CAP
_9th-12th grades______
Counselor Assistant (CAP)
- For campers entering grades 9th through 12th
The CAPs are the leaders of Discovery Camp and a final step in the camp progression along with our Adventures program. In addition to all the magic of camp, CAPs also work on their leadership skills, develop friendships, create healthy relationships, gain experience in outdoor skills, science, and teaching, and increase their self-confidence. Each CAP will be paired with a staff mentor who they can learn from throughout their session. CAPs will have special leadership trainings, activities, and exclusive time just for the CAPs.
Next summer’s CAP registration opens on January 15th, 2025.
Summer camp enrollment will open in rolling windows for each program, ensuring a smooth registration process as we prepare for high interest.
| 2025 Dates | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | June 9-14 | $1,499 |
| Session 2 | June 16-21 | $1,599 |
| Session 3 | June 23-28 | $1,599 |
| Session 5 | July 7-12 | $1,699 |
| Session 6 | July 14-19 | $1,699 |
| Session 7 | July 21-26 | $1,699 |
| Session 8 & 9 | July 28 – Aug. 8 | $3,399 |
View Weekly Themes and Activity Options
| Theme | Adventure Day Activity Options | |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Flora & Fauna | Rafting – Horseback Riding – Rock Climbing |
| Session 2 | Forest Ecology | Rafting – Horseback Riding – Rock Climbing |
| Session 3 | Geology | Rafting – Horseback Riding – Rock Climbing |
| Session 5 | Water Ecology | Rafting – Ropes Course – Rock Climbing |
| Session 6 | Flora & Fauna | Rafting – Ropes Course – Rock Climbing |
| Session 7 | Adventure | Rafting – Ropes Course – Rock Climbing |
| Session 8 & 9 | Deluxe | Rafting – Ropes Course – Rock Climbing (+ second Rafting Trip) |
Same camp fun, more responsibility
You’ll still get to participate in all of the awesome camp activities as our Discovery campers, like climbing, rafting, and mountain hiking.
Counselor Assistants have their own room in the dorms or tents, and the opportunity to debrief with other CAPs as well as a separate Candle Chat each night. Each day will feature a designated time for CAP leadership development training, which CAP applicants will have a chance to customize in order to receive the growth at camp that they are most excited about.
Mentorship & Leadership Experience
CAPs experience camp alongside our other campers, and more! CAPs are assigned a counselor mentor that they will shadow and assist during the week at camp. Before arriving at camp, CAPs will have a chance to choose what they would like to learn the most about during their time at camp. At the start of the week, their mentor will check in with them about their goals, and help come up with an action plan for learning and growth.
The CAPs will go on the week’s adventures with their counselor mentor and their group of campers. CAPs will have the opportunity to lead games, help campers with wilderness skills, and support counselors with tasks. Each CAP’s experience will be one of a kind, and their learning and growth is based on what they express interest in.
Skills Learned
Teambuilding Skills
Risk Management
Adaptability
Time Management
Customer Service
Group Management
Activities & Schedule
No prior experience is necessary. If you have never climbed, rafted, or spent a night out backpacking, it’s okay!
Monday
Welcome to Camp!
We’ll get settled in our dorms/tents, and pack for the next day’s Wilderness trip. We finish the day with our Campfire tradition, where campers can sing, laugh and make new friends. Read More
Tuesday
Wilderness Backpacking
Campers depart campus for a Wilderness Overnight Trip, where they will backpack and experience a night in nature.
Wednesday
Camper Choice
Campers spend the day on campus or around Summit County, where they can choose from activities like Disc Golf, games at Rainbow Park, an on-campus Earth Trek, fishing, Archery and tye-dye. We end each day with a Candle Chat. Read More
Thursday
Challenge Hike
We leave KSS before sunrise for a Challenge Hike – where campers push themselves outside of their comfort zones on a difficult hike in a beautiful location, sometimes as far as summiting a mountain at 14,000 feet! Read More
Friday
Adventure Day
Depending on the week they sign up for, choices can include Rafting, Horseback Riding, a Ropes Course or Rock Climbing. We end the day with a fun and laughter filled Talent Show, followed by our closing camper ceremony and the week’s Camper Awards.
Saturday
Camp Celebration
On the last day of camp – we’ll pack up and have a celebration with arriving families, where we’ll will sing camp songs, meet the counselors and watch a video celebrating the memories from the week.
In the words of parents
“My daughter’s second year attending, and she wants to go back again next year! Some activities pushed her limits, but the great friends and counselors helped her push through and gain confidence and pride in her accomplishments.”
“He had more fun than either of us imagined, and he loved feeling like a leader among his peers.”
“From my camper’s perspective, the counselors are fun and engaging; and as a parent I know that my children are going to be challenged and well-taken care of. My kids can’t wait to go again next year!”
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Keystone Science School has the power to effect change in outdoor education. We know the trail won’t be easy, yet we remain resolute in our responsibility to press forward and help make the outdoors more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive. With each step we take, we learn from existing footprints and create new ones where there are none. If you’re looking for Keystone Science School, you’ll know where to find us–on the trail.
Get Ready for Camp!
Family Resources
Check out these other KSS Adventures!
Adventures is the next step in progression at KSS, focused on the development of outdoor skills and leadership while exploring Colorado by foot, on rope, or watercraft, for grades 5th-12th.
Southwest Colorado Nat’l Parks
Grades 9th-12th
All-Girls Climbing
Grades 8th-10th
Thank you to our 2024 Summer Camp Sponsors
We are so thankful for our Summer Camp sponsors! If you are interested in supporting this program please contact our Development team at development@keystonescienceschool.org or call 970-468-2098.
Keystone Science School is American Camp Association Accredited
