Fun in the Sun!
July 25, 2025
Greetings from the mountains and coasts of British Columbia! Since our last Trip Update, BCO 3A has climbed crags, surfed the swells of Tofino, and fiercely battled each other in Spikeball, all while taking in the stunning views of Canada’s western province. We can’t wait to fill you in on all that we’ve been up to over these past few days!
After the boys cowboy camped under the stars in Cumberland Lake, the group woke up on day 6 ready to rock climb, rappel, and belay. After an introduction to proper climbing and belay technique, it took no time at all for this group to get in the groove. Everyone pushed themselves outside their comfort zones by conquering difficult climbs, and if they weren’t harnessed in and “climbing on,” we were sure to find them belaying and cheering each other on. In particular, Harrison led the group with ease, making sure to give the climbers helpful pointers and lots of encouragement. Using his skills from rock climbing in Virginia, Edward became BCO 3A’s star rock climber. He was even the first to complete a climb rated 5.11, which, if that means nothing to you, basically just means he had to jump about 6 feet in the air to grab a rock and hoist himself up with one arm. Once we were all sufficiently sore from rock climbing and rappelling, we were treated to a delicious dinner of pita pizzas from LODs Edward and Eleanor. Be sure to ask them about their seamless order-taking and pizza-baking operation!
Day 7 conducted our second day of rock climbing and rappelling, this time on the famous Devil’s Ladder route over Cumberland Lake! This route required the climbers to rappel down to a platform over the lake, then climb back up to where the rappel started. Despite its difficulty, those who attempted the climb were all 100% successful. When the group wasn’t climbing, they cheered each other on all day long. We especially loved when Claude got clipped in at the top of the rappel just to watch Ben (the last climber of the day) give Devil’s Ladder a go. At the other climbing site, Palmer and Richard perfected their climbing techniques, with Richard starting a new challenge for the boys: climbing with their eyes closed! If any group can make their own fun, it’s this one. The fun didn’t stop with climbing, as the group stopped at Love’s Ice Cream on the way to Tofino, then ended the night with Meri (aka Gordon Ramsay) and Richard’s delicious Stir Fry.
Day 8, our first day in Tofino, began with Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)! BCO 3A had a great time playing Last Man Standing on the paddleboards and chatting amongst the kelp. After getting sufficiently chilly in the ice-cold water off Canada’s west coast, the group had a delicious lunch of grilled cheeses, then quickly turned around for our first day of surfing. Ali smiled ear to ear as she shredded all afternoon, and Ben and Myers even attempted (somewhat successfully) to tandem surf! Our awesome day on the water ended with Tacofino for dinner and Chocolate Tofino for ice cream. Of course, our night wouldn’t be complete without a game of Mafia (narrated by Edward), and a special Moonup on the Tofino pier at sunset.
Our second day in Tofino meant that we got to do the same thing all over again! While the group paddled with just as much enthusiasm as the day before, everyone unanimously agreed that surfing was the day’s highlight. Reed impressed our instructors so much that they put him on the 7-foot board so he could really shred! Additionally, Max perfected his technique from his trip to California last year. While Lucy wasn’t able to surf, Ellie kindly joined her to cheer on BCO 3A from the shore as the group caught their last few waves. A perfect day in Tofino ended with delicious nachos prepared by Harrison and Ellie, and Birdie on a Perch to close out Moonup.
Yesterday was a fun day full of country music and ferries as we traveled from Tofino to Squamish. Once we arrived at our campsite, our fierce Spikeball tournament ensued. While Ben and Lucy reigned supreme, Harrison and Richard were their toughest competition from the entire summer, and Abby had a masterclass performance as the night’s Mafia. Now, we’re getting ready for our overnight whitewater rafting section!
We’ve had the absolute best time in British Columbia with your rock star kids, and we’re soaking up every last moment as our trip nears its end!
Lucy, Ben, + Myers
Having a Blast in British Columbia
July 17, 2025
Hello from BCO 3A!
Lucy, Myers, and Ben here, writing to you from the beautiful mountains, lakes, and coasts of British Columbia! It’s been a joy getting to know your incredible kids. They’ve already brought so much laughter, curiosity, and heart to our group. We wanted to share a glimpse into our journey so far and all the memories we’re building together.
Day 1:
As the kids trickled into the airport one by one, we knew this group was going to be special. There was a spark of energy right away-reunions between old friends, laughter between new ones. The girls made a Starbucks run while the boys huddled up, instantly launching into conversations about baseball, college football predictions, and their summer plans.
