Summer Fridays for Kids

 

By Margi Jenks

 

If you are looking for fun children’s programs for this summer, then consider coming to the Crater of Diamonds State Park Day Camp.  For three July Fridays we are hosting day-long camps for children who will be entering the 4^th through 6^th grades this Fall.  Each Friday will have a different theme, and you can register for each day separately.  If you are planning a long weekend at the Crater, come on Friday for a full day of fun for your children!

 

Week 1, July 8^th:  The diamond mine will be the center of attention.  Campers will learn how to look for diamonds from our experts.  Then, they will make a collection of other Crater rocks and minerals.  Finally, they will learn about making jewelry from rocks, including how to set up a rock tumbler. 

 

Week 2, July 15^th:  Explore our natural environment to identify the plants and animals found in the Park.  Then, learn the basics of photography as well as hints and tips on taking better nature photographs.

 

Week 3, July 22^nd:  Campers will enjoy an afternoon and evening program on bats and owls.  The woods come alive after dark with our nighttime friends. The program will include an evening cookout.

 

Registration deadline is the Monday before each of the Friday programs.  Sessions will last from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for July 8^th and 15^th, and from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM on the 22^nd.   Each day will cost $30, which includes a meal and admission to the Diamond Springs Water Park.  Campers registering for all three Fridays will receive a $15.00 discount on the total cost.

 

Participants are limited to 15 campers.  Call or email Margi or Waymon for details and the answers to any questions.  Both Margi and Waymon can be reached at 870/285-3116. Margi’s email is margaret.jenks@arkansas.gov and Waymon’s is waymon.cox@arkansas.gov. 

 

Search area last plowed:  June 9, 2011; Most recent significant rain:  June 5, 2011

 

Total diamonds found in 2011: 305

Diamonds registered for June 12-June 19, 2011 (100 points = 1carat): 

Correction:  The diamond found on June 11^th by Sue Berry from Leander, TX was a 1.09 carat white diamond, rather than the previously listed brown.

June 14 - Chuck & Marcia Farley, Earlville, IL, 17 pt. yellow; Terry Staggs, Anniston, AL, 36 pt. white

June 15 - Kenneth Shoemaker, Murfreesboro, AR, 1 pt. white

June 17 - Robert Clemens, Mountain Grove, MO, 8 pt. white