Waves of Joy: Tofino's Magical Moments
July 27, 2024
Hello family and friends!
We coasted into Tofino for our last days of activities. This place feels special from the moment we leave Cumberland. Our views the whole way were filled with mountain lakes and crystal blue rivers making the drive easy to enjoy. We practically threw everything out the u haul in order to touch the sand filled beach that laid right along our campground. It was exhilarating to feel the ocean breeze on our skin. We played spike ball with Jack and Finn coming out on top. Scarlett and Finley made a jump rope out of a long cord of sea kelp. For dinner, Henry and Alice cheffed up some insanely tasty quesadillas. Everything tastes better at the beach! We tried to contain our excitement to get some sleep before our big surf day.
Isaac woke up first, as usual, with a big grin ready to seize the day. We walked down the beach for stand up paddle boarding. The misty clouds and valleys surrounded the water made our activity magical. Hattie showed the group that the kelp was actually edible, while Banks seized every opportunity to snag a kelp crab! Scarlett and Alice collected a family of crabs, we miss Kevin, Kelly and Karl crab already. Just in time for our surf session, the sun came and shined down hard welcoming us to the water. Jack and Law were absolute naturals, shredding the first waves that touched their feet. Mary Brady was looking like a rock star on the surf board. As if we didn’t have an awesome day already, we decided to hit the town right after our surf. Especially because it was NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY!!! We had the best gelato ever. Finn showed his courage to order the mystery flavor Hammerhead, which paid off, he said it was delicious. We explored the beauties of Tofino, ice cream in hand, it was a wonderful day.
Luckily, the day ahead of us was full of more and more aquatic adventures. Scarlett jumped on the surfboard and amazed us all with her 180 trick! Campbell and Isaac caught wave after wave showing our Aussie guides what’s up. Law surfed so hard he fell into a nice long lunch nap. However, he was awakened by Mary Brady and Finn’s delicious hot dogs:)) We played a variety of paddle board games due to winds being high but our spirits stayed just as high. Our teams “Giraffes vs Dogs” raced on paddle boards against each other. Of course the dogs became top dogs. Our guides had us dying laughing when the goal was to get our whole team on one paddle board. Law made the whole team laugh with his unbalanced techniques. Jack and Kate made plans to sabotage the other team by knocking them over. It was a failed mission but Laughs were heard from the beach. It was the fun we needed to end the trip in the best way possible.
Finley and Henry led our favorite moon up to date on the beach. We laughed and sincerely reminisced on our epic times together. You could see it in each of them, the kids had bought in and we were experiencing the moondance magic. We ended that night with the most hysterical games of birdie on a perch, if your unsure of how to play, as our lead champion Hattie and she’ll show you the ropes.
Leaving Tofino behind was heartbreaking, especially for us leaders. We had to say goodbye to the breathtaking beaches, spectacular salty sea, and sand underneath our toes. But we brought with us countless new memories, fears conquered, and waves shredded. This group has truly blossomed into a family, each one of us there for the others through and through. As leaders it has been so special to witness such incredible bonding and inclusivity between a group of kids. After crossing back into the USA we took one last final dip all together. What an aquatic adventure we had. This swim represented everything BCO 3C embodies; making the most of every moment, adventure seeking, fun loving, individuality. We send off our kids with so much love and new found confidence. As they all walk away standing a bit taller, we hope they appreciate and fully take advantage of the 14 new friends that have their backs.
BIG LOVE,
Sophia Goldman, Kate Hammermeister, and Ryan Uttridge
Final Update from British Columbia!
July 25, 2024
Hello family and friends!
We coasted into Tofino for our last days of activities. This place felt special from the moment we left Cumberland. Our views the whole way were filled with mountain lakes and crystal blue rivers making the drive easy to enjoy. We practically threw everything out of the uhaul in order to touch the sand-filled beach that laid right along our campground. It was exhilarating to feel the ocean breeze on our skin. We played spike ball with Jack and Finn coming out on top. Scarlett and Finley made a jump rope out of a long cord of sea kelp. For dinner, Henry and Alice cheffed up some insanely tasty quesadillas. Everything tastes better at the beach! We tried to contain our excitement to get some sleep before our big surf day.
