Field Trips

Fill out the form on this page to reserve your space now for "Weekend with the Stars"!

Weekend with the Stars! Join the AstroWizard for a Weekend Get-Away in California's Gold Country
September 26, 27, 28

Fees: $100 per adult, $175 per couple, $75 per child ($65 each if more than one), children under 5 years free, dogs $10 each (well mannered only!) These rates are for the whole weekend (2 nights, three days) and include the Astronomy show!

Join us in the Sierra Nevada Foothills - the Heart of the Mother Lode - for an amazing weekend of fun and stargazing in the historic area of El Dorado County near old Hangtown (aka Placerville). The spectacular scenery features oak studded rolling hills, forests and vistas of distant mountains. Tucked away, down a few dirt roads, the retreat sits on 160 acres of pristine country property in Shenandoah Valley. Away from the city lights, we'll have a great view of the heavens. The rustic digs include a bunk area which sleeps 35 campers (bring your own bedding), RV parking, areas to pitch tents, a fully outfitted commercial grade kitchen and large common room with a fireplace. (Real bathrooms and showers are there too!)

Arrive Friday afternoon or Saturday and get ready for some great learning adventures. This is a rare and exclusive opportunity to enjoy a combination of educational excursions in the pursuit of higher learning in Astronomy, California History and Natural Sciences - all in one fun-packed weekend!

Bring your own food for your family's meals; we'll have a potluck BBQ on Friday and Saturday evening, so bring a dish to share for each evening. Saturday Continental Breakfast compliments of Baywood Learning Center.

Friday, September 26th (afternoon)
1 - 4 pm    Arrive, set up sleeping arrangements
2 - 5 pm    Hike the trail, or go on a wine tour, sightsee
5 - 7 pm    BBQ Potluck Social
7 - till      Games, Fireside story telling, Stargazing, evening stroll

Saturday, September 27th
8 - 10 am      Continental Breakfast, compliments of Baywood Learning Center

10 - 3 pm      Local activities include nature walks, visits to the old gold mining towns, historical walking tours, cave exploration, museums, wine tours and antique shopping or casino fun.
3 - 5 pm        Star Talk with the AstroWizard
5 - 7 pm        BBQ Potluck Social
7 - till            AstroWizard leads the Star Show outside with telescopes, one of his is as large as "Rachel" at the Chabot Observatory, other scopes available, bring yours too if you have one! This show could potentially run past midnight, however you can turn

Sunday, September 28th
6 - 7 am         Early Bird Breakfast, Sunrise is 6:20 am
7 - 9 am         Nature walk for early birds
12 noon         Break camp by or before this time
Anytime         Do any of the local activities you didn't get to do on Saturday - or want to do again!

You can start your adventure exploring California's Gold Country by clicking on these links to learn more about walking tours, wineries, antique shops and historical sites.

http://www.touramador.com/act/

http://ci.jackson.ca.us/
http://www.foothillwine.com/amador/sobon.html
http://ci.jackson.ca.us/Information/mining_history.htm

This is the pond, but it will likely be dry in August due to drought conditions. :(

Note: Due to high fire danger, there is no smoking allowed anywhere on the property. No exceptions!

For a complete list of our other great classes, Click Here.

How to Register

Space is limited and will only be available on a "first come, first served" basis. To reserve your space in this great event, please:

Fill out the on-line form on this page.
Download registration forms and driving directions by clicking link below.
Sign and fax in the registration and waiver forms to 510 533-1550. Signed waiver forms are needed for each person attending.
Pay for the appropriate number in your party, your spot will not be secured until payment is received. This will be a popular event so you should secure your spot as soon as possible!

click HERE to download registration forms and additional information.

Weekend with the Stars

Field Trip Reservation

Parent/Guardian's First and Last Name

* required

Enter your mailing address here.

How many adults in your party?

* required

How many children in your party?

* required

Age/s of Children attending:

* required

Are you bringing a dog? How many, please no more than 2!

Email (registration can only be completed with a valid email address)

* required

Daytime Phone

* required

Please indicate sleeping arrangements you want for your family, you may select more than one option:

Bunk beds -twin size (Please bring your own bedding or sleeping bag.) How many bunks do you need?

We are bringing a tent.

We are bringing an RV

Please indicate method of payment.

Comments or questions:

One Adult, $100

Two Adults, $175

One child, $75

Two children, $130

Three children, $195

Four children, $260

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Baywood Learning Center; Serving the Educational and Emotional Needs of Gifted Children