Horizons Super Saturday: Seventh Graders Take the Lead
Horizons at Graland, part of the national Horizons program, provides valuable summer opportunities for public school students in the Denver Metro area. The program offers academic skill-building, engaging activities, swimming lessons, and field trips over a six-week summer session, with continued support throughout the year.
On February 22, over 100 people gathered for Super Saturday at Graland—an event designed to reconnect current Horizons families, introduce new families, and offer an opportunity to register for the upcoming summer session. Super Saturdays are held three times during the school year and serve as a vital bridge between summer sessions, keeping the Horizons community engaged and connected year-round. In attendance were Horizons families, the Horizons at Graland Team, Graland faculty and staff, student volunteers, Horizons board members, and family advocates from partner programs.
The theme for this summer, “Adventure and Exploration,” was brought to life during Super Saturday through a variety of fun activities. Graland’s seventh-grade student volunteers took on the role of “adventure guides,” leading Horizons students through obstacle courses, camping crafts, treat stations, and more. Each activity was designed to give students a sneak peek into the exciting summer ahead while fostering connections between the students and volunteers. Horizons students earned stickers as they completed challenges, creating a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the upcoming summer program.
Christi James, Horizons program director, visited Graland’s seventh-grade classrooms to recruit volunteers, and a number of students excitedly stepped up to run stations and guide Horizons students throughout the Super Saturday event. Mrs. James looks forward to continuing the involvement of Graland seventh and eighth graders in the Horizons program. If you have a seventh grader (rising eighth grader) interested in volunteering, please contact Christi at cjames@graland.org.
This summer, Horizons at Graland is set to build on last year’s success, expanding from 25 to 45 students. With an enhanced curriculum, expanded staff, engaging activities, more field trips, ongoing social-emotional support, and a continued partnership with the JCC for swimming lessons, Horizons at Graland is excited about the opportunities ahead.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
