HELLOOO FROM BELIZE PART 2!!!!
June 16, 2025
To start, we want to say this has been the BEST 2 weeks us leaders could have asked for. We are so so thankful for this group of kids and we are so sad we are nearing the end. One of the highlights of our trip has been playing soccer with local students. Marg really stepped up, taking the initiative to start conversations and organize games. We also discovered her hidden talent, she’s a track star! She left everyone in the dust during a 100-meter race. The morning was full of new friendships and lessons about life in Belize. Afterward, we enjoyed lunch at a beachfront restaurant before heading to a cultural center to learn about traditional music and dance. Everyone joined in for an instrument and dance lesson, and it was amazing to see the kids fully embrace the experience.
The group was especially excited to celebrate Beck’s birthday. Blake took the lead early, whipping up a birthday pancake to start the day with a proper wake-up surprise. Breakfast was a feast, setting the tone for a day of celebration. We kicked things off with a cooking and chocolate-making class where Beck was gifted a personal chocolate cake. Later, we fired up the grill for a cookout, with Rhodes and Will stepping in as the grill master. The evening ended on a sweet note with a homemade cake, candles, and a piñata. It was a memorable day for an incredible kid.
The second half of the trip has been spent largely on the water, starting with our PADI certification. The kids took their first breaths underwater and were thrilled by the experience. Today, we wrapped up our scuba lessons, and special shoutouts go to Rhodes and Addie for earning their advanced open-water certifications! They mastered underwater navigation and even completed a deep dive to 100 feet. Along the way, we encountered incredible wildlife, including sharks, starfish, and crabs. Afterward, we celebrated with the best ice cream in town, followed by an afternoon of mini golf, where Emerson claimed the highest score. We capped the day with dinner at one of our favorite beachfront spots.
While Haley accompanied the advanced certification group, Jack stayed back with others completing their initial scuba certification. There were some nerves, but as soon as we reached the ocean floor, the excitement took over. We encountered vibrant fish and corals that none of us had ever seen before. Knox quickly became a favorite of our instructor, Mrs. Stacy, while Beck stood out as the adventurous one, always beside the lead instructor. Crawford bonded with Moses, another instructor, as they worked together to find underwater creatures. Between dives, Zoe, Blake, and Will led the group in snorkeling and games on a nearby island, which was also a national park! The kids loved learning about its unique and interesting ecosystem.
After long days of diving, it’s been great to unwind at the villa with card games, good conversation and plenty of laughs! Monopoly-Go has become the game of the summer, with Jackson earning the title of reigning champion. Evenings typically end with a meal at local spots like Wendy’s or Beck’s (ironically not Beck’s favorite). Back at the villa, we wrap up with Moon-up, share sweet treats, and, thanks to Evi’s reminders, never miss dessert. Thank you all for your support as parents! They love and miss you, and happy late Father’s Day!
Shout outs!
June 15, 2025
Knox –
Hey bro, the activities are good and we haven’t even gone scuba and the boat. It is so much fun. I probably should’ve listened and brought my retainer I feel my teeth moving and I’m a little nervous if it will fit so maybe get an ortho apt for when I get back in case it doesn’t fit, hopefully it will and I will never forget it again. If it doesn’t I can jam it in and make it fit. Maybe can you get a local 3 rez for when I get back and get a late one so we’re not rushed. If they are closed we can do bar taco. I know I haven’t spent much money, but I just spent some and there’s just not a lot of places to spend. This is a lot of fun and looking forward to the scuba. The best part by far was the cave tubing and we got to cliff jump in the caves. You don’t need to worry and I’m not missing home at all.
Jackson –
Hey, mom, and dad I’m so happy to be in Belize. I’m almost scuba certified and have seen many animals in the water. I’m having fun and will have many stories to share.
