Crosscut + MOSS Integrated Collaboration
Stronger Together
For three decades, Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS) has ignited curiosity and a deep appreciation for the natural world through its exceptional programs. Through high-quality educational experiences, including a vibrant summer camp program, MOSS plays a vital role in connecting our community to the wonders of the natural world.
In 2025, Crosscut Mountain Sports Center (Crosscut) will proudly become the permanent home of MOSS, uniting two missions dedicated to place-based outdoor education. This integrated collaboration marks a significant milestone in MOSS's vision of securing a permanent base — a dream that began with their first collaboration at Bohart Ranch in 2003. Crosscut is thrilled to welcome MOSS to a home that will further amplify their impact for generations to come.
MOSS and Crosscut are committed to offering engaging opportunities for all ages, including our community’s kids, to spend more time exploring our natural landscapes. We have seen the impacts over our 30 years of programs that support national and internal research in outdoor education. We know that time spent in nature during childhood impacts an appreciation for the natural world and care for the environment as an adult, as well as makes us happier and healthier people. MOSS programs have shaped two generations of nature-lovers, environmental stewards, and outdoor recreators in our community. By working together, MOSS and Crosscut can impact multiple more generations for decades to come.
FAQ: Find answers to frequently asked questions below
Does Crosscut own MOSS?
No, Crosscut does not own MOSS. Both MOSS and Crosscut remain independent organizations with their own 501(c)(3) non-profit status. MOSS and Crosscut have entered into an integrated collaboration governed by a management agreement between the organizations.
Why are Crosscut and MOSS combining forces?
By listening closely to the evolving needs of our region, Crosscut and MOSS have recognized the importance of strengthening not only our programs but also our foundations as non-profit organizations. This includes providing livable wages for our staff, while keeping our missions of community and accessibility at the heart of everything we do. By joining forces, both organizations will reduce administrative costs, allowing us to strengthen the experiences we offer to our community.
Additionally, Crosscut and MOSS have a long-shared history and outdoor education has been a bedrock of Crosscut’s mission since its inception. The collaboration between MOSS and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center unites our missions to provide transformative place-based outdoor education. This will allow us to provide memorable experiences to more kids, while keeping costs affordable for families.
Over 20 years ago MOSS developed the foundational winter ecology curriculum for the Crosscut Ski Education Program that brings over 2,500 school kids from around the area to learn to cross-country ski while also learning about the area's ecology. Two decades on, MOSS has come full circle to collaborate with Crosscut and set-up base camp on the historic Bohart Ranch property in Bridger Canyon, now owned and stewarded by Crosscut.
Is MOSS or Crosscut running 2025 summer camps and will 2025 summer camps be different than 2024 camps?
As part of the management agreement between MOSS and Crosscut, Crosscut will manage and run MOSS programs, including 10 weeks of summer camps in 2025. Crosscut Nature Camps will continue as part of the MOSS camp offerings. Camp registration will open on Tuesday, February 18 at noon.
The summer camp curriculum will include the high-quality MOSS and Crosscut Nature Camps that families know and love. Themes and activities that highlight place-based outdoor education will continue to be the bedrock of our camps. For some camps, the curriculum will be updated to be tailored to the unique Bridger Mountain ecosystem and the diverse landscape of Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. Many camps include theme related field trips to local places.
More information about 2025 summer camps is available on the MOSS website. More information about Crosscut Nature Camps below:
What is happening to Crosscut’s summer Nature Camps?
Crosscut’s Nature Camp program began in 2021 with place-based experiential camps that inspire curiosity, confidence, and gratitude while encouraging a reciprocal relationship with the natural world. Many young learners and families have a strong connection to these camps, and we look forward to continuing to foster those connections.
Crosscut’s Nature Camps will be offered as part of MOSS summer camps in 2025 and beyond. Explore all the camp offerings here — all seven of the camps beginning with the name “Nature Camp” are the same camps families have come to know and love. The age groups have been changed slightly — Nature Camps will be offered for rising 1-2 graders and for 3-4 graders.
Who are the MOSS camp instructors?
Your child is in great hands! MOSS and Crosscut 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.
The job search and hiring process for our 2025 camp instructors will happen February-April. We anticipate that some of the 2025 staff will be past Crosscut Nature Camp instructors, some will be past MOSS Summer Camp instructors, and some will be new to both organizations.
All instructors will be certified in First Aid and CPR, and several are certified Wilderness First Responders. Each instructor goes through extensive training, including sessions in risk management, health protocols, science concepts, teaching strategies, and more. Above all, MOSS and Crosscut instructors bring their passions for nature and learning to inspire curiosity, exploration, and a love for the place we live in.
Who are MOSS’s staff members?
MOSS has a handful of year-round staff members who are also Crosscut employees. The consolidation of support service staff between the two organizations reduces overhead costs allowing us to expand our reach and enrich the experiences we offer to our community.
Who is on MOSS’s board?
As is required for all 501(c)(3) organizations, MOSS has a governing board of directors. In addition, MOSS also has an advisory board to help advise and guide the organization. Members of each of these boards have long-standing interest in outdoor education and deep roots in our community.