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

Build friendships and science skills outside

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.

Open Mon- Fri June 15th through Aug 7th. 
Closed Juneteenth and July 4th.

Participant age group

We are excited to work with rising 1st through 4th graders. Campers must have completed Kindergarten to be eligible.

Enrollment packages and rates

We invite you to select the rate that best supports the needs of your family.

Stewardship Rate

For families who are able and willing to invest in MOSS’s long-term sustainability. This option helps expand scholarship availability and keeps our program accessible to all.

  • Weekly rate- $400
  • Mon/Wed/Fri all summer- $2000
  • Tues/Thurs all summer- $1250

Community Access Rate

A reduced rate designed to keep camp accessible for families who need financial flexibility. Supported in part by donations and higher-tier tuition.

  • Weekly rate- $225
  • Mon/Wed/Fri all summer- $1500
  • Tues/Thurs all summer- $750

True Cost Rate

This covers the actual per-camper cost of running the program — staff, supplies, equipment, and the high-quality outdoor education experience MOSS is known for.

  • Weekly rate- $325
  • Mon/Wed/Fri all summer- $1750
  • Tues/Thurs all summer- $1000
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 and step by step process through the email you provided. When the program is full, all families will be notified. Lottery enrollment takes place over approximately two weeks.

To be entered in the lottery pool, please email Leslie Dorsey at ldorsey@uidaho.edu.

Payment process and cancellation policy

Convenient online payments are encouraged through University of Idaho’s online Marketplace. If you are unable to pay online, please contact Leslie (ldorsey@uidaho.edu) to make other arrangements. Payments will be collected at the time of enrollment.

Cancellation Policy

MOSS will be happy to issue a refund if families need to cancel enrollment or terminate their participation. Enrollment cancellation refunds will be charged a $30 processing fee. If a family needs to discontinue during the program, refunds may be applied at a prorated rate for the unused portion of the program while also being charged a $30 processing fee.