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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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,…
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.
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
HR AND EQUITY DIRECTOR, EDWIN COLEMAN, APPOINTED TO OUTDOOR EQUITY GRANT PROGRAM
If you moved to Colorado and now call it your home, do you remember why? Or, why you stay in Colorado if you were born here? Families often choose Colorado to enjoy the many outdoor…
2021 Summer Camp in Review
With the first dusting of snow this fall sitting atop Loveland Pass, the seasons are finally turning and the staff find themselves reflecting on the summer. The theme for camp this past year was the…
The Starting Sparks of Environmental Stewardship
By Alex Griffith Copper Environmental Foundation is a longstanding grantor to our local Summer CATCH Camp program. The Foundation is employee-managed and funded and has a natural partnership with KSS as we both seek to educate…
Summer Activities for Teens in Summit County
There is so much adventure to be had for teens in Summit County in the Summer months. The Rocky Mountains offer up trails for biking and hiking, cliffs for climbing, and rivers to run. When…
Help Your Camper Get the Most Out of the Summer of Connection 2021
Whether this is your child’s first time coming to camp or their sixth summer, here are a couple of tips when planning for the Summer of Connection. The steps presented here can help your child get…
Best Overlooks & Photo Spots in Summit County
Summit County is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Country and you don’t have to trek for miles to get the most amazing views. In fact, some of the most picturesque landscapes are…
Three Elements that make a Challenge Hike
While away from their everyday lives at Keystone Science School’s summer camp, kids get the chance to step out of their comfort zones, gain independence, and learn about themselves. Challenge Hikes are one of many ways…
Six Summer Events in Summit County You Can’t Miss
There’s always something fun going on in Summit County during the summer months as the different towns compete for your attention and showcase what makes this place so special. We’ve put together a shortlist of…
Our Favorite Summer Gear for Exploring Summit County
Summer in Keystone, Colorado brings long days filled with sunshine and an endless list of backcountry trails ready to explore. Before you set off on your next summer adventure, take a look at this list…
Candle Chat: Sharing Our Goals & Fears
Every night at camp, we end the day by coming together and having a Candle Chat. Counselors pose a question to campers and they pass around a candle that serves as a talking stick. Questions…
Helpful Tips for Hiking in Summit County
Hiking is one of the best activities that Summit County has to offer during the Summer months. Not only is the mountain scenery pristine, but there are enough options to keep you hiking for years.…
Winter Activities for Teens in Summit County
Keystone Science School works with teens across the country and throughout the year on our Discovery Camp and Adventures, and Outdoor Education programs or as CAPs and even staff! So we know a thing or two about what fun is to…
Family Friendly Snowshoe Hikes in Summit County
DILLON & KEYSTONE SNOWSHOE TRAILS FRISCO SNOWSHOE TRAILS SILVERTHORNE SNOWSHOE TRAILS
From Camper to Student, the KSS Progression
We have two terms in which we refer to our participants during the summer season. We have campers and we have students. We refer to participants in any Day Camp, Discovery Camp, or Discovery Adventure as campers. The most…
Summer Staff Training: Preparing Instructors to Change Lives
We believe that the key to exceptional camper and student experiences is having a professional, caring, and happy staff. While we have ongoing mentorship and meetings throughout the summer, the bulk of our training starts…
Adventure, Not Just For the Kids!
Drop your children off at summer camp and have your own fun adventure! Keystone Science School has a summer camp program located in Summit County, Colorado, a hotbed of adventure, outdoor activities, and amazing food.…
2021 is the Year of Connection for KSS
By Ellen Reid, Executive Director In the quiet moments that I carved out for myself in 2020 (while few and far between), I took time to reflect, hoping to learn from the chaos and upheaval…
What are the Best Kid-Friendly Activities in Summit County?
Summit County has so many activities for families and kids that it can be hard to keep track. We are lucky to live in an abundant outdoor playground with mountains, rivers, lakes, and world-class ski…
5 Tried and True Kid-Friendly Trail Activities
Keystone Science School works with campers and students of all ages. Whether it’s with our summer camp or school-based outdoor education programs, we are always hiking with children. Hiking outside is an amazing opportunity to…
Best Cross Country Ski Trails in Summit County
This Winter we’re on the hunt for cross country ski trails that are quiet, snowy, tree-lined, narrow, and away from the crowds, where a pup can explore and where we can only hear the sound…
Our Favorite Winter Gear for Exploring the Cold and Snowy Colorado Mountains
The calm stillness in the forests, the apparent animal tracks on the snow, and the glittering pillows and blankets of fresh powder make Wintertime one of the best times to get out and explore the…
What are the Best Outdoors Books?
