H2O Outdoors students hiking to a river in the mountains.

H2O Outdoors

_High School Program______

H2O Outdoors

October 28-30, 2024

For high school students in Colorado

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 will be learning about careers within water management, conducting field-based research, and visiting several key locations in Summit County, Colorado as they learn about the various stakeholders who work to manage our water.

H2O Outdoors students performing water ecology measurments.

Registration Procedures


Registration Deadline: Registration for the Fall 2024 session are due by October 11th, 2024.

Completion of Paperwork: Participants complete their registration by submitting the medical and liability form and paying the $30 registration fee (scholarships are available) no later than October 16th, 2024.

If signed paperwork and administrative deposit are not returned by Oct. 16 we will begin accepting registrations from the waiting list.

Program Schedule


Please note that this program schedule may change based on the availability of our mentors and expert panel members.

Water testing equipment for H2O Outdoors

Monday

Oct. 28th
9:30amStudent Pick up in Morrison
10:45amStudents arrive at KSS
11:30amIntro to H2O Outdoors
12pmBreak into field groups, receive stakeholder assignments, begin field day
4pmExpert panel
5:30pmDorm orientation
6pmDinner
7pmEvening Program
10pmLights Out
The H2O Outdoors group up on top of Loveland Pass.

Tuesday

Oct. 29th
8AMBreakfast
9:15amPlumbing the Colorado
10amField Day in Groups
3:30pmPrepare Research Posters
4pmPresent Research
5pmFlex Time
6pmDinner
7:30pmEvening Program
10pmLights Out
 H2O Outdoors student in a water ecology lesson in Rives

Wednesday

Oct. 30th
8:00amBreakfast
9:15amTown Hall Meeting
11:30amLunch, post-survey
12pmDeparture
1:15pmArrive at T-Rex lot for pickup

Expert Panel


A key component of the H2O Outdoor program is our expert panel which provides students the opportunity to meet professionals currently working in the field of water management. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn about water and careers within water management.

  • Colorado Farm Bureau
    • Brandon Bainer – Associate Director of County & Member Development
    • Tarin Kemp -Director of Public Policy State Affairs
  • Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
    • Troy Wineland – Summit County Water Commissioner
  • Climax Molybdenum
    • Alex Ungers – Senior Environmental scientist
  • Front Range Water
    • Matt Bond – Denver Water – Youth Education Manager
  • CWCB
    • Jackie Daoust – Regional Water Plan Grant Manager for the Metro, South & North Platte
  • Oil and Gas
    • Mary Dawson – Aurora Water – Sr. Environmental Education & Outreach Specialist
  • Western Resource Advocates (WRA)
    • Anna Graf – Keystone Science School – School Year Programs Manager
  • Trout Unlimited/Fishing
    • Mark Heminghous – Former Trout Unlimited Summit County chapter president
  • Colorado River District
    • Ellie Muncy – Town of Breckenridge Community Development Planner

Travel Options


Eastern Slope Shuttle

T-Rex Parking Lot:
Location: I-70 and Morrison Road – Hwy 40
Golden, CO (North East corner of Intersection)
Pick-up: 9:30am, Monday, October 28th
Drop-off: 1:15pm, Wednesday, October 30th

Self Transportation

Our Address:
Keystone Science School
1053 Soda Ridge Rd.
Keystone, CO, 8043

Arrive: 10:45am, Monday, October 28th
Depart: 12pm, Wednesday, October 30th

Packing List


View the packing list for what you should bring!

An H2O Outdoors student performing a water chemical test

Thank you to our Program Donors


We are so thankful for our program sponsors who provide funding and curriculum support for the H2O Outdoors Program.

Denver Water
Aurora Water
Chevron
Oxy

In the words of students

“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 these other KSS programs!


Adventures is the next step in progression at KSS, focused on the development of outdoor skills and leadership while exploring Colorado by foot, on rope, or watercraft. CAPs is our mentorship program in Discovery Camp.

Adventures Backpacking trip

Counselor Assistant Program (CAP)

Grades 9th-12th

Hiking in the Sand Dunes

Adventures

Grades 5th-12th