Isaac woke up first, as usual, with a big grin ready to seize the day. We walked down the beach for stand up paddle boarding. The misty clouds and valleys surrounding the water made our activity magical. Hattie showed the group that the kelp was actually edible, while Banks seized every opportunity to snag a kelp crab! Scarlett and Alice collected a family of crabs, we miss Kevin, Kelly and Karl crab already. Just in time for our surf session, the sun came and shined down hard welcoming us to the water. Jack and Law were absolute naturals, shredding the first waves that touched their feet. Mary Brady was looking like a rock star on the surfboard. As if we didn’t have an awesome day already, we decided to hit the town right after our surf. Especially because it was NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY!!! We had the best gelato ever. Finn showed his courage to order the mystery flavor Hammerhead, which paid off, he said it was delicious. We explored the beauties of Tofino, ice cream in hand, it was a wonderful day.
Luckily, the day ahead of us was full of more and more aquatic adventures. Scarlett jumped on the surfboard and amazed us all with her 180 trick! Campbell and Isaac caught wave after wave showing our Aussie guides what’s up. Law surfed so hard he fell into a nice long lunch nap. However, he was awakened by Mary Brady and Finn’s delicious hot dogs:)) We played a variety of paddle board games due to winds being high, but our spirits stayed just as high. Our teams “Giraffes vs Dogs” raced on paddle boards against each other. Of course the dogs became top dogs. Our guides had us dying laughing when the goal was to get our whole team on one paddle board. Law made the whole team laugh with his unbalanced techniques. Jack and Kate made plans to sabotage the other team by knocking them over. It was a failed mission but laughs were heard from the beach. It was the fun we needed to end the trip in the best way possible.
Finley and Henry led our favorite moon up to date on the beach. We laughed and sincerely reminisced on our epic times together. You could see it in each of them, the kids had bought in and we were experiencing the moondance magic. We ended that night with the most hysterical games of birdie on a perch, if you’re unsure of how to play, as our lead champion Hattie and she’ll show you the ropes.
Leaving Tofino behind was heartbreaking, especially for us leaders. We had to say goodbye to the breathtaking beaches, spectacular salty sea, and sand underneath our toes. But we brought with us countless new memories, fears conquered, and waves shredded. This group has truly blossomed into a family, each one of us there for the others through and through. As leaders it has been so special to witness such incredible bonding and inclusivity between a group of kids. After crossing back into the USA, we took one last final dip all together. What an aquatic adventure we had. This swim represented everything BCO 3C embodies; making the most of every moment, adventure seeking, fun loving, individuality. We sent off our kids with so much love and new found confidence. As they all walk away standing a bit taller, we hope they appreciate and fully take advantage of the 14 new friends that have their backs.
Checking in from BC!
July 22, 2024
Hello dear family and friends, we have missed you! Our past few days have been jam-packed with fun, and we can’t wait to share these memories with you. These kids have blossomed into an excellent team, working like a well-oiled machine. We are so overjoyed to be their leaders and to share snippets of the glory with you all.
We last left off as we arrived on the serene Quadra Island. The arrival was sweeter than can be. We were welcomed by sunsets and seals at our magical beachside campsite. Banks and Law led the group through a special moon-up that evening and blessed us with chicken fried rice. The sunrise woke us up with smiles on our faces. Mary Brady and Finn prepared the most delicious breakfast skillet to get us ready for sea kayaking. Finley and Campbell were monsters on the water, only sometimes yelling “I SAID LEFT.” Jack and Scarlett showed fierce determination, shredding through the water. Hattie was thrilled when we arrived at our island for lunch and showed the boys up by beating them all in a swim race. Isaac discovered an awesome jumping rock that the group could not get enough of. Henry and Finley played rounds and rounds of categories, answering questions while jumping into the blue water. Banks and Alice went full mermaid mode, swimming around searching for starfish. What an epic day… that called for ice cream, of course! We had officially fallen in love with Quadra, what a special place.
We awoke from deep slumbers the next day, ready to soak up our precious time on the island. We ate a well-deserved feast of chocolate chip pancakes and bacon, our favorite breakfast yet! But not because of the food, we cooked and ate right on the beach. Scarlett took advantage of this, taking dips in the crystal clear water between bites 😉 The rest of the crew read their summer reading with determination to finish, chatted at the picnic tables, and played with our hacky sack. LODs Scarlett and Isaac led the team to the Chinese Mountain peak. We had trail talks galore and cheered each other on. Campbell and Henry were always there to hype us up. And man, were the views worth it. We could see all of Rebecca Spit Bay and the seal rock we kayaked by. It got Banks and Hattie’s stamp of approval. Law captured a bird showing us his tricks right over the bay; National Geographic will be begging for him. We walked with pep in our step and insane views mentally captured, memories to last a lifetime. On the ferry back, we said a heartfelt goodbye to the island and made our way to Cumberland to take on some climbing!
