group on the Kids
Area page. Download it to your computer and print it. Complete
the entire form and write a check to SCVGMS for the amount that is
due. Mail the form and check to: SCVGMS Kids Area, 107 Dell Way,
Scotts Valley, CA 95066. A confirmation letter will be sent to you
via US mail.
How long does it take to complete one of the Scout programs in the Kids
Area?
Below are listed the average amounts of time that it takes to
complete each program's worksheet.
Please be aware that younger Cub Scouts (Tiger Cubs and Wolves) often need
adult help complete their requirements for the Belt Loop and Academic pin.
Cub Scout Geology Belt loop and Academic pin:
1 - 1.25 hours
Webelos Geologist pin:
1.25 - 1.5 hours
Can our group visit the rest of the gem and mineral show?
Yes, there are many things for your group to experience and see. This
show is very family-friendly, with many things to interest all
age groups.
What else is there to do at the show?
You are invited to visit our club's scholarship booth where, for
a small fee, you can spin a wheel to win a prize; examine some
extraordinary display cases; make a beaded memory wire bracelet;
visit several of our lapidary arts demonstrators and possibly
develop a new hobby; listen to engaging speakers on a variety of
topics during every day of the show; and take a stroll through the
world of rocks, minerals, gemstones, beads, fossils, and jewelry
while visiting our exemplary show dealers.
Should our kids bring extra money to the show?
It is not required, but many children like to visit the rest of
the show and take home a souvenir of their choosing. Many of our
vendors have some small treasures for inexpensive prices. Our club
has its scholarship booth with a variety of activities and projects
for children of all ages.
Are there any food concessions available for lunch or snacks?
There are food concessions at the show. They are run by the
fairground and tend to be expensive. You are welcome to bring sack
lunches to the show and eat them on the grass or on the apron around
one of the buildings.
Is the show handicap accessible?
We make every effort to make our show accessible for everyone. If
you have particular questions, send email to the address below.