2021 SUMMER CATALOG

Inspiring a Love for the Outdoors Since 1994.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! LOOK FOR BRAND-NEW MOSS CAMPS! T-SHIRT WITH EVERY REGISTRATION! REGISTRATION MOSS STAFF Programs fill QUICKLY.Register at www. Your child will be well cared for by our outdoorscience.org/summer-programs. experienced, knowledgeable, and Look for the orange “register now” button. dedicated staff. Our instructors have Immediately following registration, you will extensive experience in science receive a confirmation email from Active. One to and environmental education. two weeks prior to the camp, you will receive an All staff members are certified " My son comes home email with additional information from the in First-Aid and CPR, and many Welcome beaming, telling me all about the kids Program Director, Britney Gitch. Please review are certified Wilderness First Responders. to Our and teachers.During the pandemic the gear list located on our Summer Programs Each instructor goes through an extensive staff 2021 Summer it is one of the few times in week he can just page. Contact Britney with any questions at training including sessions on risk management, be a kid, outside, engaging his curiosity.” [email protected] or (406) 582-0526. COVID-19 protocols, science concepts, teaching Programs! - A Family strategies, and much more. COVID-19 MOSS PROGRAM At MOSS, we are dedicated to the safety of our SCHOLARSHIPS GRADE LEVELS ince 1994, Montana Outdoor Science School has provided children with the opportunity to staff, students, and community. Since the beginning Donations to our scholarship fund allow us KINDERGARTEN S learn outdoors in a spirit of adventure that stimulates their natural curiosity. Our much-loved, week- of the pandemic, our staff has worked to financially assist some families wishing long programs focus on a variety of outdoor topics, which include insects, fossils, nature photography, and Students entering tirelessly with other organizations to attend MOSS programs. All scholarship Kindergarten in Fall 2021 more. Each program offers: A glimpse of community as well as the health department applicants are kept confidential. Only the A different natural science topic scientists we partner with to implement and modify our Program Director knows which campers GRADES 1-2 Students entering Completely outdoor-based activities for our camps! COVID protocols as the situation receive scholarships. Please visit www. 1st or 2nd grade in Fall 2021 Daily nature hikes • Montana Raptor Conservation Center evolves. We have learned a great outdoorscience.org/scholarships to Interaction with scientists from our local community GRADES 3-5 • Museum of the Rockies deal by running outdoor, in-person apply. For questions, call or email Students entering Highly qualified and enthusiastic instructors programs during the pandemic and Britney, the Program Director. • AMB West Philanthropies 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade in Fall 2021 • Yellowstone National Park are confident in our practices to All applications should be We look forward to another exciting summer full of learning • Montana State University keep everyone safe. Before received by April 5, 2021. GRADES 6-8 and adventures in our beautiful Montana home. Be sure to sign up early as courses fill quickly. registering for programs, Students entering • Gallatin Local Water Quality District 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in Fall 2021 please thoroughly review LOCATION Please contact us with any questions! • Gallatin Valley Farm to School • Northwestern Energy our COVID-19 protocols This year, MOSS Summer BRIDGER Britney Gitch Molly Ward Jess Haas • Bozeman Fish Technology Center found on our Summer Camps will meet at two BACKPACK Program Director Education Director Executive Director Students entering • Yellowstone Fly Fishing School Programs page. locations! Kindergarten, 3-5, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in Fall 2021 "MOSS is the kind of camp that every child loves, and every adult wishes they could also tag along."- A Parent

