Westerly Creek Families,
This week, our WCE 5th grade students embarked on their annual overnight excursion to Balarat. Balarat is an outdoor educational experience that provides instruction to students in environmental studies, western history, and outdoor leadership skills.
Balarat excursions have been a vital part of Denver Public School’s educational programming since the late 1960s and serves over 10,000 students each year. Since its inception, Balarat has become a vitral part of Denver Public Schools’ programming and curriculum, and operates throughout the school year by facilitating outdoor learning opportunities, providing instructional materials and resources to teachers, as well as providing housing and food service for overnight excursions.
At Westerly Creek, we believe that learning extends far beyond the walls of the classroom. One of the most powerful ways for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally is through outdoor education. Spending time learning in nature helps children connect classroom lessons to the world around them while also supporting their overall well-being.
Outdoor learning experiences—such as nature walks, garden projects, science observations, or physical education activities—help students develop curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. We believe that time spent outdoors can improve focus, reduce stress, and strengthen social relationships, and also inspires a lifelong appreciation for the environment and the importance of caring for our planet.
As we move through the school year, we are excited for the educational experiences being provided for all students around outdoor learning. Whether it’s exploring ecosystems, conducting science experiments outside, or simply enjoying reading time under a tree in the sun, our goal is to make the natural world an extension of the classroom.
We encourage families to support our efforts by spending time outside together in nature, take a walk, visit a park, talk about the plants, animals, and seasons you notice, or even take up conservation efforts in recycling and composting at home. Every outdoor moment offers a chance to learn, connect, grow, take care of our environment and appreciate the beauty of nature all around us.
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our students thrive both inside and outside the classroom, and please be on the lookout for upcoming Green Team efforts or other school related events this spring!
Warmest Regards,
Jill Corcoran, Principal
