Caki, 21, is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a rising junior at the University of Georgia, where she is majoring in Marketing. Caki attended Camp Illahee for seven summers before joining the Moondance family in 2018 when she went on the Belize + Costa Rica trip. Last summer, she spent six weeks studying abroad in Austria, expanding her interest in other cultures and cultivating connections. We are so excited for Caki to share her love for adventure with her students this summer!
Jake, 21, grew up in the Sacramento, CA area, but his family now lives in Nashville, TN. He is a current junior at Clemson University studying Financial Management. Go Tigers! Growing up, Jake was able to travel abroad often with his family and spent a month in Spain playing soccer with an international team! At Clemson, he joined the Clemson University Guide Association (CUGA) as a tour guide and is involved in Greek Life. He is passionate, positive, and engaging. We are certain he will be a phenomenal leader!
July 20, 2025
Hello from Belize one last time!
As we wrap up an unforgettable adventure, it’s hard to believe how close this group has grown and how many amazing experiences we’ve shared over the past two weeks. The final stretch of our trip was filled with culture, laughter, and reflective moments that made saying goodbye even harder. We kicked off our last few days with zip-lining through the Belizean jungle! Isaac was so excited for the zip line, and Olivia loved telling us stories of all the past zip lines she has been on. Zip lining was some of the kids favorite activity and they wish we could do it all over again. Rhys was all about the amazing views we got to see! Even Ellie H., who was a little nervous at first, ended up loving it and had a huge smile on her face. It was such a fun way to start winding down our trip on a high note.The next day, we dove into a hands-on Mayan cooking class, where we made tamales and empanadas from scratch and learned to press fresh corn tortillas the traditional way. Molly and Sally worked hard perfecting their tamales, while Louis got practiced to make his tortillas perfect. Ellie T. was especially curious about the different spices and fruits, and Davis wasn’t afraid to try everything including a super sour local fruit. It was such a special experience to cook with locals and taste the flavors of Belize.
That afternoon we had a soccer match with some local kids. The competition was real and it was so much fun. Louis was our MVP, scoring a goal that helped us win the game. Demetri and Alexander played tough defense and kept the ball moving up the field. Afterward we all got to share the meal we had prepared earlier.
Next, we visited the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. We crossed a hand-cranked ferry and hiked to the top of the main temple-El Castillo-for the most incredible panoramic view of the jungle. Eve found the top of the Mayan Ruins was so cool and pointed out the Guatemala boarder. Everyone was respectful and engaged, it was a powerful reminder of how much beauty and wisdom lies in the past.
That afternoon, we went to a local Mennonite community for lunch. It was interesting to see their way of life and all the farmland on our way to the restaurant. Everyone played a game of heads up 7up before lunch and we wrapped up with ice cream from western dairies in the community. Our final adventure day was spent on a chocolate making tour, where we got to see the cacao pods, see how the roasted beans were crushed by hand, and taste raw cacao before turning it into delicious Belizean chocolate. Isaac couldn’t stop snacking on samples, Ellie T. Loved it and kept asking how she could recreate it at home. We ended the day by walking around the markets in San Ignacio looking for fresh fruit and fun trinkets. Throughout all these days, our afternoons might have been our favorite part of the day. The volleyball matches only got more competitive with each match we played. A post volleyball Uno game was always so much fun, and they could go on for hours! We loved listening to music and learn more about each other through the music each of us listened to! Each evening, we circled up around the fire for Moonup-our all time favorite part of the day. Everyone participated so thoughtfully, opening up, listening, and lifting each other up. Watching everyone grow into such a close-knit group has been the most rewarding part of it all.
Thank you so much letting us be apart of your kids summer! We loved each and everyone of them, and Belize will always hold a piece of our hearts.
July 16, 2025
Hi from deep in the Belizean jungle!
Since our last update, so much has happened, and this group just keeps surprising us with their energy, teamwork, and adventurous spirit. We wrapped up our time on Long Caye with one final unforgettable activity-hand line fishing! The girls fished before lunch and caught lots of fish and had a great time. Ellie T. caught the biggest fish out of the girls and everyone was so proud. By the time the guys got out there it had started to pour rain in the middle of it. Everyone had such a positive attitude and it honestly made the whole experience that much more exciting. Alexander kicked off the action by catching a fish that got bitten in half by a shark. It was so crazy to watch and had everyone in shock! Rhys reeled in the biggest catch of the day, which we actually got to eat for dinner that night-definitely a group highlight!
