Summer programs

At University of Idaho’s McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS), summer is all about curiosity, connection and adventure. Whether your child is exploring the lakeshore with their five senses at Adventure Day Camp (ages 5-9) or building leadership and community through service-learning in the BRAVE and ÁNiMO programs (ages 10-14), MOSS offers meaningful, nature-based experiences for every age. From hiking and science exploration to swimming, volunteering, biking, crafting and friendship-building, each day is filled with outdoor discovery and opportunities for kids to grow—socially, emotionally and as stewards of their community.

BRAVE and ÁNiMO leadership program

BRAVE

This summer, the BRAVE (Building Relationships, Adventure and Values through the Environment) program invites middle school students (ages 10-14) to make new friends, explore the outdoors and gain community leadership skills.

In this two-week service-learning program, participants will explore and learn about:

  • Local government: Spend the day at McCall City Hall
  • Community resources: Get a library card
  • Recreation in our area: Bike in Ponderosa State Park
  • Volunteering at local nonprofits: Walk a puppy at McPaws Regional Animal Shelter

Partners in the BRAVE program include the city of McCall, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Forest Service and McPaws Regional Animal Shelter.

ÁNiMO!

ÁNiMO: Amistades, la Naturaleza de McCall, y Oportunidades. ÁNiMO is a bilingual extension of BRAVE, offered in the first two weeks of summer.

Ánimo is a Spanish word that means “encouragement” or, more broadly, “Don’t give up. You can do it.” This program creates a welcoming space for local Latinx students to practice leadership skills and build relationships with one another, the environment and the community.

How to enroll

Registration opens to all on Feb. 1. If you qualify for a scholarship (see qualifications below), email Dylan Porter with your eligible amount as soon as possible, as scholarships are limited.

You may reserve your preferred two-week session:

Payment process

Convenient online payments are available.

Payments must be made before the first day of your session. We will begin taking payments Feb. 1. Payment is due on the first day of your child's attendance. Until that time, your reservation will be held, and we will contact registrants when payment opens.

Adventure Day Camp

Spend the day outdoors learning and exploring on the shores of Payette Lake. Throughout the summer, kids explore the outdoors, play games, make crafts, hike, swim and make new friends. Students will learn to use their five senses to discover more about the world around them. Lessons build on kids’ love of playing in nature and summertime adventures while helping them practice social and emotional skills.

Participant age group

Participants will be ages 5 to 9 years old.

*We will not be able to provide nap/rest time. Due to campus constraints, we do not provide programming for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Enrollment packages, rates and scholarships
  • Weekly: $450 per week for one to eight weeks. Select as many as you would like
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays: $1,620 for nine weeks
  • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: $2,430 for nine weeks
  • Full summer: $3,600 (Monday through Friday for nine weeks)

MOSS will only offer cancellation refunds from cancellation date through the remainder of the program.

Enrollment lottery process

Beginning Feb. 1, MOSS draws names through a lottery to offer enrollment. Families residing in Valley or Adams counties will receive preference. Families will be selected from the lottery every Monday and Thursday until the program is full. If you are selected for enrollment, you will receive your enrollment code through the email you provided. When the program is full, all families will be notified.

Scholarships

Scholarships are offered in the order of enrollment until funds are exhausted. Please email moss@uidaho.edu for details.

Payment process

Convenient online payments are available.

Payments must be made before the first day of your session. We will begin taking payments beginning February 1. Payment is due on the first day of your child's attendance. Until that time, your reservation will be held and we will contact registrants when payment opens.