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KSS Leadership Change
Press Release: Keystone, Colorado July 25, 2024 Keystone Science School Leadership Change Keystone Science School CEO, Kim Krebs, is stepping away at the end of September 2024 after a year of dedicated service to our organization. Ms. Krebs is responsible for advancing many areas of the organization and has sustained our strengths and improved our…
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Mission Moment: SSD Mountain Ecology
Summit County students from local schools once again had the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in nature through our Mountain Ecology program at Keystone Science School this winter and spring. Thanks to the unwavering support of Vail EpicPromise, this initiative has continued to thrive, enriching the educational experiences of young learners across the county. Tailored…
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Mission Moment: Girls in STEM Medical Explorers 2024
Join us as we revisit the captivating moments from our Girls in STEM Snow & Avalanche Science program and listen to the reflections of our participants!
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The 2024 Sipping for Science Menu – Read by Kids!
Sipping for Science a formal evening supporting Keystone Science School that has been held at Keystone Ranch since 2017. Join us on Thursday, June 13th for a delicious four-course meal, paired with select premium wines. Watch this short video to learn what will be on this years menu as read by kids! Donate here to help support…
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What’s Up Above? April Stargazing
George Harrison wrote prophetically, “little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter.” For some, spring announces and marks the end of loneliness and the arrival of cherry blossoms, tulips and crocus extended green thumbs, all heralding a season of renewal and rebirth. Winter is over. Yet, for us folks living in the high country,…
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A Keystone of Our Community: Summit Day Camp
The heart of Keystone Science School lies in being a part of our community. We strive for ways to better support our local families, and our biggest contribution is Summit Day Camp. This program serves not just as a place for fun and learning but as a crucial support system for families, especially those in…
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2023 Donor Impact Report
Hear from our board chairman, CEO, read financial data and more in our 2023 Donor Impact Report
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What’s Up Above? March Stargazing
I’ll admit it, stargazing is difficult in winter. Especially in February. Even the hardiest hesitate. A crystal clear, cloudless night, dark as motor oil, still beckons you, however. Resolve rises inside and you bundle up.
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What’s Up Above? February Stargazing
I’ll admit it, stargazing is difficult in winter. Especially in February. Even the hardiest hesitate. A crystal clear, cloudless night, dark as motor oil, still beckons you, however. Resolve rises inside and you bundle up.
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The Value of Our Outdoor Education Programs
Our multi-day field trips offer more than just a break from the traditional classroom; they are an opportunity for transformative learning and personal discovery.
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Favorite Day of Camp – Part 2, Day Camp
Now its time to hear from our Day Camp counselors on which day of camp is their favorite!
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The Impact of Summer Camp
Hear from our Ian, our Summer Programs Director, on the impact summer camp at KSS has on the kids that experience camp!
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Favorite Day of Discovery Camp
What is your favorite day of Discovery Camp? Hear from a few of our staff about what their day they like the most!
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Mission Moment: Edith Teter
Exploring Nature, Inspiring Minds! Join us on a journey as Edith Teter Elementary share the magic of their Outdoor Education Field Trip. Hear firsthand about the unforgettable moments and discoveries that make learning come alive!
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What’s Up Above? January Stargazing
Winter is here. Notwithstanding the fact that since the passing of the winter solstice in late December, and the indiscriminate increasing length of daylight, by approximately one minute per day, the northern hemisphere days remain short with nights that stay deep and long.
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2023 Girls in STEM Impact Report
Keystone Science School’s Girls in STEM Program strives to break through gender barriers in STEM fields, inspires girls to be their authentic selves and empowers girls to be confident leaders in their classrooms and beyond. 2023 was another successful year with four Girls in STEM programs and over 90 participating girls.
