Beginner & Youth Information

If you are new to the hobby and/or experiencing your first show, here's a few things you don't want to miss.

Beginner/Chapter/Affiliate Booth

Near the entrance to the show is a specially designated booth to answer any questions. The Registration Area and the American Philatelic Society booth will also endeaver to answer your general questions about getting started in the hobby or tell you what you want to see as a first time show attendee.

Stamp Collecting 101 - Adult Beginner Program

Sat. August 18; 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $15 for APS members or their spouses; $20 for non-members (fee covers supplies and take home items)

Register for the special adult beginner program -- it provides the opportunity for beginning collectors to learn the philatelic essentials. Attendance is limited - so register early!
More information is available about the program.

Dime & Dollar Booths

Several special booths are designed for beginners. No stamp may be sold for more than 10¢ and no cover for more than $1 at these booths. At one booth "Stamps by the Bucket" a bucket of stamps will cost only $5 ($1 for kids age 15 and under).

Exhibit Tours

Need help understanding the competitive display of stamps? Take one of the free tours offered daily. Check the show program when you arrive to see if a tour scheduled while you are there.

Youth Area

Open every day, a special area has been set aside for youth, fully equipped and staffed by knowledgeable collectors who will guide youngsters through the basics of the hobby. Stamps, puzzles, hands-on demonstrations, games, and much more will be available -- and its FREE.

Scout Stamp Collecting Merit Badge Program

August 17 and 18; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Sign up for 1 day ONLY.
Cost: $15

Sign up to start your collection and earn your stamp collecting merit badge. Includes a tour of the show, exciting hands-on activities, and collecting starter kit!
Boy Scout Requirements

For more information contact Janet Houser, Youth Coordinator.

Young Stamp Collectors of America - FUN Meeting

Sun. August 19; 1:00 p.m.
The YSCA meeting is a special time to have fun with philatelic activities, meet other young collectors, receive stamps, a special First Day Cover, and other prizes. YSCA membership is available at the show. Preregristration is not required and there is no charge for this meeting. If you are not a YSCA member, come to the meeting any way and have some fun - maybe you'll decide to join! (Read more about YSCA membership for anyone under age 18.)

Stamps in the Classroom - Teacher Resource

Thurs. August 16; 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 (attendance is limited)
Stamps bring another learning tool into the classroom — providing a unique, hands-on learning experience and offering challenges to students’ creativity. Today’s teachers need standards-based lessons that meet the needs of all their students using hands-on methods. Stamps in the Classroom training will accomplish all of those things.
More information is available about the program.