GMS Juniors Field Trip

GMS Juniors Field Trip
Quartz Crystals & Cook-out in Georgia
Saturday, November 9, 2019

Juniors were so excited to be able to dig their own quartz crystals! They gathered together on a chilly November morning and after impatiently posing for a group photo, they jumped right in to dig. It wasn’t long before spectacular crystals popped out. Adults dug through the Georgia clay as juniors worked diligently to spot the tell-tale gleam of a crystal. Charles set up a large tub of water where juniors screened away the clay and washed their prizes. Diana Poppelreuter brought her mighty broad fork to make quick work of turning over large clods of dirt to search.

Once everyone was sufficiently dirty, lunch was served! Thanks to Trader Joe’s grocery store, members were treated to hotdogs. The property owner lit up his fire pit and set up tables and chairs for our field trip feast. GMS provided condiments, cups, plates, chips, and soft drinks plus marshmallows and super long marshmallow roasting sticks. Kallie Brunson brought the very popular cheese puffs, chips, and some yummy apples! Jason Leatherwood provided tons of buns while Daniel Miller expertly grilled the hotdogs. I think a few hotdogs accidentally hit the ground, much to the delight of a sweet dog who kept us company all day. With full tummies and renewed energy, juniors returned to the dig and found even more crystals!

Later, the property owner set up his uber-cool sophisticated telescope and Tom Faller set up his telescope as well. Though most of us could not stay until dark for some serious star gazing, Tom made us jealous with some incredibly impressive photographs he took through his telescope.

It was a fantastically fun field trip and there are so many people to thank. First and foremost, we cannot thank the property owners enough for their warm welcome and unending generosity. They went above and beyond to make this trip special for everyone. Many thanks to all of the people who brought food, tools, muscles, and expertise to share. Thank you to the parents and juniors who are the reason for these trips. And thank you to Charles for organizing such a perfect outing!

Lori Carter
On behalf of Charles Carter, GMS Field Trip Chair
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