Gold Panning for the Kiddos... gold bearing sand...

[chukers]

in about a month are having an end of the summer VBS event for our youngsters at our church. It has had an old west theme... I am in charge of doing the gold panning event, I was wanting to make it as authentic as possible. I am in Texas and we don't have gold bearing sand in this area... Does anyone have any suggestions where I could get a one or two buckets full of sand to accomplish this task?


Chuck

 

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[davidb]

Check on ebay they have a lot of people selling it and it is authentic you put in gold pay dirt in search

 

[davidb]

I've also heard that bull head creek has seen some gold don't know where you are located but you might check that out

 

[Jessicamae3]

Elkie was selling some that was very reasonably priced. I ordered three pounds and my children enjoyed panning some of it. They lost a bit of interest and the rest is going with me to my classroom where my students will have a chance to try it out. It takes patience! I ordered mine on eBay. Searched Elkie and Alaskan pay dirt I believe! Super fast shipping and very nicely packaged. I know she's run into issues with government there and do not know if she is still digging anywhere and selling. But I highly recommend!

 

[bikermike]

Check with the GPAA. Good luck, Mike

 

[KevinInColorado]

Most cost effective is to make your own. Buy gold dust at your local prospecting store or online. Put a few pieces in each pan with some playground sand. It'll cost you about 1/3-1/2 less than buying pay dirt online...and lots of times all you really get is playground sand with flakes added anyway ;-)

 

[DizzyDigger]

If there is a sister church (or theologically close relative) up in the Mother Lode area,
I might try getting ahold of the Pastor and ask him to ask his members if any
of them are prospectors, and if so do they have a gram or two of fines/flakes
they might donate to help out a like-minded church in Texas.

Ya never know, but one of them might just cough it up for you..

Seems Kevin has the best idea, otherwise. $60 should get you plenty of
gold to spread out in a large tub, or that you can use to salt individual
pans for them.

 

[midnightmoon]

Most cost effective is to make your own. Buy gold dust at your local prospecting store or online. Put a few pieces in each pan with some playground sand. It'll cost you about 1/3-1/2 less than buying pay dirt online...and lots of times all you really get is playground sand with flakes added anyway ;-)

Kevin nailed it!

With just dust you won't have to pay shipping on a bunch of dirt. You won't have to mess with black sand; and you can be sure no one goes away disappointed. Also, you may want to order some small plastic vials.

The kids are going to love it!

 

[chukers]

thanks for all the great ideas... I knew I could count on TNET's users for some answers!


Chuck