Adventures on AMG
June 29, 2025
Hello from the Balkans! Our 17 day adventure has begun and we cannot wait to tell you how it’s been so far! Since you last hugged your kids goodbye, they have gained 4 new passport stamps & many new friends and stories.
Coming from all over the States, the group made it to Dubrovnik safe and sound with lots of energy upon arrival! Ben, EC, Marks, & Maddie greeted the rest of the crew and made the first introductions. We met our guide, Martina, who will be joining us for the next two weeks, and shortly hopped into our van that would take us to our first destination. The scenic drive took us through the hills, mountains, and lakes of rural Croatia that led us to the border of Bosnia! Along the way we stopped for dinner at a local restaurant that the kids said looked like the lodge from Frozen. Fueled and ready, we continued our journey! Despite some unfortunate car sickness on the windy roads, we arrived to our camp with much anticipation!! Our rafting camp sits on the river that divides Montenegro & Bosnia. Wooden bungalow cabins under the stars and mountain tops would be home for the next 4 nights.
Waking up to see the vast view in the daylight was a wonderful way to start the day. Breakfast consisted of homemade bread, jam, meats, eggs, & cheese, and was given an A+ by all, especially Sam who was curious about “Bosnian Breakfast”.
Fitted up in our wetsuits, helmets, & booties, we loaded up the vans to take us to our put-in spot along the river. On the ride, George posed some great questions for the group to continue getting to know one another which made time fly.
Upon first glance, Stella exclaimed that the water was crystal clear and neon blue. We got our first feel of the frigid water dunking into the river, ready for our rafts! Ben and David captained one raft, while Marks and George took lead on the other. We stopped along the way and found a spot to jump off of, and Kirkman was the first to send it!
After we all plunged into the fridged clear water we climbed back into our rafts and paddled down the river! At one point the two boats turned on each other and started splashing each other. Ben jumped on the other raft to cause havoc and Kirkman form tackled him off protecting his group. After the skirmish, Ellie and Molly jumped ship and switched places, keeping the guides on their toes! Then we paddled back to camp and sat down for another delicious meal where we shared an awesome conversation spearheaded by none other than Maddie and Julia!
Then we had some free time at the camp so filled our time by getting the whole group involved in a friendly game of volleyball! Lucy became a track star sprinting down the long hill to the river after our ball! After our game, Marks, George, and Kirkman took a dip in the pool and threw the football around. While others tried their hand at pool! It was Ellie’s first time ever playing and she won a game! Lucy taught the whole group the card game Presidents and it’s been a hit with our squad so far. After our different activities we came together for dinner and Moonup to close the day and get ready for the next day!
With a day under our belts, we were ready to tackle day two of rafting! Ana Collins and Lucy kept convo flowing on one raft, discussing norms of where we are from and funny Moondance stories. Today we made a stop at another rafting camp to eat some snacks. Julia and Stella made new friends with the many kittens roaming around the deck.
Three on a couch, a group game, kept us entertained post rafting until dinner time. We have been spoiled with the wonderful homemade meals from our host Pile, his nickname is chicken! Post dinner, Marks and Julia took a night swim to cap off the day and take full advantage of our rafting camp.
Our last day of rafting was a fun switch up as we went in the late afternoon! We spent the morning playing games and hanging out. A full group game of Spoons, in which Ana Collins came out as winner, entertained the crew for a long while. We played a few rounds of hacky sack and George took the win! Maddie had some juggles that impressed the group and showed her soccer skills! Fish bowl was a hit, with Molly being a pro & most rounds ending in giggles.
On the way to the last day of rafting, Stella stumped the van with a riddle that we are still trying to figure out! Upon arrival, David got his whole raft hyped up with war paint on their faces by rubbing rocks together. It was quite fitting as our guide’s nickname is Solider!
We of course jumped off our favorite rock spot & made our way down the familiar canyon. On the other raft, Sam took over as captain and acted as the rudder, steering the group flawlessly.
One thing we can confidently say about this group is that it is full of adventurous people!If there is any opportunity to jump out and swim, they’re in despite the freezing water! Floating down the rapids outside of the boat was a hit and most definitely an adrenaline rush. EC & Sam linked arms on the float down and could not stop laughing as they dodged rocks left and right. By the end of the day, Julia and Ellie were deliriously giggling at anything and everything which kept it interesting as we made it back to our camp.
Stella and Kirkman led a really well thought out and silly Moonup for our last night at our camp which ended by a variety of animal noises being belted out.
Our rafting section is coming to close as we head to our next destination: Albania! We begin trekking tomorrow and can’t wait to update you next week. This group has come together exceptionally fast! Ben and EC have enjoyed getting to know each of their personalities and goofy nature.
Until next time!
Emma Cutter & Ben
Let the fun begin!
June 25, 2025
Hello Albania, Montenegro + Greece Families!
We heard from our leaders and the group has landed safely! The group is so excited to start their adventure 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
