Information Packet For Parents & StudentsKeystone Science School1053 Soda Ridge Rd.Keystone, CO 80435

(970)468-2098Support@KeystoneScienceSchool.org

Since 1976

Keystone Science School Overview

BACKGROUNDSince 1976, Keystone Science School (KSS) has taught scientific principles and leadership skills to young people, teachers, and community members through engaging hands-on field experiences. KSS was founded on the belief that leaders should approach decision-making with a healthy respect for scientific inquiry, collaboration, and civic engagement. Our programs prepare future leaders to address the complex issues our society faces.

Located at 9,200 feet on the site of Old Keystone Village in Keystone, Colorado, our historic 23-acre campus serves as the ultimate outdoor laboratory and is the home base for our diverse suite of programs. Our facilities include modern log-style dormitories, a central dining hall, an outdoor amphitheater, and a state-of-the-art observatory.

OUR MISSIONKeystone Science School inspires curiosity and critical thinking through the lens of science to change lives and strengthen communities. We create future leaders who can problem solve and work together in an ever-evolving world and workplace environment.

Did you know we offer other programs?

Girls in STEMYear-Round, Weekend Programsfor Girls, 3rd-12th GradeWe believe in empowering girls by engaging them in hands-on, real-world activities to show STEM is relevant and fun in an ever-changing world. Female STEM professionals support each program and student by giving them guidance to navigate a male-dominated workforce.

Summer ProgramsDay Camp, Overnight Camp, and Wilderness AdventuresKSS Camp programs blend hands-on science with outdoor, experiential education to create the best summer camp experience. Our programs follow a progression that ensures that campers can return each year for a fresh, exciting experience with new things to learn.

Legacy CampFor children grieving the death of a family memberLegacy Camp was created to instill pride, strength, and power through the concept of legacy. With intentional, purposeful programming, we work to provide these children with a sense of empowerment, confidence, and fun.

Retreats & RentalsLodging, Meals, Programming, and Meeting SpaceKSS is a great location for your next retreat, meeting, or small conference. Our campus is situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains with easy access to a variety of outdoor activities within Summit County all within a short distance to I-70 and the Denver Internal Airport.

We look forward to your student’s visit to Keystone Science School! This information packet provides key details about your student’s experience at Keystone Science School. Your student’s teacher will be an excellent resource for this trip, as we have been in communication with them to plan the curriculum and logistics for their arrival. If questions remain unanswered, we are willing to talk with you directly to alleviate any concerns about sending your student to Keystone Science School.

INFORMATION PACKET CONTENTS What will your child do with the Keystone Science School?Each Keystone Science School program is specifically designed to meet the goals provided by your child’s classroom teacher. All programs include elements of team building, leadership, and an environmental science topic.

Throughout the day students will be in small groups of approximately 10 students as they hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski. In the evening students will be in a large group with all their classmates.

Sample ScheduleStudent ConductMedical & Liability FormsFood & Dietary RestrictionsRisk Management & Student CommunicationStudent HomesicknessPacking List

SAMPLE SCHEDULEDay 1

12p

2-5p5-6p6-7p

7-7:30p7:30-8:30p

8:30p10:00p

School arrives, Orientation Lunch from homeField dayFlex timeDinner timeFlex timeEvening programFlex time until lights outCampus-wide quiet hours

Day 27a

8-9a9-9:30a

9:30a – 5p5-6p6-7p

7-7:30p7:30-8:30p

8:30p10:00p

Quiet hours endBreakfastFlex timeField dayFlex time Dinner timeFlex timeEvening programFlex time until lights outCampus-wide quiet hours

Day 37a

7:15a8-9a

9-9:30a9:30-11a

11:15a

12p

Quiet hours endDorm cleaning beginsBreakfastFlex timeField dayLunch and slide show, School StoreDeparture

Parent/Guardian Overview

STUDENT CONDUCTKSS staff, teachers, and adult volunteers from your student’s school will work together during the KSS program to communicate with students about behavior expectations and to address inappropriate behavior, as needed. If a student behaves in any way that is considered by KSS staff, teachers, or adult volunteers to be detrimental to the quality and best interest of the program or other students, KSS reserves the right to dismiss that student from the program. If a child is dismissed from the program, parents or guardians of the child will be contacted by the lead teacher from the school and asked to pick up their child and remove them from the KSS program.

