2024 Donor Impact Report
We are thrilled to share the 2024 Donor Impact Report, celebrating the incredible impact of your generosity in bringing hands-on science, adventure, and leadership experiences to kids!
Camp Registration Tips
View tips and times for our upcoming summer camp registration.
2024 Camp Impact Report
We are thrilled to share the 2024 Camp Impact Report, celebrating another impactful summer at Keystone Science School, where we served 1600 campers across 2400 sessions (weeks) of camp.
Pre-Enrollment for Families in Need
We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic $100,000 match opportunity! Every dollar you give to Keystone Science School will be doubled, amplifying the impact of your contribution. This means your support will have twice the effect on our outdoor education programs, summer camp scholarships, and affordable local education.
Camp Legends and Warriors (CLAW)
Every summer at Keystone Science School, with the backdrop of towering pines and the pristine waters of Dillon Reservoir, a legendary event unfolds at Discovery Deluxe – Camp Legends and Warriors, or CLAW for short. It’s a time when campers become entwined in an epic battle of camaraderie and competition, where alliances are forged, challenges…
Photo Recap 2023: Adventures
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the best moments of Adventures 2023 with captivating photos that capture the thrill of exploring Colorado’s stunning parks, monuments, and most scenic natural environments by foot, rope, and watercraft. From thrilling outdoor escapades to moments of discovery, each snapshot encapsulates the joy of exploration and shared experiences. Get ready…
Photo Recap 2023: Pathfinders
Enter into a visual journey through the highlights of Pathfinders 2023 with captivating photos that showcase the fun and unity. From outdoor adventures to team challenges, each picture encapsulates the joy of shared experiences. Get ready for more thrilling adventures in 2024 as we dive into new memories together!
Photo Recap 2023: Day Camp
Experience the best moments from Day Camp 2023 through lively photos that showcase the fun and camaraderie. From games to outdoor adventures, each picture captures the joy of summer days spent together. Get ready for more thrilling experiences in 2024 as we create new memories!
Photo Recap 2023: Discovery Camp
Explore the highlights of Discovery Camp 2023 through dynamic photos that capture the fun and unity. From outdoor adventures to games, each picture embodies the joy of shared experiences. Get ready for more excitement in 2024 as we make this upcoming summer one for the books!
Camp Day: Where Costume Fun Reigns Supreme
As the week draws to a close at KSS Day Camp, all eyes are on the grand finale: Camp Day! It’s the ultimate celebration before saying goodbye, where laughter and excitement fill the air. One of the most anticipated aspects of Camp Day is the tradition of wearing costumes.
A Keystone of Our Community: Summit Day Camp
The heart of Keystone Science School lies in being a part of our community. We strive for ways to better support our local families, and our biggest contribution is Summit Day Camp. This program serves not just as a place for fun and learning but as a crucial support system for families, especially those in…
Ready, Set, Pack: Your Ultimate Guide to Discovery Camp Essentials!
Summer camp is a time-honored tradition that offers unforgettable experiences and memories for campers of all ages. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned veteran, packing for summer camp can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to pack for a successful and enjoyable summer…
Favorite Themed Week of Camp – Part 2, Day Camp
Now its time to hear from our Day Camp staff on which themed week of day camp is their favorite!
Favorite Themed Week of Discovery Camp
What is your favorite themed week of Discovery Camp? Hear from a few of our staff about what theme they like the most!
Unveiling the Summer Camp Legends at Keystone Science School
Picture this: a summer camp where adventure meets whimsy, and every corner of Keystone Science School is alive with the antics of legendary figures. KSS introduces a unique twist – the presence of Camp Legends who play an integral role in shaping the campers’ adventures. In this blog, we unveil three iconic figures that roam…
Favorite Day of Camp – Part 2, Day Camp
Now its time to hear from our Day Camp counselors on which day of camp is their favorite!
The Impact of Summer Camp
Hear from our Ian, our Summer Programs Director, on the impact summer camp at KSS has on the kids that experience camp!
Favorite Day of Discovery Camp
What is your favorite day of Discovery Camp? Hear from a few of our staff about what their day they like the most!
2023 Summit School District Partnership
2023 Keystone Science School and Summit School District Partnership Summer 2023 at Keystone Science School was a resounding success as we once again collaborated with the Summit School District (SSD) to host ten weeks of Summit Day Camp for elementary students and eight weeks of Pathfinders Day Camp for middle schoolers. Our mission, in partnership…
2023 Summer Camp Impact Report
As autumn draws to a close in Summit County, our team finds itself in a moment of reflection upon the remarkable summer we experienced at KSS this year. With the theme “Summer of Soaring,” we are awestruck by the positive impact of our summer camp, surpassing our highest expectations, thanks to our campers, camp families,…
Thank You to Our 2023 Summer Camp Sponsors!