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Year in Review 2023
Check out Keystone Science School’s 2023 Year in Review video! Witness the impact on participants, students, staff and families in their own words. It has been another great year at KSS – from our educational programs to transformative outdoor experiences, and we extend heartfelt gratitude to our donors and partners whose generosity made this impact…
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2023 H2O Outdoors Impact Report
H2O Outdoors 2023 Empowering the Next Generation of Water Stewards Keystone Science School recently hosted its annual water education program for high schoolers, H2O Outdoors, from November 1-3, 2023. H2O Outdoors is a standards-based, educational program available to all Colorado high school students. Over the course of three days, students participate in a stream survey,…
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2023 Beyond the Classroom Impact Report
Beyond the Classroom 2023 KSS Professional Development Program Keystone Science School recently hosted its annual professional development program for teachers, Beyond the Classroom, from November 1-3, 2023. This transformative workshop equipped educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to bring environmental issues into their classrooms. Teachers explored the intricacies of water issues in the West…
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What’s Up Above? December Stargazing
Winter is here. In all fullness the shortest day and the longest night arrives on December 21st. Those living in the northern hemisphere at the dawn of humanity saw the autumnal Sun continue to fall in the sky in fear it would not return. The end was near. Yet, the winter solstice took place and…
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Mission Moment: H2O Outdoors 2023
High Schooler’s in our H2O Outdoors program had a lot of fun the first week of November! If you don’t believe us, listen to what they have to say about the program in this short video. H2O Outdoors is a 3-day program teaching high school students about the many uses of water and the policy…
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What’s Up Above? November Stargazing
By “Astro” Mark Laurin Used with permission. November is a yin and yang month for stargazers in the northern hemisphere. Daylight Saving Time concludes Nov. 5th, so the sun now sets around 5:00pm. That gives us additional time (and darkness) for stargazing. The spectacular winter constellations begin to rise in the east at a more…
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2023 Summit School District Partnership
2023 Keystone Science School and Summit School District Partnership Summer 2023 at Keystone Science School was a resounding success as we once again collaborated with the Summit School District (SSD) to host ten weeks of Summit Day Camp for elementary students and eight weeks of Pathfinders Day Camp for middle schoolers. Our mission, in partnership…
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2023 Summer Camp Impact Report
As autumn draws to a close in Summit County, our team finds itself in a moment of reflection upon the remarkable summer we experienced at KSS this year. With the theme “Summer of Soaring,” we are awestruck by the positive impact of our summer camp, surpassing our highest expectations, thanks to our campers, camp families,…
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Mission Moment: Mackintosh Academy Boulder
Mackintosh Academy attended our Outdoor Education program at KSS last week. Hear what some of the students had to say about the program in this mission moment video! Get your class outside in the Rockies this school year! We have limited dates available so don’t wait to get on the KSS calendar. Call (970) 468-2098…
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Mission Moment: Evergreen Country Day School
Don’t miss this heartfelt testimony that highlights the magic of learning beyond the classroom. Discover the impact of Evergreen Country Day School’s outdoor education program at KSS through the eyes of one of their teachers. In this Mission Moment video, gain insights into the transformative experiences and valuable lessons students are embracing in the great…
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Thank You to Our 2023 Summer Camp Sponsors!
Thank you for an amazing summer, and thank you to all the fantastic sponsors that made it possible! Platinum Sponsor: First Bank Gold Sponsors: Summit Cove Property Management, Climax Molybdenum Silver Sponsors: Breckenridge Associates Real Estate, iFurnish, RA Nelson, Creative Cabinetry, Axis Sports Medicine As a non-profit organization, we rely on the incredible generosity of…
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Mission Moment: Girls in STEM Film Fest 2023
Empowering young minds through STEM: Relive the highlights of our Girls in STEM Film Fest program and hear what participants had to say! Girls in STEM: Film Fest is a short 3 day 2 night program, in partnership with Breck Film Fest, where participating girls will learn about careers within the film industry as they…
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Mission Moment: What Kids Gain From Camp
Hear what some of our Day Camp parents and campers had to say about what they learn at camp! Donate here to help support our mission.