Harrison greeted Reed by slamming him with his duffel bag-not your typical greeting, but a sure sign of a long-time friendship reignited. Palmer, without missing a beat, initiated icebreaker games in the terminal, getting everyone involved and setting the tone for the days ahead. It was one of those small but proud leader moments we’ll remember.
We piled into the van, U-Haul trailer attached, and headed to our first campsite in Fort Langley. We grabbed pizzas on the way and, once at camp, got straight to work pitching tents. With the help of our Moondance alumni, the whole setup came together quickly. A volleyball court next to our site immediately became the stage for our first group competition-smack talk, team strategy, and all.
That night, we ate pizza by the water and dove into our first round of Mafia, a game that would quickly become a group favorite. Lucy blew everyone away with her calm demeanor and sneaky strategy, winning the round with expert-level secrecy. Edward, with some encouragement, stepped up as narrator and instantly became the voice of the game-his creativity and sense of humor gave the game a whole new dimension.
After reviewing Leave No Trace principles and Expedition Behavior, we played Birdie on a Perch at sunset and wrapped up the evening with our first Moonup. We sat by the water, the sunset in the horizon as of us shared our “B+ superpower” and how we hope to grow on this trip. It was honest, funny, and the perfect first glimpse into the heart of this group.
Day 2:
We slept in a little and woke up to a Canadian rite of passage-Tim Hortons donuts. The chocolate coconut flavor surprised everyone and was voted best of the box. The van was quiet as we made our way to our canyoneering site, kids still waking up, some napping, others quietly chatting.
Once there, it was time for our first wetsuit challenge-getting them on. There was a lot of tugging, hopping, laughter, and teamwork. With wraps packed and helmets on, the group eagerly took to the waterfalls and rappels. One section had a rope rappel through a mossy canyon-Ben decided to time the boys as they descended. Reed flew down in 36 seconds, beating out Edward by a single second.
After the last jump and splash, we peeled off our wetsuits and returned to camp, exhausted but grinning. Our LODs, Reed and Palmer, took charge of dinner-spaghetti with Bolognese sauce and garlic bread. Palmer managed the Coleman stove with only minor losses (just a few bits of ground beef sacrificed), while the rest of the boys taught Myers how to play chess back at the picnic table. The level of focus and strategic thinking was impressive, especially after such a full day.
We underestimated just how much your kids love vegetables-the broccoli disappeared before we even passed the bread. Another round of Mafia wrapped the evening, and we crawled into our tents, tired in the best way.
Day 3:
We were up bright and early to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. With parfaits in hand and Lucy’s PB&J station in full swing, we loaded the van and successfully got the U-Haul onto the ferry (shoutout to the boys for helping navigate that feat).
On the ferry, the kids got their first taste of freedom. Some bought warm breakfast sandwiches from the café, others found quiet corners to read or sat on the deck taking in the ocean breeze. On our second ferry over to Quadra Island, the group played Categories and Silent Football, filling the time with laughter and song requests.
When we arrived at We Wai Kai, one of our all-time favorite campsites, the group was blown away. Set right on the water with views of mountains and open sky, it felt like a dream. Kids spread out-spikeball, hammocks (expertly led by Richard), games of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and quiet moments by the shore.
For dinner, our LODs Abby and Harrison whipped up burgers and sweet potato fries. Abby gave the sweet potatoes her all, chopping with heart and determination, but alas-they may have been a little over-roasted in the end. No one minded. The food tasted extra good eaten overlooking the sunset!
At Moonup, we laughed at silly questions like “What would your ideal day look like?” and dove deeper into questions like “What sibling are you, and do you like your birth order?” As the waves rolled below and the stars came out above, we passed around Oreos and felt truly settled in.
Day 4:
Our first slow morning was a treat. Some kids lounged in hammocks, others journaled or just admired the view while sipping warm drinks. Harrison, an early riser, perched in his hammock and took in the peaceful water.
LOD duo Max and Ali led the charge with breakfast-eggs, bacon, and fresh Caesar wraps for lunch. Over breakfast, a heated debate erupted: ketchup on eggs-yes or no? We met our kayaking outfitters and paired up to paddle out across the bay. There was a bit of a learning curve at first-steering with your feet while paddling was like driving bumper cars-but once we found our rhythm, it became peaceful and fun.
We paddled by an island filled with curious seals sunning themselves. Our guides told us if they were shaped like bananas, that meant they were happy-and luckily, they looked like bananas the whole time.
