Rock Club
Did you know that Kelowna has their very own rock club? First started in 1957, the 1120 Rock Club has been around for a long time. Today, we have members from all types of backgrounds ranging from novice rockhounds to retired geologists. The rock club is for anyone who is interested in rocks, so if you like the idea of joining in on the fun, become a member! You can also join our Facebook page to see what people are finding, ask for advice, and more.
There are many benefits to joining including monthly meetings with presentations, field trips, workshops, and more!
Membership
It is very easy to become a member of the 1120 Rock Club! There are several ways you can join, click on the tabs for instructions for each method. You can join right now using the Registration Form.
We have two different types of memberships.
- Single Person ($25 annually)
- Family – 1 or 2 adults and kids/grandkids ($40 annually)
Simply fill out the form below and send an e-transfer to the 1120 Rock Club for required dues. E-transfers can be sent here: treasurer@kelowna.rocks. We will confirm once your information and membership dues have been received.
Kelowna Rocks & Gems has membership forms at our store, located at 1111 Gordon Drive. We can take cash for your membership fees, or you can send an e-transfer to treasurer@kelowna.rocks.
If you’re on the fence about joining the club, attend a monthly meeting (your first one is free), and you can decide if you’d like to register. We have registration forms at the meetings, and you can bring cash.
Required Information for Membership
- Full Name (For family memberships, include all names)
- Full Address + Postal Code
- Email Address + Phone Number
Benefits - Field Trips
Are you the type of person who is constantly searching for rocks at every beach, park, and playground? If so, then the rock hunting field trips are definitely for you. Throughout the year, the 1120 club hosts multiple field trips all over the Okanagan Valley and beyond. Our goal is to find cool rocks while respecting the environment and people’s property. Many of the places we go are privately claimed, which means we are only allowed access through the rock club. That is a HUGE perk of being a member!
Field trips are usually on weekends. Members will receive an email before the trip with details on where the outing is, what tools are required, and so on.
To view the calendar, head over to the 1120 Club Website and click on “workshop calendar”. You should see a window pop up like the image above. Click on the name of the supervisor to bring up their phone number, and call the supervisor to reserve your spot on the day you would like to attend.
To use the workshop, you must be a member of the rock club. On your first visit, you will need to sign a waiver form and go through a safety orientation regarding the equipment. You can view the workshop guidelines and usage policy by clicking on the arrows below.
All participants shall:
- Sign the lapidary workshop waiver form and sign the attendance book prior to using the equipment.
- Receive an orientation from a supervisor on the proper and safe use of the lapidary equipment prior to its use.
- Pay the workshop fee prior to using the equipment.
- Wear eye and ear protection at all times when using the lapidary equipment. Safety glasses and ear protection will be made available for use.
- Tie long hair back and not wear loose clothing. Long sleeves should be pulled back and hoodie ties tucked in.
- Remove any large rings and long necklaces before using the lapidary equipment.
- Not wear open toed shoes or sandals. Full covered shoes or runners only.
- Assist in cleaning the lapidary equipment after each session.
You can view the Workshop Usage Policy here.
Benefits - Workshop
You might be asking, “what do I do with the rocks I found?” Some people put them in their garden, some will throw them in the rock tumbler, and others may want to bring them to the club workshop so they can cut and polish them (also known as lapidary)!
Lapidary classes are 3 hours long and are $10 (cash or e-transfer) for club members. Punch passes are also available, you can buy sessions in bulk and save:
- 5 punch pass – $40
- 10 punch pass – $75
In each class, the supervisor will teach you whatever you’d like to learn, whether you want to cut rocks, polish them, or make cabochons for jewelry. The choice is yours! All levels are welcome, whether you are experienced or have never used lapidary equipment before.
Benefits - Events
Monthly Meetings
The club meets once a month on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Senior Centre at 1353 Richter Street (in Kelowna). Doors open at 6:45pm and the meeting starts at 7:20pm. You can expect door prizes, silent auctions, presentations, and more. If you want to show off your cool rocks or have them identified, this is the best place to do it!
Annual Shows
Every summer, the 1120 club and the Vernon Lapidary club host a 3 day rock and gem show at Rutland Centennial Hall. There will be lots of vendors selling rocks, gems and fossils. We also have demonstrations, activities for kids, and more. Admission is by donation. We are always looking for volunteers to make these events run smoothly. If you’re interested in helping, reach out to us. We also have tailgate shows and other fun events throughout the year, so make sure you’re a member to receive emails about them!
Disclaimer
Please note Kelowna Rocks & Gems does not profit off of memberships, workshop fees, or anything else affiliated with the rock club. Our only role is to support and promote the rock club. The 1120 Rock Club, like all other rock clubs in B.C, is a not-for-profit organization. Any money raised covers member’s insurance, workshop maintenance, and annual events. If you have any questions or concerns about our role with the rock club, please contact us.