Pre-Enrollment for Families in Need
We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic $100,000 match opportunity! Every dollar you give to Keystone Science School will be doubled, amplifying the impact of your contribution. This means your support will have twice the effect on our outdoor education programs, summer camp scholarships, and affordable local education.
Double Your Impact! 100K Donation Match Opportunity
We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic $100,000 match opportunity! Every dollar you give to Keystone Science School will be doubled, amplifying the impact of your contribution. This means your support will have twice the effect on our outdoor education programs, summer camp scholarships, and affordable local education.
Interim Appointment of Executive Director at Keystone Science School
Interim Appointment of Executive Director at Keystone Science School Effective August 16, 2024, we are pleased to announce that Michelle Perl, a long-tenured and highly respected member of our team, has been appointed as the Interim Executive Director of Keystone Science School. Michelle has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to our mission over the years,…
Executive Director Search: Lead KSS into the Future
Lead KSS into the Future Keystone Science School is looking for a new Executive Director who will lead the organization into the future. Since 1976 KSS has built a strong and impressive reputation in the community and beyond for providing science based outdoor experiences for school aged children from all walks of life. The mission…
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 activities available, whether it’s skiing or hiking, or simply enjoying beautiful mountain vistas. But, even with the incredible natural amenities…
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 our youth and community on environmental stewardship through building genuine connections with the outdoors. This blog post by Program Manager,…
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 you’ve had enough vitamin D and forest bathing, there are lots of fun things to do indoors as well. Use…
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 just a short walk or drive away! Take your camera, pack a picnic, and pick one or all of these…
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 ready for an amazing summer without homesickness, and be able to fully immerse themselves in the Keystone Science School summer…
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 from the KSS staff of our favorite summer gear and apparel for getting into the mountains or just spending time…
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 family-friendly events you should definitely check out. Consider mixing in some of these summer events with your outdoor adventures. For…
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 at Candle Chat can range from “Why did you come to camp?” to “What is your relationship to the outdoors?”…
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. Before you lace up your boots and hit the trail with your family or friends, read these tips to make…
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 be had in our backyard. Here’s a list of some of our favorite activities for teens in Summit County. The…
Family Friendly Snowshoe Hikes in Summit County
DILLON & KEYSTONE SNOWSHOE TRAILS FRISCO SNOWSHOE TRAILS SILVERTHORNE SNOWSHOE TRAILS
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 before any campers or students arrive. Building the best staff starts long before the sunny days of summer. We begin…
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 important aspect of KSS for campers is…camp! The camper experience should be one of fun, community, learning, and growth. The…
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. Most people know Keystone and Summit County because of skiing and snowboarding but it is quickly becoming a summer destination.…
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 surrounding me. Most of the time, my mind wandered to thoughts of which way to go on the trail or…
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 resorts in our backyard. Whether you are on vacation with your family, a recent transplant with young kiddos, or have…
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 explore the outdoors and push physical boundaries. We have found that sometimes our campers and students need their minds diverted…
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 of our breathing and the swish of the skis. That’s a perfect cross country ski trail. We asked our staff…
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 Colorado mountains–As long as you have the right winter gear to keep you warm, comfortable, and thriving. Keystone Science School…
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 favorite wilderness adventure books. Whether you are looking for a holiday gift or birthday gift for your outdoor adventure-loving family…
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 for over 10 years. In a typical year, the 5th-grade students from Edith Teter Elementary School visited Keystone Science School…
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 CERTIFICATION Applicants are required to have a valid CPR certification and either a Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder…
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 science, outdoor skills, and community building to children, we also develop the next generation of leaders through work-based learning programs…
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 campers as ‘stepping outside of our comfort zones’. Courage gives us the ability to learn, expand our thinking, build skills,…
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 hands-on science with outdoor adventure to create engaging experiences for our students. For more information, visit KeystoneScienceSchool.org/Employment or email HR@KeystoneScienceSchool.org. Keystone Science School…
¿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 probable que exploren sujetos menos tradicionales como matemáticas, ciencias, y tecnología.” Nuestro programa consiste en una variedad de sesiones cada…
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, a total of 179 gifts raised $3.95M towards the project exceeding our original fundraising goal of $3.9M. We are grateful…
