Snow Science
_Girls in STEM______
Girls in STEM: Snow Science
January 24-26, 2025
4th-8th grade female and non-binary students
Keystone Science School’s Girls in STEM: Snow Science focuses on careers related to snow and avalanche mitigation. Participants will take a trip up to Arapahoe Basin ski area to meet with female ski patrollers and learn how to dig snow pits, use avalanche beacons, and watch a demo of avalanche dogs! Then, we’ll take a break from science learning to spend an afternoon cross country skiing. Throughout the program, participants will meet women working in snow related careers and there will be a special opportunity to ask these female professionals about their experience in a male-dominated industry.
Rates & Amenities
This program is subsidized on a sliding fee scale for local families – see the chart below. This price includes lodging in our dorms, all meals, programming and use of supplies and technology.
| Free & Reduced Lunch rate | $60 |
| CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) rate | $190 |
| Fully Pay rate | $350 |
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
If you have a financial barrier, please apply for a scholarship for the Girls in STEM program. All scholarships will be determined on a rolling basis and offered based on financial need.
Transportation
We offer free transportation to local students at Dillon Valley Elementary and Silverthorne Elementary!
- KSS pickup students from school on Friday afternoon from Silverthorne Elementary and Dillon Valley Elementary at 4:00pm.
- Parent Pickup on Sunday at KSS at 12:00pm and Silverthorne Elementary & Dillon Valley Elementary at 1:00pm.
Packing List
Program Schedule
Please note that this program schedule may change based on the availability of our STEM Mentors.
KSS will be providing meals from dinner on Friday night to lunch on Sunday afternoon.
Friday
Day 1
| 4:00pm | Check-in begins Pick up Silverthorne & Dillon Valley Elementary |
| 5:00pm | Check-in ends and group bonding time begins |
| 5:30pm | Female Empowerment Converstation |
| 6:00pm | Dinner |
| 7:00pm | Avalanche Board Demonstration |
| 8:00pm | Dorm Orientation |
| 9:00pm | Lights Out |
Saturday
Day 2
| 8:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am | Overview of the Day |
| 9:15am | Depart for Arapahoe Basin |
| 10:00am | Snow Science Activities at Arapahoe Basin |
| 12:00pm | Lunch & Hot Chocolate |
| 1:00pm | Return to KSS |
| 1:30pm | Mentor Connection Activity – Women in Snow Science |
| 3:00pm | Cross Country Skiing at KSS |
| 5:00pm | Flex Time |
| 6:00pm | Dinner |
| 7:00pm | Movie Night |
| 8:00pm | Head back to dorms |
| 9:00pm | Lights Out |
Sunday
Day 3
| 8:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am | Overview of the Day |
| 9:30am | Project Work Time – Avalanche Boards |
| 11:00am | Female Empowerment Activity |
| 11:45am | Arrive for checkout |
| 12:00pm | Family Presentation – Avalanche Boards |
| 12:30pm | Family departures & School Store open |
| 1:00pm | Dropoff at Silverthorne Elementary & Dillon Valley Elementary |
STEM Mentors
A variety of female professionals will be interacting with all participating girls throughout the weekend. As the cast of STEM Mentors is solidified, we will update this page with names and biographies. Stay tuned.
Amanda Loughlin
Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)
Northern Mountains Field Technician
Helen Rowe
Summit County Search and Rescue Group
Team Lead
Thank you to our Program Donors
We are so thankful for all the corporate, foundational, and individual supporters of our Girls in STEM program.
If you are interested in supporting this program please contact our Development team at development@keystonescienceschool.org or call 970-468-2098.
In the words of parents
“No phones. Dedicated time to focus on self. Reminders about gratitude. Getting in touch with nature. The counselors are strong, sweet, great role models.”
“My kid looks forward to this every year! It is so important for her to get out of her usual routine and meet new people and get a chance to be on her own.”
“We love KSS. The growth our kids have each summer is priceless. Thank you for all the hard work, planning and everything that goes into what you do!”
Check out more All-Girls programs at KSS!
Adventures is the next step in progression at KSS, and we have girls-only trips coming up next summer!
We also have more Girls in STEM programs coming up, including Medical Research this spring!
All-Girls Climbing
Grades 6th-8th
Girls in STEM Medical Explorers
April 4-6, 2025