Mt. Hood Rock Club (501-3C non-profit) was founded in 1952 for the purpose of bringing together those that have an interest in the collection and identification of rocks, gems, minerals, petrified wood and fossils. Many of these rockhounds also have the lapidary skill reuqired to cut, grind and polish these materials into beautiful display pieces or jewelry. The club includes junior members that learn an interesting and educational hobby. More than 160 members make up the club. Mt. Hood is one of six rock clubs involved in the annual Portland Regional Bem and Mineral show held at the EXPO center the first weekend in October. We are a member of the Oregon Council and Northwest Frederation of Mineralogical Societies.

Field Trips

The club produces a schedule of field trips to collect materials. All members and guests may participate in field trips but must provide their own transportation, food, water and tools. Our annual summer trip is one week or longer and requires lodging or camping. We also have many weekend and day trips for those who can not come on the longer trips. Those joining in on field trips usually meet at a designated place and travel in a caravan. Overnight field trips usually have at least one potluck meal. Long trips also provide an opportunity to observe the rugged structure and beauty of the region.

Activities

Club memebers also volunteer to staff the Vista House information booth at Crown Point. The club exhibits displays at public facilities such as the Oregon State Capitol, Rice Museum in Hillsboro and libraries around the area. Members volunteer to give presentations to schools, scout troops or other interested groups. Other activities include demonstration night, rock bingo, the club picnic, potluck dinners and our holiday dinner.

Shows

The club hosts an annual community event in April where members and dealers exhibit numerous illuminated display cases. A display consists of select materials such as rough rock, minerals, crystals, fossils or finished jewelry. The club encourages all members and junior members to join in byreacting a display for the show. Any non-member may also display their cases at our show. Members and other club supporters donate rock for the auctions, prizes for drawings and we offer hands-on demonstrations. The show is open to the public, is family oriented, has educational value and admission is free. The club also hosts an Easter egg hunt for ages 12 and under of Thundereggs and polished rocks. The club is a prime mover in the Portland Regional Gem and Mineral show held at the EXPO Center in October.

Meetings

The club holds regular meetings on the second Tuesday and fourth Monday of each month at 7:00PM. Meeting are held in the basement of the United Methodist Church, NW 8th and Norman Avenue, Gresham, OR. Guests are always welcome and anyone wanting to join the club may do so after attending three meetings or other activity. Meetings usually include the "bragging table" where members may display and speak about their latest find or lapiday piece. Club members and others often demonstrate a skill or equipment at the meeting, or there may be a speakeror program. The club distributes a newsletter called "The Rock It" that provides information and acticles on upcoming events.

Annual Dues

Adult $10.00

Junior $ 1.50