RISK MANAGEMENT & STUDENT COMMUNICATIONAll KSS School Program Instructors hold current wilderness medicine certifications and are trained in current risk management practices. In the event of an incident or medical emergency, students are initially treated by KSS Program Instructors. If professional medical attention is required, the Program Instructors will arrange transportation for the student(s) to the nearest medical clinic. KSS administrative staff, your child’s classroom teacher, or attending physician will notify parents of the ill or injured student as soon as the situation allows. We understand that emergencies happen. If a parent needs to contact their child, they may call the Keystone Science School Main Office at (970) 468-2098. If it is after hours you will receive instructions to contact our night time emergency contact.

STUDENT MEDICAL/LIABILITY FORMSince 1976, Keystone Science School has provided the highest quality, dynamic outdoor learning experiences for students. We need information from parents to provide the best experience possible for your children. You will receive a link to an electronic medical and liability waiver. Please fill out the Student Medical Form completely. The information you provide will remain confidential and will only be given to those staff members who will be taking care of your child.

STUDENT MEDICATIONSKSS staff are not permitted to administer student medications. Teachers and adult volunteers from the students’ school are required to follow their school’s policies regarding handling and dispensing student medications. KSS will provide a secure location for medicines. If your student has food allergies or special medical concerns, please describe these conditions thoroughly on the Student Medical Form.

Students who have not submitted a completed and signed Student Medical/Liability Form will not be permitted to participate in the field trip with Keystone Science School.

Food, Food Allergies, and Dietary Restrictions

Students will be fed a hot breakfast and dinner each day, served family-style our dining hall. During breakfast, students will prepare sack lunches that they will eat while hiking and adventuring within their small groups. All students should bring a sack lunch for the first day. All other meals are provided.

If your student has special dietary restrictions or accommodations, please include this information on your Student Medical Form. We are very experienced in dealing with food allergies and dietary restrictions. We do not serve any food containing nuts or processed in a nut factory. If you would like to speak with someone at the Keystone Science School about your student’s specific needs, please contact us directly. You can call (970) 468-2098 or email Support@KeystoneScienceSchool.org.

SAMPLE MENUDay 1LUNCH Bring Your Own Lunch

DINNER Build Your Own Tacos, Salad Bar

Day 2BREAKFASTEggs, Bacon, and Breakfast Bar - Yogurt, Cereal, Fruit, Milk, Juice

LUNCH Brown Bag Lunch - Sandwich, Snack and Fruit

DINNER Spaghetti, Salad Bar

Day 3BREAKFASTPancakes, Sausage and Breakfast Bar - Yogurt, Cereal, Fruit, Milk, Juice

LUNCH Brown Bag Lunch - Sandwich, Snack and Fruit

Prepare Your Child for Success

TIPS TO AVOID HOMESICKNESSParticipating in an overnight program can be both exciting and intimidating, especially if this is the first time away from home. We believe that it is very important to support and encourage your student from the time of registration to the time they return home.

You can assist us in providing a positive and rewarding experience for your child by encouraging excitement about discovering and exploring new things in the natural world, meeting new friends, and having lots of stories to tell you upon returning home.

Topics you can discuss with your child in preparation for the program

• The new friendships he or she might make• Differences in sleeping away from home • Nighttime (darkness)• The importance of cooperation, consideration, community, and challenges• The importance of respect for one’s own things, other’s property, and the natural world

Questions you can ask your child following a program

• What were some of the team’s challenges?• What was something interesting that you did today?• What was something you learned? Did this make you wonder about any new questions?• What responsibilities did you have with KSS?• What activities did you do during flex time? • What scientific instruments did you use when you were gathering information during your field day?