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Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? July Stargazing
By “Astro” Mark Laurin July’s arrival tells us to fully step firmly into summer. Not tentatively or with hesitation, the month of July demands our participation. Get outside, inhale a deep breath of fullness. This sensation of “full” abounds all around us. A month full of growth, full of thickness, and full of rich sensations…
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The Purpose of Our Campfire
Our Campfire is one of our favorite summer camp traditions at Keystone Science School. Singing songs, silly skits, and of course roasting marshmallows to make s’mores, the Campfire helps ease campers into the camp experience and show them it’s ok to let loose and be goofy! We begin summer camp with our Campfire to help…
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Sipping for Science Raised over $90k for Keystone Science School
Keystone Science School welcomed their new CEO, Kim Krebs to the community at their annual fundraiser, Sipping for Science last Thursday, June 15th. Friends of the Science School who attended raised over $90k to help KSS retain the programs it relaunched since the pandemic and its increases of staff compensation. The School celebrated its full emergence from…
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Mission Moment: Day Camp Begins!
Hear what some of our Day Camp parents had to say after the first session of this summer! Donate here to help support our mission.
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Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? June Stargazing
By “Astro” Mark Laurin Let’s have a picnic. Let’s go to the park, run in the grass, and feel summer between our toes. Across the land, the call went out to one and all. Summer is coming! Summer is coming! Cometh one by hazy lazy long days, or cometh two by the cool waters that…
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2022 Annual Report
2022 was our Year of Community – a fitting tribute to the Science School’s journey building past the impacts of the pandemic. Our successes would not have been possible without the support of everyone who makes up our community from our funders to our donors, to our staff and board, and the youth and families…
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Guardian Pickup and Drop-off at Summer Camp
Before you bring your camper KSS, we want to prepare you for the check-in process and camp celebration at the conclusion of each session. The following is a summary of our drop-off and pick-up times for all of our summer programs: Program Location Drop-Off Time Pick-Up Time Day Camp KSS Campus 8:30am-9am 4:30pm-5pm Pathfinders KSS…
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Our Summit Community Funders Make Camp Possible for Local Students
Since 2015, Keystone Science School has partnered with local funders and Summit School District (SSD) to launch a full summer of Day Camp for SSD students. The program offers consistent and affordable care to over 100 working parents over 10 weeks on a sliding fee scale. Up to 60% of families receive significantly reduced programming…
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KSS Transportation & Safety Measures
Utilizing the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and surrounding areas, Keystone Science School programs love to take our students and campers off-campus to experience science, adventure, Fun! This brings up the question of how Keystone Science School manages risk around transporting students and campers in our 15-passenger vans. It is important to also note that all…
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Mission Moment: Silverthorne Elementary Overnight
“It’s so crucial today for people to get outdoors, experience the world, experience the science of nature and leave their cell phones behind. Keystone Science School broadens the eyes, the mind and the soul of these young students to experience more than they ever knew was possible.” – Mark, Community Volunteer & Adjunct Instructor Silverthorne…
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The 2023 Sipping for Science Menu – Read by Kids!
Sipping for Science a formal evening supporting Keystone Science School that has been held at Keystone Ranch since 2017. Join us on Thursday, June 15th at 6pm for a delicious four-course meal, paired with select premium wines. Watch this short video to learn what will be on this years menu as read by kids. Enjoy…
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Mission Moment: 3rd Grade Mountain Ecology
Do to the generous support of Vail EpicPromise, the students of Summit County Schools were able to attend our 3rd Grade Mountain Ecology program at Keystone Science School throughout this winter and spring. This program is designed to supplement the elementary school curriculum by taking students into their backyards to learn about our unique forest…
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Our Mission & Values
What do the mission and values of KSS mean to the people who work here? Watch this short video to find out! Click here to learn more about our mission, vision and values. Donate here to help support our mission.