Good morning from Cumberland Lake Park! Today, the kids woke up fired up and ready to go. Today is the first day of rock climbing, and the campers have the opportunity to take on the most responsibility they’ve faced thus far. We quickly ate some bagels and yogurt and packed our day packs to meet our super cool rock climbing guides. The rules were laid out, and the stage was set. As we faced the rock wall, the kids were locked in and understood the stakes of the activity. Holding the responsibility of belaying your friends and helping them rappel down the rock face is no light task. Every single kid showed leadership, trust, and discipline, and we had each other’s backs! Back at camp, Kate and Finn (shark) hung back due to Finn feeling a bit under the weather. Finn’s desire for adventure and determination to be with his friends motivated him to stick it through and meet the crew after lunch. We ended our day of climbing more proud of this group than ever. Fears were faced, hands grew tougher, but most importantly, we saw our kids reach a new level of group cohesion. After climbing, we felt that a nice swim in the lake was just the thing we needed. We dove right in as a group and made a sprint to the floating logs in the lake. It became a fun game to climb onto the log and see who could stand the longest. Boy, was it a challenge to even stand up. Campbell was dying laughing each time Sophie fell face-first into the water with a smile. Jack was killing it with his balancing skills. Isaac made it look easy to run back and forth on the log. Each of us had the biggest belly laughs while gripping onto the log. Law was quite the prankster with his ability to roll the log just the right way so you would go flying off. We could feel this being a special bonding moment. We would remember the log talks and games we played for a long time. Everyone’s moods were lifted by the refreshing water.
Feeling refreshed, we decided to take a break from being woodland folk and try our hand in civilization for the afternoon, TOWN DAY! Exploration of the beautiful small town of Cumberland began with the coolest little record store called Moon’s Records. The kids got to walk and hang out around town, then we met back up at “Riders” for some world-class pizza. We ended our wonderful day with easily one of the best moon-ups of the trip so far. Meaningful conversations were had down on the dock, and the group bonded to a new level. Spirits were so high that Law and Finn convinced everyone to spontaneously jump in the lake. This will be a moment none of us will forget! We are so happy with where your kids and our group are at, and we cannot wait to see what Tofino, the surf town of BC, has to offer.
Big Love,
Ryan, Kate, & Sophia
Student Shoutouts!
July 19, 2024
Finley Stroud:
Hi mom and dad I miss you a lot. I have showered more than Colorado already. Please take care of Jack and tell Griffin good luck on his surgery and tell Tate I miss him. Love y’all!
Alice Haney:
Hi mom and dad I miss you guys so much. Tell Franklin, Viv and Vic that I said hi. I’m having so much fun! Love yall!
Scarlett Maddux
Hey!! I’m having lots of fun. Take care of Gibbs for me!! I’ve done a lot of fun activities here. Love you bye
Law Kennedy:
Hi mom and dad I hope you guys are doing well. I love you guys and say hello to August, Beatrice and grace for me!
Issac Marks:
Hi! I love you guys. I’m having such a good time I love it here
Finn Drzyzg
Dear mom,
I’m doing well. I’m having a great time out here. I miss you and I hope your doing good back home!
Hattie Troup:
Hi guys! I forgot my retainers. I miss tank.
Jack Fitzergald:
Hi I’m doing good. I miss you. I’m having such a good time in British Columbia.
Henry Greene:
Hey mom and dad! I’m having lots of fun. Miss you all. See you soon!
Campbell Fletcher:
Dear mom and dad,
I’m having the best time ever. I love you guys so much I can’t wait to see you.
Mary Brady Law:
Hi mom and dad, I miss you guys so much. I’m having a good time! Can’t wait to see you love you!!!
Banks Ferrero:
Hey mom and dad. I miss you guys. I hope you’re doing well!! Love youuu bye!
"Seal-abrating" Moondance: Adventuring Through Canada
July 18, 2024
Hello dear family and friends!
