Expedition-Based Programming

We offer year-round expedition-based programming in locations throughout Colorado, fusing adventure and scientific inquiry into an exceptional experience for your students or group.

Integrated in all our expedition-based programs is our unique approach to team-building. Your group will learn how to work together as our instructors slowly transition from a traditional instruction approach to one that steps back and allows students to learn from each other. Each night participants gather to discuss the past day’s events, strategies for improvement, and application of those lessons to the next day’s itineraries.

We offer several options for adventure activities, trip duration, and level of academic instruction.

 Adventure Options

• Backpacking
• Day Hiking
• Whitewater Rafting
• Rock Climbing

Academic Instruction

We’ll incorporate a variety of academic themes at whatever education level best meets your students’ needs. Options include:

• Research Project – While traveling through the backcountry, students will learn about scientific research, first developing a research question, and then collecting relevant data at a variety of sites. Upon its completion, the project will be concluded by a presentation to interested real-life parties (such as, for example, officials from the U.S. Forest Service).
• Environmental Issues – This unique series of curricula explore current local environmental dilemmas. We begin by teaching students the ecological, political, and public policy history surrounding the issue in question, and then assign each student the role of a stakeholder, each representing a different position or belief.  Students come to a “Town Meeting” in character and discuss the problem, working together to develop an action plan towards a solution. Teachers or leaders of Expedition groups can choose from a variety of Environmental Issues curricula.
• Exploration – This customized option allows teachers to choose a single or multiple academic themes which our trained instructors will weave into a single comprehensive expedition-based program.

Sample Itinerary
Below is just one sample itinerary for a 10-day adventure based trip including backpacking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing.

Day 1 – Arrival
Students arrive by plane or car and meet at a group campsite in Summit County, Colorado. Shortly after arrival, the group will embark on a short day hike followed by a briefing and preparations for their upcoming adventures.

Days 2 – 5 – Backpacking
Students depart for a four-day journey into the back country. While backpacking, students learn about Leave No Trace principles, the basics of back country travel, and how take care of themselves and each other in a self-sustained environment. On day five, students leave the trail and head to a base camp location where they will prepare for two days of rock climbing.

Days 6 – 7 – Rock Climbing
Students are asked to push their mental and physical boundaries as they learn about proper climbing technique, required safety systems, and the geology of the local region. After day two of climbing, students will again transition to a new location where they will prepare for two days of white water rafting.

Days 8 – 9 – Whitewater Rafting
Students head for the river where they will learn to paddle on two different rivers while experiencing firsthand the erosional effects of Rocky Mountain rivers. Following whitewater rafting, students will head back to the Keystone Science School campus where they will camp, enjoy a celebratory meal, and debrief their experiences and lessons from the previous nine days.

Day 10 – Departure
Students will go on one last sunrise hike before returning to the KSS campus for a slideshow presentation of their adventures (parents, faculty, and administrators are also invited).

For more information about the Expedition-Based Programs contact Dave Miller at 970-468-2098.