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2023 Scholarship Report – Round 2
Summer is quickly approaching and we’ve wrapped up the second round of scholarships for this year. Keystone Science School is proud to continue our tradition of giving campers a chance to come to camp through our scholarship program. Thanks to our Scholarship Committee comprised of volunteers, KSS has distributed over $51,000 in scholarship funding so…
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Outdoor Education Highlight: Watersheds & Water Management Curriculum
A few weeks ago, Katie – a science teacher from West Grand Middle school – brought her class up to KSS for an Outdoor Education field trip. She chose Watersheds & Water Management as their curriculum, and the class learned first-hand about water cycles, natural and renewable resources and conservation that paired with the in-class…
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Girls in STEM: Snow & Avalanche Science Student Testimonial
Girls in STEM: Snow & Avalanche Science was a success! Hear from one of our students about their thoughts on their experience in this video. Keystone Science School’s Girls in STEM: Snow and Avalanche Science focuses on addressing challenges experienced by women interested in pursuing STEM-specific education and careers. Participatibng girls learned about snow science…
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Mission Moment: Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy
Last week, Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy traveled all the way from Chicago to attend an Outdoor Education program at KSS. During the week, they learned about snow & avalanche science and were able to experience a lot of things that they had never done before. Thank you, Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy, for a fantastic week! We hope…
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Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? April Stargazing
By “Astro” Mark Laurin George Harrison wrote prophetically, “little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter.” For some, spring announces marks the end of loneliness and the arrival of cherry blossoms, tulips extending green thumbs, and suggestions of a renewal in patches of lawn. Winter is over. Yet, for us folks living in the…
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Mission Moment: West Grand Middle School
West Grand Middle School attended an Outdoor Education Program at KSS a few weeks ago. This trip helped make the outdoors more accesible to some students who lacked this access beforehand. During their time here they learned about Watersheds & Water Management, participated in a town hall activity, and learned to cross-country ski! We are…
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SummitCove Vacation Lodging and Property Management
Keystone Science School has a variety of corporate partners, and we’re thankful for the partnership with SummitCove Vacation Lodging and Property Management. They have made a positive impact on KSS and their employees through our long-standing partnership. Read more about our partnership and this strong community supporter. SummitCove Vacation Lodging and Property Management offers over 350…
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What to do when your camper or student is on the Waitlist
You may have been placed on the waitlist for one or more sessions of programming. A lot can change between now and the start of the session, and we are hopeful that we can accommodate your programming request. We want you to know everything that goes into the waitlist. The following is a little more…
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Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? March Stargazing
By “Astro” Mark Laurin The night sky in March is different. More of a feeling type of difference, than a celestial difference. March is a month of transition for the celestial dome overhead. Most significant is the vernal equinox, the transition from winter to spring. The returning Sun rides its ecliptic path noticeably higher in…
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Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? February Stargazing
By “Astro” Mark Laurin I’ll admit it, stargazing is difficult in winter. Especially in February. Even the hardiest hesitate. A crystal clear, cloudless night, dark as motor oil, still beckons you, however. Resolve rises inside and you bundle up. Just a quick step outside and a fast glancing about for a few moments, you say…
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2023 Scholarship Report – Round 1
Keystone Science school has been honored to give campers a chance to come to camp through our scholarship program for years. Thanks to our Scholarship committee comprised of volunteers, KSS will distribute approximately $70,000 in scholarship funding for the 2023 summer camp season, with over 80% of those scholarships allowing families to provide their children…
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What You’ll Learn as a CAP
Spending a summer as a CAP is a wonderful way for high schoolers to experience the magic of camp while getting some leadership experience along the way! With help from our counselor mentors, CAPs will learn valuable life skills like risk management, teamwork, and customer service while gaining hands on experience in childcare. CAP Mentorship…
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Leadership Framework
This is not a specific curriculum or lesson, but rather a framework with a foundation of 5 elements of leadership that can be applied to any program/age/activity. As students progress through camp, adventure, and school-based programs, they will become familiar with the 5 elements and have opportunities to grow within each. This framework is meant…