"I was super impressed KINDERGARTEN with the thoughtfulness Students entering Kindergarten in Fall 2021 that went into this summer... Tuesday – Thursday; 9:00 am – 3:30 pm tough circumstances with thoughtful execution." - A Family WILD THINGS PONDS, POOLS, PUDDLES What is a falcon’s favorite food? How does a Explore local ponds, pools, and puddles in search snake grow? Do fish need air? We’ll investigate of mysterious critters! Pocket microscopes, the wild world of living creatures in this fun and magnifying glasses, and specimen jars help make engaging three-day course for Kindergarteners! this youthful science class a blast June 15 – 17 & July 13 – 15 • $180 and a MOSS favorite! your mission July 6 – 8 & August 10 – 12 • $180 "We love ICKY, GOOEY, and the outdoor nature of thelessons OOEY MOUNTAINS is second to none.” - A Family and 6-8 will meet near the MOSS office on the are awarded in such cases and the student may Dive into the yucky AND STREAMS grounds of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. We be precluded from participating in future MOSS NEW side of nature! Discover Swoosh, burble, gargle, and splash! are located near the Fish Technology Center and programs. CAMP! what makes the best Discover firsthand where water comes from and Drinking Horse Trail, just below the “M” on Bridger pond scum, investigate poop from different how its power shapes our landscape. A fun, hands-on Canyon Road. The 1-2 grade group will meet at CANCELLATIONS animals, and plan to get your hands (and feet) learning experience with visits to the ponds and Story Mill Community Park on the East side in Cancellations made up to 15 days prior to the dirty in some sloppy soil! streams around Drinking Horse. the dog park parking lot. Don’t forget to follow the program start date will be refunded, minus a $4.95 June 22 – 24 & August 24 – 26 • $180 July 20 – 22 & August 17 – 19 • $180 drop off and pick up instructions found in your Active registration fee. Cancellations made 14 confirmation email. days or fewer before the program start date will HABITAT HUNTERS BUGGIN’ OUT not be refunded. No refunds can be issued for House, tree, cave, hive—what do these plac- Dig deep to discover the special role PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS no-shows once a program has started. If MOSS es have in common? Explore what a habitat little critters play in our ecosystem! On the first day of a MOSS Summer Program, cancels a program due to not meeting minimum is and how animals in Montana rely on local Find out how earthworms help grow instructors lead students in understanding enrollment or other unavoidable situations, habitats to provide food and protection. This is the gardens, look up to spy butterflies hard at work, expectations for safety and respect. If a student’s refunds will be made. Many of our camps have perfect introduction for young people to begin to and keep an eye on those bumble bees to find out behavior presents a concern for their safety or the waitlists so last-minute cancellations keep other think about the natural world around them. what their sweet task is! safety and enjoyment of others, they may be removed kids from enjoying the outdoor experience. Thank June 29 – July 1 & August 3 – 5 • $180 July 27 – 29 • $180 from all or part of activities, or permanently removed you for your understanding. from the program. Unfortunately, no refunds GRADES 1-2 Students entering 1st or 2nd grade in Fall 2021 Monday – Friday; 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

BUILDING BONANZA bees—find out how they survive with skeletons on Ever wonder how a beaver builds its dam or how the outside of their bodies. a termite crafts its mound? Investigate natural June 21 – 25 • $310 engineers and mimic their techniques as we use the naked eye. A favorite class during hot weather! own fossils to preserve this exciting week for inspirations from nature. This is perfect for budding July 5 – 9 & August 23 – 27 • $310 years to come! engineers and architects! July 19 – 23 & August 16 – 20 • $310 June 14 – 18 & July 26 – 30 • $310 MONTANIMALS MORE THAN Mountain LIONS, TIGER STINKY, SLIMY Salamanders, and Grizzly SCIENCE! A BUG’S LIFE NEW BEARS! OH, MY! Unique Become a scatologist (a poop Search high and low for NATURE MAKERS CAMP! creatures large and small roam our backyards and scientist), investigate slimy pond invertebrates while discovering The wonders of nature hold unlimited opportunities leave traces as they go. Why do these animals call scum, and put your detective hat the challenges of living a life for inspiration. Each day features multiple projects Montana home? Put your detective skills to work on while dissecting an owl pellet! This new camp without a spine! Fluttering using natural materials. For example, hiking to while searching for information about your favorite will have your kiddo learning all about the icky butterflies, armored crickets, excavate natural clay deposits and using it to Montana animals. Focus on side of nature (an extra set of hairy spiders, or dancing honey make a masterpiece. This is a great introduction to natural materials and “sustainable creativity” tracks, scat, skulls, pelts, and clothes will be advised)! practiced outdoors. all things Montanimals! August 2 – 6 • $310 June 28 – July 2 • $310 July 12 – 16 & August 9 – 13 • $310 SPLASH BASH! Prepare to get wet as we experiment with the water FOSSIL FANATICS "MOSS has been a lifeline for myson cycle by exploring wild streams, wetlands, and Piece together a story as old as during the pandemic. He comes home so energized. ponds. Search for and examine the unique plants time! Uncover fossils, discover It has made online school tolerable for him." how they formed, explore your "Your policiesseemed the and critters that call these soggy habitats home. - A Family surroundings to find clues smartest/best for Covid and our kid Magnifying glasses help uncover things unseen by from the past, and create your likes your teachers the best." - A Family GRADES 3-5 munch on, and what characteristics help both prey Students entering 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade in Fall 2021 and predators survive! Monday – Friday; 9:00 am – 3:30 pm July 12 - 16 & August 9 - 13 • $310

