Zirkel Wilderness, Colorado
Dates
July 31 - Aug. 5
Duration
6 Days
Grades Entering
7th-9th
Rate
$1,549
BACKPACKING - PADDLEBOARDING
Featuring the Zirkel Wilderness, this all-girls group will spend the week backpacking near Steamboat, Colorado. This week-long adventure is designed for girls to learn backpacking skills with female mentors and instructors. According to the National Education Association, “Girls who learn in all-girl environments are believed to be more comfortable responding to questions and sharing their opinions…” As an organization, we’ve seen girls flourish and open up during our Girls in STEM and all-female adventure programs. This trip will also feature a paddleboarding adventure as you build your confidence and community among a like-minded group of girls.
Activities & Skills
1 DAY
Paddleboarding
PaddleboardingA fun way to explore and play on the water paddleboarding is an increasingly popular adventure sport. Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUPing, is an outdoor aquatic activity that involves standing on a long surfboard and using a paddle to navigate and move around the lake, or down the lazy river. It’s very easy to learn and it’s also a great workout!
3 DAYS
Backpacking
BackpackingBackpacking involves carrying everything needed on your back— including clothes, tent, sleeping bag, and food-- to thrive for multiple days in the wilderness. The challenge is felt literally on your shoulders, while the reward of cooking in the backcountry with your friends, sleeping in your tent with the sounds of nature, and getting away from modern amenities is immeasurable.
First & Last Day
On the first day we'll meet at Keystone Science School's campus, get checked in and meet the rest of our group at the Trip Briefing. We'll go over our gear list and make sure our packs are ready. Then we'll load up the van and head to our Adventure location, usually an hour or more of travel. Once we get to our location, we'll learn some of the basics of the activities to follow, like gear, basic climbing systems or river safety. Then we'll cook dinner and have our first Evening Meeting as we get to know each other.
On the final day after activities are done, we'll head back to KSS, and have our Pin Ceremony where we award campers for their acheivements.
Schedule and duration of activities are subject to change.
Backpacking or Basecamping?
This Adventure Utilizes both Backpacking and Base Camping
This Adventure Utilizes both Backpacking and Base CampingThis Adventure begins with a multi-day backpacking trip through the Zirkel Wilderness, and ends with basecamping for the paddleboarding day. Read our blog on maintaining proper backcountry hygiene here.
Important Info
Adventure FAQs Apply for a Scholarship Payment & Cancellation PolicyFrom Parents
Words of camper parents from our 2022 Adventure programs.
"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."
"KSS is important to give my son experiences in nature and in new areas of the state."
"No phones. Dedicated time to focus on self. Reminders about gratitude. Getting in touch with nature. The counselors are strong, sweet, great role models."
"We love KSS. The growth our kids have each summer is priceless. Thank you for all the hard work, planning and everything (heart) that goes into what you do!"
Have questions?
Visit our FAQ page to read our most asked questions for Adventures.