Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Dates
June 19-24
Duration
6 Days
Grades Entering
6th-8th
Rate
$1,549
ROCK CLIMBING - RAFTING - SANDBOARDING - HIKING
Explore Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Arkansas River Valley in Colorado. This adventure combines hiking, sandboarding, rock climbing and whitewater rafting. You will explore the dunes by foot, while also getting the opportunity to slide down a dune on a sand board or sled. The second part of the trip will be just as action-packed as you rock climb and whitewater raft through the newly designated Brown’s Canyon National Monument.
Activities & Skills
1 DAY
Sandboarding
An Adventure activity unique to this trip, learn how to sandboard! Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding that involves riding across or down a sand dune while standing on a board.
1 DAYS
Climbing
ClimbingRock climbing is the art or moving up or along natural rock formations with the use of specialized gear. It can be both physically and mentally demanding as it requires both endurance and agility to overcome the obstacles and puzzles that the climbing path presents. With safety systems in place, rock climbing is a fun and rewarding sport that is as difficult as you want it to be, and as safe as any other outdoor activity.
1 DAY
Rafting
RaftingThe thrill of exploration can be felt as the group paddles the river together. With the help and direction of professional guides, a group navigates the moving water in an inflatable raft— usually around 6 to a group. Depending on the age of the participants and amount of spring runoff, we will choose different sections of river. We have over 40 years of experience working with rafting companies and running Colorado rivers, and we monitor the river levels on a daily basis.
2 DAYS
Hiking
HikingHiking on trail presents the perfect opportunity to slowly and quietly take in the beauty and wonder of our natural environment. Along the way, we will focus on map reading and compass skills, hiking etiquette, and leave no trace principles. We might stop to observe wildlife, or look closely at the different rock types— around every bend of the trail is a new vista, a new memory, and a new learning opportunity. Take one step at a time—a valuable life lesson—as each trail presents its own unique challenges to overcome.
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 Base Camping
This Adventure Utilizes Base CampingBase camping allows us to set up tents and kitchen in one area which serves as a jumping-off point for multiple adventure activities. When we are base camping, we are only carrying with us what we need for that specific day and we are sleeping in an established campground next to or near our van. Base camping often means access to pit toilets or even bathrooms with running potable water. Because we don’t need to carry everything with us, our kitchen can be bigger with more supplies— like a double-burner propane stove, pots and pans, and access to picnic tables.
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.