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2022 H2O Outdoors Final Report
H2O Outdoors is a 3-day program teaching high school students about the many uses of water and the policy which surrounds how Colorado’s water is managed. Throughout the program students learn about careers within water management, conduct field-based research, and visit several key locations in Summit County as they learn about the various stakeholders who…
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2022 Beyond the Classroom Final Report
Beyond the Classroom 2022 was a sucess! We are happy to bring back this program since it was last held in 2019 before the pandemic. We had 15 teachers attend from 8 different schools and 3 different states. Beyond the Classroom provides teachers with all the tools necessary to facilitate a complete unit on environmental issues…
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Astro Mark’s Astro Alert: What’s Up Above? January Stargazing
By “Astro” Mark Laurin Winter is here. Notwithstanding the fact that since the passing of the winter solstice in late December, and the indiscriminate increasing length of daylight, the days in the northern hemisphere remain short with nights that stay deep and long. The chilly irony of winter is that while the months of January,…
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2022 Girls in STEM Final Report
Keystone Science School believes in empowering girls by engaging them in hands-on, real-world activities to show STEM is relevant and fun in an ever-changing world. According to the National Education Association, “girls who learn in all-girl environments are believed to be more comfortable responding to questions and sharing their opinions in class and more likely…
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2022 Year in Review
Thanks to the support of our donors and community members, Keystone Science School was able to rebuild our programs this year. In fact, donor support lifted our efforts to restart programs. We served 3,500 youth this year–a 50% increase from 2021. Next year, we are poised to run our first full calendar year of programming…
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2022 Summit Day Camp Final Report
Since 2015, Keystone Science School has partnered with Summit School District (SSD) to offer 10 consecutive weeks of Summit Day Camp to its students. This enriching outdoor education program is exclusive to SSD students, serving up to 75 students per day. The program offers consistent and affordable care to working parents. A sliding fee scale…
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Board Member Yanitza Rivera on our JEDI Commission
Yanizta Rivera, one of our KSS Board Members and a member of our new JEDI Commission, shares her thoughts on the importance of our efforts in Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. With Spanish as her first language, she has personally experienced the difficulties of language barriers. As a board member of The Keystone Science School…
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2022 Summer Camp in Review
Summit County has settled into the winter season, and the staff find themselves reflecting on the incredible summer we had at KSS this year as we continue to rebuild and restart programming after the pandemic. The theme for camp this year was the Summer of Community, and as we look back on the impact from…
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A New Chapter at KSS
Keystone Science School is an incredibly special place. Its location in Keystone, its community of people, and its mission to inspire curiosity and critical thinking through the lens of science make it so. Since 1976, the School has offered interactive, experiential educational programs. This year, as the organization re-emerged from the pandemic stressors, the School…
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Thank You to Our Summer Camp 2022 Sponsors
From everyone here at Keystone Science School, we want to thank our 2022 Summer of Community Camp Sponsors: FirstBank, Climax Molybdenum, Summit Cove Vacation Lodging, RA Nelson, Creative Cabinetry, Neils Lunceford, Axis Sports Medicine, iFurnish and Alpine Lumber.
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Mission Moment: Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. It is the process through which young people and adults thrive personally and academically, develop and maintain positive relationships, become lifelong learners, and contribute to a more caring, just world. SEL is important because it advances educational equity and excellence by establishing…
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Mission Moment: Pushing Campers Outside of their Comfort Zones
Camp is a place of fun, belonging, and personal growth. Our programmatic goals are woven into the concept of challenging our campers to try new things to push them outside their ‘comfort zone’. This practice allows them to grow in different aspects of their own lives. We aim to foster specific talents like developing independence,…
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Our Inclusion Policy
At Keystone Science School, we believe camp and outdoor education is for everyone! We create spaces of true belonging in which campers, students, and staff can be their authentic selves while experiencing the magic of camp and the outdoors. We strive to make everyone in our community feel comfortable, supported, and validated, regardless of their…
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Summit Day Camp Moves to the KSS Campus!
