Water Wonders
_Girls in STEM______
Girls in STEM Water Wonders
October 18-20, 2024
Calling all aspiring young scientists! Dive into the exciting world of water careers with our Girls in STEM: Water Wonders program. Join us on an unforgettable journey where 4th-8th grade female and non-binary students explore careers in river restoration and water filtration. Get ready to roll up your sleeves as participants engage firsthand with women leading a stream restoration project, delve into stream surveying, and embark on an eye-opening tour of a water treatment facility.
Throughout the program, inspirational women in hydrology share their stories, offering invaluable insights into navigating male-dominated industries. Empower your child to dream big and discover a newfound passion for the fascinating world of water science!
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 at KSS on Sunday at 12pm or Silverthorne Elementary and 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
Oct. 18
| 4:00pm | Check-in begins |
| 4:00pm | Local Pick-ups |
| 5:00pm | Check-in ends |
| 5:30pm | Female Empowerment Conversation |
| 6:00pm | Dinner |
| 7:00pm | Interactive Water Activity |
| 8:30pm | Head back to dorms |
| 9:30pm | Lights Out |
Saturday
Oct. 19
| 8:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am | Overview of the day |
| 9:15am | Stream Restoration Project & Lunch in the field |
| 3:00pm | Mentor Connection Activity |
| 5:00pm | Flex Time |
| 6:00pm | Dinner |
| 7:00pm | Movie |
| 8:30pm | Head back to dorms |
| 9:00pm | Lights Out |
Sunday
Oct. 20
| 8:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am | Overview of the day |
| 9:15am | Water Filter Project Work Time |
| 11:00am | Female Empowerment Activity |
| 11:45am | Families arrive for checkout |
| 12:00pm | Project Presentations for families |
| 12:30pm | Family departures |
| 1:00pm | Local drop-offs |
STEM Mentors
A variety of female professionals will be interacting with all participating girls throughout the weekend. Participating mentors include Sam Bagge, Abbie Wagner, Laura Lynch, Maddie Toolen, Vanessa Logsdon, and Sherry Meshko.
Abbie Wagner
Upper Blue Sanitation District
“I work for Upper Blue Sanitation District as the Lab Supervisor and Administrative Assistant. I graduated from Johnson State College in Johnson Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In addition to my degree, I have a Colorado Wastewater Operator A and Collections System 2 licenses. The main focus of my job as Lab Supervisor is to test all of our treatment processes in the wastewater plant to ensure that we are meeting State required water quality limits. These limits ensure that we are keeping the environment safe for wildlife and human use. I am excited to work with the Girls in STEM Program as a Water Wonders Mentor to help inspire the next generation to go after it, see what is possible, and have them push the field even further.”
Sherry Meshko
City of Aurora Environmental Education & Outreach Program Specialist
“I go into classrooms of students from preschool to middle school. I teach students about where our water comes from, how to keep it clean and how to conserve it. I taught students with Special Needs for 30 years before I started at the water department.”
Sam Bagge
Returning Rapids Project
Sam Bagge is a Master’s student at the University of Utah working with the non-profit The Returning Rapids Project. This project aims to document and calculate the amount of sediment deposited by Lake Powell that is being remobilized into the river system, thus into the reservoir and reducing its water capacity.
Currently living in Moab, Utah, Sam has received degrees in geosciences, geography, and sustainability studies, which translates to his work where equitable, sustainable water solutions for all are at the forefront. “One of my favorite things is working with students and the privilege of inspiring them to understand themselves and the world around them better. This is by empowering each other and learning more about the water systems that our lives rely on.”
Thank you to our Program Donors
We are so thankful for 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 Snow Science this winter!
All-Girls+ Climbing
Grades 6th-8th
All Girls+ Backpacking
Grades 8-10