Overnight Camp Counselor
Keystone Science School
Keystone, Colorado
Lead summer activities like hiking, rafting, camping, skits, archery! Free meals+lodging!
Seasonal
Job Starts: May 27, 2025
Science. Adventure. Fun! In the heart of the Rocky Mountains!
At KSS, we believe that the power of inspiring curiosity and critical thinking, through the lens of science, changes lives and strengthens communities. We create future leaders who can problem solve and work together in an ever-evolving world and workplace environment. We offer a range of programs that provide a balance of hands-on science activities, field-based exploration, and adventure.
Our campus is 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, a state-of-the-art observatory, a geothermal field, and employee housing.
Jobs in the Spotlight
About Keystone Science School
KSS is a year-round science and outdoor adventure-based learning center offering a diverse range of summer and school programs. Our 23-acre campus is located at 9,200 feet in Keystone, Colorado and serves as the ultimate outdoor playground for Science. Adventure. Fun!
During the school year, schools from all over Colorado and the US explore and learn in the high mountain environment of the Rockies. With national forests, streams, and an incredible alpine playground, students will engage in science-based curriculum such as:
- Aquatic Ecology
- Geology
- Winter Ecology & Adaptations
- Watersheds & Water Management
- Forest Ecology
- Snow & Avalanche Science
KSS also offers four unique summer programs for children in grades K-12;
- Day Camp (K-5th)
- Pathfinders Adventure Day Camp (6th-8th)
- Discovery Overnight Camp (1st-12th)
- Adventures (5th-12th)
Each program is based on the foundational values of KSS, with science and outdoor adventure at the heart of everything we do. We strive to provide our campers with the opportunity for curiosity, exploration and learning through supportive, nurturing counselor relationships. In addition to on-campus activities such as archery, arts & crafts, all-campus games and talent shows, we also offer an array of off-site adventures. Campers of all ages can participate in high-adventure activities such as hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, camping, whitewater rafting and horseback trail-riding. Alongside these activities, counselors & instructors will provide science-based curriculum for our campers to learn about the unique alpine environment of the Rockies.
The Employee Experience
For Summer 2025:
Day and Overnight Camp Staff will be required to attend Staff Training from May 27- June 6.
Adventures Pathfinders Camp Staff will be required to attend Staff Training May 12- June 6.
Leadership staff may be asked to be on-site earlier for role-specific training.
We want each camp staff member to look back on their summer at KSS as their Best Summer Ever! Working at camp can be an amazing experience, full of new friendships, tons of laughter, and amazing adventures. Summer camp is a magical place, and in full transparency, it’s one of the most challenging jobs you will ever have.
Each summer program at KSS offers staff to develop lifelong personal and professional skills. Our staff walk away with improved communication, risk management, leadership, outdoor recreation and teaching skills. This is more than a summer job, it is the most unforgettable and rewarding experience you will ever have.
Take a look at these staff highlights!
Ideal Candidate
We change lives, we bring fun and laughter to everything we do, and we care about each other and those we serve. We're looking for staff who:
- Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children
- Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds
- Ability to create an inclusive learning environment for students from a wide range of backgrounds
- Experience with risk management practices of the outdoor and environmental education industry
- Ability to be creative, adaptable, and flexible while managing children in a variety of situations
- Strong work ethic and will work until the job is complete
- Motivation to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community
- Superior customer service skills, with the ability to be creative and think 'outside the box'
Staff working summer programs should have the following qualifications:
- Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor, or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment (KSS does offer an on-site WFA course before Staff Training in May at the expense of the individual)
- At least 460 hours of experience caring for children with the ability to provide documentation of these hours
- Day Camp Apprentice Counselors can have less than 460 hours and use their summer employment at KSS to work towards obtaining them
- To be a van driver, you must be age 20+ with a minimum of 4 years driving experience, excellent driving record, and a valid driver's license
- Be over the age of 18 by the start date of employment
Room and Board
Depending on your position, you may be housed in one of several different options, some of which can change depending on your role during a given session. Accommodations include a variety of rustic cabins, modern living spaces, canvas tents and camper dorms. Discovery Overnight Camp Staff will sleep in the dormitories or Snake River Village, depending on the program they are working. Our dorms hold up to 32 campers and 6 counselors each. Snake River Village typically sleeps 26 campers with 4 counselors overseeing them. Staff will have separate sleeping areas from campers within these locations. Staff will also have access to shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities either within their housing or elsewhere on camp. Day Camp staff will be housed nearby off-site in apartment facilities and will have access to all shared amenities on KSS property.
Food is provided each day of programming for staff and campers either in our Dining Hall or on-trail. On weekends when staff are not working, there is access to leftovers and ingredients in our Dining Hall as well as the shared staff kitchen. (Most cabins and dorms are furnished with at least one mini-fridge as well.)
