Welcome to our 50th Year!

A Letter from the Executive Director

50 Years.

Life was a bit different in 1976 to say the least.  Apple was founded, SNL finished its first season, and the VHS tape was introduced to the world.  Much of our reality today was science-fiction when Keystone Science School first took kids out into the classroom of the outdoors.  While so much has changed since that first class, the mission of KSS has remained constant.  Tens of thousands of kids have experienced the profound impact of KSS in learning the science of our natural world, feeling the power of community, and being inspired to satisfy one’s curiosity and take on the challenges of tomorrow.

And we’re just getting started.

In 2026, we will be unveiling our vision and plan to set up KSS for the next 50 years as well as celebrating the last 50 years and all those responsible for getting us to this incredible milestone.  The next chapter of the Keystone Science School will look to reconnect with our alumni and host opportunities to bring our community together.  We’ll seek to increase our support of students, campers, and families so that more can experience the transformative impact of our outdoor science & adventure programs.  With the world more online and onscreen than ever, we want to provide more experiences for more people to reconnect with one another and the natural world.

The mission of KSS is more important now than ever, so we hope you’ll join us for our 50th Anniversary Gala, our Summer Celebration, or one of the many other opportunities we have planned for this coming year.  Thank you for being part of our incredible community here at KSS, and look forward to seeing you in 2026!

Yours in Science and Adventure,