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Gold Rush Days

Relive a day in the 1850's during the California Gold Rush!

Relive a day in the Ol' West. As you step back in time, your students will become prospectors in an 1850's mining camp, and also meet some interesting characters.

Stake a claim, learn how to pan for gold, join a posse to bring criminals to justice, try not to get "gold fever", and have a great time learning California history. Will you strike it rich or loose it all?

  • Stay in a Covered Wagon
  • Sit around the Campfire
  • Join a Posse
  • Pan for Gold
  • Stake a Claim
  • Strike it rich
  • Learn History
  • Watch out for "Gold Fever"

Perfect for 4th grade classes studying California History. Our program can be adapted to meet your needs. Sign up today and "See the Elephant."

To Forty-Niners, no expression characterized the California Gold Rush like "See the Elephant." It symbolized both the high cost of their endeavor as well as an unequaled exotic sight and the adventure of a lifetime.

Both an overnight program and a one day program make Gold Rush Days flexible enough for your needs.

Overnight Program Cost:

One Day Program Cost:

$55 Per Student

$40 Per Student

$35 Per Adult

$30 Per Adult


2009 Dates: March 23-27, March 30-April 3, April 20-24

Arrival Days: Monday-Thursday

Minimum: 20 Students (or combine with another school)

Maximum: 120 Students

Sample Schedule

Overnight Program

One Day Program

Day 1:

3:00: Arrival
4:00: Orientation: "Welcome to the 1850's"
4:45: Game: Major Miner Madness
5:30: Supper
6:15: Staking Claims
6:45: Free-time/Trading Post
8:00: Campfire: Songs and History of the Gold Rush
9:30: Lights Out

Day 2:

7:00: Wash Up/Pack Up
7:45: Farmyard Chores
8:10: Boss' Meeting (assembly)
8:30: Morning Meal
9:15: Gold Mining
10:30: Posse (hike)
11:00: Free-time/Trading Post
12:30: Mid-day Meal
1:00: Debriefing
1:30: Departure

9:00: Arrival
10:00: Orientation
10:30: Game: Major Miner Madness
11:30: Staking Claims
12:30: Mid-day Meal
1:30: Gold Mining
2:45: Posse (hike)
3:30: Free-time/Trading Post
4:45: Chores
5:10: Boss' Meeting (assembly)
5:30: Supper
6:15: Campfire: Songs and History of the Gold Rush
7:00: Debriefing
7:30: Departure

Free-time Activities Include:

Farmyard, Camp Store, Obstacle Course, Giant Playground, Sports Equipment, Sling Shots, Archery.


Call Camp To Register

15763 Lyons Valley Road
Jamul, Ca 91935
619-669-6498