Sad goodbyes from big wild!
July 27, 2025
Final Dispatch from The Big Wild Family (And yes, we’re already missing these kids, something fierce.)
We just wrapped up tearful airport goodbyes, and as we sit here reflecting on these last few days, we’re filled with nothing but gratitude, pride, and love for this incredible crew. Our final stretch together was the perfect mix of celebration, silliness, reflection, and so much joy.
After finishing our rafting section, we loaded into the van and set off on our return to Jackson-but not before making a legendary stop at In-N-Out Burger. For many, it was a first-time experience, and it did not disappoint. Between fries, milkshakes, and epic burger orders, Libby had the entire van singing along to road trip jams, her voice loud, proud, and full of joy.
That night we arrived at Three Island Crossing State Park, where we set up for one of the most memorable evenings of the trip. The golden hour hit, the football came out, and suddenly it was game time. Matthew launched a perfect spiral across the field, and Wilson made an epic catch in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. Cheers exploded around the field. Just a few steps away, Tom was capturing the entire scene on his camera-sunset glowing behind the group, a quiet and beautiful image of our Big Wild family in their element.
As the stars came out, we cowboy camped-no tents, just the open sky and our sleeping bags on the ground. Burke kept everyone laughing late into the night with his perfect timing and nonstop jokes. It was one of those nights where no one wanted to fall asleep because the moment was too good to let go.
The next morning, we made our final Chick-fil-A breakfast stop (Hash Browns and Chicken Biscuits were devoured.), then headed back toward Jackson. On the way, we shopped at Goodwill for our final banquet outfits, where things got hilarious fast. Bea found a fabulous faux fur vest and wore it like she was walking a runway. Mary Ellen discovered a full samurai outfit, which she wore with total confidence. Meanwhile, Madeline took it upon herself to teach the group how to pageant walk, and that night we held our very own thrifted runway show at the campsite. Between struts, spins, and poses, we laughed until our faces hurt.
That evening, we gathered for our final banquet at The Bird, one of our favorite local spots. Over burgers and fries, we shared favorite memories, gave out silly superlatives, and reflected on everything we’ve experienced together. Law got to choose our final stop of the night-the wildest ride at the Jackson Hole Carnival-and no one was surprised when he picked the fastest one there.
At the carnival, the fun was full throttle: rides, cotton candy, prizes, and more laughter. In a moment that melted all of our hearts, Henry J. gave his extra ticket to a little kid who didn’t have one-just another example of his quiet kindness and the way he always thinks about others.
We ended the evening with one final, heartfelt Moonup under the stars. Everyone circled up for the last time-tired, reflective, and deeply connected. Clare shared how quickly strangers become friends, and how this group had done just that. Nora Rose sat with the biggest smile on her face the whole time-quietly soaking in every word, every memory, every emotion of the moment. It was peaceful, beautiful, and full of love.
To the parents- thank you for the trust. We know that parting ways with your kids for two weeks is a big ask, and we thank you for constantly believing in all of the hard work we have poured into this summer- your kids made it more than worth it and you should be incredibly proud.
To our kids, the heart and soul of our Big Wild family – We could not be more proud of all the effort you all put into our final trip. You made us laugh hard and often and cared for one another deeply in the process. You’ve climbed rough mountains with smiles on your faces and found family in those who were strangers in June. You’ve seen rivers and stars and sunsets that few will ever see and did so with compassion for the delicate world around you. You’ve made our lives so bright and we hope we’ve done the same for you. Go into the world owning everything you are- we think each and every one of you are bound for beauty and meaning. Lean on each other in the years to come and know that you are all so capable of anything you decide to do with your wild lives. Henry and I will always be here for you little buddies.
Singing off for the last time, teary and grateful
The Big Wild Family
Ella and Henry
Rafting, Rock Climbing & Ridiculous Fun: A Big Wild Farewell
July 26, 2025
Howdy from Idaho!!
We are all buckled into our van, settled in for the two-day journey back to Jackson for the tail end of our adventure. Henry and I have so loved spending these days running around the great outdoors with your awesome kids. They’ve made our last trip of the summer meaningful, vibrant, and perfect.
After backpacking, we headed back to Jackson to take on some real-deal rock climbing in the Tetons. Nora Rose pushed through her nerves and crushed every single section of our multi-pitch climb, finishing strong and proving that she’s more than capable of thriving outside her comfort zone. For the second day of climbing, we took a ferry over to Jenny Lake, an insane lake at the bottom of Hidden Falls. The kids all used the new climbing skills they’d learned the day before and were able to choose the kinds of climbing they wanted to do for the day. Matthew decided to take on the harder climbs of the day. He spent the day making his way up a steep and impressive rock face with Henry and our Exum guide, Nat. We all enjoyed a group lunch at the top of the mountain before rappelling down.
