Photos submitted by Larry Koprivec

 Harold R. Walker Elementary School Gold Panning Demonstration

"Gold, I found gold!," "I'm rich!" echoed through the beautiful hills of Camp Elkhorn in Berholtz, Ohio while eager fifth grade students from Harold R. Walker Elementary School in Canton, Ohio discovered the joy of panning for gold!

The idea of gold panning initiated when fifth grade student, Annie Koprivec, suggested that her hobby of gold panning be a hands on station a camp for all 155 kids to experience. She invited GPAA members Larry Koprive, her father, Steve Satchell, and Tim Hellinger to participate.

Our guests spoke to the students about the history of gold prospecting and shared with the kids the various equipment from the simple pan to a large dredge used in finding gold. Kids stood in awe when they discovered that gold could literally be found in their own backyards.


After students experienced the joy of finding gold for themselves, they drew numbers to acquire one of the many amazing door prizes donated by GPAA members and Keene Engineering.


Photo spread in GPAA Gold Prospecting Magazine
Click on Photo to enlarge

Students took home beautiful polished stones, large gold pieces, pans, and one student even won a small sluice box.

All Walker students send a huge thank you to Larry, Tim, and Steve!

Students were able to leave camp with a new hobby to look forward to. Students are eager to purchase their own pans and can't wait to hit the streams!

Thanks again Larry for all of your work! Also- I love the pictures!!!

Thank you - thank you Debie