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 STEM webpage. The film industry is predominantly male, but there’s a national movement to change that. Keystone Science School and…
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, social and emotional intelligence, and strengthen the friendships they developed earlier in the week. Campers will enjoy an evening full…
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 down barriers of participation. Read more about the research and our planning process with regards to our programming. “Girls in…
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, and digital copies of all lesson plans are included. CEU’s are also available for an additional cost. “Polarized” is a…
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 in STEM webpage. If you have questions about the program or High School mentorship please contact KSS at (970)468-2098 or Support@KeystoneScienceSchool.org.…
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 in School-Based Programs in 2018. We bring science alive for K-12 students by engaging them in informal investigations and research…
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 a focus on careers within landscape design and architecture. Check out our website to register. Our Girls in STEM Health Care…
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 a focus on first aid and careers within the healthcare industry. Check out our website to register. Snow pits, avalanche dog…
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 of the items we are requesting. You can drop off any donated gear at Keystone Science School or Epic Mountain Gear in Frisco. There’s…
Oh Nuts
AN EXPLANATION OF HOW KSS HANDLES PEANUT ALLERGIES. At Keystone Science School we take the well-being of our campers and students very seriously. We understand that children have a wide variety of needs which includes allergies and any dietary restrictions. At KSS we have noticed an increase in food allergies among the campers and students…
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 opens on November 12th at 10 AM! Sign up between November 12-19th and receive a 10% early bird discount. We…
The Mindset your Child Needs to Succeed Inside and Outside of the Classroom
By understanding growth mindset and using micro-affirmations to combat stereotype threat, parents can help their children preform their best inside and outside of the classroom. Keystone Science School hosts Girls in STEM programs as a way to combat one form of stereotype threat. Developing a growth mindset is a practice that needs to be repeated…
TO TRULY SLEEP UNDER THE STARS, GO TO DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT
Keystone Science School will be taking a group of 12-14 year-olds to Dinosaur National Monument for a week-long camp. They will be hiking and whitewater rafting during the day and learning about astronomy at night. For more details see the link at the bottom of this post. Colorado has adventures around every corner. Plus, we’re…
Girls of the Gore
The Summer of 2017 was a summer of firsts – for me personally and for Keystone Science School. For me, it was my first summer living and working in Colorado. For KSS, it was the first summer there would be an all-girls wilderness trip: Girls of the Gore. Both my co-leader, Sara, and I were…
Girls in STEM Fascinating Foods
Come join Keystone Science School on October 7 for another fun day of learning, tasting, testing, and exploring the chemistry and science behind the foods we eat. Do you know where your food comes from or how it’s made? Without the help of food scientists, food technologists, chemical engineers, and food flavorists, we would not…
H2O Outdoors Teaching the Next Generation about Water Management
Keystone Science School in collaboration with Colorado River District, Aurora Water, and Denver Water recently worked together to educate selected high school students about Colorado water management as part of the H2O Outdoors program. The program is not just about educating youth, but engaging them in the discussion so that they can work to solve water problems our state might face…
10 WAYS TO HELP YOUR CAMPER GET THE MOST OUT OF THE SUMMER OF IMAGINATION 2017
Whether this is your child’s first time coming to camp or their tenth summer, here are a couple tips when planning for the Summer of Imagination whether it be day camp or overnight camp. BEFORE THEY GO: WHILE THEY’RE THERE: ONCE THEY’RE HOME: FOR THE FUTURE:
Science Beyond the Classroom For All Summit County Third-Graders
Third-Grade Mountain Ecology is a dynamic outdoor education initiative unique to Summit County It was not class as usual for all third-grade Summit County School District students as they participated in Keystone Science School’s Third-Grade Mountain Ecology School Program during the last week of March. Instead of learning in the classroom, students bundled up for…
Parenting Girls in STEM
Over the years, women have made significant strides in business, law, and the life sciences sector of STEM (Science Technology, Engineering & Math). Women were nearly half of medical school enrollees in 2015 and earned about 60% of U.S. bachelor’s degrees in biology in 2014. In recent years, these figures remained steady. But in engineering…
Duke Energy & KSS Partner to Create an Impact in Citrus Spring Middle School
Joshua O’Leary shines with KSS teacher training and Duke Energy Action Stipend One of the many programs at Keystone Science School (KSS), located in Keystone, Colorado, is our teacher training for K-12 classroom teachers, known as KSS Educator Programs. KSS presents a wide variety of interdisciplinary curriculums for teachers to bring into their everyday classroom. All curriculum…
How the Keystone Science School Gave Me Purpose
At times I stir awake at night thinking about how small I am in the world. Just one person out of 7 billion, pretty darn tiny. So I think to myself, why am I really here? How could I have some purpose here when there are 7 billion other people just as good? Then I…
Colorado Summer Camp: A Lesson In Decision Making
Keystone Science School wants to make our summer camp program accessible to everyone. In this spirit, we have a financial aid program called our Campership program. We are currently seeking campership applications from those interested in receiving financial aid for the Summer of Imagination. Please share this information with your friends and apply for our campership program.…
Is it Possible to Scuba Dive Through the Roberts Tunnel?