From there, we said goodbye to the island life and made our way inland to the rainforest and our new home base: Jaguar Creek. It’s an amazing spot tucked right into the jungle, with a winding creek perfect for floating and relaxing.
Our time here has been packed with fun and adventure. Right away, we jumped into volleyball and soccer games. Isaac has been in his element-diving for saves and hyping everyone up on the volleyball court. Eve has been a total standout, playing every match with heart and a huge smile. Davis, Demetri, and Louis have been crushing the 2v2 soccer matches, with quick moves and some serious competition. Everyone else joined in too, bringing their A-game and plenty of laughs. Molly always brought the energy to each soccer and volleyball match encouraging everyone to join in!
On our first full day, we explored the depths of the rainforest with cave tubing and caving. Rhys practically sprinted through the cave with excitement-he would’ve done it all over again if he could! The whole group pushed through and conquered the dark, winding cave paths with so much confidence and teamwork. We loved putting the mud from the cave all over our bodies. Our favorite part was the float at the end of the hard work where the group couldn’t stop cracking jokes and laughing!
The next day, we traded caves for river kayaking, and once again this crew showed up strong. Everyone paddled like pros and made it down the river with great speed and style. Demetri spotted a toucan and everyone got so excited! We also got to see baby howler monkeys which everyone thought was so cute! After all that effort, we enjoyed a delicious chicken and rice lunch (with mango!) right by the river.
And of course, the treat everyone was waiting for-our first ice cream stop! After kayaking, we made a pit stop in town and tried a local fruit called knep-super fun to try something new and local. Olivia was the first to try knep and loved it! She gave everyone the courage to try something new. Ellie H. kept the group laughing the whole way through-nothing like some jungle ice cream and jokes to finish the day! We loved to end the day with healthy competition in a game of Uno. Sally is currently in the lead of Uno wins which has everyone jealous!
This group has embraced every challenge and adventure thrown their way, and we couldn’t be more proud. From reef sharks to river rapids, they’ve done it all-and done it together. We’ve got more jungle adventures ahead, and we’ll be sure to check in soon with more stories!
Sending love (and bug spray) from the rainforest
Caki + Jake
Thank You’s
Louis: Hey mom and dad. I’m having so much fun, thank you for sending me here. I am excited to see you guys soon.
Rhys: Hi mom and dad I miss you guys Belize is awesome we are staying at and awesome place in the jungle and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. I love you guys.
Demetri: Hey mom, dad and Gigi. I miss yall so much and can’t wait to get back to see yall. Where we are staying does not feel like camp one bit. It’s so nice here. When I get back I’m gonna have so many stories to tell. I love yall.
Isaac: Mother, father, brother. I have missed you all. It has been quite nice so far, as so far the activities have been SCUBA, fishing, cave tubing, and river kayaking.( Unfortunately not whitewater) Grayson, I hope you are still working hard without me breathing down your neck. Dad, just as you have, I have remained gluten free. Thank you all, and have a great time until I get back in 5 days.
Alexander: Hey Mom Dad and Eliza! I am so glad yall let me come here. I have had the best time and honestly don’t want to come home. I miss yall so much and can’t wait to see you soon. Love y’all!
Davis: hey mom and dad miss yall Belize is fun we are staying at a resort in the middle of a jungle right now bye.
Ellie T: Hey Mom and Dad happy birthday. Hey Jane, Eliza’s, Zoe, Blythe, Lew, Parker, Evie, Molly, McCallum, and Carolyn. Hi walker and Liza. hey Gary, Bob, Joe, Beatrice, Bertha, Laqueesha, Milford, Mildrid, Caki, Khaki. Belize is fun miss some of yall. (Only Bertha)
Ellie H: Hey mom and dad I’m having the best time here I actually never want to leave! I hope yall are having a great time in Vegas. Shoutout to Katie bean and miss you so much. Love y’all!!
Eve: Hey! I miss you so much! Moondance is so fun and we’re staying at such at the prettiest place. I’ll see you soon! I love you and miss you, tell cece and paka mick I love them and miss them too!
Olivia: Hi mom, dad, and Luke. i miss Stella and Henry and you guys so much and I can’t wait to come home. We’re staying at this rly cool place. And I’ve been getting rly good pina coladas Travis dropped its sososos good. I love yall.
Molly: hi mom, dad, Liam, Sophia, and dash I miss you guys so much. We are staying at a nice resort called Jaguar creek and so far we have gone cave tubing and kayaking here. Scuba was fun we saw sharks and turtles. I’m ready for my birthday once I get back and I’m excited to play with dash agin. I hope you guys are having fun and see you soon.