Thank you for an amazing summer, and thank you to all the fantastic sponsors that made it possible! Platinum Sponsor: First Bank Gold Sponsors: Summit Cove Property Management, Climax Molybdenum Silver Sponsors: Breckenridge Associates Real Estate, iFurnish, RA Nelson, Creative Cabinetry, Axis Sports Medicine As a non-profit organization, we rely on the incredible generosity of…
Mission Moment: What Kids Gain From Camp
Hear what some of our Day Camp parents and campers had to say about what they learn at camp! Donate here to help support our mission.
The Purpose of Our Campfire
Our Campfire is one of our favorite summer camp traditions at Keystone Science School. Singing songs, silly skits, and of course roasting marshmallows to make s’mores, the Campfire helps ease campers into the camp experience and show them it’s ok to let loose and be goofy! We begin summer camp with our Campfire to help…
Mission Moment: Day Camp Begins!
Hear what some of our Day Camp parents had to say after the first session of this summer! Donate here to help support our mission.
Guardian Pickup and Drop-off at Summer Camp
Before you bring your camper KSS, we want to prepare you for the check-in process and camp celebration at the conclusion of each session. The following is a summary of our drop-off and pick-up times for all of our summer programs: Program Location Drop-Off Time Pick-Up Time Day Camp KSS Campus 8:30am-9am 4:30pm-5pm Pathfinders KSS…
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…
2023 Scholarship Report – Round 2
Summer is quickly approaching and we’ve wrapped up the second round of scholarships for this year. Keystone Science School is proud to continue our tradition of giving campers a chance to come to camp through our scholarship program. Thanks to our Scholarship Committee comprised of volunteers, KSS has distributed over $51,000 in scholarship funding so…
SummitCove Vacation Lodging and Property Management
Keystone Science School has a variety of corporate partners, and we’re thankful for the partnership with SummitCove Vacation Lodging and Property Management. They have made a positive impact on KSS and their employees through our long-standing partnership. Read more about our partnership and this strong community supporter. SummitCove Vacation Lodging and Property Management offers over 350…
What to do when your camper or student is on the Waitlist
You may have been placed on the waitlist for one or more sessions of programming. A lot can change between now and the start of the session, and we are hopeful that we can accommodate your programming request. We want you to know everything that goes into the waitlist. The following is a little more…
2023 Scholarship Report – Round 1
Keystone Science school has been honored to give campers a chance to come to camp through our scholarship program for years. Thanks to our Scholarship committee comprised of volunteers, KSS will distribute approximately $70,000 in scholarship funding for the 2023 summer camp season, with over 80% of those scholarships allowing families to provide their children…
What You’ll Learn as a CAP
Spending a summer as a CAP is a wonderful way for high schoolers to experience the magic of camp while getting some leadership experience along the way! With help from our counselor mentors, CAPs will learn valuable life skills like risk management, teamwork, and customer service while gaining hands on experience in childcare. CAP Mentorship…
Leadership Framework
This is not a specific curriculum or lesson, but rather a framework with a foundation of 5 elements of leadership that can be applied to any program/age/activity. As students progress through camp, adventure, and school-based programs, they will become familiar with the 5 elements and have opportunities to grow within each. This framework is meant…
2022 Summit Day Camp Final Report
Since 2015, Keystone Science School has partnered with Summit School District (SSD) to offer 10 consecutive weeks of Summit Day Camp to its students. This enriching outdoor education program is exclusive to SSD students, serving up to 75 students per day. The program offers consistent and affordable care to working parents. A sliding fee scale…
2022 Summer Camp in Review
Summit County has settled into the winter season, and the staff find themselves reflecting on the incredible summer we had at KSS this year as we continue to rebuild and restart programming after the pandemic. The theme for camp this year was the Summer of Community, and as we look back on the impact from…
Thank You to Our Summer Camp 2022 Sponsors
From everyone here at Keystone Science School, we want to thank our 2022 Summer of Community Camp Sponsors: FirstBank, Climax Molybdenum, Summit Cove Vacation Lodging, RA Nelson, Creative Cabinetry, Neils Lunceford, Axis Sports Medicine, iFurnish and Alpine Lumber.
