Big Laughs, Big Memories, and a Bittersweet Farewell
June 21, 2025
Our final days of Big Wild were filled with big laughs, occasional tears, and plenty of fun and reflection. We kicked off the last stretch with a beautiful drive to the South Fork of the Salmon River, where we met our river guides and explored a remote ranch along the water. Off the beaten path, we hiked to discover unmarked and undocumented petroglyphs carved into the rocks. It was surreal to witness these hidden artifacts that few people even know exist. Afterward, we had a fantastic afternoon of fly fishing. Julien was completely in his element, geeking out over the experience and catching some impressive trout. The rest of the group did great too, and even those who did not land a fish had an amazing time in such a scenic spot.
We then hit the road toward Bruneau Sand Dunes. The drive was a blast, filled with music and conversation. Hank was vibing the whole time, especially when he and James connected over their love of music. That night, we grilled stir fry at the dunes and fell asleep under a sky so clear we could see the Milky Way. The next morning, we woke early for sunrise and climbed the tallest dune in North America. The girls were all smiles at the summit, snapping epic photos lying across the sand. Anna Patton laughed nonstop as she rolled down the hill, while Winifred and Margaret soaked in the view from the top. After sprinting and tumbling down, we began the long drive back to Jackson Hole, stopping at Shoshone Falls along the way to admire the stunning waterfalls.
Back at Gros Ventre Campground, the group was surprised by a visit from Moondance founder Hayes Hitchens and president Chris Sherrill. The students were a little nervous but excited to meet them. David hit it off with Chris right away, bonding over their favorite television shows. That evening, Elle stepped up as our chef and Leader of the Day, making delicious Caesar salad chicken wraps with enthusiasm and care. We ended the night under the stars, resting up for our final full day together.
On our last day, we woke early for a planned tram ride up the mountains, but weather had other plans. Spirits stayed high, and we pivoted to D.O.G. for breakfast burritos, which were a hit. Back at camp, students packed up and completed their trip evaluations. In town, Nate led the charge through the shops of downtown Jackson, proudly sporting a goofy raccoon hat that the rest of the guys copied. We caught the Jackson Western Shootout, which Annie absolutely loved, then enjoyed our final banquet at Hand Fired Pizza followed by ice cream at Moo’s. As the day closed, we returned to Schwabacher’s Landing for our final Moonup. It was a full-circle moment-sweet, reflective, and a little bittersweet. Hank and Winifred led us beautifully as our last Leaders of the Day. Everyone shared their favorite memories and who impacted them most. Evelyn’s heartfelt words moved the whole group. We ended the night watching dusk settle over the Tetons and stars return to the sky above Gros Ventre, falling asleep with full hearts.
As we wrap up our time together, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the memories made, the friendships forged, and the growth we’ve witnessed in each student. Big Wild has lived up to its name—from roaring rivers and towering dunes to deep conversations and belly laughs around the campfire. These past two weeks were more than an adventure. We’ll miss this crew more than words can say, but we know the best stories from this trip are the ones they’ll carry forward long after the tents are packed.
Best,
James and Bella
Thank You!
June 20, 2025
Thank you so much mom and dad for sending me on Moondance last minute with Annie. It was the best time and I survived and y’all were wrong because I could do it and I had the best time ever and I’m going back next year to Hawaii Islands, so I’m so excited. – Annie
Thank you so much mom and dad for allowing me to go on Moondance. I’ve had so much fun and learned so much about the outdoors! – Winifred
Hello mom and dad thank you so much for bringing me out to this amazing Moondance trip I have had so much fun and I am so grateful for this opportunity! – Julien
Thank you, mom and dad for bringing me on a Moondance trip yet again I’m having a fun time. Love, moose! – Nate
Thank you, mom and dad for sending me on this Moondance. I’m having so much fun and I’m getting to know everybody really well and I’m so thankful that I’ve gotten to experience this. I can’t wait to tell you about it when I get home. Love, Anna Patton.
Thank you so much Madre and Padre for allowing me to go on the trip and for giving me everything I needed for it. I’ve had so much fun! – Annie
Hey mom and dad I just wanna say thank you so much for taking me to Moondance because I had a great time and I’ve learned a lot and I met so many new great people and it’s just been great so I just wanna say thank you! – Hank
Thank you, mom and dad for sending me on Moondance. I met so many new people and had the best time and I can’t wait to tell you about it when I get home! – Margaret
Hey mom and dad! I’ve met some amazing people out here. Super grateful to have been out here. The weather is great. The people are amazing. The food is good. Could not be more grateful right now. Love you. – David
Hey Mom, thanks so much for sending me on Moondance. This has been so great and I’m so excited to come home and tell you a full report. Love you. – Evelyn
Thriving In The Wild
June 18, 2025
Our Big Wild crew is absolutely thriving. After arriving in McCall, we kicked things off with fly fishing at Drift West, where Julien immediately bonded with the instructors and impressed them with his skill. We grabbed ice cream in town and spent the afternoon at Payette Lake, where Hank led the charge into the cold water, swimming alongside James, who kept everyone laughing and energized. That night, we had a pasta party and celebrated Friday the 13th with campfire s’mores and spooky stories. David and Julien told some thrilling tales, while Bella brought calm and steady vibes to the group.