Sally: Hi mom dad penny and Lucy !! Miss you guys so much. We are staying at a really cool resort in the middle of the jungle. It’s so pretty. How was Penelope’s birthday. I can’t wait to come home. Love you
Belize Bab
July 12, 2025
Hello from Belize!!
We’ve officially made it to the island of Long Caye, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. After a fun boat ride filled with the sea breeze and a little splashing we arrived ready to take on scuba diving! The group crushed their scuba course and we’re so proud to say that everyone is now officially certified and we are so proud. It was amazing seeing everyone’s face light up while diving!
Alexander loved spotting giant tarpon underwater and couldn’t stop talking about how cool it was to see them up close. Louis was the first to point out a reef shark on one of our dives, which got the group so excited. Demetri was calm and confident in the water and always had a huge smile on his face after each dive. Isaac made diving look easy and was the first to get ready each morning with excitement.
Rhys loved each dive and kept the energy high in and out of the water, always ready for the next fun thing. Davis was super engaged during all the dive briefings and asked the best questions-our dive master loved him. Ellie T. was fearless underwater and had the best reaction after seeing a stingray glide right by her. Ellie H. was so excited after each dive and loved to keep everyone laughing after long days of diving.
Our favorite thing to do after scuba diving was come sit in our hammocks. Eve was the first to hop in the hammocks post-dive and fully leaned into island life. We loved to listen to music and chat before dinner.
After finishing scuba, we spent a day snorkeling at Half Moon Caye, where the water was crystal clear and the coral was unbelievable. The whole group loved trying free diving and exploring the reef. We saw even more reef sharks, barracudas, and tons of colorful fish. After our snorkel, we had a beach BBQ and ate lunch at shaded picnic tables while laughing about our underwater adventures.
Post-lunch, we walked over to the bird sanctuary, where we saw the famous red-footed boobies, tons of hermit crabs, and even a few iguanas. Sally pointed out so many red-footed boobies which had us all impressed. On our walk back, we found coconuts and cracked them open-everyone loved the coconut water and felt like true islanders. Olivia helped us find the right coconut so we could all enjoy. We finished off the day jumping off the dock and swimming before enjoying a stunning sunset over the water. Molly was the first to get in and gave everyone the excitement to start swimming.
We’ve had the best time out here on Long Caye and are soaking in every last minute before heading inland to the rainforest. This group continues to impress us every single day and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Sending lots of love from Belize!
Caki + Jake
Shoutouts:
Louis: Hey mom and dad. I miss you guys a lot and I hope New York is fun. I’m having a lot of fun and the island we are at is awesome.
Rhys: Hi mom and dad I miss you guys and I’m having so much fun the scuba certification was pretty simple and this place is awesome.
Demetri: Hey mom and dad. I’m having so much fun. Now I am scuba certified! Bye love y’all.
Isaac: Hello guys, I hope you all have been well. Thank you for sending me here. So far, we have done SCUBA diving and are now moving on to fishing. Yes mom, I did not get eaten by a shark, although they were there. Hope you are doing well with your sports Grayson, and i hope to see you all soon.
Alexander: Hey mom and dad! I have had so much fun scuba diving and hanging out with my new friends. I miss and love y’all and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Davis: Hey mom and dad Belize is great we did all of our scuba certification already and it was fun l. Miss y’all can’t wait to tell y’all about it.
Ellie T: Hey mom, dad. Molly, Evie, Carolyn, McCallum, Blythe, and Jane. I miss y’all but Belize is good.
Ellie H: Hey mom and dad! I’m having so much fun in Belize it’s beautiful here. I hope y’all have an amazing time in California! I love y’all!
Eve: Hi! I’m having so much fun, we’re at an island right now and it’s so pretty. I miss you and I love you!
Olivia: Hi mom and dad, I miss you guys so much. I’ve been scuba diving, snorkeling, and just hanging out. And today we’re going fishing. Then tomorrow we go inland. I love you guys so much I can’t wait to come home and see y’all! Thank you!!!!
Molly: Hi mom and dad! I’m having a lot of fun scuba diving, snorkeling, and playing a lot of games. The water is really clear and so pretty. I miss you and love you!
Sally: Hi mom and dad!!! I miss you guys so much . Tell pea I say happy birthday!!! I have been scuba diving it’s so fun. I’m going fishing today. The water is so pretty and warm. I can’t wait to see you guys soon! Love you
July 7, 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
