Checking in one last time!
July 7, 2025
We woke up ready for a jam-packed day! After breakfast, we kicked things off with waterfall rappelling. We made an intense hike up to a beautiful swimming hole tucked away in the jungle. Pearce and Ella really stepped up as leaders, encouraging everyone up the trail-their cheerful comments and positive energy kept the whole group smiling. After cooling off at the swimming spot, it was time to rappel! Henry Hicks was a natural, practically sliding down the waterfall. It was so fun to watch the students cheer each other on as they faced the challenge together and made it down the intimidating waterfall rappel. After a quick break for lunch, it was time for ziplining! Albert’s smile was huge as he soared through the jungle canopy, clearly loving every moment of gliding through the trees. By the end of the day, all the kids were happily exhausted after so many adventures. We wrapped up the night with a big meal and lots of games, with the group’s favorite being Mafia. Harry was an incredible storyteller-so funny and creative-and had everyone laughing with his dramatic twists and turns.
For our last full day together, we spent it soaking up the sun at the beach! The girls enjoyed catching up on their tans while the boys tossed the frisbee back and forth. Whit even caught a friendly jellyfish in a bottle, which everyone thought was amazing! Mary Walton kept the vibe high as our beach DJ-her music had everyone in the best mood, singing along and relaxing in the sand. After the beach, we made a stop at a souvenir shop to pick up a few last-minute mementos. Marian found the cutest Belize hat, and several girls followed her lead, picking out matching hats and Hawaiian shirts-or dresses, in Eugenia’s case. Ella Parrott and Maren picked out the cutest matching friendship bracelets, and everyone proudly sported their new souvenirs for our banquet dinner. We enjoyed a big feast together, complete with chocolate cake for dessert. After dinner, we gathered around a campfire, made s’mores, and soaked up our last evening together, sharing stories and laughter under the stars. After the camp fire , we tricked the kids and pretended there was an emergency and we had to go back to the mansion immediately. Hanes and Greer were freaking out but when we arrived, it was a huge dance party to celebrate the last night! These two weeks FLEW by and we can’t believe the kids are already back home!
– Jack + Haley
Breezy Belizean Bliss
July 3, 2025
Hello from Belize part 2!
We are having an amazing time and cannot Belize that we are nearing the end. From day 2 we have not stopped laughing and having an overall great time!
After an amazing time at Tobacco Caye, we woke the kids up to head out. On this day we woke them up with “Circle of Life” from the Lion King, and quickly headed to breakfast. It’s always nice to have Henry in the morning as he is so energetic minutes after hopping out of bed. Our last meal on the island was amazing and we had amazing weather to send us off. The boat came 2 hours later and in the mean time we played some more Dutch Blitz and Monopoly go. Pearce is our Dutch Blitz king, he is always demanding we play and winning every round! When the boat arrived, we said our bitter sweet goodbye and hopped aboard. The ride was a little bumpy leading to Harry getting soaking wet by the end, which gave the rest of the kids a good laugh. One we got to land we were picked up and headed to our new resort, Bocawina! When we got here we realized how much space we had to play so many games such as Volleyball, Frisbee, Soccer and there even is a playground. The girls are all in a house together or what Greer calls it, “The Mansion”. And the boys are in rooms which have 2 people in each one. The following day we woke up early and had a great first breakfast here at Bocawina. After that the kids prepared for the day and headed to the van. We then arrived to a dock and got on a really big boat to go on a rain forest tour. Maren and Ella P were the first on board and headed for the top of the boat to sit in the sun and closest to the front. This boat ride was amazing as it was amazing weather and the guide was super engaging and kind. We saw iguanas, turtles, birds and so many other cool wild life. The kids had a great time chatting on this boat as well as being able to learn about all the wild life in Belize! After we got back we headed back for Bocawina and had a great lunch, burgers and French fries. Then we went on a hike to a swimming hole and hung out there for a while. The kids were skipping rocks and splashing each other! Whit was a rockstar when it came to rock skipping, from the very start he was skipping 9-11! He was so good, he was able to teach Hanes and Hanes picked up quite quickly. After some time at the river, we headed home, played some ultimate frisbee, (Jack’s team won) and then headed to dinner. The staff here is so kind and very excited to engage with the kids. After this we headed to “The Mansion” as we do every night for Moonup, cards and so many games. MW recently won Mafia with her great acting skills!
Today we visited a chocolate factory!! We learned about how chocolate is made and how the best chocolate in the world comes from Belize! We of course had lots of samples. The Ella Haynes was the first one in line to try exciting foods throughout the chocolate tour. After our tour we enjoyed a fabulous traditional meal of tostadas and fresh vegetables. Albert was the chef’s favorite after all his compliments. After lunch, we visited some shops and made a pit stop for ice cream on the beach. Eugenia needed to burn off her sugar high by taking a dip in the ocean. We came back to the resort for an intense game of ultimate frisbee. The leaders absolutely dominated, but the kids still had fun. After a long day we all enjoyed dinner as a family. Marian never fails to make the table laugh at meal time. We are so excited for out last days together and so sad it’s coming to a close soon.
