Fur trade challenge (intermediate students)

Students work in teams to complete hands-on activities such as assembling a bucket, identifying furs, learning a different language, re-enacting the proclamation of BC and more! Along the way, they discover how the Hudson’s Bay Company and local First Nations groups related with each other. We provide a lesson plan and story, “Jimmy Goes Home,” for teachers to use in the classroom.

Learning objectives

• Identify effects of early contact between Aboriginal societies and European explorers and settlers
• Compare bartering and monetary systems of exchange
• Describe the significance of the Fraser River gold rush in the development of BC & Canada 

Teacher information

• Book now!
• Fees: $7.30 per student
• Capacity: Up to 90 students
• Adult chaperones: 1 adult per 10 intermediate students, additional adults $6.55
• Offered: September to June, Morning (10:00 am – 12:00 am) or afternoon (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm)
• Language: Available in English or French (Please note: the days with the highest capacity for French programs are Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
• Please ensure that all schools have a fair chance to participate in our programs: give us at least two weeks' notice of any cancellations, so that we may offer the time slot to another class.

How the program works

• Your group will be divided in teams of 15 students, called “brigades,” led by a parent volunteer or teacher.
• A Parks Canada interpreter will give an introduction to the students, then will send brigades off on missions using “Challenge Cards.” 
• After completing the hands-on challenge, brigades report back to the Parks Canada interpreter to give their answers and receive wooden beaver tokens as incentives. Then they receive their next challenge.

Preparing for your visit

• Divide your student list into brigade groups of approximately 15 students. Assign parent helpers to each group.
• Programs run rain or shine, with both indoor and outdoor activities: dress for the weather. In June, insect repellent may be needed.
• To assist us in delivering the best experience for your students, encourage adult leaders to model active listening, to silence cell phones, and take necessary phone calls or conversations with other parents outside while programs are in progress.

Classroom resources

• Read "Jimmy goes home" and use the lesson plan and colouring sheets (optional) to prepare your class.
• Read the “proclamation skit” together. Prepare your class to act out the skit during your visit. Volunteers will be asked to dress in costume and read a part during one of the challenges.

When you arrive

• Check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled program time.
• While students have a snack outside the Visitor Centre, bring your brigade leaders inside for orientation.
• Pay for your fieldtrip using credit card or school cheque, written out to the Receiver General for Canada.
• Adult chaperones are required at all times while exploring the fort, visitor centre and gift shop.

Washrooms

• Washrooms are located in the Visitor’s Centre and lelƏm’ at the fort Café.

Lunch facilities

• Outdoor picnic areas and shelters are available for lunch. ŠxwimelƏ Boutique and Gifts is open from 10 am to 5 pm and is a great place for adults to purchase coffee or snacks.

After your visit

• How was your visit? Fill in a feedback form (PDF - 74 KB) and return it to us by email.