ENGINEERING INSIDE THE FIRE ROCK JOCKS IN NATURE NEW Did you know that one of the I’m going to change the Rock Jocks description to: New! Did you know that beavers have CAMP! first plants to grow back after Rock hounds, unite! Search for all types of unique built a dam twice the width of the a fire is moss? Investigate the rocks, identify mineral specimens, Hoover Dam? Or, that the second aftermath of the 2020 Bridger and investigate fossils found all around largest beaver dam is in Three Foothills wildfire by hiking through the recently Montana! Voted “Kids’ Favorite” for Forks? Engineers find inspiration burnt environment. Learn about fire-dependent 26 years! in nature every day! Investigate trees, the history of controlled burns, and the July 19 - 23 & August 16 - 20 • $310 natural systems and hypothesize why they exist. ecological impacts of wildfires! Let nature inspire your experiments! June 28 - July 2 & August 2 - 6 • $310 FINS AND FLIES June 14 - 18 & July 26 - 30 • $310 What is a stonefly? When does it hatch, AQUA ADVENTURES how can you identify it and its cousins, PROJECT What is so strong it moves mountains, and who might eat it for dinner? Examine POLLINATOR dissolves metal, shatters boulders, and the relationship between insects and fish, Get all of the important buzz supports life? Water, of course! Dive into dissect a trout to understand its in this camp while learning the secrets and science behind H2O, physiology, and gain practical knowledge about the vital role of pollinators and prepare to get your feet wet as we and experience about one of Montana’s in our environment! Discover explore our local watersheds. favorite pastimes—fly-fishing! how bees, bats, and beetles July 5 - 9 & August 23 - 27 • $310 August 2 - 6 & August 23 - 27 • $350 support an ecosystem all of the way (Includes ½ day of fly-fishing instruction. "My kid has been attending from food production to soil erosion. POWERFUL Camp will meet in Livingston MOSS's outdoor science camp on August 6th and August 27th) Take nature hikes through beautiful fields of PREDATORS and he LOVES, LOVES, LOVES it. flowers to identify pollinators’ Chop, bite, or chew—what are those sharp teeth We couldn't be more pleased with how much fun they favorite plants! used for? Determine which local species are pred- made it for him while also following strict physical “As a bonus, my six-year-old son June 21 - 25 • $310 ators and investigate their prey. Learn how wolves distancing and masking protocols.” is bringing me specimens on the river bank communicate with each other, what grizzly bears - A Family exclaiming, "Look Mama, a stonefly exoskeleton!” - A Family GRADES 6-8 Students entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in Fall 2021 LOST IN MONTANA NEW FIRE ECOLOGY Could you survive being lost in the wild? Combine Explore the results of the 2020 Monday – Friday; 9:00 am – 3:30 pm CAMP! your survival skills and naturalist knowledge by wildfire in the Bridger Mountains. observing and analyzing in-depth science concepts Learn the ecological effects of fire on DRAWING NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY in nature while spending two nights at the MOSS the living and non-living environment. FROM NATURE Join us for our first overnight photography class! campus! Learn the vital interactions between flora Determine what species are fire-dependent as Local artist and award- Take photos of the sunset and sunrise from the and fauna and how a human presence well as the advantages and disadvantages of winning children’s book “M” and Drinking Horse Trail, and get cool shots impacts these relationships. wildlife in our ecosystem! illustrator, Robert Rath, along of the night sky! Photography is a magical tool July 12 – 16 & August 9 – 13 • $470 July 26 – 30 & August 16 – 20 • $450 (Includes Thursday’s overnight) with a MOSS instructor, for telling stories and inspiring us to take a closer (Includes Wednesday & Thursday’s overnight) *Due to COVID-19, students will not share tents. will inspire students to look at our natural world. Along with a MOSS *Due to COVID-19, students will not share tents. transform their observation of instructor, artist and designer Robert Rath will "The weekly themes our beautiful flora and fauna into drawings guide you through digital photography fundamentals are really interesting and sketches. Students will have sharper to not only capture the beauty of our local natural and I love the structured concentration and observation abilities, develop world but communicate environmental themes learning environment artistic goals, and learn to take inspiration from through your images. in a fun way." nature. Any level of artistic ability is welcome, Masters Program: For students who have taken - A Family but enthusiasm is a must! Nature Photography in the past, this program can be Masters Program: For students who have individualized with the group to allow you to dive taken Drawing From Nature deeper within the class to explore in the past, this program photographic concepts, techniques, challenges your skills within and image editing in a more rigorous the class to discover more way. Please contact MOSS if you artistic concepts, tools, and have any questions. techniques in a more rigorous June 21 – 25 "We were SO impressed way. Please contact MOSS if & July 26 – 30 • $450 by MOSS camp. I can see why it has such

