Camp Paradise

The California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS) Camp Paradise

CFMS Camp Paradise is a week-long lapidary and jewelry arts retreat organized by the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS). It is held at a rustic retreat center in the Plumas National Forest near Clipper Mills, California, typically in the late summer or early fall. Participants stay in dorm-style accommodations, with meals provided, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere focused on learning and community among rockhounds and lapidary enthusiasts.

The camp typically offers a variety of hands-on classes, including lapidary (cutting and polishing stones), silver fabrication, lost wax casting, wire wrapping, soft stone carving, glass fusing, enameling, and faceting. *Please note that classes are subject to change.*

CFMS Camp Paradise

Dates To Be Announced, 2026

Registration opens soon

Contact Registrar:
registerforcampparadise@gmail.com

Camp Directors, Jill & Gary Atkins

LEARN MORE

Camp Paradise Raffle

Starting in January, the Society conducts a raffle to support member participation in CFMS’s annual Earth Science Studies at Camp Paradise. Proceeds from the raffle help offset the cost of attending this renowned educational retreat, providing members with an opportunity to take part in a one-week session experience focused on lapidary, geology, and related disciplines.

  • Raffle Prize

    $600 prize value for one person to attend a one-week session of their choice at the CFMS Camp Paradise. Winner is responsible for any additional fees for materials and supplies required per class. The prize is transferable, allowing the winner to select a friend or family member to attend instead.

  • Tickets & Eligibity

    $20 per ticket

    (only 30 tickets available)

    Available for purchase at our Educational Meetings in January through May.


    Open to individuals 18 years or older. Both members and non-members are eligible.

  • Winner Announcement

    Our CFMS Director will hold a drawing for one raffle winner during the Educational Meeting on the second Tuesday of May.


    The winner does not need to be present to claim their prize.

Camp Paradise Scholarship

Each year, the Society offers full and partial scholarships to promote education and participation in lapidary, geology, and related disciplines through CFMS's annual Earth Science Studies at Camp Paradise. These scholarships help offset the cost of attending this renowned educational retreat, providing members with an opportunity to participate in a one-week session to expand their skills and knowledge through hands-on workshops.

  • Scholarships

    $600 full scholarship for one member or $300 partial scholarship for two members to attend a one-week session of their choice at the CFMS Camp Paradise. Recipients are responsible for any additional fees for materials and supplies required per class. Scholarships are not transferable.

  • Entry & Eligibility

    Open to Society members 18 years or older. Past full and partial scholarship recipients are ineligible to apply again for two years.


    Eligible members may enter by completing an entry form during our Educational Meetings in March through May.

  • Recipient Announcement

    Our CFMS Director will hold a drawing for the full scholarship recipient and the two partial scholarship recipients during the Educational Meeting on the second Tuesday of May. The recipients do not need to be present to claim their scholarship. In the event a recipient is unable to attend, additional recipients will be drawn.