Safety is the foundation of everything we do!
At Keystone Science School, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Every program, every activity, and every decision is grounded in a simple but important question: Is it safe?
Staff Training at Keystone Science School goes far beyond the basics. Depending on their role, staff complete between two and four weeks of pre-summer training, with those leading higher-risk programs receiving even more in-depth preparation. This training doesn’t just focus on physical safety—it also prepares staff to support the emotional well-being of campers. They learn how to help campers through homesickness, how to build positive group dynamics, and how to recognize and address bullying. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and work hard to create an inclusive, respectful environment for everyone.
Throughout the day, one of the simplest but most important safety practices is Accountability. No matter where campers are—on-site, hiking, or on an off-campus adventure—our staff are consistently tracking attendance. Each time a group transitions from one location to another, counselors pause to take attendance and confirm that every camper is present. We hold a 13 camper to two counselors ratio for all groups. These repeated check-ins create a reliable system that ensures no camper is ever unaccounted for.
We have a Registered Nurse on-site 24 hours a day during the summer, and every staff member is certified in First Aid and CPR. Many go even further, earning certifications in Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder. Staff who administer medication to campers receive additional training through both the state of Colorado and our on-site medical team, ensuring that all health needs are handled with care and precision.
Living and learning in the mountains also means paying close attention to Weather. Our team actively monitors conditions every day, from fire risk to lightning to air quality. Before each summer season, the local fire department walks our property with us to help reduce fire risk and ensure we’re as prepared as possible. Even when fires are not nearby, smoke can impact air quality, so we continuously monitor conditions and adjust plans as needed to keep campers safe and comfortable. Sometimes that means shifting activities indoors, providing protective equipment, or changing plans entirely. Flexibility is a key part of safety, and we will try to update you with any changes.
Transportation is another area where we take extra care. Driving is one of the highest-risk activities in any camp setting, and we approach it with the seriousness it deserves. Staff who transport campers are required to complete specialized training both in the classroom and behind the wheel, and they must have several years of driving experience along with a clear driving record. Before any trip, vehicles are carefully inspected to ensure they are in proper working condition. More importantly, we emphasize a culture of responsibility—our staff understand that when they are driving campers, safety comes first, always.
Even when we partner with outside organizations for Specialized Activities, safety remains our top priority. Every partner we work with must meet strict requirements, including approval from our insurance provider and proper documentation to support safe operations. Activities like climbing, horseback riding, rafting and more are led by certified professionals, ensuring that campers are always guided by trained experts.
One of our most unique spaces, Snake River Village (SRV), a place where our middle school campers feel comfortable, confident, and connected with others their age. Because SRV sits near the Snake River, we’ve taken extra steps to ensure its safety. Before opening the tents program, we partnered with a professional risk management company to assess the site, and we continue to revisit those assessments regularly. We recognize that mountain environments can be unpredictable, which is why we maintain detailed emergency procedures and train our staff to respond quickly and effectively if conditions change.
What truly sets Keystone Science School apart is our commitment to continuous improvement. Safety is never something we consider “done.” We regularly review our practices, learn from experiences, and update our plans to reflect the best and safest approaches possible. Because when campers feel safe, they can fully embrace everything camp has to offer. Families can feel confident knowing that behind every adventure is a team that puts safety first—every single time. We can’t wait to welcome you to KSS soon!