That night the kids got to participate in one of our favorite Moondance traditions: MASTER CHEF. The group was split into three teams, given a budget at the grocery store, and asked to put together either an appetizer, a main course, or a dessert. After a fierce and brutal competition, the “Three Little Pigs” (Law, Madeline, Clare, and Mathew) finished as the victors, after their epic pulled pork sandwiches quickly became one of Henry and I’s favorite meals of the summer.
The next day we began our long trek to Idaho, breaking up the drive with some gas station runs and a Chick-fil-a lunch stop in Twin Falls before finally making it to Ponderosa State Park, just in time for a sunset swim. Then it was time for many of the kids’ favorite part of the trip – WHITE WATER RAFTING.
Our raft guides, Metta, Zynia, Isaac, and Olivia valiantly led us down the waters of the mighty Salmon River, and by the end of our trip they were all part of our Big Wild Family. Libby was always asking the guides questions about their lives, and I know they really appreciated her interest and curiosity. Our days on the river were spent paddling, water battling between the boats, floating through rapids, and enjoying some Rice Krispie treats (which taste so much better on the raft than they do on land). Wilson kept us all laughing on the raft, and we all agree that he could have a future career in comedy if he so desires.
On one of our days, during a beach lunch break, we had a Big Wild swim race with Burke and Bea both taking an easy lead. When it came to paddling, Tom was by far our best, and the raft guides told me later how grateful they were for Tom’s teamwork skills.
After tying the boats up for the day, we’d all run around the different beaches until dinner. On our second night, we all gathered on the sand and ran some pre-dinner football, boys v girls. Madeline and Mary Ellen held the girls’ side together with their killer throws.
On our last night, we camped out at Lower China Bar, the guides’ favorite campsite on the river. The reason this campsite is so beloved is because just a couple of feet from the edge of the beach is a huge orchard with apple trees, blackberry bushes, and tons and tons of deer. Law and Burke picked some apples and carefully fed some of the deer, which are so used to people that they are all incredibly sweet and gentle. Henry J. helped leader Henry gather handfuls of blackberries, lifting each other up over the thorns to get to the good vines. The whole scene looked like something out of a movie. It was one of our favorite memories from rafting.
Now we are headed to Three Island Crossing State Park for our second to last night as a Big Wild Family. None of us can believe how fast this time has flown by. This group seems like they’ve known each other for ages and their sweet friendships are what make this job SO SPECIAL. We sure are going to miss them when we all part ways, but thank god we’ve still got some time.
Thank you for sending these goofballs to Jackson and trusting us, we love them!!!!
Singing off for now,
The Big Wild Family
Ella and Henry
Here are some well-deserved thank-yous for ya’ll!!!
Libby- Thank you so much for letting me go to Moondance and thank you for everything! Love you guys!
Nora Rose- Thank you so much for letting me come on Moondance, I’ve had so much fun! Can’t wait to see ya’ll, love you!!!
Bea- Thank you so much for letting me go to Moondance! I love you so much and I can’t wait to see you! Law says hi!
Mary Ellen- Hey mom and dad thank you so much for everything you do, you’ll never know how much I appreciate you! I’m having so much fun! Peace, love you!
Madeline- Hi mom and dad! I love you guys so much and I miss you tons! Thank you so much for sending me on this trip, I’m having the best time! Can’t wait to see ya’ll soon!! P.S. Mom, the blower-upper came in handy.
Clare- Hey mom and dad! Thank you so much for sending me on this amazing trip! I’m having the best time and I have the best group! I can’t wait to see ya’ll soon! Love you!!!
Wilson- Thank you so much for sending me on this trip, I’m having a great time!!! Love you guys
Law- Hi mom dad August and family! I miss yall so much! We have a great group! Thank you guys so much, I’m so grateful that I’m able to come on this trip and I love you guys so much. P.S Bea says hi.
Matthew- Hey mom and dad, thank you for your hard work and dedication to send me on this trip. Miss you so much, love you!
Tom- Hi family! Thank you for working hard to send me here! This is awesome sauce! Love you all!
Burke- Hello parental advisers. I’m having an extravagant time on this adventure. I’m ecstatic to see you again and I’ve had the most extravagant wonderful time.
Henry- Hi mom and dad! Thank you for sending me on this trip! I love you guys!
