Mission Moment: Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy
Earlier this season, we welcomed a group of adventurous students from Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy—all the way from Chicago! These middle schoolers swapped city streets for snowy trails as they dove into a four-day outdoor education experience here at Keystone Science School.
Staff’s Favorite Science Experiment: Water Testing
At Keystone Science School, we love asking our staff fun questions—especially ones that bring back memories of cool science experiments with campers.
Staff’s Favorite Summer Camp Memory: Fish Hatchery
Every summer, we ask our staff to reflect on their favorite memory from the season—and their answers never disappoint. In our new video series, you’ll get to hear these moments straight from the source! First up is Andrew.
Mission Moment: West Grand Middle School
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming students and teachers from West Grand Middle School to Keystone Science School for one of our unforgettable Outdoor Education Field Trips! What made this trip truly special was hearing from the students and teachers themselves.
Cooking on Adventure Programs!
Here at KSS, we know that proper nutrition is required to have a safe and fun adventure experience!
Hear About Our Staff’s Favorite Summer Camp Activities!
At Keystone Science School, our staff are the heart and soul of the camp experience, and they love sharing their favorite moments with campers. From Gaga Ball to arts and crafts, there’s a wide range of activities to get excited about. But one of their absolute favorites? Rock climbing!
Summer Staff’s Favorite Things About Working at KSS!
We asked our summer staff, “What’s your favorite thing about working at KSS?” Their answers came straight from the heart—unforgettable adventures, amazing campers, and a community that feels like family.
Get to know our new Executive Director: Eric Rightor
In this short video, meet Eric as he shares his background, experience, and passions beyond work. From his summer camp history to his favorite outdoor activities, this is a great way to learn more about the person leading KSS.
How We Use Journals
You might wonder why our curriculum includes a journal. Why have students write when they already do that in school? Isn’t outdoor school about experiencing trees, rocks, and streams beyond the classroom walls? Journaling deepens learning by connecting experience with reflection.
Mission Moment: Omar D Blair Charter School
In our latest Mission Moment video, students and teachers from Omar D. Blair Charter School share their personal stories about the impact of these hands-on, nature-based learning opportunities. As you hear their reflections in the video, it’s clear that these field trips are not just educational—they’re transformative.
Mission Moment: SSD Mountain Ecology
Summit County students from local schools once again had the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in nature through our Mountain Ecology program at Keystone Science School this winter and spring. Thanks to the unwavering support of Vail EpicPromise, this initiative has continued to thrive, enriching the educational experiences of young learners across the county. Tailored…
Mission Moment: Alexander Dawson School
Join us for a heartwarming mission moment as we delve into the unforgettable experiences of Alexander Dawson School during their Outdoor Education Field Trip at Keystone Science School. From exhilarating adventures in nature to hands-on scientific exploration, Alexander Dawson’s trip to Keystone Science School provided a platform for growth, discovery, and connection. In this captivating…
Mission Moment: Riverview School
In this Mission Moment video, discover why Riverview School recommends our Outdoor Education program at KSS. Hear firsthand from students and teachers as they share their unforgettable experiences, newfound skills, and deep appreciation for the natural world. Get your class outside in the Rockies this school year! We have limited dates available so don’t wait…
Mission Moment: Collegiate Academy
Step into the shoes of a teacher witnessing the profound impact of outdoor education on their students during an unforgettable trip to Keystone Science School. In this video, hear a teacher’s heartfelt reflections on the transformative experiences shared by their students. Get your class outside in the Rockies this school year! We have limited dates…
Mission Moment: West Grand Middle School
Join West Grand Middle School students as they share their experiences from the Outdoor Education trip at Keystone Science School. Hear firsthand how this journey impacted them, fostering teamwork, resilience, and a deeper connection to nature. Get your class outside in the Rockies this school year! We have limited dates available so don’t wait to…
Mission Moment: Crest Academy
Join us for a heartwarming mission moment as we delve into the unforgettable experiences of Crest Academy during their Outdoor Education Field Trip at Keystone Science School. From exhilarating adventures in nature to hands-on scientific exploration, Crest Academy’s trip to Keystone Science School provided a platform for growth, discovery, and connection. In this captivating video,…
The Value of Our Outdoor Education Programs
Our multi-day field trips offer more than just a break from the traditional classroom; they are an opportunity for transformative learning and personal discovery.
