McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS)

At MOSS we say, ‘Every student, every place.’

At the McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS), we believe that every student deserves the chance to explore and investigate the natural world. Our classroom isn’t confined by walls — it’s the forests, lakes and communities of Idaho.

Through hands-on science and inquiry, students connect academic concepts to real-world challenges. MOSS integrates math, science and social studies into immersive outdoor experiences that foster curiosity, resilience and a deep sense of place. Students learn by doing — and by doing together.  

Collaboration is at the heart of every MOSS experience. Students work in small teams to explore Idaho’s ecosystems, share discoveries, and support one another. These moments foster communication, empathy and leadership — skills that last long after the program ends.

Students leave with more than knowledge — they gain confidence, empathy and a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.

Why MOSS?

• Place-based learning rooted in Idaho’s diverse ecosystems
• Teamwork and leadership development through collaborative fieldwork
• Real-world science using professional tools and methods
• Personal growth through outdoor challenges and reflection

Join us at MOSS, where learning is active, meaningful and unforgettable — and where Idaho itself is the best teacher we have.

Residential programs

MOSS students connect deeply with nature and each other through activities like hiking through a state park to explore fire management, canoeing on a glacial lake to look at water quality and building snow structures to understand the snowpack.

Learn more about the Residential programs offered by MOSS.

Outreach programs

Graduate student Field Instructors lead small groups on exciting, hands-on explorations of nature and community, uncovering the deep connections between people, plants, animals and the environment. Through observation and reflection, students discover their role in the ecosystem and how their choices can shape the world around them.

Learn more about MOSS’s Outreach programs.

Summer programs

Spend summer days exploring the shores of Payette Lake — hiking, swimming, crafting and discovering nature through all five senses with our Adventure Day Camp Program. The Building Relationships, Adventure and Values through the Environment (BRAVE) program invites middle schoolers to build friendships, develop leadership skills and dive into outdoor adventures they’ll never forget.

Learn more about the Summer programs offered by MOSS.

Background check policy

All adults teaching and facilitating our programs have passed background checks. View the University of Idaho Administrators Procedural Manual Protecting Minors section for more information: We encourage you to consider your school’s protecting minors best practices regarding the teachers, chaperones and volunteers you recruit to participate in this program.

Your support matters

Your gifts and generosity are critical to our efforts to support learners, educators, families and communities. For the last 20 years we have been awed by the curiosity of K-12 students as they nurture their inner scientists, and the graduate students who discover the impact of inspiring others. Teachers, parents, students and the team here at MOSS all work incredibly hard to create a MOSS experience that leads students to realize that everyone is a scientist.

The overall cost of a four-night, five-day MOSS Residential Program is around $400 per student. This covers everything except travel. Most students and schools pay about 80% of our total costs. We are fortunate that grants and donor funds cover the rest. However, we still need your help so we can continue to share the MOSS experience with students across Idaho.

How you can help us with our mission

• Donate to the MOSS Excellence Endowment to provide scholarships to students who may not be able to afford a MOSS experience.
• Spread the word! The more students that participate in MOSS programs, the lower the cost per student. Share your experience with our program. Let others know why this program is important and how it serves your community.