By BRENNA KNOWLES

Of the Baker City Herald

Camping trips are good for the soul, but the 2002 Miners Rendezvous is a camping trip that might also be good for the bank account.

Sharon Belleisle and members of Eastern Oregon Miners and Prospectors will bring in andquot;big equipmentandquot; and start a community dig on their club’s claim at Camp Creek near Whitney this weekend.

Belleisle said camp participants will work together over the weekend and share the gold that they find.

Belleisle, president of EOMP, said everyone is welcome to attend the three-day mining and camping event, or to stop by for the day to see mining operations.

A series of lectures about current mining issues will take place between the community dig. Topics include mining techniques and regulations, filing claims, mining equipment and wild mushrooms. A seminar on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. will focus on how to pan for gold and look for gold-bearing terrain. At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday EOMP will serve hot dogs and s’mores.

Belleisle said the camp is a great way to learn about mining in Baker County and to mingle with mining community members from the Pacific Northwest. She said she hopes the camp will andquot;get people interested in mining and make sure they’re doing the right things in the forest.andquot;

Registration starts today at 5 p.m. at Camp Creek and activities will last until noon on June 16. Non-members pay $45 and members pay $20 for camp activities and one share of the gold. Additional shares of the weekend’s gold are available for $20 per non -and $10 per member.

From Whitney on Ore. Highway 7, take a right on Gene Hill Road and follow the yellow and black EOMP signs to Camp Creek.