Keystone Science School has a great partnership with Denver Water, Aurora Water and Colorado River District. They are a strong supporter of the H2O Outdoors program which is a free overnight program for any high school student living in Colorado. Along with supporting the H2O Outdoors program our partners have provided several trainings for our staff. In…
Please, Sir, May I Have S’More?
Dreaming of summer camp this winter? Let your dreams become reality as summer camp registration is now open! Take a glimpse into the world of one our most beloved camp counselors and previous Assistant Camp Director, Cat Scanlan, as she reflects on the meaning of camp. Walk by any summer camp and you will find…
Support Tollgate on their Journey to Keystone Science School
Keystone Science School has always facilitated environmental and outdoor education field trips. With all of our programs we strive to not be program providers but program partners. We work tirelessly to make sure that our programs serve as an extension of the classroom curriculum. This is why we have always enjoyed working with Tollgate Elementary…
Girls in STEM Tech Retreat 2016
Inspiring and encouraging confidence, developing leadership skills, learning through interactive activities, and more, are all things that we strive to do at every Girls in STEM program here at the Keystone Science School. Girls in STEM began in April of 2015 and since then we have held eight highly successful programs each with its own…
Raising a KSS Kid
In 1999, Lockheed-Martin sponsored two Cobb County teachers to attend Key Issues Institute in Summit County, Colorado. I applied for the sponsorship and was pleasantly surprised when my principal informed me that I was chosen for this professional development opportunity. When I first arrived in Keystone, I was overwhelmed by the beauty and majesty of…
Why #IAMKSS
What do you think of when you read these words? If you are a student in Summit County or the Colorado Front-range, chances are you think of Keystone Science School! Students and educators from all over Colorado are drawn to Science. Adventure. Fun! Drawn to the cool, crisp air of the high Rockies. Drawn to the sense…
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 Berman, cofounders of Keystone Resort, will benefit Keystone Science School’s Campership program, ensuring that deserving children are able to have a…
The Accidental Scientist
In October of 2011, I had the opportunity to go to Keystone Science School for a few days with my 6th grade class. I couldn’t wait to go and explore new ideas and places! Our class was split up into small groups, and we did everything from team-building activities, to learning about the earth, to…
Inside Keys Issues Institute
The Best Kind of Summer School
Many people may think that summer vacation for teachers is just that, a vacation. While it may be true that we get to trade in our laptops for lounge chairs, some of us choose to use this time for recharging our lessons and attending professional development sessions. I have attended many such workshops and classes…
How Do You Know When It’s Working?
So far 2015 has felt like The Year of Environmental Educators. Maybe it’s partly that working at KSS for both Summer Camp as well as School Programs turns a person into a public figure or celebrity of sorts, whether you expect it or not. But no matter where I go or what I do little signs crop up showing…
KSS Group Makes History
During the summer of 1984, KSS Camp staff in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation led 10-day backpacking trips in the Rockies for youth about 14-17 years old from all across the US. I co-led a couple of these trips; one of them ventured to the Holy Cross Wilderness area. About a week before we…
Teachers in the Wild!
