TJ students get ready to work with enthusiastic 5th graders in an outdoor setting.
Photo by Kiera Classen
On Friday September 9, a group of 10 Thomas Jefferson high school students packed up for a two-day, one-night trip to Balarat, an outdoor education center that is offered to every 5th grader in Denver public schools.
Balarat serves over 10,000 students each year, providing them with a once in a lifetime experience. Most of the TJ students took a trip down memory lane having had the same experience when they were 5th graders themselves. High School students go to Balarat to counsel 5th graders on their trips. Counseling is just like teaching; the counselors help 5th graders understand nature on the next level. “I’m excited to teach the 5th graders about the outdoors,” said TJ Senior Dominic Murray.
The 5th graders have many memorable experiences, such as the night walk, learning about nature, and independence from their parents. The night walk is a 10 minute hike down a hill, when it’s pitch dark. The night walk helps 5th graders face their fears. The TJ high school counselors/students are responsible for making sure the 5th graders have a good time. The high school counselors also enjoy their time by going to Balarat seven days throughout the semester with 5th graders from many different schools. “I loved meeting new people, doing the night walk, and learning about nature,” says Senior Anisa Thomas.
“It was very fun training and at the same time I learned a lot and can’t wait to go teach the kids,” said Senior Dani Ruzycki.
TJ students also get five elective credits for being part of the Balarat staff. But not for just having fun; they are responsible for teaching 5th graders everything they need to know about nature. On their training this past weekend they learned a lot about many different trees, plants, and animals. While they are responsible for educating the 5th graders, they also have to make the students happy and make sure they are having a good experience.
TJ Students learned many different games to help keep the 5th graders entertained; from The Snort Game to Shaman. “The games were so fun, and it wasn’t only fun for the 5th graders – it was fun for us also,” said Murray. “I think it brought everyone together and there was a lot of team building.”
Anisa Thomas says she loved Balarat, but she realized one thing when she was at this trip to Balarat: she had absolutely no phone service there, which is located at Jamestown, a one hour and 15 minute drive from Denver. She said, though, that she greatly appreciated this aspect of the camp. “I had a lot of time for myself, away from the social world, like Facebook and texting. It made me appreciate Colorado more,” said Thomas.
“There is absolutely no technology required for Balarat. All students and counselors need is a love for outdoors and to leave their cell phones behind,” Murray explained. “It was different from my ordinary life.”
When TJ students returned on Saturday, they realized how much they wanted to go back. Luckily for them they are all on the roundtrip ticket back to Balarat to expand their knowledge. Most of them are heading back soon. “5th graders made it really exciting. Instead of teaching them new things, they taught me a lot; they were unbelievably smart,” said Murray.
