SUMMER CAMPS
Since 1994, MOSS has provided children with the opportunity to learn outdoors in a spirit of adventure that stimulates their natural curiosity. Our much-loved, week-long programs focus on various outdoor topics, which include insects, fossils, nature photography, and more. Each program offers:
A different natural science topic
Completely outdoor-based activities
Daily nature hikes
Interaction with scientists from our local community
Highly qualified and enthusiastic instructors
A MOSS T-shirt and the option for free lunch are included in your child’s camp registration! We will send out the lunch signup 1-2 weeks before your child’s camp starts.
We look forward to another exciting summer full of learning and adventures in our beautiful Montana home. Be sure to sign up early, as courses fill quickly. Please contact us with any questions at camps@outdoorscience.org.
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Camp registration will go live Saturday, February 17th at 10 am. We will send out registration directions and tips to our mailing list, so be sure to add yourself if you haven’t done so already.
Our camps are based on the grade students are going into in fall 2024. So, please sign your child up for the grade they are entering in the fall.
Camps fill quickly! If a camp is full, be sure to add your child to the waitlist. Waitlists help us determine which camps need additional sessions (we’ll be opening second sessions for particularly long waitlists as our capacity allows).
To increase the number of children able to attend MOSS camps, registration is limited to 5 camps per child per summer. See cancellation policies below for more information.
Immediately following registration, you will receive a confirmation email from Active. 1-2 weeks before the start of the camp, you will receive an email with additional information from the Program Director. Be sure to check your junk mail in case the emails get filtered there.
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We are thrilled to announce our summer 2024 camp locations! Our first three weeks of camp (June 10 - June 28) will take place at the Bridger Bowl ski area. The remainder of the summer (July 1 - August 23) will be based out of the Bear Canyon ski area by the Bear Canyon trailhead. Both of these locations offer incredible access to woods, wetlands, and other natural wonders that will enhance your child’s camp experience!
We want these two locations to be as accessible as possible for MOSS families, and are finalizing the details of optional transportation to and from a central location in Bozeman. We will update this page with details on this transportation option in the coming weeks.
All of our camps run from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm. Our kindergarten camps are Tuesday-Thursday and all other camps are Monday-Friday.
We will run a shortened week of camp (July 1st-3rd) during the week of July 4th.
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Save yourself the trip! MOSS is offering an optional shuttle for students enrolled in camps that take place at the Bridger Bowl (June 10th - June 28th). Drop-off for the shuttle is at Headwaters Academy in Bozeman. Drop your child off between 7:45 and 7:55 each morning, and we will shuttle them up to camp at the Bridger Bowl in the MOSS vans. At the end of the day, students will be driven back to Headwaters Academy for pick-up between 3:30 and 3:45. Our vans are driven by trained MOSS staff.
You can purchase this shuttle for individual days ($10 per day) or for the entire week at a discount ($40 for the week). Both options include the morning and afternoon shuttle each day.
Click here for more information on the shuttle and shuttle policies.
Register for the shuttle at the “Register Here” button above. Act quickly - spots are limited!
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After a packed day of learning and exploring, you can choose to sign your child up for our After-Camp Care program! Students can expect to build insect homes, work on their camp creations, play games, do arts and crafts, and much more. After-Camp Care runs daily from 3:00 - 5:30 pm and costs $30 per afternoon.
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Update: we have awarded all our scholarship funds for this summer. If more funding becomes available, we will re-open our scholarship application.
Our goal is to make MOSS’s unique and memorable programming available to everyone, no matter background or means. The MOSS Scholarship Fund allows us to offer our camp experiences to students that would not otherwise be able to participate.
Scholarships are need-based. Due to limited funds, scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for a scholarship, please submit the form on the scholarships page (found under the “Programs” header).
If you would like to support MOSS in making our quality programming more accessible, you can do so by clicking on the donate button under the “Join & Support” header. Thank you for helping us expand our quality programming to students of all backgrounds!
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Your child is in great hands! MOSS instructors are known for their exceptional love of nature, knowledge, and compassion. Our team has extensive experience in science and environmental education, as well as the terrain and ecosystems of southwestern Montana. All instructors are certified in First-Aid and CPR, and many are certified Wilderness First Responders. Each instructor goes through extensive training, including sessions in risk management, health protocols, science concepts, teaching strategies, and much more. Above all, MOSS instructors bring their passions for nature and learning to inspire curiosity, exploration, and a love for the place we live in.
Kindergarten
Grades 1-2
Grades 3-4
Grades 5-6
Grades 7-9
MOSS SUMMER GEAR LIST
Your camper will have the best experience if they're prepared for everything the day brings. Everyday of camp, please send your child with a backpack with the following:
Sturdy, closed-toed shoes
Healthy sack lunch*
Two healthy snacks*
Two full water bottles, at least 1 liter each (e.g., Nalgene bottle)
Raincoat
Sun hat or sunglasses
Extra pair of socks
Extra clothing (always pack a warm layer)
Shoes that can get wet (with a backstrap) NO flip flops
A small container of sunscreen and hand sanitizer
*MOSS is committed to reducing waste in every way possible. Please consider reusable packaging and bottles when packing food and water!
The weather in Montana can be inclement and unpredictable. Please ensure your child has everything necessary to play and learn outside.
Please do not send your child to MOSS programs with a smartwatch or any electronic device. We have found electronics cause distractions to not only one child but the children around them as well.
Your child will not have to carry their backpack the entire day. Therefore, it’s okay if their pack is heavy.
MOSS is committed to making programming accessible to everyone. If your family needs support providing the necessary gear, let us know. We have extras and are happy to share.
““I love this opportunity for my child, as she is actively engaged in learning and staying physically active outside!” ”
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On the first day of a MOSS summer program, instructors lead students in understanding expectations for safety and respect. If a student’s behavior presents a concern for their safety or the safety and enjoyment of others, they may be removed from all or part of activities or permanently removed from the program. Unfortunately, no refunds are given in such cases, and the student may be precluded from participating in future MOSS programs.
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MOSS’s cancellation policies may vary between programs. Please read through each program’s description and information before registering.
Cancellations made up to 15 days prior to the program start date will be refunded, minus an Active registration fee.
Cancellations made 14 days or fewer before the program start date will not be refunded.
Refunds will not be issued for no-shows once a program has started.
Cancellations can be made through your Active account. If you have any questions, email us at camp@outdoorscience.org.
If MOSS cancels a program due to not meeting minimum enrollment, refunds will be made.
If MOSS cancels a program due to circumstances beyond our control, refunds or partial refunds will be given on a program-by-program basis (minus the Active online registration charge).
Each child may be registered for a maximum of 5 camps per summer (they may be registered for unlimited waitlists). If a child is registered for more than 5 camps, we will be forced to cancel the additional registrations without notifying you.
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The membership program and early enrollment has been paused for 2024 summer registration. We are excited to introduce a new program with enhanced benefits later this year. Your immediate support is still very important to us, and we ask that you please consider making a tax-deductible donation to MOSS in lieu of your membership renewal by donating at our donate button under the “Join & Support” header. Your individual support enables us to continue providing the high quality youth and adult experiences you and your family look forward to every year.
