AMG Rafting Adventures
June 11, 2025
AMG 1A Trip Update 1
Family! Friends! Hello from the Balkans! Since you last hugged your kids goodbye, they have become world travelers, making the journey to join us in Europe. From navigating airports, visiting 4 countries, to meeting their new Moondance family, the first week has been jam-packed to say the least. We are overjoyed that our trip has begun with your incredible kids. We cannot wait to fill you in on all that we’ve done thus far!
Ben and Emma Cutter (EC) waited eagerly as the kids arrived in Dubrovnik, Croatia! We were met with positive energy from the group.
We didn’t stay long in Croatia and loaded up our van to head to country number two of the trip: Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the way to Montenegro! The drive from Dubrovnik to Bosnia & Montenegro was gorgeous with views of mountains overlooking the oceans while we were exiting Croatia! After entering Bosnia, we travelled through small towns that sat next to light blue rivers and lakes, around this time most of the students started to get some much needed rest on the drive.
On the way to our campsite, we stopped for our first taste of Balkan cuisine. The meal consisted of spinach soup and a mix of meats and potatoes- a perfect first meal! Cash must be an animal whisperer because a cat promptly hopped into his lap and remained until we had to leave. After our meal we sat in the yard of the restaurant and hung out in the hammocks before getting back on the road to make it to our campsite in Tara Canyon. Along the way we began seeing wandering cows, sheep, and goats along our drive! Ivey couldn’t get enough of the cows and giggled about them for so long.
Our Whitewater Rafting camp sat on the banks of the river border of Montenegro & Bosnia. Bungalow cabins would be our home for the next 4 nights with mountains surrounding us in the canyon. Once we got settled in our cabins we went to the pool and played star with the whole group, then checked out the river and Cash took a polar plunge with Ben! We showered up and played pool and spoons till we had dinner at the camp. We did our first Moonup on the lawn under the Balkan stars, while there was a birthday celebration going on at our campsite marking a memorable first night.
The next morning we woke up and got suited up for day 1 of rafting! We fueled up and got our wet suits fitted before loading up to go to our first drop in spot. As we arrived at our drop in spot on the river, we couldn’t help but stare in awe at the color of the river- imagine Blue powerade and you’ve got the idea. Crystal clear and quickly flowing, the Tara river would be our playground for the next few days. The mountains surrounding the canyon are lush with green trees, contrasting the pristine flowing river. It truly looks like a scene out of a fairytale.
We hopped on our rafts and began our expedition down the river. Martina, our amazing local guide, who will be with us for the entirety of the trip, led the charge, starting a playful splash war with Payton that turned into a full-on rafting battle. Hudson declared the water the coldest he’s ever been in when Payton brought devious energy, splashing the other raft at any given chance. The group was buzzing with the shock of the water. The water is COLD, coming off of the mountain. Wade and Hudson captained their boat, being up front in the splash zone. Half way down our river path, our guides showed a safe spot to jump into the river. We climbed up the rocks and Avery was the first to take the plunge!
While all of this has been going on, EC and Ava got some extra time in Dubrovnik due to some travel delays. The next morning, Ella Barnes and Louise arrived in Croatia!! Once we all made it, we headed to our rafting campsite to meet up with the rest of the group. The girls took the detours like seasoned travelers and we were so happy they made it!
The group returned to camp and eagerly awaited the arrival of Ava, Ella Barnes, Louise, & EC! We were finally reunited as a full group and all was right! We hit the jackpot with our meals- our hosts prepared an array of dishes always accompanied by homemade bread and soup that fueled us for our rafting section. Joe taught the group like a pro how to eat a full fish. Our first meal all together was full of chatting and getting to know each other, and hearing the travel tales of Ava, Ella Barnes, & Lousie.
Day 2 of rafting was nothing short of eventful with the whole crew. Ava, EC, and Annie jumped in the water, and Jack was the first to go full belly flop in the pond, which got everyone in the crisp water. Avery & Louise found a log to soak up the sun and the group quickly followed suit.
We passed the safe cliff jumping spot from the day before, and Cash, Hudson, & Hilliard were all stars and jumped off (with helmets and life jackets). Such an amazing way to overcome hesitation to heights! It’s so exhilarating.
We weren’t alone on the river – we met folks from France, the Netherlands, and plenty of curious locals. Lots of funny conversations ensued across the river. Payton and Cash especially bonded with our guides, always asking questions about culture and life in the region.
Back at camp, the pool remained a fan favorite. There was an intense game of taps in the pool and outside the pool that Joe and Louise got really into. You can’t beat soaking up the last moments of sun as it goes down behind the most picturesque mountains.
After dinner, we gathered around the campfire and played a game that was a hit with the group. Ella Barnes had a huge underdog win that had the group in disbelief. We circled up for Moonup around the fire and deepened our connections with thoughtful conversation driven by the LODs. To end Moonup, we played a hilarious game that had everyone cracking up at Hudson’s dance moves.
On our third day of rafting, our legendary guide Auggie set up a makeshift raft slide, and Annie was the first to send it! We did some more jumping into the river, with Joe, Jack, and Auggie eagerly jumping in. Martina and Ivey led raft karaoke that had everyone singing (and laughing). As we floated downstream, the hours gave us space to talk about everything under the sun – from spirit animals and video games, to the year ahead.
Hacky sack has become a group favorite, with Payton leading the charge. Joe, Annie, Jack, and Hudson have kept a fierce Yukar saga going. Pool games continued (Ben and Hilliard dominated), and Martina led us in much-needed river stretches – Ava and Louise were all in.
The next morning we woke up, had breakfast, and said goodbye to our bungalows and wonderful hosts and hit the road for Montenegro! The van ride was filled with songs, riddles, and gawking at the insane views as we made our way to the capital city of Podgorica! Hilliard and EB started our ABC song game which kept vibes high. After a quick pizza lunch and stop at the mall, we were on the road again heading towards our final destination of the day: Albania! As we pulled over at a viewpoint high in the mountains, the group erupted with excitement – no words can describe the feeling of being deep in the Alps after a big travel day. Ben and I have been incredibly impressed by this group’s positive attitude, adaptability, and the way they’ve bonded so naturally.
Now, we’re heading into the next phase of our journey- trekking! The group is ready, the boots are laced, and the excitement is high. More stories and unforgettable views await – and we can’t wait to share them with you in our next trip update!
Until next time,
Ben & Emma Cutter (EC)
The Adventure Begins!
June 7, 2025
Hello Albania, Montenegro, + Greece Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that most the group has landed safely in Dubrovnik! Unfortunately, due to travel delays, three students will be arriving soon and will be greeted at the airport by one of their leaders. The group is so excited to start their journey together all together!
Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next week! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