Mission Moment: Edith Teter
Exploring Nature, Inspiring Minds! Join us on a journey as Edith Teter Elementary share the magic of their Outdoor Education Field Trip. Hear firsthand about the unforgettable moments and discoveries that make learning come alive!
2023 Girls in STEM Impact Report
Keystone Science School’s Girls in STEM Program strives to break through gender barriers in STEM fields, inspires girls to be their authentic selves and empowers girls to be confident leaders in their classrooms and beyond. 2023 was another successful year with four Girls in STEM programs and over 90 participating girls.
2023 H2O Outdoors Impact Report
H2O Outdoors 2023 Empowering the Next Generation of Water Stewards Keystone Science School recently hosted its annual water education program for high schoolers, H2O Outdoors, from November 1-3, 2023. H2O Outdoors is a standards-based, educational program available to all Colorado high school students. Over the course of three days, students participate in a stream survey,…
2023 Beyond the Classroom Impact Report
Beyond the Classroom 2023 KSS Professional Development Program Keystone Science School recently hosted its annual professional development program for teachers, Beyond the Classroom, from November 1-3, 2023. This transformative workshop equipped educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to bring environmental issues into their classrooms. Teachers explored the intricacies of water issues in the West…
Mission Moment: H2O Outdoors 2023
High Schooler’s in our H2O Outdoors program had a lot of fun the first week of November! If you don’t believe us, listen to what they have to say about the program in this short video. H2O Outdoors is a 3-day program teaching high school students about the many uses of water and the policy…
Mission Moment: Mackintosh Academy Boulder
Mackintosh Academy attended our Outdoor Education program at KSS last week. Hear what some of the students had to say about the program in this mission moment video! Get your class outside in the Rockies this school year! We have limited dates available so don’t wait to get on the KSS calendar. Call (970) 468-2098…
Mission Moment: Evergreen Country Day School
Don’t miss this heartfelt testimony that highlights the magic of learning beyond the classroom. Discover the impact of Evergreen Country Day School’s outdoor education program at KSS through the eyes of one of their teachers. In this Mission Moment video, gain insights into the transformative experiences and valuable lessons students are embracing in the great…
KSS Transportation & Safety Measures
Utilizing the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and surrounding areas, Keystone Science School programs love to take our students and campers off-campus to experience science, adventure, Fun! This brings up the question of how Keystone Science School manages risk around transporting students and campers in our 15-passenger vans. It is important to also note that all…
Mission Moment: Silverthorne Elementary Overnight
“It’s so crucial today for people to get outdoors, experience the world, experience the science of nature and leave their cell phones behind. Keystone Science School broadens the eyes, the mind and the soul of these young students to experience more than they ever knew was possible.” – Mark, Community Volunteer & Adjunct Instructor Silverthorne…
Mission Moment: 3rd Grade Mountain Ecology
Do to the generous support of Vail EpicPromise, the students of Summit County Schools were able to attend our 3rd Grade Mountain Ecology program at Keystone Science School throughout this winter and spring. This program is designed to supplement the elementary school curriculum by taking students into their backyards to learn about our unique forest…
Outdoor Education Highlight: Watersheds & Water Management Curriculum
A few weeks ago, Katie – a science teacher from West Grand Middle school – brought her class up to KSS for an Outdoor Education field trip. She chose Watersheds & Water Management as their curriculum, and the class learned first-hand about water cycles, natural and renewable resources and conservation that paired with the in-class…
Girls in STEM: Snow & Avalanche Science Student Testimonial
Girls in STEM: Snow & Avalanche Science was a success! Hear from one of our students about their thoughts on their experience in this video. Keystone Science School’s Girls in STEM: Snow and Avalanche Science focuses on addressing challenges experienced by women interested in pursuing STEM-specific education and careers. Participatibng girls learned about snow science…
Mission Moment: Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy
Last week, Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy traveled all the way from Chicago to attend an Outdoor Education program at KSS. During the week, they learned about snow & avalanche science and were able to experience a lot of things that they had never done before. Thank you, Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy, for a fantastic week! We hope…
Mission Moment: West Grand Middle School
West Grand Middle School attended an Outdoor Education Program at KSS a few weeks ago. This trip helped make the outdoors more accesible to some students who lacked this access beforehand. During their time here they learned about Watersheds & Water Management, participated in a town hall activity, and learned to cross-country ski! We are…
2022 H2O Outdoors Final Report
H2O Outdoors is a 3-day program teaching high school students about the many uses of water and the policy which surrounds how Colorado’s water is managed. Throughout the program students learn about careers within water management, conduct field-based research, and visit several key locations in Summit County as they learn about the various stakeholders who…
2022 Beyond the Classroom Final Report
Beyond the Classroom 2022 was a sucess! We are happy to bring back this program since it was last held in 2019 before the pandemic. We had 15 teachers attend from 8 different schools and 3 different states. Beyond the Classroom provides teachers with all the tools necessary to facilitate a complete unit on environmental issues…
2022 Girls in STEM Final Report
Keystone Science School believes in empowering girls by engaging them in hands-on, real-world activities to show STEM is relevant and fun in an ever-changing world. 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 in class and more likely…
Mission Moment: What’s it Like Seeing Snow for the First Time?