Mission Moment: Pushing Campers Outside of their Comfort Zones
Camp is a place of fun, belonging, and personal growth. Our programmatic goals are woven into the concept of challenging our campers to try new things to push them outside their ‘comfort zone’. This practice allows them to grow in different aspects of their own lives. We aim to foster specific talents like developing independence,…
Our Inclusion Policy
At Keystone Science School, we believe camp and outdoor education is for everyone! We create spaces of true belonging in which campers, students, and staff can be their authentic selves while experiencing the magic of camp and the outdoors. We strive to make everyone in our community feel comfortable, supported, and validated, regardless of their…
FirstBank Sponsor Highlight
When my family and I moved to Summit County in 2017, I was interested in learning more about some of our community’s most impactful non-profit organizations. Keystone Science School (KSS) quickly jumped out as one that strongly supports our entire community through several different programs. I was able to get to know the leadership at…
Our Staff – Why They’re Awesome and the Experience Needed
At the Keystone Science School, staff are certified and trained extensively in preparation for the summer months. They go through pre-hire screenings, must meet minimum job requirements, and spend two weeks in staff training before campers arrive. Job Requirements: To be eligible for a summer job at KSS, applicants must meet certain requirements. Staff Training:…
Employment: Camp Staff A Day in the Life
As a counselor at the Keystone Science School, you will work long and hard hours, but every second will be worth it. Not only do you get paid to go on adventures in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but while you are engaging on these adventures, you will also get to have impactful conversations with campers…
Discovery Overnight Camp: What to Expect?
Discovery Overnight Camp is the flagship overnight program at Keystone Science School. This overnight camp option offers a traditonal overnight camp experience mixed with Science, Adventure, and FUN! Campers can choose from 1 or 2 week sessions. Each session follows the same core activities and adventures with a different science theme hidden in each week. Sleeping…
How to Reduce Feelings of Homesickness
Whether this is your child’s first time coming to camp or they have been coming year after year, here are a few tips to avoid homesickness when planning for your child’s KSS Summer Camp experience. All of the tips come down to preparation and allowing your child to be a part of the planning process.…
Adventure: Group Sizes and Group Dynamics
KSS Adventures come in a variety of group capacities, and no matter size, each program is full of adventure and opportunities to develop long-lasting relationships with like-minded peers. Our smallest programs are 10-13 campers per group and our largest are 26 campers. While there is not a “better option,” each group capacity provides some minor impacts…
What does it mean to be a Counselor Assistant?
Whether someone has been coming to camp for years or it is their first time, being a CAP is a wonderful way for high schoolers to experience camp while getting some leadership experience. When you are a member of the Counselor Assistant Program at KSS, you are assigned a counselor mentor that you will shadow…
Backcountry Hygiene: What steps can you take to ensure good hygiene health while in the backcountry?
Keystone Science School spends a lot of time camping in the backcountry whether it’s part of an overnight and challenge hike with Discovery Camp, or each car camping or backcountry experience on a KSS Adventure. No matter the program, KSS takes hygiene very seriously. By understanding how to maintain your hygiene and limit illness, we can ensure…
The Intentionality of KSS Activities
Keystone Science School Summer Camp programs are full of fun games and activities but every activity is full of meaning and purpose towards a larger objective of helping youth develop more independence and confidence. Some of our most “campy” traditions are viewed by campers as simply fun activities but to our staff and parents these…
Three Elements that make a Challenge Hike
While away from their everyday lives at Keystone Science School’s summer camp, kids get the chance to step out of their comfort zones, gain independence, and learn about themselves. Challenge Hikes are one of many ways that campers and students can learn these lessons. Simply put, a hike is just a long walk. Sometimes for pleasure,…
From Camper to Student, the KSS Progression
We have two terms in which we refer to our participants during the summer season. We have campers and we have students. We refer to participants in any Day Camp, Discovery Camp, or Discovery Adventure as campers. The most important aspect of KSS for campers is…camp! The camper experience should be one of fun, community, learning, and growth. The…
The Hidden Purpose of CLAW
On Monday of our Discovery Camp Deluxe session, the first question we hear from campers is, “Are we having CLAW this year?” Of course, we always answer, “Nope we’ve changed the Deluxe schedule this summer.” They know we’re lying, but they play along anyway. Half the fun of CLAW is the anticipation! Wait just one…
It’s Going to Be a Marvelous Summer!
The pungent smell of burnt marshmallow lingers in the air, mingling with the sharp astringence of lodge pole pine. Reverberations of laughter and shouting echo in the forest, as glimpses of pink primates are rumored in the area. You may question your sanity, or maybe you already know that something magical is happening in these…
Farewell from Your Camp Family!
The dust has settled on campus today. Yesterday was the first Monday in nine weeks that there were no cars driving through Day Camp drop-off, no returning campers hugging one another as they run towards the Bighorn and Henry dorms. Disco-zilla has been packed up and put away and Rives Dining Hall is the cleanest…