Keystone Science School Summer Camp
Keystone Science School, 1053 Soda Ridge Rd., Keystone, CO 80435
About
Keystone Science School Summer Camp includes activities such as summiting local peaks, splashing through rivers, gathering around the campfire, climbing, and backpacking. The program also offers horse-focused, water-focused, and rock climbing-focused day camp activities, along with hands-on environmental science opportunities. Some sessions feature canyoneering and hands-on lab activities that demonstrate how orthopedic injuries are studied.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: 4–12 day traditional overnight camp in dorms or canvas tents at the KSS campus; 6 to 10 day camping-based trips across Colorado; week-long day camp sessions at the KSS campus June–August; week-long offsite day camp for middle schoolers; 3-day professional development teacher training workshop October 21–22; Girls in STEM: Medical Explorers April 3–5, 2026
Keystone Science School Summer Camp was founded in 1976 by Robert Craig. The organization states that fifty years ago it was founded on the belief that immersive outdoor exploration, fueled by science, empowers future leaders with curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence to lead change. Its mission is: “With the outdoors as a backdrop for learning, Keystone Science School inspires curiosity and critical thinking through the lens of science to change lives and strengthen communities.”
Keystone Science School notes that it blends science, adventure, and fun to inspire curiosity and leadership, and describes its approach with the phrase “Science. Adventure. FUN!” The program includes a traditional overnight camp mixing science, adventure, and fun for 2nd–8th grades, a High School Mentorship program as part of the Discovery Camp experience, camping-based trips across Colorado that include learning outdoor skills like climbing and backpacking, day and overnight camp options with a Halloween and Dia de los Muertos theme in October, and a STEM-focused overnight program with female mentors for 4th–8th grade girls. The program has been recognized as 2024 & 2025 Best of Summit’s Top Summer Camp. Keystone Science School operates under a Special Use authorization from the National Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization also notes that the Hot Pink Gorilla has been wandering the hills of Keystone, Colorado for as long as the Keystone Science School has been around.
As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting its local community, Keystone Science School states that it relies on donors and volunteers to make its experiences accessible to all. It partners with the Steadman Philippon Research Institute and reports that, through donations from individual donors, corporations, and foundations, it is able to offer financial aid to those who qualify. It also states that, as a non-profit organization, it relies on donors and volunteers to help bring science education and critical thinking skills to children.
Parent testimonials describe “no phones, dedicated time to focus on self, reminders about gratitude, getting in touch with nature,” and say that “the counselors are strong, sweet, great role models.” Another parent reports that their child looks forward to the camp every year and values getting out of a usual routine, meeting new people, and getting a chance to be on their own. A third parent says, “We love KSS. The growth our kids have each summer is priceless. Thank you for all the hard work, planning and everything that goes into what you do!”
Last updated February 24, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: 4–12 day traditional overnight camp in dorms or canvas tents at the KSS campus; 6 to 10 day camping-based trips across Colorado; week-long day camp sessions at the KSS campus June–August; week-long offsite day camp for middle schoolers; 3-day professional development teacher training workshop October 21–22; Girls in STEM: Medical Explorers April 3–5, 2026
Keystone Science School Summer Camp was founded in 1976 by Robert Craig. The organization states that fifty years ago it was founded on the belief that immersive outdoor exploration, fueled by science, empowers future leaders with curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence to lead change. Its mission is: “With the outdoors as a backdrop for learning, Keystone Science School inspires curiosity and critical thinking through the lens of science to change lives and strengthen communities.”
Keystone Science School notes that it blends science, adventure, and fun to inspire curiosity and leadership, and describes its approach with the phrase “Science. Adventure. FUN!” The program includes a traditional overnight camp mixing science, adventure, and fun for 2nd–8th grades, a High School Mentorship program as part of the Discovery Camp experience, camping-based trips across Colorado that include learning outdoor skills like climbing and backpacking, day and overnight camp options with a Halloween and Dia de los Muertos theme in October, and a STEM-focused overnight program with female mentors for 4th–8th grade girls. The program has been recognized as 2024 & 2025 Best of Summit’s Top Summer Camp. Keystone Science School operates under a Special Use authorization from the National Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization also notes that the Hot Pink Gorilla has been wandering the hills of Keystone, Colorado for as long as the Keystone Science School has been around.
As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting its local community, Keystone Science School states that it relies on donors and volunteers to make its experiences accessible to all. It partners with the Steadman Philippon Research Institute and reports that, through donations from individual donors, corporations, and foundations, it is able to offer financial aid to those who qualify. It also states that, as a non-profit organization, it relies on donors and volunteers to help bring science education and critical thinking skills to children.
Parent testimonials describe “no phones, dedicated time to focus on self, reminders about gratitude, getting in touch with nature,” and say that “the counselors are strong, sweet, great role models.” Another parent reports that their child looks forward to the camp every year and values getting out of a usual routine, meeting new people, and getting a chance to be on their own. A third parent says, “We love KSS. The growth our kids have each summer is priceless. Thank you for all the hard work, planning and everything that goes into what you do!”
Last updated February 24, 2026.
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