Each summer Key Issues Institute brings teachers from around the world to Keystone Science School for an innovative and fun professional development workshop. Teachers get outside to really experience the curriculum in action. Then they take what they’ve learned back to their own schools to share the KSS experience with students from around the world…
Camouflage Jacket
I have been lucky enough to spend the last year living on a beautiful piece of land north of Silverthorne, Colorado, just outside the city limits. The property we share with a handful of other tenants and friends is a great place to come home to each evening, and now that the snow has begun…
Teaching Girls to Lead
“Supporting women STEM students and researchers is not only an essential part of America’s strategy to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world; it is also important to women themselves. Women in STEM jobs earn 33 percent more than those in non-STEM occupations and experience a smaller wage gap relative to men.” –…
Outdoor Education and Bob Craig’s Legacy
A tribute to our founder, Bob Craig, and all that he created: Bob, thanks for believing in the cause of outdoor education and creating KSS so that we could share this experience with so many people. From my perspective, outdoor education employs some of the most selfless and hardworking individuals I’ve ever met, and KSS is no…
The Origins of Culture
Recently, whether out in the field or at home in my cozy cabin, I have had one major question echoing in my brain. What is the oldest culture on planet Earth? Is it Mesopotamia, the land of rivers and the “cradle of civilization,” or the ancient Mayans, leaving behind their iconic pyramids? Could it be…
Coming Full Circle
In the advent of a new year, we often reflect back on years past, wondering what exactly has brought us to the current place we occupy in time and space. Looking back I can recall the day my 9-year-old self stepped onto Keystone Science School campus for the first time. Now, 13 years later, I…
Surrounded by Wildlife
A couple of weeks ago, a young bull moose wandered onto our campus. Most of the staff and instructors were delighted as we tracked the moose’s journey around campus. It got me thinking about the chance circumstances of seeing wildlife. It’s a fairly rare occasion when we take students on hikes because of the loudness…
Passing the Baton
In the year 2060, I plan to still be taking my annual summer excursion to Dillon Reservoir with my wife and kids. But will the environment be different? Sure, I expect to have grandchildren joining me at that time, and possibly a different mode of transportation (teleportation anyone?). But, what will water managers of the future be…
Key Issues in Action
My sixth grade students in Montague, Michigan are thrilled that Alcoa Foundation sponsored my travel to Silverthorne, Colorado in June to attend Key Issues Institute with Keystone Science School. In the first few months of school, I have been using my knowledge from Key Issues to teach my students about environmental issues in the community.…
Love is in the Air!
A group of KSS field instructors and I visited Rocky Mountain National Park recently to witness the yearly elk rut for ourselves. Much like people the male elk do everything they can to impress the ladies. Male elk (bucks) who do so with Dicaprian skill can build harems (groups of ladies) of over 30. These lady elk (cows) are…
Hats Off to You
Probably the best part of our jobs at KSS is hearing from our program participants about how their experiences have impacted their lives. Here are a couple of our favorites from this summer’s Key Issues Institute. Thank you all for your kind words. Your energy, enthusiasm, and innovation keep us inspired to constantly challenge ourselves and…
Making a Difference
This past weekend on September 13th, Keystone Science School staff and volunteers came together to take part in the 16th annual Summit County Make a Difference Day. While the national Make a Difference Day isn’t until October 25th, those of us in the high country know that winter comes very early up here and October is…
Catch-ing More than Healthy Habits
School is back in session, which means Keystone Science School’s CATCH Afterschool Program is in full swing. Currently we have a total of 155 students enrolled in session 1 across all six Summit County Elementary Schools. This year we had big crew of incoming Kindergarteners and CATCH was happy to welcome 46 to the CATCH curriculum. On…
KSS Burst My Bubble – In a Good Way
As part of our Basin Voyage Program, participants were asked to write a final reflection paper on what they learned on their journey through the Yampa River Basin. The following paper is reprinted here with permission from Aaron Shi, Basin Voyage 2014 participant. I live in a bubble. Allow me to explain. I live in The Woodlands,…
Living in a Piece of History
As an instructor for School Programs my days mostly consist of being in the field with students. However, just the other day I was spending a rare moment in the office when I stumbled upon old papers describing Keystone Science School’s history. I was ecstatic about my find because I always wanted to know more…