Snow is spectacular. That’s one thing most folks seem able to agree on. But seeing it for the first time ever, that’s beyond special. At Keystone Science School, we are beyond humbled to introduce at least a handful of students from around the state and country to snow for the first time each school year.…
A Day in the Life of an Education Program
Cookie mining is a game where students learn about the mining history of Colorado and the effect mining has on the natural landscape. That’s right we use cookies to teach about mining because were the Keystone Science School and we do things a little bit differently. We take the classroom outside and students learn in…
Why do we need Girls in STEM?
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 in class and more likely to explore more ‘nontraditional’ subjects such as math, science, and technology.” Our program consists of a variety of sessions each year dedicated to motivation, reflection,…
Meeting a Tree
SMS Natural Resources Day Over the course of three days this fall, 280 sixth graders from Summit Middle School ventured beyond the walls of their downtown Frisco facility to Keystone Science School’s small woodsy campus across the reservoir.The early October mornings were crisp but quite sunny, and everyone enjoyed striking views of Buffalo Mountain and…
Overnight School Field Trip Challenges
Keystone Science School loves teaching environmental and outdoor education programs. It is our goal to make sure that every student has the opportunity to experience a unique field-based science program. We understand that organizing an overnight field trip is never an easy task for a teacher, administrator, or parent volunteer. We also understand that sometimes…
Making History With Water
On November 12th, Keystone Science School was scheduled to run our annual H2O Outdoors program, an exciting grant-funded program for High School students made possible through key partnerships with Denver Water, Aurora Water, and the Colorado River District. Students from around the state applied to the program and, once accepted, were invited to come to our campus free…
The Power of Silence
Working at Keystone Science School has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Everyday I get to have amazing experiences with children in an outdoor setting. As magical as it is, it can be easy to get bogged down with the details and intricacies of each day. It can be almost impossible to…
How Basin Voyage Changed Me
As part of our Basin Voyage Program, participants were asked to write a final reflection paper on what they learned on their journey through the Yampa River Basin. The following paper is reprinted here with permission from Andrew Cook, Basin Voyage 2014 participant. Throughout this trip our group was presented with a number of problems. These problems…
Interactive Education to Inspire and Engage
A few months ago I applied through the Alcoa Foundation for a generous sponsorship to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to attend Key Issues Institute at Keystone Science School. I was so excited when I was lucky enough to be selected, along with Andy Brennan, from a primary school close to me in Birmingham, UK.…
Changing Our Water Future
Have you ever seen a group of kids more excited to be with their state representatives? This is the kind of academic exhilaration inspired by our newest policy-based program, Basin Voyage. This hybrid program crosses the academic rigor of Youth Policy Summit with the kind of fun and adventure that any KSS camper can experience on…
Community Connections that Change Lives
This week marks the close of KSS School Programs for the 2013-2014 school year. It’s been a great one and we look forward to many more. For years Keystone Science School has enjoyed a productive and mutually enriching relationship with Summit County School District through KSS’s unique School Programs. These local, grant-funded programs bring supplemental and…
Discovering Snow Science
As part of our Community Programs at KSS we frequently collaborate with Girl Scouts of Colorado to offer weekend environmental camps. This letter came to Girl Scouts this spring from a chaperone parent who attended the Wonders of Winter: Snow Science and STEM camp in March with her daughter’s troop. We feel so lucky to have the…