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Readers choose Keystone Science School as best summer camp and summer program in Summit County

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Day Camper learns to shoot a bow and arrow at Keystone Science School.
Keystone Science School/ Courtesy photo

Shortly after the creation of Keystone Resort in 1970 came the 1976 introduction of another Keystone staple, Keystone Science School. It was founded as part of a larger nonprofit organization, The Keystone Policy Center, and became an independent nonprofit organization in 2013.

Summer program director Ian McCluskie said while summer programs have morphed into different concepts throughout the decades, all decisions were driven by the sentiment of using the outdoors as a backdrop for learning. This approach helped the nonprofit win the Best Camp/Summer Program in the 2024 Best of Summit contest.

“(Keystone Science School) blends summer camp magic with the outdoors in a way that makes the outdoors, and camp, for everyone,” he said. “We strive to make our programs transformative, educational and accessible.”



The nonprofit has day-camp, overnight-camp and adventure programs that serve youth and students from all over the state and country. All of its day-camp programs are offered on a sliding fee scale to ensure they are affordable to families across the economic spectrum.

“Campers choose to come back to (Keystone Science School) year after year because of who they can become at camp,” McCluskie said. “Campers can be the truest version of themselves, and campers leave (Keystone Science School) with more confidence, independence and memories.”



He said each year he looks forward to watching the powerful connections the staff makes with campers. He also loves the look of awe on a camper’s face when they summit their first 14er or catch a glimpse of the Hot Pink Gorilla, the nonprofit’s mascot.

Camps all begin on the school’s 23-acre campus in Keystone and run from the beginning of June until the end of August. The discovery camps range from around $1,400 a session to $3,200 a session and include activities such as rafting and horseback riding. The day camp ranges from a subsidized rate of $33 for three days to $525 for five days.

Best of Summit 2024

This story previously published in the Best of Summit guide. See complete results at SummitDaily.com/best.

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