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, Brownies, Juniors,
Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy Scouts.
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 packet is assembled correctly. i.e. You are bringing 18
children with your group, but only 10 are with your wolf den: please
indicate the breakdown of your group, if possible: 10 cub scouts,
2 webelos, 1 brownie, 2 juniors, 3 additional siblings. You will
have to write the breakdown of your group on the back of the form.
18 participants at $2.50 per participant = $45.00
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. Last year we had over 2000 children participate in
the Kids Area, and most were signed up in advance. We anticipate
similar numbers in 2009. 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). It
is highly recommended that especially Boy Scouts sign up in advance
because there are a limited number of spaces each session.
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. With over 2000 children at the show, it is too difficult to
have people from one group show up on different days and at different
times. All of the packets for groups are set up for a single pick up
from the registration desk. Please don't ask us to hold a packet(s)
for a late member of 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 email. If you do not include an email address, please send a
self- addressed, stamped envelope.
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.
Brownies Hobbies Try it:
1.5 - 2 hours
Juniors Rocks Rock badge:
1 - 1.25 hours
Cub Scout Geology Belt loop and Academic pin:
1 - 1.25 hours
Webelos Geologist pin:
1.25 - 1.5 hours
Boy Scout Geology Merit Badge:
2 - 3 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.