Todd Volunteers at the Gem & Mineral Show

Karen Repetto, CBRS
Feb 22
2 min read

Updated: Jul 17

Portrait of Karen (CBRS) and Todd (Client) against a gem-filled background.

Idaho's rugged geology comes to life through vibrant minerals and ancient fossils. Families and jewelry makers gather to watch local artisans craft raw earth into polished art. It's a grounded, community-focused event that honors our natural history and the steady hands that shape it.

Gem & Mineral Show

Todd is a member of the Idaho Gem Club and volunteered to run the 'treasure hunt' station with his CBRS, Karen to raise money for club activities. Participants paid a small fee to find gems buried in the sand. Timers installed in the table were used to manage rotations. The fundraiser was a success and Todd improved his ability to interact with the public while performing job duties that included: welcoming new customers, making change, providing instructions, offering assistance, reseting stations, and keeping the area clean. Afterwards, Todd got a chance to hunt for his own treasure and looks forward to his next Idaho Gem & Mineral show experience.

About Todd

Todd struggles with cognitive impairments that make everyday life challenging. He lives in a supervised group home and can't drive. Todd is motivated to live independently but still relies on the kindness of others to help him survive.

Karen Repetto, CBRS Community-Based Rehabilitation Specialist of Visions Counseling & Education in B

Todd (Client) and Karen (CBRS) arrive at Expo Idaho.
Todd (Client) and Karen (CBRS) report for duty and get their station instructions..
Todd (Client) holding gems.
Todd (Client) places gems into the sand.
Timers built into the table.
Timer is set—let the hunt begin.
Todd (Client) offers assistance to a customer.
So many gems, so little time.
Todd (Client) and Karen (CBRS) clean and reset the station for the next customer.
A treasure hunter is born.
Karen (CBRS) helps a participant gather their treasure.
The station was busy and everyone wanted treasure.

Idaho Gem Club

The Idaho Gem Club was organized in 1939 to promote educational and scientific interests in mineralogy, geology, gemology, and the art of lapidary science. Become a member and learn about gathering, cutting, polishing, displaying, and uses of precious and semi-precious stones, fossils, petrified woods, and minerals.

idahogemclub.com