Pathfinders

_6th-8th grades______

Pathfinders Day Camp

  • For middle schoolers entering grades 6th through 8th

Designed for middle school-aged campers, our Pathfinders Day Camp immerses students in adventure-based, hands-on learning. Campers will explore Summit County’s diverse landscapes while engaging in outdoor recreation through themed weeks like rock climbing and equine husbandry. Each session is built on collaboration, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship, fostering leadership and teamwork in an engaging, science-infused setting.

Theme Option 1

2025 DatesTheme Option 1Status
Session 1June 9-13RockFilling Fast
Session 2June 16-20RockFilling Fast
Session 3June 23-27RockSpots Open
Session 5July 7-11RockWaitlist Only
Session 6July 14-18RockFilling Fast
Session 7July 21-25RockFilling Fast
Session 8July 28-Aug. 1RockFilling Fast
Session 9Aug. 4-8RockWaitlist Only

Theme Option 2

2025 DatesTheme Option 2Status
Session 1June 9-13HorseWaitlist Only
Session 2June 16-20WaterWaitlist Only
Session 3June 23-27HorseWaitlist Only
Session 5July 7-11WaterWaitlist Only
Session 6July 14-18HorseWaitlist Only
Session 7July 21-25WaterWaitlist Only
Session 8July 28-Aug. 1HorseWaitlist Only
Session 9Aug. 4-8WaterWaitlist Only

Rates


Theme*Full Pay Rates**SSD Free & Reduced Rate
Rock$649$79
Horse$749$79
Water$699$79

*Lunch is not included with price of program for full rates, and can be purchased for $60 each week. Lunch is included for students qualifying for Free & Reduced meals.

**$79 per session for Summit School District students qualifying for F&RL (Free and Reduced Priced meals) – Limited Spaces Available!

  • KSS offers discounted rates for Pathfinders Day Camp to campers enrolled in the Summit School District (SSD), to make camp more accessible and support our local community with affordable childcare. The discount amount is based on income and financial need (using SSD’s existing qualifier of the Free & Reduced Lunch student program). There are limited spaces available for these discounted rates.
  • These discounted rates to help local families is only possible with support from many local foundations, businesses and individuals, Click here to learn more.

Scholarships


Scholarships are available for those with a financial need!

Themes


Rock

Explore and learn the basics of rock climbing while participating in lessons focused on geology. Incorporated lessons will also include climbing safety, technical knowledge, and KSS’ Leadership Framework.

Horse

This theme is centered around equine husbandry, partnered with a local ranch for in-depth learning. Incorporated lessons include comprehensive horse care, arena leading and learning, arena riding, and KSS’ Leadership Framework. 

Three students fit onto a giant paddleboard on the lake.

Water

Learn about water ecology, management, and water safety while exploring local rivers and lakes. This theme will have campers diving into our lessons while also learning about paddleboarding, fly fishing, and rafting. Also incorporated is KSS’ Leadership Framework.

Activities
& Schedule


This schedule is intended as a general outline and is subject to change based on the session.

Monday

Earth Trek Day

Spend the day out on local trails exploring the science theme and enjoying a picnic.

Tuesday

Theme Day 1

Spend the day learning the outdoor skills based around the week’s theme (rock/water/horse).

Wednesday

Theme Day 2

Progress to the next step for your week’s theme, with indoor climbing, fly fishing or equestrian workshops!

A Pathfinder camper next to a horse

Thursday

Theme Day 3

Take all you’ve learned and put it all together for the third day, you’re a natural now!

Friday

Camp Day

Celebrate the theme with culminating activities that tie the week together, with activities and games on campus.

In the words of campers

“I loved the encouraging people and counselors, the experiences, and the amazing places.”

“My favorite part was meeting new friends!”

“My favorite part was hanging out and play with the horses while hanging out with my friends. I don’t have a least favorite part.”

Two CAPs form a heart on top of a mountain at sunrise

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.

Our Staff


All Pathfinders staff go through four weeks of comprehensive training, have been background checked, hold a Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED certification at minimum, and have gone through extensive risk management training.

Pathfinders instructor with campers at the climbing wall.

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 by foot, on rope, or watercraft, for grades 5th-12th.

Colorado Rivers & Canyons

Grades 6th-8th

Steamboat Lake Adventure

Grades 6th-8th

Thank you to our 2025 Summit School District Platinum Sponsors


Copper Environmental Foundation
FirstBank logo

We are so thankful for our Summit School District Partnership sponsors! See all of our sponsors here.
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
American Camp Association Accredited logo