Dear Scout &Youth Leaders,                                                                                                 

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 Scouts and Youth Groups to plan field trips to the Show.  We would like everyone to wear his/her uniform if applicable.  Student groups (of at least 10) of all ages, accompanied by adult leadership, one adult to every 10 children, will be welcome to the show for a group rate of $1.00 per person.  Chaperones are asked to stay with their groups.  There will be a door prize drawing, just for kids’ this year.  There is The Up, Up and Away Café ready to serve hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and deli sandwiches, along with nachos, and french fries, an average burger, chips, and soda will run about $6.50, or you may bring sack lunches and eat them in the café. 

There is a large area for shopping and there are some items available at most of the vendors priced for students to purchase.  There is a swap area with many items reasonably priced, especially for students.  The Association Booth has many things priced for kids.

Youth leaders, if you are planning to attend, there are a few things that I need to tell you:
            The adult in charge should have all money for entrance fee in a lump sum at the entrance.
            All participants are $1.00
Scouts & Leaders should be in Uniforms!
Many items are for sale; children might want to bring money.
            There must be ONE chaperone for every TEN children.          
The children must stay with their chaperones.
           
As a youth leader, 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’s 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!

Sincerely,

Kara M. Paris
Youth Group Chairperson
threetrails@sbcglobal.net