you have any questions. (Includes the use of a Canon DSLR camera and a great reputation. We highly recommend it July 19 – 23 • $410 Thursday’s overnight. To maintain teaching and will definitely do it again." (Includes art supplies and sketchbook) consistency, students are required to use the cameras provided and not use any personal - A Family equipment.) *Due to COVID-19, students will not share tents. GRADES 7-9 Students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in Fall 2021 BRIDGER BACKPACKING Monday - Friday Hoist your backpack for five days and four nights as we explore LIVINGSTON the rugged and awe-inspiring scenery of the Bridger Mountain Range! Cook backcountry meals, scout the perfect tent spot, spy on mountain goats, and share tales of the trail with your adventure buddies. Like many great adventures, these trips are more than the destination; learn to become a skilled naturalist while also acquiring useful backcountry knowledge. Join us for two weeks of camp in Livingston! Thanks to our partnership "MOSS is the first camp August 2 – 6 • $610 with Livingston Parks and Recreation, we will base out of Sacajawea Park he wanted to keep going back to." (Includes backpacks, food, guides, tents, and instruction) - A Family Grades 1-5 Note on COVID-19: Due to COVID-19, each student/family Students entering 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade in Fall 2021 will be assigned their own tent. Additional food drops will be Monday – Friday; 9 am – 3:30 pm made to ensure appropriate backpack loads and safer food FANTASTIC FAUNA WILD handling. What kinds of signs do creatures WATERSHEDS BRIDGER BACKPACK SERIES Note on Instructors: Our instructors are highly qualified leave behind? Become a detective What shapes the land, provides with Wilderness First Responder certifications and extensive as we explore the life homes for special creatures, experience in the backcountry. The instructors the unique lands through which you travel! More cycles and habitats and is necessary for most living FAMILY are prepared to keep students secure during NEW than simply a backcountry adventure, your of local Montana things? Water! Come get your BACKPACKING inclement weather conditions including rain, CAMP! MOSS guides infuse these trips with animals! Investigate feet wet as we explore the EXPEDITION thunderstorms, and heat. Looking to become a naturalist observations, essential the tracks, scat, amazing properties of water and scientific knowledge, and teachable skulls, and pelts to the special ecosystems H2O backcountry family but For All Hikes not sure how? Join us for our first family moments. understand unique supports. Visit local watersheds • Investigate local • Practice Leave backpacking expedition and enjoy the We welcome all levels of medicinal plants No Trace animal adaptations to discover the science behind wonderful display of 4th of July fire- backpackers on our trips! The Family • Find fossils from • Hone in on and how they survive your favorite rivers, creeks, and works from up high! Along with two MOSS Expedition will hike no more than 5 miles each ancient sea beds backcountry skills the warm summers streams! day with no more than 1,000ft of elevation gain. • Record wildlife • Gain leadership and chilly winters! July 26 - 30 • $180 instructors, you and your young backpacker(s) observation data experience July 3 – 5 • $325 per person June 14 - 18 • $180 will master map and compass skills, Leave No Trace, • Learn map and • Learn backcountry meal preparation, and more all while learning about (Includes backpacks, food, guides, tents, and instruction) compass skills meal preparation Partnering with Livingston Parks and Recreation! Indicates 2021 SUMMER CALENDAR 2 Sessions of camp! MOSS

