Summer Programs

Summer camp registrations are ahead of pace for 2006 according to 2004-05 records and some age groups are even beginning to fill up!  In addition to offering the traditional summer programs, Discovery Camp, Keystone Science Adventures and Counselor Assistant Program, we have partnered with Colorado International School in Denver to offer our first-ever International Camp. While participating in traditional Discovery Camp activities, campers will also learn about one of four languages - Russian, French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese - and its cultural history to better understand the people who call these lands home.  As campers participate in earthtracks about aquatic ecology and the formation of the mountains, these lessons will be immediately translated into one of these four languages, providing students an introduction to the language of their choice.  The program session will incorporate the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots program philosophy, which parallels the mission of KSS.  Campers from 8-13 years of age are welcome to sign up for this unique and special program, which will be held August 1-8, 2006.  With this program addition, we anticipate a busy and educational summer yet again!

The Keystone Center Youth Policy Summit

The Keystone Center is pleased to host the third annual Keystone Center Youth Policy Summit in partnership with the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology (NCSSSMST).  Over this semester, four students from each of the following NCSSSMST schools are researching nutrition topics and analyzing stakeholder roles related to childhood and adolescent nutrition in America’s K-12 schools:

• Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, Mobile, Alabama
• Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts, Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Center for Advanced Technologies, St. Petersburg, Florida 
• Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Conyers, Georgia
• Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy, Aurora, Illinois
• Science and Mathematics Academy at Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Maryland
• Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center, Battle Creek, Michigan
• Lakeshore HS Mathematics and Science Center, Stevensville, Michigan 
• Conroe ISD Academy of Science and Technology, Houston, Texas
• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, Virginia

In June, students will gather at Keystone Science School to receive training in mediation and to produce a set of thoughtful cross-sector agreements on the actual issues, options, and solutions involved in America’s childhood obesity problem in America’s schools.  Last year, this program was funded by Abbott Laboratories, Cargill, The Coca-Cola Company, and Kraft Foods.  Abbott Laboratories has confirmed renewed support for the program in 2006.

Keystone Resort Programs

KSS has been conducting Passport to Adventure activities for Keystone Resort for the past two years.  During that period, more than 1,000 participants have learned about nature, the science of snow, or forest and winter ecology.  This winter, we are offering a Snow Science Tour and are planning several summer programs to allow resort guests to learn about the mountains around them.  KSS has also partnered with U.S. Forest Service, Keystone Resort Environmental Department and Colorado Department of Wildlife to develop interpretative displays in the River Run base area and within the Adventure Point yurt on Dercum Mountain.  Many thanks go to Brock Munson, KSS field instructor, for his excellent graphic design work and long hours to complete these materials that are now on display at Keystone Resort.  We have also partnered with the environmental department to develop a Mountain Naturalist Tour on Dercum Mountain.  This self-guided natural and cultural history tour of Keystone and the surrounding areas is identified by markers on Schoolmarm that indicate where to stop and read the brochure, which is available at the Summit House, and learn about the geologic, natural and cultural history of the Snake River Valley.  Many thanks to all our partners in these efforts.  We look forward to continued collaboration.

Thank You's

Over the past few months, the CASE program has earned more than $60,000 in grant funding from several foundations and corporations, including The Denver Foundation, Denver Zoological Foundation, Hoeft Family Foundation, Ruth and Vernon Taylor Foundation, The Summit Foundation, as well as Keystone and Breckenridge Resorts.  Funding from several of these foundations is being applied to support scholarships for economically disadvantaged students from throughout Colorado to attend CASE during the 2005/2006 school year. 

Our grant from The Summit Foundation is providing support toward the second year of a partnership between Keystone Science School and Summit School District to break down cultural, racial and economic differences through a series of academic field experiences for students as they transition from fifth to sixth grade.  These field experiences incorporate team building components and foster new relationships among students from various locations in the Summit County community.

For the third year, Keystone and Breckenridge Resorts are supporting a program that enables every third grade student in Summit School District to participate in a one-day field experience at Keystone Science School.  This program complements the third grade curriculum by providing students with a better understanding of how the abiotic and biotic factors of forests in Summit County are related to each other and can affect the ability of organisms to survive. 

Two events held during Keystone Resort’s WinterFall celebration also benefited Keystone Science School.  $5,525 was awarded from a portion of the entry fees received from the 175 teams that participated in 36 hours of Keystone in November and an additional $915 was awarded from the 183 Luna Chase snowshoe race participants in December.  Thanks to the many community volunteers that assisted with each of these events

Upcoming Events and Announcements

April 15, 2006 – Third Annual KSS Pancake Breakfast and Open House – Bring a friend and join us for pancakes, juice, tours of campus and information about Keystone Science School programs.

Staff Alumni Updates - In an effort to remain in touch with our KSS staff alumni over the past 30 years, we would like to ask any and all previous staff to send us news about where you are and what you are doing.  If you would like to share any personal or professional news about yourself with others, just send it to Andy at amcintyre@keystone.org.