Summary
Organization name
Balarat Council
1970
Tax id (EIN)
23-7098708
Category
Education
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
1300 S Lowell BlvdDenver, CO 80219
Denver County, CO, US
Balarat Council exists to support and advocate for Balarat Outdoor Education, the Denver Public Schools' beloved mountain learning center located in the foothills of Boulder County. Balarat Outdoor Education has ignited curiosity and confidence in students through experiences in the natural world since 1969.
Balarat Council was established in 1970 for the purpose of initiating and developing the Balarat Outdoor Education program in its earliest days. Since then, Balarat Council has advocated for the preservation and expansion of the Balarat program. Balarat Council has supported the program in various ways, including providing financial support for educational materials, science supplies, staff development, and learning module development. Historically, Balarat Council has also advocated for the program's continued district funding, raised funds for dormitory expansion, and organized land preservation through a conservation easement, among other support projects.
Balarat Council is a volunteer group made up of current and former educators, former Balarat students, and community members who value the mission of preserving access to the natural environment for Denver Public Schools' students for generations to come.
Mission
The mission of the Balarat Council is to support the Balarat Outdoor Education Center, a program of the Denver Public Schools.
Background Statement
Balarat Outdoor Education provides instruction to Denver Public Schools students in environmental science, western history, and outdoor leadership skills, and has been doing so since 1969. After more than 55 years of connecting more than 500,000 kids to the Colorado Mountains through outdoor/science based programs, Balarat has been a memorable legacy for students and teachers due to its remarkable experiential focus.
Balarat operates throughout the school year, facilitating outdoor learning by providing instructional materials, resource teachers, special outdoor learning sites, management of transportation, and housing and food service for overnight/residential excursions.
Balarat excursions have become an integral part of the Denver Public Schools' curriculum. Balarat serves over 430 class, or approximately 10,000 students each year.
Fifth-grade classes attend overnight residential educational excursions to a district-owned outdoor learning center in the foothills of Boulder County. Third-grade classes participate in day excursions to Genesee Mountain Park, including a unique partnership with the Denver Museum and Nature and Science. Program activities are designed for each grade level and for the special interests and needs of each class.
Balarat Council was established as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization to ensure the preservation and continuation of the Balarat program. Our purpose is to support, enhance and advocate for the DPS Balarat program.
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Organization Data
Denver, CO 80219