Next, we hit the river with Salmon Raft and tackled Class III and IV rapids like pros. Everyone paddled in sync, and we truly felt like a team. Evelyn crushed every riddle thrown her way, and Anna Patton showed off her playful spirit by nailing headstands on the beach. Nate kept us laughing with games like capture the flag, while Winifred was constantly lifting others up, always encouraging and incredibly kind. David, Nate, and Hank hiked up a nearby canyon at our first campsite, while Margaret, Elle, and Evelyn explored a scenic flower field. That night, we shared a chicken dinner and a peaceful Moonup with sunset views over the canyon.
The final days on the river were unforgettable. David hyped everyone up by swimming through rapids, and Annie kept spirits high with her signature wit. Winifred led a girls only hike with Elle, Evelyn, Anna Patton, and Margaret, giving the group a special bonding moment. Elle and Margaret stepped up as co-captains on the raft and impressed the guides with their confidence and leadership. We threw tortilla frisbees, played beach games, and closed out our time on the water with a quinceañera themed taco night for Annie’s 15th birthday.
Once off the river, we returned to Ponderosa for lake time and recharging. James entertained everyone by the dock while Bella and the LODs secretly prepped for Anna Patton’s Sweet 16 celebration. We ended the day with a sunset hike and another round of scary stories around the fire. Every camper has truly stepped into their own, supporting, laughing, leading, and living this Big Wild journey to the fullest.
Best,
James Moon
Big Adventures on Big Wild
June 17, 2025
Big Wild is off to a truly unforgettable start. After airport pickups in Jackson, we jumped right in with tent setup, some classic Pinky G’s pizza, and our first Moonup at Schwabacher Landing just as the sun dipped behind the Tetons. It was the perfect setting to kick off the trip and start building the kind of connection that already feels special.
Our second day brought a lot of energy and even more excitement. David and Elle stepped up as our first leaders of the day and helped guide us through the ropes course at Snow King. Everyone gave it their all, and Nate and Elle even finished the toughest section at the end. After that, we took on North America’s steepest zipline, where Julien, who said he was scared of heights, absolutely crushed it. His unwavering positivity continues to inspire the group and lift the mood no matter what we’re doing. We wrapped things up with ice cream in Jackson and a Moonup full of good stories and even better laughs. Nate is always helping lighten the mood with perfectly timed jokes, and David consistently goes out of his way to ask how he can help. That kind of support has helped create a really special dynamic in our group.
The next morning, Winifred and Julien took the lead for our first climbing day with Exum Mountain Guides. The group was supposed to split by skill level, but everyone ended up completing every route. James and Bella were beyond proud. Anna Patton pushed through some nerves and ended the day smiling, saying she was glad we encouraged her to go for it. Evelyn said rappelling made her “feel like Tom Cruise,” and her thoughtful, funny energy has been a bright spot every day. Winifred’s positivity carried us through the heat. Everyone calls her the “nicest person ever,” and David climbed with confidence and finished strong as the group cheered him on. Margaret impressed all of us on the bouldering wall and has a great knack for keeping the group focused when it counts. After catching a gorgeous boat ride back across Jenny Lake and racing a quick storm, we jumped in the cold river to rinse off and grilled burgers under the tarp. Annie helped keep everything moving and made sure everyone was fed while demonstrating her usual quick-witted commentary. That night, James and Bella surprised everyone with a trip to the Jackson Hole Rodeo. The crew got loud trying to win wildest fans, but what really stood out was how much they cared about the safety of the riders.
Hank has been one of the quiet backbones of the group. He’s always jumping in to help load or unload the U-Haul without even being asked, and he’s constantly scoping out cool spots for Moonup or a great view. He’s fully adopted our group catch phrase, “this is what it’s all about,” and keeps reminding us of it at just the right times. The next day, Nate and Margaret led us on the long travel day to McCall. They did an awesome job keeping the group together and making Moonup thoughtful even when everyone was tired. Anna Patton kept the group laughing and silly during the drive, and Elle, who’s always polite and a great sport, helped keep the vibe positive. Spirits stayed high, and we were all very thankful for a stop at Chick-fil-A in Twin Falls. As we rolled into Ponderosa State Park, the views were unreal and everyone was singing their hearts out. Even though we got in late, every single student stepped up to help get camp set and dinner made. By the time we hit the sleeping bags, we were exhausted but proud. This group has already shown so much compassion, love for adventure, and a real desire to take care of each other. It’s been beautiful to watch, and we know the best is still ahead.
– James Moon
Safe Arrival!
June 9, 2025
Hello Big Wild Families!
We heard from our leaders that the group has landed safely in Jackson Hole! The trip is off to a great start, and we are so excited to hear more stories as they begin 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
