Hacky Sacks and High Fives
June 14, 2025
Let the adventure begin!!!
The trip we have all been waiting for has finally begun. From the moment we stepped into the airport, the energy was electric. Everyone was smiling, chatting, and playing hacky sack, starting to build the friendships that would soon define our experience. We were ready to be present, grounded in the moment, and open to whatever adventure lay ahead.
Once we arrived at our first campsite, we jumped right into the rhythm of Moondance. We learned how to pitch our tents and settled in with a delicious dinner of cheese and pepperoni pizza. That night, we had our very first Moonup. For those who are new to Moondance, Moonup is the heart and soul of each day. We gather as a group to reflect and connect. We begin by sharing a quote of the day, then pass around the Nug Jug to celebrate the highlights, ask two thoughtful questions, one light and one deeper, and finally announce the next day’s Leaders of the Day.
The next day we took on The Chief hike, a challenge that pushed all of us physically and mentally. The trail was essentially a long staircase up the mountain and it was far from easy. There were moments that tested our strength and determination, but we stayed together and encouraged one another the entire way. Reaching the top felt like a true accomplishment and the view made every step worth it. It reminded us of what we can achieve when we support each other. The descent was much easier and afterward we drove to Alice lake for a quick swim to cool off. The cold water felt incredible and was the perfect way to celebrate everything we had just accomplished.
With our second night under the stars behind us, we woke up eager for the adventures ahead. Rafting was on the agenda, and excitement filled the air. After a hearty breakfast of yogurt parfaits and oatmeal, we packed up Klahanie Campground with care, leaving it better than we found it by practicing our Leave No Trace principles. On our way to Canadian Outback, we made a quick gas station stop. The LODs ran inside and surprised everyone with a round of pick-me-up sodas, from Dr. Pepper to Sprite, lifting the group’s spirits even more.
We arrived, changed into wetsuits, wetsuit jackets, booties, helmets, and life jackets, and loaded onto a classic cheddar-yellow school bus that bumped down a long road to the river. Our guides, Keaton and Mela, brought the energy and expertise. Keaton led CC, Henry, Maggie, Mac, Anne Banks, Anne Slater, and Marlin. Mela guided Graham, Elizabeth, John, Hilton, Logan, Meredith, Lauren, and Foard.
On the river, we tackled class four rapids with legendary names like Mike Tyson, 50/50, Cheeseballs, and Devil’s Elbow. Henry and CC sat up front and took wave after wave full in the face, never flinching. We played a game called Riding the Bull, where someone sits at the very front of the raft and holds on through the wild ride. Mac made it look effortless, staying strong through every splash. Hilton gave it his all but took a hilarious spill, flipping backward into the raft with just his legs visible in the air, sending the whole group into fits of laughter.
Midway through the float, we all got a chance to jump into the icy water and drift alongside the raft, holding on as we floated downriver. It was the perfect moment to take a deep breath and absorb the experience.
By evening, we landed at the island where we would camp for the night. Dinner was a dream: Caesar salad, steak kebabs, mashed potatoes, and a sweet finish of date pie with ice cream. That night’s Moonup was led by Meredith and Mac. We shared stories about our role models and imagined what time period we would visit if we could go back. We stayed up around the fire a little later than planned, sharing stories and laughter, before crawling into our tents for a well-earned rest.
The next morning, we woke to the sound of pots and pans clanging together. It was Keaton’s wake-up call and it meant hot breakfast was waiting. We gathered around for parfaits, French toast, bacon, hot chocolate, and coffee, slowly shaking off the sleep and soaking in the quiet morning. We packed up camp again, stuffing everything into our dry bags, and set off on the river. This stretch was calm and peaceful, a chance to paddle in sync and enjoy the steady rhythm of the current. After about an hour, we arrived at our takeout point, hopped back on the school bus, and had lunch at the rafting base.
The rest of the day was filled with laughter and a surprise water party, where the cleaning crew ambushed everyone with water and turned the end of the day into a full-blown splash fest. Spirits were high and everyone leaned into the fun.
The following day brought a new challenge: canyoning. After waking up, we made our way to the canyoning site and suited up once again in full wetsuits. The water was cold but refreshing, and this group was fearless. We rappelled down
waterfalls, slid down rock chutes, and jumped from cliffs up to twenty-five feet high into deep pools of water. Our LODs Logan and Hilton lead the group through each unique repelling section. They kept spirits high by cheering on the group as we descended one by one. Our final repelling bit included a 100 foot descent! The energy was electric, and the sense of accomplishment was written on every face.
After the thrill of canyoning, we traveled by ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, then drove two more hours to Campbell River Bay. From there, we crossed to Quadra Island and arrived at our breathtaking new campsite. Maggie and John, the LODs for the day, led us through arrival and set the tone with a steady calm. Our view was stunning, with towering mountains on one side and calm ocean waters on the other.
Dinner was comforting and warm: grilled cheese and tomato soup shared together by the water. Just as we were starting to wind down, a bald eagle soared overhead and dropped its catch right in front of us. Without hesitation, Hilton grabbed the fish and leapt into the water, giving us another unforgettable laugh. Nearby, curious seals surfaced and bobbed gently in the water as Lauren dove in to join. It was a surreal, magical moment.
As the sun set, we gathered by the fire for another Moonup. We paused to take it all in, the mountains, the ocean, the wildlife, the incredible people surrounding us. Tomorrow, Anne Banks and Lauren will take on the role of being our LODs for our full-day sea kayaking adventure! We are halfway through our trip now, filled with gratitude for how far we have come and full of excitement for all that lies ahead.
This group has already grown close in such a short time. The shared experiences, the laughter, the challenges overcome together, and the beautiful places we’ve seen are stitching us into something strong and unforgettable. There is so much more to come, and we are more than ready.
SHOUTOUTS!!!
This trip is awesome! Hope you had a good time in Yellowstone. Love you. – Mac
Hey guys! Having so much fun, thanks for sending me here! Tell Man, Pop, and Dad happy Father’s Day! Love y’all tons – Love, Mere (please make me sandwhiches when I come home)
Hi Mom and Dad! I’m having so much fun here! Happy happy Father’s Day Dad! Love and miss you so much. – Maggie
Hi! I hope y’all are having fun! I’m having a really good time! Happy Father’s Day! Love,
Logan
Miss y’all so so much. Hope y’all are having fun on y’all’s trips. I’m having so much fun and happy Father’s Day! Love you so much. – Anne Banks
Hi Mom and Dad I miss y’all so much! I’m having so much fun sorry I missing Father’s Day! I love y’all so much and I will call you when I get my phone – Leeds
P.S. tell coco and cans that I love them too! By the way, my counselor is wearing my clothes just kidding! Love y’all!
Hi mom and dad! I am having a blast here happy early Father’s Day dad!! I hope y’all are having fun in Haly! I miss y’all and love y’all so much!! -CC
Hi Mom and Dad, having fun! Happy Father’s Day! love y’all! – Lauren
Hi mom and dad I am having a great time! Also, the credit card doesn’t work. It says “only valid in the United States “also I can’t find a towel. Did you pack it? Happy Father’s Day! -Graham
Hi mom and dad, having a great time! I still have all my belongings. Happy Father’s Day! – John
Yo- Hilton (fire emoji) – Peace
Hi mom and dad I’m having a great time. Happy Father’s Day! I miss you so much. Love you –Henry
Safe Arrival in Vancouver!
June 8, 2025
Hello 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 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
