Summer is flying by, but there’s still plenty of time to plan mineral activities for kids.

The summer months are prime season for rock and mineral collecting – but that doesn’t mean the professionals should get to have all the fun! In fact, there are many rock and mineral collecting camps which focus on encouraging the development of younger rockhounds.

Youngsters who are excited about pursuing their interest in geology and gemology may benefit greatly from attending a summer camp or field expedition geared towards their age group – and may find themselves gaining the foundational skills and knowledge they need to nurture a lifelong hobby or career.

At iRocks, mineral collecting is not just our business – it’s our passion! And we strive to fuel the flames of those who seek to take their interest in rock and mineral collecting to a whole new level – no matter their age. That’s why we’ve decided to bring you these tips for finding the right summer learning program for your young rockhound. We hope your whole family benefits!

• Start locally. Many museums and science centers offer incredible summer camps for youngsters interested in the earth sciences. Local collectors clubs and geology-focused attractions may also be a good bet – so make sure to check out their summer offerings and event schedules!
• Keep it age-appropriate. There are many types of rock and mineral collecting camps, but the one you choose should depend on the age, independence, and skill level of your youngster. Younger children may be content with an exploratory day program, such as those hosted by your local museum or science center – whereas teens and older youth may be more engaged by a field expedition geared towards their age group.A helpful tip: The online search tools found at KidsCamps or Activity Hero can help you locate independent camps or programs located in your area, and then narrow selections by program type and age group.
• Search by specialty. Some programs choose a specific focus for their youth programs, such as this Colorado program which focuses on rock and mineral collection in the vicinity of prehistoric evidence and fossils, or GIA’s GemKids, which focuses on gemology.If your youngster has a particular interest or area of geology which holds special fascination, try searching for that particular focus or specialty, to see what arises.
• Get out and about. Consider planning a trip to the closest State Park or National Park for some geology-focused exploration. Contacting your local recreational authority can also be helpful, for those who have interest in a local field expedition.
• DIY Rock Camp. Unable to find a summer program in your area? Consider hosting a do-it-yourself rock and mineral day camp for your youngster, and a few friends. You can find some simple, kid-appropriate geology experiments and rock and mineral-related projects at com or Science for Kids – or contact your local science center or university to arrange an exploratory field trip, or guided tour of their geological exhibits.

We’re confident that with just a little digging, you’ll be sure to find an array of programs and adventures designed just for your amateur rock and mineral collector!

Prefer to explore our online collection of gems and minerals? Click here.