NEW THEME! Run to the hills for an enchanting introduction to Colorado’s finest flora and fauna. We’ll identify lots of fantastic flowers, but beware ... close by lurk creepy, invasive weeds. We’ll learn which plants should be in Summit County and which shouldn’t. Join us as we  exploring undiscovered trails, study delicate areas, and become official weed warriors!

SCIENCE: Botany, plant biology, and native plants vs. invasive species

ADVENTURE: Field trip to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (Vail)

FUN: When the KSS campus is invaded by horrible weed creatures, we’ll band together to protect our wildflowers with the help of Mother Nature. We’ll also have a special visit from Summit County’s Weed Warriors.

NEW THEME! Hop on your horse and journey back in time to experience the epic history of Summit County. Travel the timeline that carved the high country:  become a miner, a cowboy or cowgirl, and, once again, make the West the best! We’ll ride the historic Georgetown railroad, exploring mining sites, and discover what life was really like in the Wild West. YEE HAW and giddyup!

SCIENCE: Geology, Colorado mining and pioneer history, wilderness etiquette

ADVENTURE: Field trip to Georgetown Loop Railroad (Georgetown); visit to horse stables (Keystone); optional overnight at KSS!

FUN: We’ll have our own gold rush and a Cowboy Carnival!
 

Be warned: this is the most sticky, slimy, ooey-gooey week of camp ever! Welcome to Slime Time, where we'll explore FUN-demental scientific methods, participate in dastardly experiments, paint & create, and lots more! By the end of this week, campers will be really slimy or really sticky (hopefully both). Session includes an experiment each day, hands-on (and hands-IN) science activities, and take-away science lessons that campers can do at home. This session is positively oozing with fun!

SCIENCE: The scientific method, chemistry, investigative techniques

ADVENTURE: Field trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

FUN: Each day we’ll have an “in-your-face” presentation featuring slimy science hypotheses and the methods we take to come to a conclusion. Campers will make slime (and slime some unsuspecting counselors - gross!). We may even see a few mad scientists running around!
 

3... 2... 1... BLAST OFF! Get up close and personal with the cosmos using our solar telescope and state-of-the-art observatory. Campers will travel the galaxy visiting planets & stars, steering through black holes & supernovas, and maybe even meeting some fun creatures from planets far, far away. Key components include flight and rocketry. Campers who choose the overnight option will be treated to an extra-special tour of the night sky. This session will truly be out of this world!

SCIENCE: Astronomy and rocketry

ADVENTURE: Stay tuned… we’re working on something special!

FUN: Campers will investigate a UFO crash site, using scientific investigation to determine what really happened. We’ll make cool hands-on space projects and conceptualize life on other planets. Some of us may even turn out to be aliens ourselves!

Get to know one of Keystone Science School’s most treasured resources, the Snake River. Campers will explore and compare different sections of this winding river that cuts through Montezuma, Keystone, and Summit Cove. We will ask important questions: What makes a river healthy? What are macro invertebrates? Why is mud so much fun? Our adventures will peak with a rip-roaring (age-appropriate) whitewater rafting trip, with chances to paddle, splash, and keep an eye out for the slippery creatures that live in the river.

SCIENCE: Aquatic and riparian ecology, wildlife interpretation, water management

ADVENTURE: Field trip – age-appropriate whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River (Buena Vista)

FUN: Our local rivers offer plenty of opportunities for wet and grimy fun. We’ll explore trails, search for river creatures, and spend lots of time with our hands in the mud! We’ll even do a little face-painting with “natural materials.”