May 2013 - Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

Dinosaur Ridge Boy Scout DayBy Gregg GuyerGrowing up here in Colorado Iwas exposed to so many differentexperiences. Many of those experienceswere because of my involvementin Scouting. I remember learningabout Geology, and Paleontology inScouts and taking many day trips toAlameda Ave and the Dakota Hogbackto look at and wonder about the vastamount of track and bones that wereexposed along that section. Thiswas back in the 70s and 80s. Thoseexperiences piqued an interest inme that eventually led to degrees inGeology and a career in Geology.I love to share my experienceswith everyone (as I’m sure you do),but especially those that are in Boyand Girl Scouts. To see the light ontheir faces when talking about thedinosaurs that roamed Colorado andleft their tracks and bones for us tosee along the Dakota Hogback is trulyinspiring.May 11th 2013, from 9am-3pm,is Boy Scout Day at Dinosaur Ridge(Girl Scout Day is October 12th).Scout Day at Dinosaur Ridge is opento scouts of all ages and providesan opportunity for Scouts to satisfytheir geology requirements and earnpins, belt loops and merit badges.These awards are available throughthe Boy Scouts of America, not theFriends of Dinosaur Ridge. Morethan 60 earth scientists and othervolunteers, including certified meritbadge counselors, assist with theevent.Dinosaur Ridge provides manyactivities to help Scouts completeall of the requirements for the variedbadges, pins, and belt loops. At theVisitor Center, hands-on activitiesrange from excavating “bones” ina dig near the museum, Rock andMineral Identification, Geologic MapReading, fossil identification, dinosaurtrack painting, gold panning, plusmany others. The Scouts also walkalong the ridge where each site ismanned by volunteers that assist ininterpreting the fossils and geology inan interactive manner.Everyone takes away somethingnew from the Scout Day experience.If you have a few hours to volunteerat Dinosaur Ridge for Boy Scout Dayon May 11th, please contact AmberCain at amber_cain@dinoridge.orgor give her a call at 303-697-3466x107 (work).»Vol. 62, No. 534May 2013