2024 Camp Impact Report
Summer of Stories
We are thrilled to share the 2024 Camp Impact Report, celebrating another impactful summer at Keystone Science School, where we served 1600 campers across 2400 sessions (weeks) of camp. This year’s theme, “Summer of Stories,” truly encapsulated our achievements as campers created, shared, and became part of unforgettable stories through adventure and exploration across all our programs. While we are proud to be a fun, outdoor summer camp, we also remain committed to fostering a love for discovery and inquiry. Throughout the summer, our campers engaged in exciting activities that intertwined outdoor adventure with scientific exploration, allowing them to learn about the natural world in a hands-on way.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors for making this incredible summer possible for so many children. Our Summit Day Camp once again provided educational and affordable childcare, creating a engaging environment where memories were made and new friendships were forged. This year, we were proud to make camp accessible to local families by subsidizing costs for those in need, totaling over $298,000 in financial assistance.
While our campers’ programs tackled physical challenges like summiting high peaks and navigating rapids, the real impact lies in the immeasurable experiences they gained. Through newfound confidence, leadership skills, and personal growth, our campers stepped outside their comfort zones and created lasting memories that will shape their lives for years to come. Thank you for your unwavering support in empowering our youth and enriching our community.
Transformative Camp Experiences
Progress and Grow at KSS
Day Camp
- Kindergarten-5th Grade
- On-Campus
- Monday-Friday
- Core Components: Science Themes, Hiking, Traditional Camp Activities, Community Impact and Activities.
Pathfinders Day Camp
- 6th-8th Grade
- On-Campus
- Monday-Friday
- Core Components: Adventure, Outdoor Recreation, Teamwork, Leadership and Stewardship.
Discovery Camp
- 1st-8th Grade
- On-Campus
- Monday-Saturday
- Core Components: Traditional Camp Activities, Outdoor Skills, Science Themes and Friendship.
CAP (Counselor Assistant)
- 9th-12th Grade
- On-Campus
- Monday-Saturday
- Core Components: Leadership, Traditional Camp Activities, Outdoor Skills, Science Themes and Friendship.
Adventures
- 5th-12th Grade
- Off-campus, wilderness based
- 6, 10, or 12 days
- Core Components: Field-based Programs, Independence, Leadership, Outdoor skills, Connection with Nature, Friendships.
Measuring Our Impact
1,600
Individual Campers
2,400
Summer Sessions
218
Challenge Hikes and Earth Treks: where campers pushed themselves physically and mentally, conquering peaks like Quandary Peak at 14,000 feet, while also learning about the science of the environment they were exploring.
31
Campfires, where campers stepped outside of their comfort zones while learning it’s ok to let loose, laugh, be silly and make friends!
10
Community Day partners visited our campus and taught our Day Campers about what they are capable of, including Flight for Life, Nature’s Educators, local first responders, and more!
11
Weekly science themes like Astronomy, Water Ecology, Flora & Fauna, or Dinosaurs where campers spent a summer of learning along with their outdoor adventures!
5
National Parks and National Monuments our Adventure students rafted, backpacked, sandboarded, or rock-climbed through on their journey of outdoor growth.
52
Adventure Activities where campers got out in nature and went horseback riding, rafting, rock climbing, backpacking, paddle boarding and more.
Camp is for Everyone.
Scholarships for Camp
We believe that camp should be accessible to everyone. Thanks to the generous donations from our supporters, we offer financial aid to help reduce the cost of camp for those who qualify.
This scholarship program opens doors for individuals who might otherwise face barriers to participation, fostering a more inclusive community where every camper can experience the joy and growth that camp provides.
KSS received 270 applications for programs this summer and offered scholarships to nearly 30% of these applications.
80
Number of Scholarships awarded
$22,000
Amount of Camp Scholarships provided in 2024
Summit School District Partnership
Strengthening Our Community
Since 2015, KSS has partnered with Summit School District (SSD) to offer summer day camps, providing 11 consecutive weeks of programming for Summit County students. In 2024, KSS celebrated the growth of its Summit Day Camp and Pathfinders programs, offering affordable, high-quality childcare on a sliding fee scale for local families. This structure helps ease financial burdens, fosters workforce stability, and strengthens community resilience, underscoring KSS’s commitment to supporting local families.
194
Total SSD Campers
$298,394
Funded the sliding fee scale, reducing cost
Over 53%
of our Summit Day Camp enrollments from families that qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch or Child Heath Plan +, receiving significantly reduced cost programming.
Stories of Impact
“Its great that KSS can cultivate independence and push my camper beyond her comfort zone.“
“KSS might be the most wholesome place on planet Earth. The counselors are from all over the world and every one of them exudes positivity and compassion. My kids come back covered in dirt after being outdoors all day, and they almost have a glow about them. You can really see how humans were meant to be in nature.”
“My 8 year-old had an amazing time at his first-ever sleep away camp. He loved the supportive, fun atmosphere and terrific adventures and activities.
“Nos ayuda mucho para que nuestro hijo se divierta y tenga muchos conocimientos y experiencias nuevas”
“We appreciate the SSD rate for this camp as it helps us work and has
high-quality programming.”
“We LOVE how KSS is inclusive of all backgrounds and beliefs, focused on science- and adventure-based activities. This is our second year and we continue to be very impressed with the counselors; they radiate such positive high energy, are fun, and keep the kids engaged.”
Our 2024 Camp sponsors
Thank you for your support!
With your help, we are not only meeting the challenges of today but laying the groundwork for a brighter, more sustainable future for our campers, students and community.
Support our mission today at keystonescienceschool.org/donate!
View Full Impact Report PDF
For further details on the impact of this year’s summer camp at Keystone Science School, please refer to the 2024 Camp Impact Report linked below.