Will-
hey dad Belize has been such an amazing trip so far. We have done lots of fun and cool things throughout the the whole trip and have stayed at 2 very cool places in the country I can wait to tell u in a few days love u talk soon 😘
Crawford –
what up Fam, I’ve been having a heck of a time in Belize. We’ve done so much including cave tubing, waterfall repelling, zip lining and I’ve got to play with so many little kids just hanging around I miss golf a little and all my friends and bikes but I’m having a great time here with all the kids and the counselors. Anyway I get to go scuba diving the rest of the trip and am very exited. Love ya guys, see ya soon!😘 I miss you and I got a few gifts for y’all when I get home cya
Rhodes-
what up Fam, I’ve been having a sweet time in Belize. We’ve done so much including cave tubing, waterfall repelling, zip lining and I’ve got to play with so many little kids that are so cute! I miss golf a little and sailing but I’m having a great time here with all the kids and the counselors. On Beckham’s birthday I got to grill burgers for everyone and everyone loved them that was so fun. Anyway I get to go scuba diving the rest of the trip and am very exited. Love ya guys, see ya soon!😘
Beck-
Hello fam, Belize is great. I miss you all, but am still having fun in Belize! My birthday was so much fun and was pleasantly surprised with some Mayan chocolate cake. Scuba diving is so cool and we should do it at home as a family. I’m not very good at writing so I will stop it here. Love you guys, see you soon.
Emerson –
HEYY fam I have had such a fun time in Belize, everyday has been the best time. I miss y’all so much but not too much, can’t wait to tell y’all all about my unBELIZEable time. Don’t worry I am taking so many pics to show everyone when I get back. Also I am most definitely not burnt at all. My fav activity so far has been for sure zip lining it was so amazing also horseback riding was lit. I have made so many friends and love them all also the local kids have been so fun to play with. I am so exited to scuba tomorrow, anyway I love it here so much but cant wait to see y’all.
Evi –
Hi everybody reading this! I have been having soooooo much fun in Belize. We have done lots of things but my favorite was horseback riding, I got to canter so much and I felt like a real cowgirl. You don’t have to worry about me being dehydrated, I have had lots and lots of water. I have made lot of new little friends that live here in Belize and I have figured out I am a kid magnet over here! I miss you guys and look forward to seeing you soon(but I love it here in Belize a bit more). I love you all, see you soon!
Zoe-
Helllooooo! I’m so excited to write to anyone reading! I’m having so much fun in Belize (when I get home I will show lots of pics). I was nervous at first to arrive but I have found so many friends in only a few days. All the girls are super close! I have had so much fun in all the activities. I am doing perfectly fine, I’m not burnt, or tired, or sick, or dehydrated. So don’t worry about me at all. I miss you all but not too much, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all when I get home! Love you
Margs –
HEYYY! I am having an unBELIZEable time! We have done cave tubing, rappelling, many culture activities and horse back riding which was so fun! We went really fast! Tomorrow we are scuba diving which I’m a little scared for but I’m excited! Everyone is really nice and there is no drama. We have been eating out a lot and have eaten a lot of chicken and rice! We played with kids that live in Belize today which was one of my favorite things we have done and they stole my camera and took 100 photos on it! I miss you, love you, and will see you soon! Tell branchy and Tajar I said hi. I hope you are feeding the frogs. 🐸😍😍✌️✌️💩💩🇧🇿🇧🇿🇧🇿🇧🇿
Addie –
Hiiiiii!!!!!! I am having SO much fun ✌️✌️✌️. Do not worry I have not yet gotten burnt, I have even worn a sun shirt. Tomorrow we are scuba diving (I think). I like all the girls in my group they are super chill. We have been eating so much cultural food and did cultural stuff like hanging with the locals and even going to a museum. We are sadly not staying at the royal rat but apparently that hostel has breakfast so I lowk wish we were staying there lolololol. Byeee miss u 😏😏😏❤️❤️😂😂😒😒😎😎😌😌😌💁👍😋😋😋😋😋🙈🙈🙈🙈!!!!!!
Blake –
hi family! What up Gs? I am having so much fun in Belize!!!!!! We have been cave tubing, rappelling, zip lining, horse back riding , etc. (i have lots of pictures and videos on my go pro to show) and tomorrow we are going to start our scuba diving training and the majority of the rest of the trip will be diving. I am hoping we will see some cool animals under water. I am excited to see u guys and the dogs. I also haven’t gotten burnt yet but I have gotten some color😏 love you guys and see you soon!
