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.
⸻
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