We recently got a question from a parent about our opinions on great outdoor survival books for kids. It got us thinking and we decided to ask our staff and make a list of our…
Keystone Science School Partners with Park County School District
KSS is working with each 3rd-8th grade student in Park County School District to offer a unique outdoor education program embedded within the traditional school day. Keystone Science School has been partnering with Park County Schools…
What Skills Do I Need to Start a Career in Outdoor Education
Here is a helpful list of skills to gain when considering a career as an outdoor educator or summer wilderness instructor. Make sure you’re prepared when we begin the summer hiring process. OBTAIN A FIRST AID…
A Day in the Life of an Education Program
Cookie mining is a game where students learn about the mining history of Colorado and the effect mining has on the natural landscape. That’s right we use cookies to teach about mining because were the…
Bequest Will Ensure the Future of KSS Campership Program
Keystone Science School is honored to announce an important bequest to the Endowment Fund from a truly remarkable couple, Patricia (Patti) and Joel Meier. Patti and Joel’s Endowment bequest in honor of Bill and Jane…
WORK-BASED LEARNING AT KEYSTONE SCIENCE SCHOOL: BUILDING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE WORKFORCE
We create future leaders who can problem solve and work together in an ever-evolving world and workplace environment. –Keystone Science School’s Mission While Keystone Science School is best known for inquiry-based learning programs that teach…
Standing Together to Create Change
Courage. Defined in the dictionary as the ability to do something that frightens one; strength in the face of pain or grief. In the context of typical Science School programming, we frame this for students and…
11 Things You’ll Love about Working at KSS
Keystone Science School is currently accepting applications for seasonal positions. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor educator, or you want to develop your skills in a work-based learning program, we’re searching for candidates eager to combine…
¿POR QUÉ NECESITAMOS CHICAS EN “STEM”?
Según la Asociación de Educación Nacional, “Las niñas que aprenden en un ambiente exclusivo para mujeres se cree que se sienten más cómodas respondiendo a preguntas y compartiendo sus opiniones en clase, así será más…
Keystone Science School Has Created ‘A Place to Inspire’
Keystone Science School made great strides in 2019 to invest in our future with the completion of our Capital Campaign, A Place to Inspire. Thanks to the incredible support of our partners, donors, and community,…
Lights, Camera, Girls in STEM Film Festival!
Keystone Science School partners with Breckenridge Film Festival to teach participating girls about how to break into the male-dominated film industry. This program is for any female student grades 3-12th grade. Students can register on the Girls in…
Day Camp Overnights Give Independence and Peace of Mind During Day Camps
Throughout the summer all our day campers have the opportunity to spend Tuesday evening on the Keystone Science School campus! The Day Camp Overnight is intentionally designed to help children develop their sense of independence,…
Leadership Learned on Discovery Adventures & Expeditions
Keystone Science School is always focused on creating amazing experiences for students and campers. A common phrase among staff is “we change lives.” While this is a lofty statement we always work to create positive…
Gender Specific Programming: The Benefits of All-Girls Environments
By Carrie Scheick, Program Coordinator Keystone Science School offers a few specific programs in with gender-specific groupings including Girls in STEM and Colorado Great Sand Dunes Keystone Voyager. All programs with gender-specific programming include curriculum dedicated to breaking…
Beyond the Classroom: Exploring Environmental Issues
Keystone Science School (KSS) is offering a 2-day teacher training, Beyond the Classroom: Exploring Environmental Issues, June 6-7, 2019. Teachers will learn the KSS non-biased framework for exploring controversial issues within the classroom. Meals, lodging,…
Girls in STEM High School Mentors
By Carrie Scheick, Program Coordinator Our next program is Saturday, April 27th focusing on careers in Landscape Architecture and Design. Girls and their mothers, grades 3-12th grade are invited to participate. Learn more on the Girls…
Reflecting on our 2018 Impact
We are excited to share that we reached more than 8,700 youth and adults in 2018 through our three program areas: School-Based Programs, Camp and Adventure Programs, and Education Programs. SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS 2,226 children participated…
Girls in STEM: Healthcare
By Carrie Scheick, Program Coordinator Girls in STEM has a goal of inspiring young women to engage with STEM subjects throughout their education career. Our next Girls in STEM program is April 27th and has…
Girls in STEM: Snow Science & Safety
By Carrie Scheick, Program Coordinator Girls in STEM has a goal of inspiring young women to engage with STEM subjects throughout their education career. Our next Girls in STEM program is March 8-10th and has…
There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, Only Bad Clothing
Keystone Science School is soliciting outdoor gear for our students and campers who do not have the appropriate outdoor clothing for their outdoor education programs. We have more information on our website about the details…
Why do we need Girls in STEM?
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 to explore more ‘nontraditional’ subjects…
Push Outside Your Comfort Zone
Keystone Science School has a variety of summer camp options including day, overnight, and adventure programs. Parents and campers can choose from over 30+ programs which can help campers learn to push outside their comfort zone. Registration…