Hello All! We all love to hear stories of outreach events that are going on around the country! This September, I was excited to hear about such an event in Boise by member Dale Kerner. Dale was kind enough to write up the details of the event. Please read on... and then feel free to share other outreach efforts you know about. Let's get a conversation started and share ideas!
On September 18, 2016, the Boise Section of SME participated in the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology’s (IMMG’s) annual Rock Party. The Rock Party is held annually at the Idaho State Penitentiary in the Women’s Ward (the IMMG facility is located at the Idaho State Pen as well). The event includes fun activities for kids related to rocks, fossils, minerals, prospecting and mining. It’s a great way to spark interest in geology and a nice way for a family to spend a Sunday afternoon. The entire affair takes hundreds of hours of preparation and is coordinated by very dedicated IMMG volunteers. Boise SME plans to be a sustaining member of this event and already we are looking forward to next year.
Several SME Boise Section members and students stepped up to help with our inaugural participation, including Dave Leppert, Mike Doran, Chris Haynes, and half a dozen individuals from the Boise State University Department of Geosciences, led by SME Student Chapter head Alyssa Chase. Volunteers manned the SME booth, assisted at the various activity stations (including SME’s very popular mini-mining operation!) and helped keep everyone engaged. The day was a huge success with more than 700 participants, over half of them children.
This event offers a unique opportunity for SME and the Minerals Education Coalition (MEC) to extend its brand and message beyond the professional community. Exploring partnerships with groups like IMMG, the Idaho Mining Association (IMA), and local schools offers a great way to educate and connect people in southwest Idaho to an industry that is an integral part of Idaho’s heritage, a vital component of its economy, and history as well as its future.
Many thanks to:
- The SME-Boise Section committee for funding our participation and activities;
- SME members noted above who donated their time, expertise and private mineral collections for display;
- The Boise State University Department of Geosciences faculty and students for continued support and student participation in SME;
- Numerous IMMG volunteers including Patsy Wolter and Pat Ware (and their spouses) for their tireless efforts in making the Rock Party a reality; and,
- MEC Outreach Coordinator Tanya Kriss for MEC educational materials, giveaways and inspiration.
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Tanya Kriss
MEC Outreach Coordinator
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
12999 E. Adam Aircraft Circle
Englewood, CO 80112
Direct: 303-948-4221
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