Journey through California history! Standards-based learning about native peoples, the Gold Rush and natural resources through the eyes of Native Americans, pioneers and prospectors. Participate in field studies, Native American games, pioneer crafts, historic/natural history activities, campfire and living together in a community.

Attendance: Offered to 3-6th grade students and their teachers for 2-5 day programs.

Location: Choose a WOLF School campus based on your travel budget, educational goals and desire to be near/far from your school. Accommodations and trails vary between sites due to location, elevation, etc. Santa Cruz and Sierra Foothill areas.

• Gold Rush History is available in the spring at WOLF School at Camp Ross Relles (please scroll down on the Facilities page to the Sierra Foothill Campuses).
• Santa Cruz Resource History is offered at Santa Cruz campuses (please scroll down on the Facilities page to the Santa Cruz Campuses) all year.

Availability: Programs are offered throughout the year. Plan your program up to a year in advance! Reserve early for best date and site options. Contact us.

Curriculum: Our curriculum is closely matched to the CDE State Science and History-Social Science Content Standards.

Living History Program Goals and Objectives:

• Understand social and economic forces that caused the CA Gold Rush
• Understand social differences and similarities between past and today
• Understand relationships between people and their natural environment
• Learn contributions and influence of cultural diversity in CA history to present
• Understand the environmental effects of human activities, esp. hydraulic mining
• Learn about California Native Americans, their culture and uses of plants and animals
• Learn adaptations and activities of Sierra plants and animals
• Learn the geologic background of gold fields
• Understand the importance of group cooperation in achieving common goals

Students will participate in:

• Panning for gold
• Identifying several tools used in gold mining
• Explaining how hydraulic mining works and its effects on the environment
• Recalling important facts concerning the economic and social history of North Bloomfield
• Learning settler crafts and ways of living
• Discussing effects the Gold Rush has had on CA’s land and peoples
• Recognizing/understanding policies of discrimination practiced during the Gold Rush
• Comparing/contrasting value of gold to other natural resources, i.e. food, water, etc. Reflecting on how learning history changes the future

Santa Cruz Resource History: Students will follow goals and objectives listed above with the exception of gold rush facts, tools, locations. Students will instead focus their study on California’s natural resources as a whole, especially redwoods, land, water and Santa Cruz area history of development. Students will learn about local Native Americans, local historical developments, history of Santa Cruz area natural resources. Students will visit Wilder Ranch State Park for insight into early Santa Cruz history and will participate in the life and times of settlers, dairy farmers, Native Americans and loggers. Students will learn historical knowledge that will help them make informed decisions about the future.

Special Focus: Programs can emphasize certain concepts or include special field trips based on your requests or requirements. We work with your school in advance of your program to assure your students’ curricular and social needs are met.

Cost: Student, teacher and chaperone rates vary depending on the length of stay, location and the choice of program. Contact us for more information.

Transportation: Your school provides transportation for your students. For local field trips, your school provides transportation. We can assist you in scheduling a field trip bus for an additional fee. Contact us for more information.

Chaperones: Your school provides chaperones for your students. Many successful high school and parent chaperones attend our programs each week. Chaperones live and sleep in the cabins with groups of students. We require 1 teacher/chaperone for each 7-10 students. Chaperone training is provided to each chaperone/teacher attending outdoor science school.

Teachers: Our staff works with attending classroom teachers to provide leadership throughout the week. For more in depth information, see Teachers.

Safety: Students at the WOLF School are supervised at all times by chaperones, teachers or WOLF staff. Our campuses are closed to the public. All WOLF and site staff have been background checked before they can work. All WOLF staff have been trained in the principles of First Aid and CPR and carry first aid kits and radios in case of need. Contact the WOLF School Office if you have any further questions.

Menu: Tasty meals are provided as part of the cost of the program starting with dinner the first night and ending with lunch on the last day. We provide healthy, kid-friendly food in either a buffet or family-style setting. An example of a typical day consists of pancakes, cereal and fruit for breakfast, build your own sandwich (turkey, ham, peanut butter and jelly, cheese, vegetables, tofu), carrots, trail mix and cookies for lunch, pasta with choice of vegetarian or meat sauce, salad and bread for dinner. We accommodate special diets/food allergies. Contact us in advance of the program.

Lodging: Students and teachers stay in comfortable cabins or dormitories which vary depending on the campus. Student rooms usually hold 4-14 students per room and have bunk beds. Some sites have bathrooms inside the rooms, while other campuses have a central bath house.

Schedule: At WOLF’s Living History program, students can expect to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Living and learning in a community with their teacher and friends, they have the opportunity to grow academically and socially. Food and safety is taken care of, so real learning can take place! Click here to see what a student might experience during a typical day.