We stopped at a beach for lunch and then took a short hike to an overlook with an incredible view of the water we had just crossed. From the cliffs, Richard suggested we swim out to a rock to jump from-and within minutes, kids were racing each other to the ledge and cannonballing into the water. Edward tackled the climbing wall above the water with determination, while Eleanor sunbathed on the rocks and Meri entertained us all with her favorite word: “laundry.”
On the paddle back, a water fight-instigated by Myers-left everyone soaked and laughing. We ended the day with Greek bowls for dinner. Ali shredded the rotisserie chicken with expert precision, and Max, trying to dice red onion, lost the “try not to cry” challenge in record time. Post dinner, Ben played the most impressive Mafia game of the trip and won solo, fooling us all. Ellie tackled dish duty with gusto and earned LOD for the next day. Moonup on the beach brought calm and reflection as we answered: “What’s your favorite feeling?” and “What’s something you cherish that others might not?”
Day 5:
With the sun just rising, the girls were already on the beach, savoring the last few quiet moments at We Wai Kai. The boys stayed cozied up in hammocks while the leaders started boiling water for coffee.
For breakfast, LOD Claude and Ellie made pancakes with all the toppings-chocolate chips, whipped cream, bananas, and syrup galore. Claude worked hard to master the perfect flip, while Ellie *might* have gotten carried away with the chocolate chips on a few.
We packed up lunch and headed off for a hike up the Chinese Mountain Loop. Music played in the van, and the energy was high. At the summit, we shared sour patch kids, played hacky sack (Max showed off some serious skills from a previous Moondance!), and marveled at the view. We even spotted *four* bald eagles soaring overhead-a truly unforgettable moment.
We’re now on our way to our next campsite at Comox Lake, and the kids are belting out the Canadian national anthem in the van. Safe to say-British Columbia has captured their hearts.
Thank you for sharing your incredible kids with us. Their openness, kindness, and humor have created a one-of-a-kind group, and we’re so excited for all the adventures still to come.
Until next time,
Your BCO 3A family
Myers, Lucy, and Ben
Shoutouts:
Meri- Hey glass fam how’s it going I’m having a blast BC is awesome dad you were so right anyways I love y’all p.s. Annie I lost the game
Love, Y’all
Abby- Hello Mom, Dad, Charlotte, Charlie, Gigi, Banks, Mini, Henrietta, Hank, Kate, Elle, Marianna, Greer, Rowan, Charlie, Ellie, Anne, and Eloise! I miss you guys so much but I am having so much fun and I have made so many friends! I love y’all!
Ali- Hey mom, dad, Zach, Bizzy and Mei Mei
I miss you all but having so much fun! We went sea kayaking yesterday to an island and I wish you were there to swim and see the view with me. Love you.
Harrison- Hi the views are good, love Y’all
Richard- Hey I’ve met lots of new friends. Also we did lots of cool kayaking and canyoneering.
Palmer- Hey! I’m having the BEST time this is so fun I’ve met so many great people and all the activities are so fun. We went sea kayaking and canyoneering and it was so pretty. I miss y’all and my friends and banyan!
Eleanor- Hey I’m having so much fun and I miss y’all. We have gone sea kayaking and canyoneering so far.
Ellie- Hi, I love it here. hope the pets are doing well.
Edward- Hey, I am having so much fun and we went sea kayaking! I hope everyone is doing well
Max- Hey, I am having so much fun and am having a blast, the activities are so fun and the leaders are amazing.
Reed- Hi, I am having a great time and we went canyoneering and sea kayaking which was fun.
Claude- Hey, I am having so much when we went canyoneering and sea kayaking and making so many friends.
Lucy- Hey Mom, Dad, Quin, and Max! British Columbia is just as beautiful the 3rd time around, and Ben & Myers are still courageously putting up with my cooking and U-Haul-reversing ability. Hope all is well on the home front! See you very soon
Ben- Hello friends, family, constituents, fans and others. A cold wind is blowing from the North. The night is harsh and long. Food is scarce out here as we battle the bears and beasts of the wild. I have become undomesticated as I feed off the land. Winter is coming.
Myers- Hey Green Fam! Home stretch of the summer and I’m not ready to let go! I miss you guys more than ever❤️! Mom and Kate – I am so proud of you! Learning more from Ben and Lucy every day, and I’m blessed to have them for life! See y’all soon!
Safe Arrival!
July 12, 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
