Being: A field trip coordinator is a very rewarding experience for the individual, and it is also one of our club’s most important volunteer positions. The person who serves as field trip coordinator gets to lead a “day trip” which takes people to interesting AZ locations they might have never seen before. The individual who steps up to the challenge of field trip coordinator gets to fulfill his or her ambition to be the “boss.” You would be in charge of a small “rock hounding” group (8 to 12 people) and their day’s activities and itinerary. Yes, just like a tour guide, you would first research interesting places for rock and mineral collecting, obtain the permit, collect the minimal club charge for field trips and then assist the group in their day’s search for rocks and minerals – specifically, those rocks which a lapidary artist would enjoy cutting and polishing!
Becoming: A field trip coordinator insures that you will meet lots of interesting people and make many new friends. How? Just by taking a positive attitude and enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow “rock hounds.” The really cool part is that YOU get to plan the destination, the locations, the itinerary timing, where we meet and the carpools; plus you choose where we get to stop for lunch! Imagine a lovely drive to Flagstaff, Kingston, Sedona, Bisbee, Globe (you name it) where you’ll be the director for the entire field trip. Actually, it’s quite easy. First, you’ll want to think about which specific rocks and minerals your group will be going after. And the best part is that YOU get to choose where the group goes. And that’s wherever you like since YOU are in charge! Have fun and be a true leader.
You May Have Guessed: Currently, we are in a bit of a “dry spell” in terms of field trips. That’s because no one has stepped up to be the club’s field trip coordinator. What about YOU? Wouldn’t you find it fun and exciting to be the person who determines the trip’s destination? Don’t be afraid; the field trip groups are a joy to experience. Think about the satisfaction of “giving back.” Maybe you’ve been waiting for that special opportunity to help your neighborhood rock club.
Requirements: You must have a PhD in geology (Naaaah, just kidding!) All you really need to do is join the Sun Lakes Rock, Gem and Silver Club and want to have fun and meet new friends. Our nearly 200 club members are a wonderful source of information on local collecting spots. In fact, as an incentive to any new member who signs up and then volunteers as field trip coordinator, we will waive your first year’s membership fee of $25. We’ll see you at 10:00 a.m. on April 15 at the monthly meeting in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club.