Gemborees
The question has been asked what is a GEMBOREE?
Well, the word GEMBOREE evolved from the Scout term JAMBOREE (which in broad terms means a “rally of Boy Scouts”). “GEM” (begin part of what our hobby is about), replaced “JAM”.
The Australian rockhounds claim that they “invented” this word and at some stage were not enamoured that other countries and communities took over the word “GEMBOREE”. However, today, it is universally accepted as being in broad terms “a rally of rockhounds”. In Australia their Gemboree is combined with their National Gem and Mineral Show.
In South Africa, the GEMBOREE is normally hosted by a member Club, at a venue that has the necessary amenities to cater for a large gathering, has suitable gem and mineral collecting sites and is reasonably accessible to the host Club (necessary for pre-planning). At the moment there is a roster which is followed in general order amongst four of the larger Clubs, but smaller Clubs can also volunteer to host this event, whether it be on their own or in conjunction with one of the larger Clubs.
Rock, Mineral and Gem collecting
Our main objective on any Gemboree is visiting sites for the collection of rock, mineral and gem material by Club members. The site visits are accompanied by a guide or local expert. Guest speakers are invited to present on the local area or topics of interest. Sites of geological interest are also visited (no collecting of samples) for educational purposes.
Learning
Within the world of Gems and Minerals, there is an abundance of knowledge to be shared. With some of our long term members we have the chance to educate all our member and gemboree goers about the different gem and minerals, where to find them and how to work with them. Our member clubs around South Africa also offer a variety of workshops from gem cutting to jewellery design.
Community
The best part of our gemborees is the sense of community. With our gemborees not only teaching you all about gems but allowing you to create long lasting friendships with people that share an interest in gems and minerals
Our Latest Gemboree!
54th GEMBOREE – 2024: Barberton Area
Dates: 29 March - 1 April 2024
Organisers: FOSAGAMS
The 54th Gemboree was organised by the Pretoria Gem and Mineral Club and was attended by 64 people. The Gemboree was based at the Diggers Retreat which proved an ideal location, offering a mix of hotel rooms, chalets, camping and caravanning facilities, a restaurant and bar as well as rooms for presentations and for mineral dealers to lay out tables.
On the first day, people could choose between a trip to Adams Calendar, a historic gold mine for an underground tour, followed by gold panning in a nearby river, or a visit to the Barberton Museum followed by the Geotrail. Each excursion led by an experienced guide or geologist.
The second day was led by Paul Vermaak, the President of the Nelspruit Club. A number of sites were visited where serpentine and stichtite were collected by all. Lunch was at Kaapsehoop and followed by a visit to the VN Mining yard in Mbombela were mineral specimens and rocks for cutting and polishing were for sale. Back at Diggers Retreat in the evening, Chris Rippon, a local geologist gave a presentation on the geology of Barberton. The evening ended with the Gala dinner.
The third day, Sunday, started with a visit to the Facet Gems and Minerals shop in Mbombela, followed by a viewing of Paul Vermaak's collection. Back at the Diggers Retreat, the Gemboree auction was held and attractive great interest and bids. The Fosagams AGM was held followed by a communal braai.
On Monday some went on for a guided tour of the Sudwala caves and viewing the stromatolites on the Sabie Road while others started heading back home.
Thanks to the PGMC and all who were involved in arranging another very successful Gemboree.
Join The Next One!
Frequently Asked Questions
As the collecting of rocks, gems and minerals constitutes one of the main pillars of this hobby, a considerable amount of time over this weekend is spent in collecting these. In addition we all get involved in a number of other activities:
- Swop and sell amongst members and selling of merchandise by gem and mineral dealers
- Live and silent auctions (in aid of funds for the host Club and the Federation).
- Annual General Meeting of the Federation.
- Fun activities such as: Guessing the number of tumbled stones in a glass jar”, claim-pegging, Guessing the mass of a gemstone, easter egg hunts etc.
- Communal Braais, dinners and poitjies.
- Awards Cerremony
Every Gemboree takes place over the Easter Weekend. We engage in a lot of fun filled easter activities for both the adults and children.
Absolutely! Gemborees are family events and because we hold it over Easter Weekend there are fun easter activities for the children
For More Information please go to our Contact page