Quick Tips1. As you talk about your child leaving home, resist phrases like, “I’ll miss you” (try “I’m proud of you” instead). We pride ourselves on deft handling of homesickness, but how you prepare your child leading up to his or her departure can make a big difference in the program experience.

2. Allow your child to be a part of the packing process so that he or she knows exactly how much and what is packed. Please remember to write your child’s name on all belongings! Include an extra bag for dirty clothes and discuss (or even practice) living out of a backpack. Talk about how often clothes should be changed, where dirty or wet clothing should go, etc. Please note that laundry facilities are not available while on the trip.

3. When your child returns home, you’ll have a great opportunity to continue to recognize the value of this experience by allowing him or her to share accomplishments and stories. Students learn a great deal at KSS and might become a bit overwhelmed as they try to communicate their experiences.

Packing List

Mountain weather can be unpredictable, we recommend students bring multiple layers to comfortably adjust to the changing conditions. When selecting clothing, we suggest packing synthetic and non-cotton items. Below you will find a recommended packing list consisting of items required to stay safe and warm during the trip with KSS. The amount of clothing is representative of a typical three-day stay and should be adjusted for longer or shorter trips.

Students who have not submitted a completed and signed Student Medical/Liability Form will not be permitted to participate in the field trip with Keystone Science School.

How many bags should be packed?We recommend packing your student’s gear, including their sleeping bag and pillow, in one duffel bag or an over the shoulder bag. Students will have to carry their gear from the bus to the dorm.

Overnight Bag

Backpack with two arm straps, large enough to carry extra layers, lunch, two water bottles, and a KSS Journal.

Day Pack

Please pack a lunch for your student on the first day, preferably in a reusable lunch bag that fits in his/her day pack.

Lunch

Day Pack2 Water bottlesSunscreen SPF 15 or higherLip Balm SPF 15 or higherSunglassesPencil or PenReusable lunch bag

OptionalMoney for school storeHandkerchief or bandannaSock linersCamp shoesCamera with extra batteriesBinocularsBookPlastic lunch containersGlove liners (WINTER)

Overnight BagSleeping Bag & PillowClothing (see clothing list)Towel and WashclothHeadlamp or flashlightToiletries Kit Toothbrush / Toothpaste Shampoo / Soap Brush or Comb Other items as needed

Do NOT Bring cell phones,pocket knives, candy or junk food, or your nicest clothes.

Clothing

2 T-shirts1 Long-sleeve shirt or turtleneck 1 Long underwear top1-2 Synthetic fleece jackets or wool sweaters1 WATERPROOF rain jacket or poncho (FALL/SPRING)1 INSULATED winter jacket (WINTER)

Top

3 Underwear1 Long underwear bottom1 Jeans or long pants1 Quick-drying rain pants (FALL/SPRING)1 INSULATED snow pants (WINTER)

Bottom

Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes (preferably waterproof)Tennis shoesWool socks

Feet

1 Warm hat1 Hat with a brim1 Pair gloves or mittens (warm and water resistant)1 Scarf or neck warmer

Head and Hands

DAY CAMPAges 5-13Each week of Day Camp has a unique theme whether it’s centered around a scientific concept or adventure activity. Each theme allows campers to go in-depth within a subject for the entire week. It’s guaranteed that campers will return home exhausted and anxiously awaiting the next day.

OVERNIGHT CAMPAges 5-14Our classic 6-day program includes everything one would hope to have at summer camp: campfires, hiking, wilderness camping, tie-dye, songs, skits, summiting mountain peaks, Hot Pink Gorilla sightings, archery and so much more! Link week-long sessions with Fusion Weekends for a custom camp length that fits your schedule.

WILDERNESS ADVENTURESAges 12-17Our field-based wilderness adventure programs are focused on the development of leadership and outdoor skills. Spend each night in a tent while exploring Colorado and Utah’s national parks and most scenic areas. Gain outdoor skills, confidence, and appreciation for the natural world.

KeystoneScienceSchool.orgSupport@KeystoneScienceSchool.org(970)468-2098

Keystone Science School Summer Programs are American Camp Association Accredited