I remember my childhood when we camped out in a simple tent. My brother and I would gather wood for a campfire and then grab our fishing poles and head for the lake.  We cleaned the fish we caught and mom cooked them over the campfire.  We didn't have cell phones or video games then.  We read books and listened to stories around the campfire.  We played in the creeks, dug for worms and would catch fireflies in the evening.  We jumped in the lake and washed the days fun away and looked up at the stars.  Life was very different in the 70's compared to TODAY!

I found myself reflecting on how things have changed over time as we prepare the camp for the 2025 gold mining season.  Is it changing times or Times Changing?  Oconee tries to honor the days of "The Buzzard" when members would gather for dirt parties and everyone would be wet, dirty.  Gold was only $300 an oz back then and people were having the time of their life!  When the pumps shut down and the mats were washed, everyone would head to their tent or camper for a quick bucket shower or quick bath in the creek, change clothes, then head over to the mess hall for the evening blessing and some homemade camp chow and talk about their day of mining.  I remember when we all helped in cleaning up the concentrates and showing off the gold in the pan.  I remember when someone would play the guitar around the campfire and we would have a sing along.  I remember the evening games and the laughter.  I remember how happy I was to see new friendships and memories being made.

Oconee will always honor the family traditions and values from the early days of the Lost Dutchman's Assoc.  We will continue to host old fashioned dirt parties and metal detection events while providing fun family games, activities, great food and a fun camping experience.  

Our campfire will always have a place for a guitar and we will always try to make memorable moments for all who visit the Oconee Gold Mine, even in these Changing Times.