Fun in the Sun!
June 27, 2025
Hello Parents! Belize crew here!
We kicked off the trip with excitement and a few nervous jitters, but the kids quickly broke the ice, making new friends right off the bat. After leaving the airport, we headed straight to our hotel, where everyone cooled off with a swim and enjoyed some pizza together.
The next morning, bright and early, we were ready for adventure. Our first stop was the zoo, where we saw jaguars, crocodiles, and monkeys.
Shout-out to Albert for his impressive jump that got him up close and personal with a spider monkey! After the zoo, we enjoyed lunch together before heading to the caves for some tubing. Whit led the way by bravely jumping off a rock in the cave, setting the tone for a day full of laughter and fun. We wrapped up the evening with pool games, including a new favorite taught by Marian called “Silence.” Meanwhile, Eugenia seems well on her way to winning the title of “Best Tan of the Trip.”
Day three took us to the Mayan ruins! Pearce showed a deep interest in the history and culture, while Mary Walton led the charge up the ancient steps to the top. After exploring the ruins, we visited a local market where the kids picked out souvenirs and sampled cultural foods-it was heartwarming to see them engaging with the locals.
After our inland adventures, we journeyed to what Hanes has fittingly named “paradise.” A long drive and a short boat ride brought us to an idyllic island. Despite the travel, the kids jumped right into exploration mode. One group went paddleboarding, where Greer stole the show, while another group had a blast kayaking. We ended the day with a delicious dinner of freshly caught shrimp and mashed potatoes.
The next day was all about the water! The kids began their scuba certification. Though Ella P started off nervous, the instructors quickly named her one of the best in the water! The entire group picked up the skills quickly, eager for as many dives as possible. Meanwhile, the snorkeling crew explored the vibrant underwater world around the island. Harry, a natural snorkeler, returned with endless stories of marine life.
Afternoons are filled with card games–Monopoly Deal is the reigning favorite, with Henry often claiming victory–and volleyball matches on the sand. Maren consistently takes on the coach role, inspiring her team to win again and again. Ella H described the mornings here as “straight out of a postcard,” and we couldn’t agree more.
We’re so thankful for this amazing group of kids. It’s hard to believe we’re already a week in, but we’re excited for what’s still to come. Thank you for sharing them with us!
Love,
Jack Slade & Haley Krucher
Shout outs!
Eugenia – Hii mom and dad I miss you and I’m so excited to see u but I’m also having so much fun. I’m lowkey really good at scuba diving now. Love you!!!
Ella Hayes – hey dad hey mom, thank you for sending me to Belize. Did Hank actually go to Moondance? I don’t believe it. I love y’all so so so much. Miss you. It is like so much fun. We’re on this beach island right now and the water is literally like crystal clear I bet y’all are jealous, but I love you so much. 💗💗💗💗
Mary Walton – Hey mom and dad! Miss y’all camp has been so fun! I really like scuba diving it’s very fun. The water is so clear and pretty and I really like it. Tell all my friends I miss them and ruby and brooks love y’all! See y’all in not to long. ❤️
Marian – Hi mom and dad! I miss y’all so much but I am having so much fun. We have done so much cool stuff and I love scuba diving. It is kinda scary but it’s still fun. I miss Macon but it’s like 19372891x better here so. I love you guys so much!! (Tell Brooklyn happy birthday)
Albert – Hi mom and dad, I am having so much fun even though I can’t scuba dive. I wish you could be here with me. I love you guys and miss you too. I hope you’re having fun in Atlanta and I will see you soon.
Maren – Hi mom and dad! The trip has been really fun and I’m friends with like a lot of the girls. Right now we’re staying at the beach and it’s really pretty and I love it!
Henry – Hi mom and dad I’m having lots of fun! Thanks so much for sending me! The kids and leaders on this trip are SO awesome!
Harry- hi mama and dada i love you. Thank you for this trip. I’ve had a lot of fun. Scuba diving is great.
Hanes – hi mom and dad I have missed y’all a lot scuba diving is fun I am going to get my advanced soon and I miss my guitar I want to play it really bad
Greer- hi mom and dad I miss u so very much I’ve had so much fun and I love y’all I have been scuba diving 🤿 and I held a sea urchin I love and miss y’all so much xoxo
Whit – Hello Dad and Mom, This is yo boy Whit and thanks for letting me have the opportunity to go to Belize. I miss y’all but scuba diving is lit and so is monopoly deal. Im having fun so no worries about me. Hope all is good and see y’all soon.
Pearce – hey mom and Ben and dad and Melissa I am having so much fun i miss y’all scuba diving is so fun Also Elle and Bo I love y’all so much I will see y’all soon.
Ella p – Hi mom and dad!! I’ve had fun on the trip so far thank you for sending me. Scuba diving has been pretty fun I got certified today! I’ve made two friends, Maren and Greer. Maren reminds me a lot of Hayden, and Greer is super funny and nice. Tell Jackson I miss him!! Love you guys
Safe Arrival in Belize!
June 21, 2025
Hello Belize Families!
We heard from our leaders 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
