The Foundation Trustees approved three major funding requests when the group met in late November:
♦ For the E.F. Reid Scouting Fund, which supports programs that teach geology to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other youth organizations as determined by the Trustees of the Foundation, the Trustees approved $5,600 for the second year of funding for the 2013 Boy Scouts National Jamboree.
The Jamboree is held every four years, showcasing the Boy Scouts’ program to more than 40,000 scouts and adults. Teenage boys are exposed to career opportunities and alternative hobbies through the BSA Merit Badge Program.
The Foundation has been the national sponsor of the geology merit badge since the 1997 Jamboree (AAPG has been a sponsor since the 1950s).
♦ For the Charles H. Taylor Fellowship, designated last February as a special AAPG committee chaired by the Elected Editor, the Foundation approved $5,000 for course development for future student and young professional authors.
The Taylor Fellowship, comprising all former and current members of the Association’s editorial boards, helps ensure the AAPG BULLETIN remains the premier scientific journal of energy geoscience by providing advice on BULLETIN strategy.
The group also will assist with the annual awards review process; develop best practices on editorial review; and to develop a workshop for aspiring student and young professional authors; to eventually create a self-sustaining public forum for education of young authors and recognition of scientific writing at all levels.
♦ Paul Weimer, past AAPG president and current professor at the University of Colorado, received approval for continued funding of an interactive geology project consisting of 12 five-to-eight-minute “vignettes” summarizing the geology of Colorado for various periods/epochs from Precambrian to today.
Each video reviews the paleo-geographic setting; the major life forms (floral and fauna); where the general public can see the rocks; and unique aspects of each period/epoch in Colorado’s geologic history.
These animations will be used to educate the public via various venues, including classrooms.