Our Chapter believes in educating our youth on minerals, prospecting, and land rights. Without edudcating our youth, all of our rights to prospecting and accessing land will be lost with one generation. We owe it to the next generation to make sure those rights still exist for their kids.
Our Scout Liaison, Tony Ledford, is certified by the Boy Scouts of America to work with Scouts on their Mining in Society Merit Badge. Troops visiting the Swank Lease will learn about the following:
We also welcome Scout troops, both Boy and Girl Scouts to have camp out weekends on the property as part of their education. These could be one or two day camp-outs. We also welcome families to join us at our monthly Chapter meetings, April-November.
For more information on our Scouting programs, please email Tony Ledford at ledfords2004@sbcglobal.net Your email will be responded to as soon as possible.
Tony Ledford
Tony’s passion for gold mining began after watching gold prospecting shows on the Discovery Channel. Inspired to learn more, he joined the Buckeye Chapter of the GPAA, where he became a Claims Director, President, and Lifetime Member. His enthusiasm for prospecting quickly grew into a lifelong dedication to teaching others about gold panning, geology, and mining history.
Over the years, Tony has shared his knowledge with countless Boy Scouts, school groups, and community members at the 7 Ranges Scout Reservation and the Swank claim.
Tony enjoys helping young people discover the excitement of gold panning and takes pride in seeing kids set aside their phones to experience hands-on learning. Tony’s love for teaching has also led him to participate in mining demonstrations, conservation projects, and gold shows throughout Ohio and Indiana.
In 2021, Tony took a leap of faith and traveled to Nome, Alaska, where his hard work earned him a role aboard the Goldship featured on the Discovery Channel’s Bering Sea Gold. During three seasons in Alaska, he worked in multiple roles, including diving for gold in waters as deep as 44 feet.
Through his adventures, Tony has met many well-known figures in the gold mining world, but his greatest joy remains sharing his experiences and teaching others how to pan for gold with the same excitement that first inspired him.
Tutorial Video Coming Soon....
