Dear Homeschool Educators,                                                                           

A unique opportunity for a first hand encounter with the world of geology, art, and craftsmanship is offered each year at the Gem & Mineral Show sponsored by the Association of Earth Science Clubs.  On March 9, 10, and 11, 2012, we will be presenting one of the best shows ever - the 51th Annual Gem & Mineral Show.  This year's show is at the KCI EXPO CENTER, 11730 North Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, Missouri, near I-29 and I-435, near the airport.  I-29 exit #12, east on 112th Street to Ambassador Drive turn north, ½ mile on the left.  The hours are Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.; Saturday, 10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.; and  Sunday, 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

We will have many special exhibits, the "Walk  Through Storybook" of Rocks and Minerals of Missouri,  This is designed for elementary and middle school students. Judy Oetting, author of the children's publications, “M is for Missouri Rocks and Minerals”, and the workbook, “Missouri Rocks and Minerals, Fun Facts and Games” is the designer of this walk through storybook.  Area Colleges, Universities, and Association Clubs' members will display unique specimens and collections of fossils, gems, geodes, minerals, rocks, stones, and handcrafted jewelry items.  Skilled craftsmen and women will be demonstrating beading, chain making, faceting, flint napping (arrowhead making), lampworking (making of glass beads), lapidary (gem carving, cabochon cutting, sphere making), silversmithing, tool making, wax molding, and wire wrapping. 

We wish to invite the Home School Associations to plan a field trip to the show.  All Home Schoolers are asked to work together as if this were a “play” you were attending.  Have one person be in charge of getting a group (at least 10 students) together at a cretain time, registering that group, and collecting all the money at the show.  There may be 3 different groups that meet on Friday at various times.  You may plan to meet at the flagpole at a particular time.  The hours on Friday are 9:00 A.M. –  8:00 P.M. Groups are asked to pre-register.  Each group should be accompanied by adult leadership, one adult to every 10 students, and will be welcome for a group rate of $1.00 per person in the group.  All money for entrance fees need to be paid in a lump sum at the door.  Chaperones are charged $1.00 as well and are asked to stay with their groups. 

Home Schoolers if you are planning to attend the show there are a few things I need to know:
For each person attending, there is a $1.00 charge.  
What is the name of your association?
Who will be in charge?
How many students will be coming with your group (a group is considered 10 students plus chaperones)?
How many chaperones will be with the group?        
What time do you plan on arriving?

You need to send me this information by e-mail at threetrails@sbcglobal.net 

There are also a few things that I need to remind you:
All money for entrance fee needs to be paid in a lump sum at the door by the person in charge of each group.
There must be 1 chaperon for every TEN students.
The students must stay with their chaperones.
There will be many items for sale; students might want to bring $.

As an educator you will be pleasantly surprised at the quality and value of the experience we provide for the young people to learn about and appreciate our "Earth Treasures.  Visit our web site at http://www.kcgemshow.org.  I hope to see you at the Show.  Thank you for your cooperation in all matters!

Kara M. Paris (School Groups Chairperson)