Be Bold...
Be Different...
GO WILD for a Living History Experience with Nature’s-Classroom, where teachers always attend for free!
CA Standards/Living History Program
Location: Our private campground sits on the bank of the American River: safety for you and your class.
6260 Hwy 49, Lotus, CA 95651
Locational Significance: This is the very place the Gold Rush began.
Presentation Style: A Living History Program with costumed presenters in hands on, experiential education format. You and your class will participate in discussions and activities focused on bringing the pages of history to a relevant, relatable and tangible experience.
H
I
S
T
O
R
Y
Your Day-At-A-Glance
Arrival:
When your bus arrives at our private campground you’re greeted by our lead staffer and costumed educators.
The class is given a brief introduction to where we are and what our facilities offer and after a quick bathroom break; you head directly to your first presentation/ experiential station. *Station experiences last 45-minutes to an hour.*
The Wagons West!:
Here a huge map hangs showing the major routes of migration from East to West. A costumed Pioneer-educator speaks with the class describing life on the trail. An actual wagon and artifacts used during the long trip West, are on-hand for the young-Pioneers to see, ponder and experience.
Young-Pioneers help decide what to pack and then HELP pack the wagon for their planned Journey Westward!
Trailblazin’ Mountain Man!:
Here he is, a fully costumed and historically rich character spinning tales for the rapt young-Pioneer audience. Our MM brings traps, furs and tools/devices used to survive and blaze trails as a representative of the first Westward explorers.
What’s the point of the Gold Rush if not to find gold?
Your young-Pioneers will learn about panning from our Miner and then take their shot at striking it rich as they pick up pan and mine in our “spiked” troughs!
As in the day, all “Eureka!” moments are yours to keep: the young-Pioneers love finding and keeping their bounty!
Leather Craft:
Any young-Pioneer worth their salt has to have a “poke-pouch”, the period version of a wallet.
Here, at our crafting station, they’ll create their own “poke-pouch” of leather and decorative beading and subsequently be outfitted to store whatever “poke” they may find in their mining efforts.
Native American:
We’re fortunate and grateful to have a friend and actual descendant of the Native American’s who occupied this valley present for you and your class.
An incredible storyteller and folklorist our educator comes in full dress, with ceremonial blankets and instruments to wow and teach.
The John Sutter Story:
Completing the journey, the story of John Sutter. Whenever possible, this story is presented by head State Park Ranger E. Carter. This story focuses on the odd and general happenstance that lead to the great Gold Rush and Westward Migration.
Fee
$75 per student (Fees are based on a 20-student minimum, 160-maximum)
2- Chaperons per classroom attend FREE! (not to exceed 40 students per class) Yes, you’re our guest! Consider this as our way of thanking you for your time and effort with today’s youth.
Our program is all inclusive, you get:
Lunch ~ You’ll be treated to an awesome lunch spread aimed to please adults as well as kids, vegetarians and meat lovers alike! We’ll feature an authentic Dutch Oven prepared course in your meal at no extra charge.
A minimum of 4- up to a maximum of 6-presentation/education stations (to be solidified upon booking and availability of educators)