I am ecstatic to be a 2023 leader for Moondance, let me tell you why.

When I was 16 years old, I labeled myself as “awkward”, as many teenagers feel. I knew that I had an outgoing, adventurous personality deep within me, I just needed to dig it out. So, I pushed myself. I signed up for a teen travel adventure trip, knowing no one. I kid you not, this trip was a huge turning point in my life. I made best friends that I am still in touch with six years later, discovered the healing powers of nature, and came back radiating confidence.

I knew that this was my calling. I had the experience of a lifetime and it is now my life’s mission to create this feeling for other teenagers. Every decision I made after my trip was to gain leadership and travel experience to prepare me for my dream job. Summers leading recreation camp in Kiawah Island, and studying abroad in Italy taught me patience, flexibility, and confirmed that tourism was the industry for me. The industry of creating memorable, culturally immersed, and relationship building experiences.

Moondance does all of that and more. I was not a previous student and didn’t know any leaders when I applied so I was slightly nervous. I’m so glad I went out on a limb because Moondance has truly brought me in like family. From sharing stories and giggling during interviews, to hugging the whole HQ staff when I visited Nashville, I knew that they were my people. Staff Training hasn’t even begun, yet HQ has helped me feel so prepared to be a leader. They have provided me with monthly check-ins, a seamless onboarding process, and an extremely detailed Staff Manual right in my mailbox to get me more excited. This company really loves on their leaders so hard. I can’t wait to share that love with my middle schoolers this summer.

If you are reading this, this is your sign to take the leap of faith and join the Moondance community. Spend a summer with a company that truly cares about you and empowers you to share the love and adventure with teenagers.

–Meghan Keeler, First-Year Leader, Columbus, Ohio