Outdoor Education
Gold Rush History, River Science, Life Skill Development
Imagine your typical classroom. Now imagine that classroom without walls, a ceiling or a floor…welcome to Outdoor Education (OE)!
Mother Lode is excited to offer a wide range of outdoor education programs for students and teachers. Come learn about the California Gold Rush and its impact on indigenous peoples and the ecology of the Coloma/Lotus Valley and the American River. Our programs are designed with age appropriate lesson plans, with a focus on hands on learning, exploration, and HAVING FUN! We can adjust our activities and lesson plans to compliment concepts being discussed in your classrooms.
Our 20-acre facility is located on the banks of the American River and is uniquely structured to support the campus-like feel of our outdoor educational programs.
Students can spend the day learning about a singular theme or rotate through stations covering a variety of different outdoor education topics. This flexibility allows us to pair outdoor education with some of our other programming like the ropes course and rafting. Please contact us to discuss all of the possible program options.
Sample OE Itinerary (Gold Rush/Native American History)
- 9:00AM: Arrive at Mother Lode
- 9:30AM: Introduction and expectations
- 10:00AM Morning Activity Rotations at Camp
- Native Plant Walk, Acorn grinding, cornbread baking, gold panning, journal writing
- 12:00PM Break for lunch
- 1:00 Offsite trip to Marshal Gold Discovery State Historic Park
- Tour of museum
- Hike the trails
- Visit miners homes and businesses
- Learn Nisenan traditional practices
- Explore where gold was first discovered in California
- 4:00 Wrap up activities and debrief day
Outdoor Education Programs
Gold Rush History Field Trips
We use hands on activities to cover a unique blend of topics, from the physical and human geography of California, to Native American cultures and the economic, social and political effects of the California Gold Rush.
The students had a great time in the outdoors while reviewing information they have studied and learning new things. The hands on experience of gold panning was one of the high points for the kids. It was a lot harder than they thought!
River Science Field Trips
Students will learn hands-on problem solving as they encounter our experiential modules. The focus is on observation and appreciation of change, cycles, adaptations, interdependence and eco-responsibility.
River Skills
Students will learn on the water skills including river safety….
Our experience at Mother Lode was exceptional. Your staff was eager to help us make the most of our trip. It brought what we were learning in the classroom to life, allowing my students to make an unforgettable experience and connection. All your activities were well planned and, most importantly, fun!
