H2O Outdoors
_High School Program______
H2O Outdoors
October 2025
Registration not yet open for 2025.
For high school students in Colorado
This three-day program immerses high school students in Colorado’s water systems, exploring water policy, conservation, and careers in water management. Through hands-on field research and site visits, students engage with experts and stakeholders shaping the future of Colorado’s water.
Registration Procedures
Registration Deadline: Registration for the Fall 2024 session are due by October 18th, 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.
Monday
Oct. 28th
| 9:30am | Student Pick up in Morrison |
| 10:45am | Students arrive at KSS |
| 11:30am | Intro to H2O Outdoors |
| 12pm | Break into field groups, receive stakeholder assignments, begin field day |
| 4pm | Expert panel |
| 5:30pm | Dorm orientation |
| 6pm | Dinner |
| 7pm | Evening Program |
| 10pm | Lights Out |
Tuesday
Oct. 29th
| 8AM | Breakfast |
| 9:15am | Plumbing the Colorado |
| 10am | Field Day in Groups |
| 3:30pm | Prepare Research Posters |
| 4pm | Present Research |
| 5pm | Flex Time |
| 6pm | Dinner |
| 7:30pm | Evening Program |
| 10pm | Lights Out |
Wednesday
Oct. 30th
| 8:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:15am | Town Hall Meeting |
| 11:30am | Lunch, post-survey |
| 12pm | Departure |
| 1:15pm | Arrive 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
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!
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.
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.
Counselor Assistant Program (CAP)
Grades 9th-12th
Adventures
Grades 5th-12th