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Northwest Youth Financial Education

Twin Falls Research and Extension Center

Mailing Address:
315 Falls Avenue East
Twin Falls, ID 83301

Phone: 208-736-3616

Email: lhansen@uidaho.edu

University of Idaho Extension, Madison County

Mailing Address:
134 E Main St., Ste. 202 
Rexburg, ID 83440

Phone: 208-356-3191

Fax: 208-359-3286

Email: erickson@uidaho.edu

Web: Personal and Family Finance

University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development

Physical Address:
Mary E. Forney Hall
1210 Blake Avenue, Room 206

Mailing Address:
UI Extension 4-H Youth Development
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive, MS 3015
Moscow, ID 83844-3015

Phone: 208-885-6321

Fax: 208-885-4637

Email: fourh@uidaho.edu

Web: 4-H Youth Development

4-H on Google Maps

Levy Gulch

In this educational game students learn about taxes through the experiences of a small group of citizens living in an old western mining town.

To help the town survive they will have to work together, build public goods like schools, wells and railroads, and find a way to pay for them. But beware, local bandits are always on the prowl and may undermine the efforts of the town’s honest citizens!

This game is a terrific experience and a teen-friendly way to learn about taxes.

A man holds up two smoking guns while thinking about a man and woman with guns and a moneybag.
Learners take different citizen roles, such as miner or bandit.

What to Expect

  • Classroom game (requires digital file and accompanying worksheets)
  • For small group or full classroom
  • For ages 12-18
"It's summer out here in the West--and it's the driest it has been in years in Levy Gulch! If there is a well in Levy Gulch, +2 to this roll." A speaker icon and a die showing one on its face are followed by two buttons labeled "Rolled a 3 or less" and "Rolled a 4 or more."
Seasonal events demonstrate the need to plan for risks.

Features

  • Engaging and fun
  • Vibrant visuals
  • Use online or offline on most platforms
  • Free to download and use
  • Individual student worksheets for easy grading
  • Supplemental materials including instructor’s guide

Learning Concepts

After playing Levy Gulch, students will:

  1. Understand the responsibilities and benefits for paying taxes.
  2. Understand the main types of taxes that exist.
  3. Understand what kinds of taxes affect youth.
  4. Be better prepared to fill out tax forms like a W4.
  5. Be more prepared to ask parents for help with taxes. 

Try the game online

Download

Levy Gulch

Download the archive of this game. Uncompress (extract) the files. Follow the instructions in the Start Here document.

Levy-Gulch.zip (170 MB)

For more information contact

Luke Erickson

Associate Professor & Extension Specialist — Personal Finance

Caldwell Complex

208-538-9936

erickson@uidaho.edu

Northwest Youth Financial Education

Twin Falls Research and Extension Center

Mailing Address:
315 Falls Avenue East
Twin Falls, ID 83301

Phone: 208-736-3616

Email: lhansen@uidaho.edu

University of Idaho Extension, Madison County

Mailing Address:
134 E Main St., Ste. 202 
Rexburg, ID 83440

Phone: 208-356-3191

Fax: 208-359-3286

Email: erickson@uidaho.edu

Web: Personal and Family Finance

University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development

Physical Address:
Mary E. Forney Hall
1210 Blake Avenue, Room 206

Mailing Address:
UI Extension 4-H Youth Development
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive, MS 3015
Moscow, ID 83844-3015

Phone: 208-885-6321

Fax: 208-885-4637

Email: fourh@uidaho.edu

Web: 4-H Youth Development

4-H on Google Maps