KINDER 1 – 2 3 – 5 6 – 8 LIVINGSTON SCHOOL PROGRAMS

June 14 – 18 Wild Things Building Bonanza Engineering Fantastic Fauna Science in Residency and Field Day Programs (June 15 - 17) in Nature (Grades 1 - 5) Looking for hands-on science lessons with outdoor investigations at your school? Let MOSS come to you and teach exciting units aligned with June 21 – 25 Icky, Gooey, Ooey More Than Project Nature Montana Science Standards and Next Generation Science Standards! (June 22 - 24) a Bug's Life Pollinator Photography School’s Out PIR Days June 28 – July 2 Habitat Hunters Nature Makers Inside Fire Ecology Keep the learning up, even when school’s out! MOSS offers science-based (June 29 - July 1) the Fire camps held during PIR days throughout the school year!

July 5 – 9 Ponds, Pools, Puddles Splash Bash! Aqua Bridger Family Backpack (July 6 - 8) Adventures Grades 7-9 (July 3-5) GLVT DISCOVERY WALKS July 12 – 16 Wild Things Montanimals Powerful Lost in (July 13 - 15) Predators Montana In partnership with Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT), MOSS offers nature hikes

from May to June. Be on the lookout for further details! July 19 – 23 Mountains and Streams Fossil Fanatics Rock Drawing (July 20 - 22) Jocks From Nature May 10: Trail Tracking July 26 – 30 Buggin' Out Building Bonanza Engineering Nature Wild Watersheds May 14: Adaptation Nation (July 27 - 29) in Nature Photography (Grades 1-5) May 17: Birding Basics May 21: Hiking Essentials May 24: Habitat Hunters Aug. 2 – 6 Habitat Hunters Stinky, Slimy Fins and Flies / Bridger Backpacking (Aug 3- 5) Science! Inside the Fire Grades 7-9 May 28: Rock Hounds June 11: Summer Survival Aug. 9 – 13 Ponds, Pools, Puddles Montanimals Powerful Lost in June 14: Amphibious Adventure (Aug 10 - 12) Predators Montana June 18: Buggin’ Out June 21: Wonderful Water Aug. 16 – 20 Mountains and Streams Fossil Fanatics Rock Jocks Fire Ecology June 25: Macro Mayhem (Aug 17 - 19)

Aug. 23 – 27 Icky, Gooey, Ooey Splash Bash! Aqua Adventures / (August 24 - 26) Fins and Flies

REGISTER AT WWW.OUTDOORSCIENCE.ORG Contact Program Director Britney Gitch with any questions at: [email protected] or 406-582-0526 PO BOX 502 BOZEMAN, MT 59771 406-582-0526 WWW.OUTDOORSCIENCE.ORG

MOSS is permitted by the Bozeman Ranger District to operate in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest.