Checking in from British Columbia!
June 17, 2025
We kicked off day 5 with an amazing sea kayaking adventure around Quadra Island! Deaglan and Max made an unstoppable paddling duo, powering through the water. We paused for lunch and explored a beautiful beach, soaking in the breathtaking mountain views and scanning the water for wildlife. After an awesome afternoon on the water, we returned to camp and got the chance to reconnect with friends from BCO A- a perfect way to end the day!
Day 6: Time to move! We packed up camp and started the day with a scenic hike up Chinese Mountain. Bennett blazed up the trail like a pro! At the summit, we were treated to a stunning view of Vancouver Island, the perfect lunch spot. After making our way back down, we hopped on the ferry and began our journey to Tofino. As soon as we reached camp, we ran straight to the beach to take in the sunset- an absolutely magical moment. We wrapped up the day to rest up for the days of surfing ahead!
Day 7: Surf’s up! We kicked off the morning at Mackenzie Beach with paddle boarding. The kids had a blast exploring the coastline and getting into splash battles- Rhett, in particular, was a total natural, leading the charge in knocking everyone off their boards with nonstop laughter! After lunch at camp, we hit North Chesterman Beach to catch some waves. Ava crushed it, making surfing look effortless, catching wave after wave like she was born to do it! Graydon also showed off his serious skills out there! After a full day of adventure, we headed into town for a visit to Storm Surf Shop, grabbed some Storm merch, and finished the night with a sunset over the bay- everyone sprinting to the dock to see the perfect view!
Day 8: Another epic day on the water! We started off with surfing again, and Elena and Francie absolutely shined! After catching some waves, they embraced the beach day, ditching their boards- just swimming and laughing in the waves! Sarah also showed off her surfing talent- with the biggest smile the whole time! That evening, we wrapped up with a cozy beach bonfire. Frances and Ava helped collect firewood while the boys got a game of beach baseball going! Eddie was on fire in the field and helped bring home the win with Deaglan and Bennett!
Day 9: We’re on the move again- boarding the ferry and heading out toward our next destination: Squamish! Next up: rafting and more exciting adventures ahead!
– Storm + Jane Ryland + Blythe
Now time to hear from the group!
Deaglan- Thank you for packing me for Moondance and allowing me to go on this trip. It is so much fun.
Sarah- Hi mom and dad thank you so so much for letting me go on this trip and getting all the things I need I’m having so so much fun! Thank you love y’all!
Frances- Hey mom and dad! I miss you so much and I am having so much fun here. Thank you so much for sending me on this trip! Also, I had to use the Bank of America card and not the gold one because they don’t take Amex!
Edward- Hi mom and dad, miss you so much. Thank you so much for helping me pack and letting me go on this trip. I have so many good pictures like 400 so far. Tell Margaret I said hi how is Bernie doing?
Max- Hi mom and dad I am having so much fun. This is an amazing experience and I have gotten a lot of good pictures. Love you
Elena- Hey mom and dad, thank you so much for letting me go on this experience. I appreciate all the time and effort it took for me to go on this trip. I’m so grateful to have the best parents I could ask for. I miss y’all so so so much and I hope you guys are doing good. I’m excited to see y’all soon. Thank y’all so so so so much. Can’t wait to see you! Love you
Bennett- Hi mom and dad thank you so much for letting me go on this trip. It is so much fun. I’m so glad that y’all did all of this and the surfing was so fun. I have taken so many videos and can’t wait to show you. How is Jack? Can’t wait to see y’all and go to 30A
Graydon- Hi mom and dad, so far this trip has been amazing. Thank you so much for allowing me to go on this trip. I can’t wait to see y’all in Charles, and the dogs soon. Love you guys so much.
Francie- Hi mom, dad and Jack, I am so grateful for this opportunity that you have given me by sending me on this trip! I’m having such a great time and have made so many memories and friends! British Columbia is so beautiful and I can’t wait to show you all the pictures I’ve taken of it! The other day we went to a dock to watch a sunset. It was the prettiest one I have ever seen! Can’t wait to see you soon! Love you!
Rhett- Hey, thank y’all so much for sending me on Moondance because I always have a great time and I can’t wait for Belize next year. I hope Maine was fun after we left. How’s biscuit doing? Everyone can tell we’re American because apparently we have accents. Love y’all and I can’t wait to see y’all.
Ava- Hey mom and dad, I am so thankful that y’all sent me on this trip, I have made so many new friends and I get to see so many cool things and make so many fun memories. I miss y’all so much and can’t wait to see you and dad when I get back, but I really miss Millie and Jackson. Love you to the moon and back!!!
All Things Canada
June 14, 2025
Greetings from beautiful British Columbia!
We’ve had an incredible start to our adventure, and we’re so excited to share a glimpse into our first few days together.
Day 1:
Airport day was a total success-we welcomed 11 awesome kids with big smiles and even bigger energy! After some airport charcuterie and a scenic drive through downtown Vancouver, we grabbed Jim’s Pizza and headed to our first campsite. The group learned how to set up tents, enjoyed Canadian sweet treats, and ended the night with our first Moonup. We also announced our first Leaders of the Day (LODs): Elena and Rhett!
Day 2:
We made our way to Vancouver Island after a delicious stop at Tim Hortons (a true Canadian experience). The ferry ride was full of stunning views, card games, and lots of laughter on the deck. Once we arrived at Lake Comox, we jammed out during the van ride, set up camp, and ended the day with spaghetti and meatballs as the sun set over the water.
Day 3:
Our first day of rock climbing kicked off with a pancake breakfast (plus Canadian bacon, of course). LODs Bennett and Sarah set the tone for an epic day. With guides Tom and Dane leading the way, the crew crushed it on the cliffs-Graydon and Eddie tackled every route they could, and Ava bravely rappelled for the first time! Afterward, we sprinted straight into the lake to cool off-Sarah and Frances were the first to dive in. That night, we made pita pizzas, played games, and thanks to Francie’s brilliant idea, all the girls rocked matching nightgowns while the boys played soccer and basketball. We wrapped up the evening with Moonup on the beach, complete with everyone’s “real laugh.”
Bonus moment: Storm started the day by serenading the group with a gentle guitar wake-up!
Day 4:
LOD duo Eddie and Ava helped lead the charge as we climbed and rappelled an even bigger wall! Fueled by warm oatmeal and good vibes, the group pushed themselves and had an incredible time. Deaglan flew down the rappelling wall with total gusto! After our climbing session, we treated ourselves to Love’s Ice Cream-definitely a fan favorite-and made our way to Quadra Island. As we pulled into our new campsite, we were all in awe of the breathtaking view. We wrapped up the day with sizzling fajitas and the kind of laughter that comes from a crew that’s really starting to feel like family.
Day 5:
Sea kayaking day! After a hearty breakfast of sausage, hash browns, peppers, and eggs on bagels, we hit the water for a full day of paddling along the coast of Quadra Island. It was definitely a challenge, but the kids absolutely crushed it! Max and Deaglan were on fire, helping lead the group with confidence and energy. Rhett and Blythe had fun in their kayak playing endless rounds of “I Spy” and “20 Questions.” LODs Graydon and Francie kept everyone motivated, and we wrapped up the day with Moonup overlooking the ocean, surprise hot chocolate in hand, and an unreal coastal view.
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We can’t wait to see what the next stretch of the journey brings!
Edward – Hi Mom and Dad the trip is very fun and the kids are normal and funny and I miss you.
Bennett – Hi mom and dad I am having so much fun and this place is beautiful. Everyone here is so fun and nice. My favorite part has been rock climbing. Miss yall so much – love Bennett
Deaglan – Hi mom and Dad I am having fun, my favorite part was when we rappelled 100 ft down a cliff
Ava – Hey hey mom and dad I miss you so much. I’m having the best time in Canada. everyone in my group is really nice and we’re all really good friends. Imiss jackson and millie, and emma. we haven’t seen henry’s group yet. love you!!
Sarah – Hi mom and dad I miss you so much and I am having the best time ever, tell jack i’ve seen a lot of cool animals and bugs… I also saw a whale when we were sea kayaking which was interesting but fun. I love yall so so much and tell disco I love him and Harrison that one of my counselors went to Auburn. i love yall see you soon!!
Frances – Hey mom and dad I am having so much fun and everyone in my group is so nice. Our counselors are really nice and chill. We have rock climbed, which was interesting because we let ourselves go down the mountain which was so scary. Then yesterday i kayaked which was so tiring and we went to an island. That definitely was not my favorite. Love you so much.
Elena – Dear mom and dad, I miss y’all so much. I hope you had a good father’s day and an amazing birthday mom. I hope you are having a chill time at home. Give Diano, Jackie, Lelia, and Rocket a kiss for me. Love Elena
Francie – Mom Dad + Jack,
I hope y’all are having a great time in Charlotte! I miss you so much but I’m having such a great time and l am so glad I’m here! My group and counselors are amazing and British Columbia is so beautiful! Love you so much!
Love
Francie
Max – Hey mom and dad I miss you but this trip is awesome and everyone here is nice and funny. Love you, Max
Rhett – Hey it’s Rhett I’m having a good time. We have gone rock climbing and we went on a hike and I did not get lost. I saw Stirling’s group but I haven’t seen Logan. Love you, Rhett
Graydon –
Dear Mom and dad
Thank you for sending me on this great trip. Everyone is very kind and funny. I have done so many cool things. I can’t wait to tell you all about the trip.
from Graydon
Safe Arrival in Vancouver!
June 8, 2025
Hi British Columbia Families!
We heard from our leaders that the group has landed safely in Vancouver! 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