Big Wild's Just Gettin Started
July 19, 2025
Howdy from Wyoming!!
The kids are happy to be cooling off in the van after everyone DOMINATED our backpacking adventure. Our guide, Morgan, said that our group was one of the fastest Moondance groups she’s taken into the backcountry. We’ve got some legit backpackers on our hands and everyone should be so proud of themselves for the miles we’ve crushed.
Our adventure started in the Jackson Airport, where us leaders I eagerly awaited the arrival of our new BGW family. Bea was the first to arrive and we quickly got to laughing and talking about what it’s like growing up with sisters. Soon enough we had our whole group and packed into the van for our very first ride of the trip, with Zach Bryan’s “Revival” as our opening song. Libby sat in the front of the band and we bonded about our childhoods in Atlanta and our similar taste in music.
That night we arrived at Whiskey Grove and had our first Moonup, a time when we all circle up and answer one fun question about our lives and one more serious, meaningful question. Moonup is one of the sacred parts of Moondance and Henry H. and I were so impressed with everyone’s willingness to reflect on their lives and what they were hoping to take away from Big Wild.
The next day we ventured a little past Pinedale, Wyoming to meet our fly fishing guides, Colby and Jack. Everyone got the chance to set up a fly fishing rod and practice their casting skills on the river bank. Madeline quickly caught on to the delicate rhythm of casting and Law used his previous knowledge of fly fishing to help the others with their knots and casts.
That night for dinner, with some help from our cook crew, we had our first real camping meal- Greek pita wraps! Nora Rose and Wilson helped cut up the chicken while Madeline and Tom cut up the cucumbers. The meal was a huge hit and it was all thanks to our stellar group of young chefs. After some dessert trivia (where the kids answered trivia questions and got cookies as the prize), we were all off to bed to rest up before our first big day on the backpacking trail.
Morning came and we were off to the races. Our first Leaders of the Day, Mary Ellen and Law, set a supportive tone for the hike, and though many of the kids had never backpacked before, we raced through our 6 miles trek. We all agreed that Henry J. had one of the best attitudes of the day and leader Henry and I were so appreciative of his ability to always look for the good and fun! We all cheered and dropped our packs when we finally made it to our insane backcountry campsite- Upper Falls. The name comes from the beautiful waterfall that flows less than a mile from camp. Later that night the boys set up their hammocks, and Burke lovingly named their hammock village “Fort La Mug”. I’m not quite sure what that means but I know it makes them happy!
After a well deserved long morning of sleeping in and enjoying some oatmeal, we ventured over to an Alpine lake to swim and test out everyone’s new fly fishing skills. Clare and I faced the cold together and jumped into the lake after the group counted us off. We are both so glad we did it! That night for dinner we made the kids a thanksgiving feast and went around and said what we were thankful for. Mathew took one for the team and drank some of the canned chicken, which we both agree just tastes like chicken noodle soup.
The next morning it was time to say goodbye to our beloved Upper Falls and travel back to the van. The kids hiked SO FAST and we were back to our “bus” in no time. The kids were promised showers, which could be one of the reasons they sped through the 6 miles. Once everyone was clean and happy Henry and I took them to get some burgers and comfort food at a Pinedale favorite- Dave’s Last Stand. Fries have never tasted so good!
Now we’re all on our way back to Jackson to get ready for our climbing clinic tomorrow! The kids don’t know it yet but we are suprising them with a pizza picnic tonight in town which I’m sure will be a crowd pleaser after the backcountry meals.
Signing off for now
Henry and Ella
Here are some shoutouts from the kids!
Nora Rose- love yall! Having a great time!
Bea- I miss y’all and I’m having a great time! Love you!
Madeline- hi mom and dad! I love you guys so much and I miss you!
Clare- hi mom dad and cate! I’m having the best time and excited to see you guys soon!
Mary Ellen- hi mom and dad! I am having so much fun and I miss you guys!
Mathew- hi mom and dad! I’m having a good time! I miss yall!
Wilson- hi mom and dad! I’m having a great time and the group is great!
Law- hello mom and dad and family. I miss you guys so much. We’re having a great time. Don’t worry about me. Love Law.
Libby- camp is so fun. Jackson hole is really cool. I love you guys!
Henry- hi mom and dad! I’m having a great time, I miss you so much.
Burke- sup pops and mom. I’m having a blessed time out here in Wyoming. Miss you lots. Tell Clover I miss her.
Tom- hi family. It’s fun! The hike was pretty cool, I have a lot of good pictures to show you guys.
Safe Arrival!
July 15, 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