All food allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated by our Dining Hall.
Employee Perks
Working in Summit County means you have access to one of the most incredible outdoor playgrounds in the US! Come explore mountains, forests, trails, rivers and lakes on your time off! Here are some of our favorite local suggestions-
- Dillon Amphitheater: Enjoy live music in a stunning outdoor setting!
- Nearby towns of Frisco, Breckenridge & Leadville
- Endless hiking, backpacking, cycling and trail running options in National & State Forests
- Rock Climbing Crags
- Lake Dillon: Paddleboard, kayak or fish
Getting Here and Getting Around
Directions to Campus
- Take I-70 Exit 205 for Dillon/Silverthorne.
- If traveling from the East (Denver), take a left onto Highway 6.
- If traveling from the West, take a right onto Highway 6.
- Travel on Highway 6 until you go through Silverthorne, Dillon, and around Lake Dillon.
- Go straight through the stoplight at Swan Mountain Road.
- At the next stoplight, take a right onto West Keystone Road, then an immediate left.
- Take your first right onto Soda Ridge Road. Follow this until the stop sign.
- Proceed straight past the stables and onto KSS Camps. Parking and the main administrative building, Tieken Place, is on left.
Transportation
While parking for staff working and living on campus is available, it is generally not required for staff to have a personal vehicle. The closest major airport is Denver International Airport (DIA), and several shuttle companies offer transportation directly to campus for around $45-80: Epic Mountain Express, Fresh Tracks, and Peak One Express. The Summit Stage offers free public transportation throughout Summit County, however the closest bus stop, Keystone Lodge, is about 1.8 miles from campus.
Community Information
- Grocery Stores: Keystone has a few small (expensive) convenience stores. Dillon has a City Market. Silverthorne has a Target. Frisco has a Natural Grocers, Wal-Mart, Safeway, and Whole Foods. Breckenridge has a City Market.
- Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops: There are a variety of food options in Summit County. Fast food options (mainly in Silverthorne) include Subway, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Smash Burger, Qdoba, and Chipotle, and many more. There are too many restaurants, bars, coffee shops to list, but we’ll be happy to make recommendations if you ask
- Shopping & Thrift Stores: Silverthorne is home to outlet stores such as Columbia, Under Armour, Levi’s, etc. Outdoor gear stores are available throughout Summit County, including REI and Wilderness Sports in Dillon. Used gear can be purchased at Recycled Sports in Frisco. There are several thrift stores throughout Summit County.
- Banks: Alpine Bank, Wells Fargo, US Bank, Credit Union, Bank of the West, and 1st Bank
- Health Care: St. Anthony’s Summit Medical Hospital, High Country Health Care, Summit Community Care Clinic
- Outdoor Recreation: Many National Forest trails are in and around Summit County. Popular mountain ranges include the Gore Range, Ten Mile Range, Front Range, and Sawatch Range. Popular peaks to summit include Buffalo Mountain, Peak One, Quandary, Gray’s and Torrey’s, and Baldy. Directly next to KSS is the Keystone Nordic Track, which KSS staff are welcome to use free of charge. The 10th Mountain Division Huts and Summit County Hut System have many backcountry huts that you can hike or ski to for about $30/night, but you do need to make reservations in advance.
- Ski Resorts: Keystone, A-Basin, Loveland, Breckenridge, and Copper ski resorts are all located in or near Summit County. Other resorts (40-120 minutes away) include Vail, Beaver Creek, Steamboat, Aspen, and Winter Park. Most staff purchase an A-Basin or Vail Resorts pass. A-Basin offers a discounted pass to KSS employees!
- Recreation Centers: There are two nice Recreation Centers in the county: Silverthorne Rec Center and Breckenridge Rec Center. Both have pools, workout rooms, and fitness classes. The Breckenridge Rec Center also has an indoor rock-climbing gym.
- Movies: A large movie theater is located in Dillon, and a smaller theater, the Speakeasy, is in Breckenridge.
- Volunteering: There are over 100 non-profit organizations in Summit County, and thus a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. This can be a great way to meet new people and immerse yourself into the community!
For Fun
Advice from Past Staff
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat!
- Things will never go according to plan – that’s life!
- Don’t get a van stuck
- Be flexible with the schedule
- Learn from other team members, everyone has a different background
- Be prepared for drastic changes in weather, and always have layers!
- Road bike around Lake Dillon and up to Vail Pass
- Eat the hashbrowns at Sunshine Café
- Go on a Hut Trip!
- Try the many craft breweries in Summit County
- See live music at Ten Mile Music Hall or Warren Station
How to Apply
Ready to find yourself at the heart of Science. Adventure. and FUN!? Apply online or email [email protected] for more info!
Contact Info
- KSS HR Team
- [email protected]
- www.keystonescienceschool.org