Sending you love from our blissful ferry journey to Vancouver Island! We’re having the time of our lives in Canada, soaking up every moment of sunshine and laughter. These past 6 days have flown by like a whirlwind of joy, and as we catch our breath, let’s dive into the adventure-filled saga we’ve lived!
Our odyssey commenced on the stunning bay north of Seattle, where we indulged in pizza with newfound friends amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the San Juan islands. Our Moondance tribe wasted no time in embracing Rule #1: if water’s in sight, dive right in! Finley and Henry led the charge into the water, while Scarlett’s quicksand escapade added a memorable twist, leaving us all grinning ear to ear. Jack wowed us with his hacky sack skills, igniting the Hacky Sack Boot Camp. Yes, parents, be proud! Your kids are honing their skills, with Law earning the title of Most Improved Hacky player!
The day evolved into a spirited 4 vs. 4 beach soccer showdown, blossoming into an all-out extravaganza where aquatic raccoons ruled supreme. Alice’s lockdown defense and Campbell’s Messi moves sealed our victory. As the sun set, we gathered under the moon’s glow, watching the sun set behind the island’s silhouettes.
Hattie and Henry, our dynamic Leaders of the Day, fired us up for our voyage into WHITE WATER RAFTING! Camping on our own riverbank paradise, Finn, dubbed “Shark,” epitomized his name with unyielding love for the water. After a delectable surf and turf dinner under the setting sun, Ryan, Jack, Campbell, Law, and Isaac embarked on an epic quest-to circumnavigate our island home. This journey birthed the discovery of Law’s “Wild Canadian Rafting Manfrog,” and as the team returned, triumphant chants of “FIRED UP, MOTIVATED, HOOO RAHHH, AHHHH!” echoed into the night.
With bellies full and hearts brimming, we drifted into slumber under a blanket of stars. Isaac, the earliest riser, got the privilege of waking us with pots and pans. We then indulged in a breakfast of French toast drenched in real Canadian maple syrup. As Campbell told us tales of shooting stars by the riverbank, we cruised the Sea to Sky Highway, every bend revealing views more stunning than the last, until we reached our next campsite. The kids pitched tents like seasoned explorers. Alice and Jack used their LOD chef hats and culinary magic to whip up a feast to prepare for Jack’s 14th.
The next morning dawned with excitement as we surprised Jack with a birthday bash to remember! Finley and Isaac, apprentices to our pancake master Kate, decorated birthday pancakes with plenty of sprinkles. Next, we embarked on our most epic adventure yet-CANYONEERING! Into a crystalline canyon we rappelled, fearless in the face of icy waters. We enjoyed lunch amidst a waterfall’s rainbow cascade. Floating lazily down the river, Scarlett and Mary Brady sprawled contently like a starfish under the warm sun, hearts entwined in newfound camaraderie. Hattie gained the title of perfect form as she descended each repel.
As evening came, Jack’s favorite dinner awaited, crafted to perfection by Isaac and Finley. Every bite savored, every moment cherished, culminating in a birthday cake surprise that lit up Jack’s smile brighter. What more fun than celebrating your birthday with 13 new family members!
Our journey to Vancouver Island began with the sighting of a bear at Golden Ears campground, accompanied by Alice’s Taylor Swift serenade. On the ferry, the sighting of whales prompted celebrations from Campbell and Kate, dancing in excitement. The day unfolded with wildlife sightings galore as we ventured to Quadra Island. Banks spotted an eagle soaring high, and in the harbor, alongside our fun-filled water games, we welcomed a new member to our crew, an inflatable orca named “Spit,” after the road we were on, courtesy of Isaac’s creativity. Mary Brady floated in the salty sea that brought peace after a long day’s travel. Swimming amidst seals, our hearts swelled with gratitude for this amazing journey.
Our Moondance family is full of loud and colorful spirits, each contributing with their kind hearts and helpful hands. We have loved every minute with BCO 3C and can’t wait to see what’s to come.
Big Love,
KATE, RYAN, & SOPHIA
Safe Arrival in Seattle!
July 11, 2024
Hello British Columbia Families!
All students have landed safely in Seattle and the group is headed to their first campsite! Their leaders are so excited to have everyone together, and we are excited to keep you updated on all the awesome things to come on their trip.
-Moondance HQ
