Generations of Outdoor Learning: Balarat History
Since the 1970s, Balarat has grown from a single lodge into a nationally recognized outdoor education center, shaped by community advocacy, protected land stewardship, and generations of engaged educators and students. Through floods, fires, and funding threats, Balarat has endured because people believe it matters.
Balarat Beginnings: 1960s
In the early 1960s, Roger and Orel Calvert purchased 1,000 acres above Jamestown, Colorado, with a vision to preserve the land and create an outdoor education program.
Roger Calvert worked with conservation and wildlife experts to develop a proposal for an outdoor education center. After approaching several school districts, Denver Public Schools embraced the idea and committed to investing $500,000 to develop what would become Balarat Outdoor Education.
In 1969, community members and educators formally proposed that DPS accept the Calvert Pilot Trust land for an outdoor education center. The DPS Board of Education approved the gift in January 1969.
Laying the Foundation: 1970s
Alice Ogura is hired as first Balarat Outdoor Education Teacher.
Early programs engage students, including Students for Balarat (led by Royce Forsyth) and Operation Challenge (led by Ken Mills).
Balarat Council has its initial organizational meeting in March 1970. The Council will go on to play a central role in fundraising, advocacy, and program expansion.
In 1971–72, Balarat launched its Eco-Seminar program with an inaugural class of 12 students. The program flourished for more than four decades, continuing through 2017.
In 1975, Elk Lodge is completed, launching residential programming at Balarat.
Balarat Outdoor Education Center was recognized as a National Environmental Education Landmark by the National Park Service.
Growth & Program Expansion: 1980s
The cabin on the property (acquired from the Hollingsworth family) was renovated for student use for the Western History Pioneer activity, and named the “Ranch House”
A new dormitory at Balarat was planned, developed, built (with help from high school students) and dedicated. Spruce Lodge doubled the capacity of students who could be hosted at Balarat.
Balarat Council was involved in the design of Spruce Lodge and raised $60,000 to support the project.
In 1989 with support from Balarat Council, the Duval Mine was rehabilitated to safe standards for mine tours and mining history lessons.
Impact & Advocacy: 1990s
Through a DPS Bond issue, the district planned one new dormitory. Balarat Council pressed for a second dormitory to be built at the same time and was instrumental in developing architectural and construction plans for the new dorms. Balarat Council also initiated a fundraising effort, “Bunks for Balarat” to furnish the new buildings.
The new twin dormitories, Aspen and Ponderosa Lodges, were built, significantly increasing residential capacity. They were dedicated in March 1995.
In 1995, DPS was facing a severe budget shortfall. The Denver Post published a front page article in May 1995 suggesting that Balarat and other programs were on the chopping block.
Balarat Council members mobilized and initiated a community-wide campaign to save Balarat, lobbying DPS School Board members, publishing guest editorials, and organizing a letter-writing campaign. The proposed funding cuts were tabled.
Conservation & Construction: 2000s
In 2000, Balarat built a new Ranch House, replacing the older building. The Ranch House continues to be the center of Western History learning activities. Balarat Council raised $5,000 for the project.
In 2002, Balarat hosted an all-class reunion celebrating 30 years of the Eco-Seminar internship program, which honored the founder of the Eco-Seminar program, Royce Forsyth.
A major renovation of Elk Lodge was completed, expanding the common room and kitchen. Balarat completed construction of a high ropes challenge course.
Balarat Council supported the creation of a conservation easement at Balarat. In exchange for about $1M, the Denver Public Schools sold the development rights to the land to Boulder County officials, who then extinguished those rights for perpetuity, thus permanently preserving the site as an outdoor education conservation area.
In October 2003, the Overland Fire burned land on and around the Balarat Outdoor Education property, students were evacuated by bus. The fire destroyed the old Duval Mine shelter. In 2005, a group of staff and volunteers built a new shelter at Duval Mine using ancient timber frame techniques. The new building continues to house the core mine history activities today.
Natural Disasters & Resilience: 2010s
In September 2013, huge rainfalls caused flooding and devastating landslides above Jamestown.
Classes from University Park Elementary School were stranded at Balarat during the flooding and had to be evacuated by National Guard in black hawk helicopters.
In 2019, Balarat celebrated 50 years of outdoor education for Denver students!
Enhancing Program Support & Curriculum: 2020s
In October 2020, the Calwood Fire scorched areas in and around Balarat, giving students the opportunity to learn about fire science in a natural laboratory.
Balarat Council funded over $5000 for post-fire clean-up efforts.
The Balarat Council funded a new planetarium, weather station, and student journals.
A new permanent endowment fund for Balarat was created in 2023, through The Denver Foundation.
In 2021, after Balarat returned to hosting two-day residential programs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many new research-backed activities and programs were developed.