Summit Day Camp launched in 2015 in partnership with Summit School District (SSD) to support students and their families with ten consecutive weeks of full-day Monday to Friday summer camp. Each summer the program serves at least 140 students with up to 60% of families qualifying for the Free and Reduced Lunch or Child Health…
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Mission Moment: What KSS Means to Me – Aniston Zabawa
In April, Ian McCluskie, Program Manager, looked at his calendar for the week and saw his days packed with back-to-back interviews. It was time to meet, interview, and get to know our Summer Camp team and he was leading the charge. There are many details to coordinate to ensure that potential Camp Counselors are qualified to…
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FirstBank Sponsor Highlight
When my family and I moved to Summit County in 2017, I was interested in learning more about some of our community’s most impactful non-profit organizations. Keystone Science School (KSS) quickly jumped out as one that strongly supports our entire community through several different programs. I was able to get to know the leadership at…
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Our Staff – Why They’re Awesome and the Experience Needed
At the Keystone Science School, staff are certified and trained extensively in preparation for the summer months. They go through pre-hire screenings, must meet minimum job requirements, and spend two weeks in staff training before campers arrive. Job Requirements: To be eligible for a summer job at KSS, applicants must meet certain requirements. Staff Training:…
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Employment: Camp Staff A Day in the Life
As a counselor at the Keystone Science School, you will work long and hard hours, but every second will be worth it. Not only do you get paid to go on adventures in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but while you are engaging on these adventures, you will also get to have impactful conversations with campers…
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Discovery Overnight Camp: What to Expect?
Discovery Overnight Camp is the flagship overnight program at Keystone Science School. This overnight camp option offers a traditonal overnight camp experience mixed with Science, Adventure, and FUN! Campers can choose from 1 or 2 week sessions. Each session follows the same core activities and adventures with a different science theme hidden in each week. Sleeping…
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How to Reduce Feelings of Homesickness
Whether this is your child’s first time coming to camp or they have been coming year after year, here are a few tips to avoid homesickness when planning for your child’s KSS Summer Camp experience. All of the tips come down to preparation and allowing your child to be a part of the planning process.…
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Adventure: Group Sizes and Group Dynamics
KSS Adventures come in a variety of group capacities, and no matter size, each program is full of adventure and opportunities to develop long-lasting relationships with like-minded peers. Our smallest programs are 10-13 campers per group and our largest are 26 campers. While there is not a “better option,” each group capacity provides some minor impacts…
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What does it mean to be a Counselor Assistant?
Whether someone has been coming to camp for years or it is their first time, being a CAP is a wonderful way for high schoolers to experience camp while getting some leadership experience. When you are a member of the Counselor Assistant Program at KSS, you are assigned a counselor mentor that you will shadow…
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Backcountry Hygiene: What steps can you take to ensure good hygiene health while in the backcountry?
Keystone Science School spends a lot of time camping in the backcountry whether it’s part of an overnight and challenge hike with Discovery Camp, or each car camping or backcountry experience on a KSS Adventure. No matter the program, KSS takes hygiene very seriously. By understanding how to maintain your hygiene and limit illness, we can ensure…
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Mission Moment: What’s it Like Seeing Snow for the First Time?
Snow is spectacular. That’s one thing most folks seem able to agree on. But seeing it for the first time ever, that’s beyond special. At Keystone Science School, we are beyond humbled to introduce at least a handful of students from around the state and country to snow for the first time each school year.…
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The Intentionality of KSS Activities
Keystone Science School Summer Camp programs are full of fun games and activities but every activity is full of meaning and purpose towards a larger objective of helping youth develop more independence and confidence. Some of our most “campy” traditions are viewed by campers as simply fun activities but to our staff and parents these…