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 ÁNiMO program (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.

ÁNiMO: Amistades, la Naturaleza de McCall, y Oportunidades

Offered in the first two weeks of summer. This Spanish language program creates a welcoming space for local Latinx students to practice leadership skills and build relationships with one another, the environment and the community.

Ánimo is a Spanish word that means “encouragement” or, more broadly, “Don’t give up. You can do it.” This program provides local students with the chance to show how amazing they are by learning together, working with our staff and having fun.

If you are interested in learning more or signing up, contact Dylan Porter at dmporter@uidaho.edu .

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.