Sun, Smiles and Surfing SOON
June 30, 2025
The day began with excitement in the air as we picked up the kids from the airport, ready to embark on an unforgettable journey. Right away, we began connecting with the incredible people around us, each interaction already hinting at the friendships to come. We made our way to Klahanie Campground, our home for the night, where we settled in and took our first steps into the rhythm of the trip.
It was here that we first learned how to pitch our tents, some with the precision of seasoned travelers, others with trial, error, and a lot of laughter. But that’s how it starts: not with ease, but with effort and the willingness to try. Dinner was a hot, cheesy pizza from Pizzalicious Donair Shop, and after a full day of travel, it was exactly what we needed.
If Moondance has a soul, this is it. Moonup, our nightly circle, is where the heart of this journey lives. It’s not just tradition, it’s transformation in miniature. Each night, we gather to reflect, connect, and wind down. We begin with a quote meant to stretch our thinking, then pass the Nug Jug, a celebration of the day’s quiet wins and the people behind them. Two questions follow, one lighthearted, one more introspective, inviting us to open up and listen deeply. At the end, we name the next day’s Leaders of the Day, handing over the torch with intention and trust. That first Moonup, led by seven returning alumni, was striking in its grounded simplicity. Their leadership wasn’t loud, it was rooted and assured. You could feel it, this isn’t just a group. It’s becoming a community.
Our first morning started with the smell of breakfast and the sound of Tilley Gray on bacon duty. Breakfast burritos gave us the fuel we needed for a full day on the river. After packing up camp, we made our way to Canadian Outback Rafting and changed into wetsuits, ready to face the cold water. We rafted the Squamish River, charging through rapids with names like Cheeseballs and Devil’s Elbow. Owen and Desmond took on the bull-riding challenge, holding on at the front of the raft as we crashed through the waves. Everyone got soaked. That night, we pulled our rafts onto the shore and set up camp just steps from the river. With dinner by the fire and stars overhead, Desmond and Caroline led our Moonup. The fire crackled, the river whispered, and each voice added something new to the circle.
The next day began with pots and pans clanging, Rocky’s signature wake-up call. He and the guide team had been up early preparing breakfast: French toast, yogurt, fruit salad, and bacon. It was the kind of meal that reminded us we were being looked after. We packed up and hit the river one last time, enjoying a slower, peaceful float. By mid-morning, we were back on the school bus, loading gear and heading to our next challenge: The Chief hike.
The Chief is no easy climb. It’s steep, rocky, and long. But the group handled it with patience and determination. Step by step, they supported one another, pausing to rest, sharing water, offering encouragement. When we reached the summit, the view made every part of the effort worth it. After hiking back down, we made a quick stop to exchange U.S. dollars for loonies and returned to Klahanie. A hot shower never felt so good. Dinner was chicken stir fry, Mary Hardin calmly prepping all the vegetables while Thomas stirred the pot, making sure nothing burned.
The following day brought a new kind of adventure: canyoning. Our Leaders of the Day, Thomas and Mary Hardin, kept the group moving with confidence and focus. One by one, everyone rappelled down waterfalls and jumped from ledges into cold, deep pools. The final rappel, over 100 feet, stood out the most. As each person reached the bottom, cheers echoed from below and above. The cold air, the spray from the falls, and the sense of finishing something hard came together in a way that everyone felt.
Afterward, we drove to our next campsite. This one had a sand volleyball court, which was all the group needed to launch into a full-blown tournament. Matthew served ace after ace, while Davis and May dove left and right to keep the ball in play. Dinner was chicken Alfredo, served under the early evening light. That night’s Moonup took place in the van, warm and cozy, with fogged-up windows and tired, happy faces.
Early the next morning, we boarded the ferry to Vancouver Island. The water was still, and the sky slowly brightened as we crossed over. From there, we drove to Tofino and arrived at our next stop: Bella Pacifica Campground. Everyone worked together to unload the U-Haul, set up tents, and head into town. First stop: Chocolate Tofino. Ice cream was well-earned and enjoyed in full. When we got back to camp, the beach was calling. We dropped our bags and ran straight into games on the sand. There’s something you begin to notice at this point in the trip, the group is no longer a group of strangers. People look out for each other. Laughter comes easier. The rhythm of the trip has taken hold.
The sky was glowing with soft pinks and oranges as the sun began to set. After we finished eating, we circled up for Moonup right on the beach, sitting in the sand as the waves rolled in. Just as we were getting settled, Marlin and Hayes looked out toward the water. “Wait… there’s something in the ocean,” one of them said, pointing. At first, no one knew what they meant. But then, two girls suddenly took off running toward the waves. They splashed into the cold water, laughing and chasing something. Moments later, they turned around, holding the Nug Jug high above their heads. Everyone started cheering and clapping. Thomas, who had agreed earlier that he’d jump in if someone else did, didn’t hesitate. He took off down the beach and dove straight into the water.
One thing is certain about this group, they know how to find joy in any moment. Laughter fills the air. Smiles never fade. We ended the night with burgers sizzling on the grill, bellies full and hearts wide open. Tomorrow, we paddle board and surf, but tonight, we rest under the stars, ready for whatever adventure comes next.
SHOUTOUTS
Hayes – Camp going good. Miss yall and trying to wear retainer. Bye <333 -Hayes
May – Hey Mom + Dad! I’m having tons of fun and miss y’all! See you soon! Love you! -May
Desmond – Yo wassup mom and dad. How’s your life going. Hope you are like really happy. Hope Peter got to camp safely. Cya! -Desmond
Matthew – Hi Mom, Dad, and Ava. I am having a lot of fun and I love you so much. Bye. -Matthew
Kaya – Hey, camp is good. Love ya!-Kaya
Tilley Gray – Hi mama and dada. I’m having so much fun! Everybody is really nice. I hope that Greece is fun! I’m excited to see you guys after camp but I don’t want to leave. I love you. -Tilley-Gray
Davis – Hey Mom and Dad! I’m having so much fun here! It is amazing. I survived white water rafting! Canyoneering was the best. Hope you are having fun at the family reunion haha! Love y’all! -Davis
Caroline – Hi mom and dad, I am having so much fun! The people on my trip are so sweet! I have a great group! I had so much fun canyoneering. I can’t wait to tell you all my stories! I miss you Copey! Also tell Bodie I said hi! I love yall so much! -Caroline
Mary Hardin – Hey fam! Hope all y’all are well. I am having such a good time and hope y’all are too! Sys! -Mary-Hardin
William – Dear Mom and Dad, I’m having a great time can’t wait to see y’all in NC. Love you guys! Love, William
Thomas – Dear Mom and Dad, I’m having so much fun and we’ve done a lot of adventurous things. But I do miss y’all and hope my irons have came. Have fun at Pinehurst. -Thomas
Owen – Dear Mom and Dad, I’m doing great and having so much fun. Hope you’re doing well. See you soon. -Owen
Let the Fun Begin!
June 25, 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 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