Hello from Belize!!!!
June 10, 2025
First we want to say thank you so much for sending the best kids.
We started our trip with a visit to the Mayan ruins! The kids got to explore and climb up old temples. We got to learn about the culture and see Belize from the top of a look out. Shout-out Jackson for writing down everything he learned so he could remember it back home. We broke up the day with lunch at a local restaurant. After the meal we shared we did a nature walk through a Belize national park! Our guide pointed out local wild life (toucans, lizards, & snakes) during the walk. After the walk we went back to our resort to cool off in the pool. We played lots of games until it was time for pizza!
We started our second day bright and early for cave tubing. The adventure started with a small hike to a swimming hole. We passed through several caves on the way using our headlamps to help navigate in the dark. Emerson was the leader of her tube group! After playing around in the water it was time to enter the cave. We tied our tubes together so we could explore as a group. The caves were awesome! There were so many bats flying above us. We stopped at an opening in the cave with a jumping rock. That was definitely the highlight of the day. Every single kid lined up to jump off with Crawford leading the pack. The adventure didn’t stop there. We swam through small crevices, squeezing between rocks. We finished with a relaxing tube ride back out into the jungle. It was just enough time for us leaders to dry off before the kids started a splash war with us (we won). We worked up quite the appetite, so our next stop was local food at a nearby restaurant. After lunch we were ready to keep the good times rolling. We went to a swimming hole nearby in the jungle. Marg and Addie were the first to jump in yelling “LITMO!” Everyone played so hard that we decided refreshments were in order. We stopped at a local ice cream shop with goats out back. Doesn’t get fresher than that! When we arrived at our new villa, it was time for dinner. The kids shared cooking responsibilities. Evie and Zoe were head chefs and we ate family style. It didn’t take long before the kids were ready for bed.
On Day 3, we started our morning bright and early and headed to a nearby horseback riding trail! On the way there, we picked up Johnny cakes filled with bacon, ham, egg, and cheese, along with a side of fresh fruit. These were locally made by a very talented cook, and the kids were soon asking for more.
The LOD’s today were Rhodes and Blake, who were extremely helpful throughout the whole day. They were able to lead games in the car help us leaders plan the day.
Once we arrived, each child was matched with a horse and given some time to practice before we began the trail ride. Will was the most connected with his horse, and ended up being so sad he had to leave his! The kids had so much fun getting to know their horses while riding side by side with their friends.
About halfway along the trail, we tied up the horses and took a super refreshing swim in the river, which was a perfect way to cool off and take a break. Knox was the first in the river and encouraged everyone to jump right in!
After saying goodbye to the horses, we headed to the Splash Adventures headquarters to enjoy lunch right by the ocean. We had another delicious locally made meal, which included chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Next, we visited some nearby pickleball courts and held a fun tournament. The winners and clear pickleball pros were Marguerite and Blake! Afterward, the kids enjoyed some ice cream right by the courts before we walked back to the beach, just two minutes from our villa, to cool off.
The water was crystal clear and the weather was perfect. Beck ended up greeting some local kids and next thing you know our whole group was playing with them. We paddle boarded, played games, and enjoyed some free time relaxing at the beach.
Later, the kids showered and got ready to walk to dinner. We ate at a local spot called Wendy’s, where the kids were able to order whatever they wanted. Dinner was filled with laughter and great stories from everyone.
We are now on the way to Zipline through the Belize rainforest and after that we are going to repel down a beautiful waterfall!
These last days have been truly amazing and we are so thankful for these amazing kids. Everyone has been super engaged and ready to help whenever needed. Our guide, Marvin, has been amazing with the kids and the kids love him. We can’t believe it’s already day 4 and we are so excited for what’s to come !
Until the next update!
Jack Slade & Haley Krucher
Safe Arrival!
June 5, 2025
Hello Belize Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely in Belize City! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure! 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
