Last-chance swim lessons start August 8; sessions last one week and are in the afternoon. Water aerobics classes are at 9 a.m. weekday mornings and evening water aerobics take place Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. 

Mini-Hawk Sports Camp—a multi-sport (baseball, basketball and soccer) program developed to give children (ages 4-6) a positive first step into athletics—will be held August 1-5 at Christa McAuliffe Park from 9 a.m. to noon. All participants receive a T-shirt, sports ball and merit award. 

Kidz Camp has one more full-day session this month with a theme of Olympics. Attendees (ages 6-12) will enjoy a field trip to Skatetown and activities like gymnastics, swimming, arts and crafts, time at Cameron Park Lake and more.

Beginning August 8, a half-day camp from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. will also be available.     

Tennis lessons continue at Cameron Park Lake. Grown-ups can join in on the action too with an adult basketball league, drop-in sports at the gym, tai chi, ballroom dance, CPR, hunter safety, hula dance, yoga, knitting and more. 

This month’s Speaker Series—August 10 at 10 a.m.—features Gail Lohman from Visiting Angels discussing living independently and how to find support for you or your loved ones. On August 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, don’t miss Game Day, followed by a short story discussion group at 1 p.m.

The annual Pooch Plunge takes place August 13 at Cameron Park Lake, featuring a walk with your furry friend in the morning (9:30 a.m.), followed by the plunge at 10 a.m.; food, vendors and raffle prizes will also be on hand.

Save the date! On September 10, Cameron Park Country Fest is coming to Christa McAuliffe Park. This free event—sponsored by the Cameron Park CSD and the Cameron Park Community Foundation—celebrates the area’s Gold Country roots with a home-style, family-friendly festival. 

— Tina Helm 

For a complete listing of programs and events, visit cameronpark.org or call 530-677-2231.

Get ready to step back in time! Gold Bug Mine is a real gold mine from the Gold Rush days—a place where visitors will find riches in the gem-panning trough and can visit a historic stamp mill and working blacksmith shop. Those in the market for a special, one-of-a-kind memento from their mining experience can swing by Hattie’s Gift Shop. 

Educational and entertaining guided tours are available for both schools and private groups. Although the mine is the main feature of the tour, it also includes visits to the stamp mill and blacksmith shop.

Those on a group outing can enjoy a picnic or party along the stream at one of several picnic areas. After, take everyone on a self-guided audio tour of Gold Bug Mine and be sure to try your luck at gem panning! Note: Large groups are encouraged to rent the pavilion. 

Gold Bug Park and Mine can be enjoyed seven days a week, April through October, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no charge for entrance into the park or for day use of picnic areas and trails, and parking is free. It promises to be a wonderful experience for all. Eureka!

—Julie Burnsides 

For more information about this program and others, visit cityofplacerville.org or call 530-642-5232.