Farewell, Friends!
July 25, 2025
Banquet night is always a fan favorite! We woke up early to catch the ferry, knowing the day ahead would be packed. After landing, we headed straight to our campsite and unloaded the van. Alex J took the lead on cleanup, filling two massive trash bags, seriously impressive. Meanwhile, Alex Z, Gray, and Maddie dove into an all-out cleaning mission. Buckets were flying, sponges were soapy, and it somehow turned into a full-on water war. Laughter echoed through camp as we scrubbed down the U-Haul and wrapped up some final housekeeping tasks.
With the van packed and vacuumed, it was time for the real fun: banquet prep. We rolled into the Salvation Army with one goal: find the most ridiculous and amazing outfits for our theme night… wrappers. Nicky MIAnaj, CLAYboiCarti, Eminem (Emmaline), and Lil NORA X were just a few of the characters that emerged from the racks of funky clothes.
Dinner was at Trading Post Eatery, where we crushed burgers, salads, tacos, and pulled pork. We were beyond excited. Naturally, we couldn’t stop there; Wendy’s Flurrys were calling our name. By the time we got back to camp, the clock was nearing midnight. And that’s when things got even more special because July 25th is our very own Gray Chapman’s birthday. While Jack casually distracted the birthday boy, the rest of us blew up big “1” and “4” balloons, plus a few maple leaf ones for good measure. Candles were lit, party poppers were loaded, and as soon as “Birthday” by Katy Perry blasted, the dance party was ON.
Our Leaders of the Day, Mary Frances and Will, brought us back together for one final, heartfelt Moonup. Under the stars, we looked around at faces that were strangers just two weeks ago, and now feel like family. We each shared something we loved about the person to our left and right, and the moment felt still, grounding, and unforgettable.
Before we knew it, we were headed to the airport. Our final van ride was quiet, nostalgic, and full of love. We played our theme song, “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit, one last time. Louisa was our first goodbye. Cam was our last. Goodbyes are never easy, but the friendships we built over these past two weeks don’t end here. They’ve just begun.
To all the parents, thank you for trusting us with your amazing kids. It’s been a joy, a privilege, and an unforgettable adventure here in BC. We’re so grateful you shared them with us!!!
-Marlin, Anne Slater, + Clay <3
One Last BCO Adventure
July 24, 2025
We kicked off our climbing days with a simple breakfast of yogurt, granola, and fruit before packing up camp and heading down the hill to meet our guides: Antoine, Caroline, and Mark. The group split in two for the day, Mark took Group 1 : Camden, Mia, Alex Z, Will, Jack, Maddie, and Anne Slater back to the crags to try some more technical routes, while Caroline and Antoine led Group 2: Louisa, Gray, Mary Frances, Alex J, Emmaline, Nora, and Clay up to Devil’s Ladder.
The lake at the base of Devil’s Ladder was stunning. Paddle boarders and jet skis passed by from a distance. Louisa bravely volunteered to be the first to rappel 100 feet and then climb right back up the rock face. Back at the crags, Alex Z. was quick to hop on belay, supporting whoever was ready to climb. Will jumped on one of the hardest routes and worked his way through it with focus and grit.
At Devil’s Ladder, the group played cards between climbs and shared plenty of laughs, Gray and Louisa took the crown in Uno. After Group 2 wrapped up their climb, the groups swapped spots. Group 2 became Group 1’s loudest cheerleaders, hyping them up at the base of the climb. When Jack reached the top, he turned around and said, “I think that was the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life.” Everyone took turns rappelling and climbing, encouraging one another every step of the way. We ended the day with a final view from the top before hiking down and driving to Tofino.
The van ride to Tofino came with our usual NBA spin-the-wheel seating draft. Once we arrived at camp, Marlin and a few others made a grocery run and came back with pizza for the group. We ended the night with Moonup and fell asleep to the sound of waves rolling onto Mackenzie Beach.
The group woke up excited for a full day on the water. The morning was chilly, so we warmed up with breakfast burritos stuffed with eggs, hash browns, and bacon. We threw on our bathing suits, walked down to the beach, and met our paddleboard guides: Oli, Becca, and Laura. After getting into our wetsuits, we started with a paddle relay to get the blood moving. Team 1: Clay, Anne Slater, Nora, Mia, Gray, Louisa Team 2: Marlin, Camden, Alex J, Will, Alex Z, Mary Frances, Emmaline. Each duo crab-walked, paddled out around a guide, then wheelbarrowed to the finish line. Team 1 took the win! After that, we paddled out to the kelp forest where we spotted crabs, starfish, and even tasted a bit of edible kelp. Louisa went on a mission to find sea urchins while we explored around the rocks and enjoyed the calm water.
After lunch on the beach, it was time to surf. We carried our boards to the sand, went through our lesson, practiced pop-ups, and got out into the waves. Will and Gray were standing up and cruising within minutes. This group has a natural feel for surfing, and the cheering from the water made the energy even better. The sun broke through just in time to warm us up, and the sky turned a brilliant blue.
There’s no better way to start the day than with warm cinnamon buns and a little chaos. The boys took it upon themselves to wake everyone up by shaking the tents, and just like that, the day began. We made our way down to the beach, zipped into our wetsuits, and got ready to paddle board. We jumped back into our same teams from the relay the day before and headed out for one last friendly competition. We wheeled the boards down, hit the water, paddled around our guide Oli, and raced back in with a final leap onto the shore. Team One had taken yesterday’s win, but today Team Two pulled ahead with a strong finish.
After that, we headed to the kelp forest for a quick snack break before launching into our final competition of the trip: the surf relay. The goal was simple, fill your green swim shirt with as much sand as possible and tag the next teammate. Team One moved with focus and coordination, each person digging and packing in sand before sending their racer out. They took the relay win, solidifying their title as the overall champs.
We wrapped up the afternoon in the water one last time. Everyone was catching waves,Will seemed to be riding one every time we looked up, and Maddie was carving through the water like she’d been doing it for years. Our Leaders of the Day, Emmaline and Jack, brought us together for Moonup and asked a question that hit in all the right ways: What motivates you? We wrapped up the night cowboy camping under the stars.
THANK YOU!!!
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for sending me on this trip. It was a blast. From the rapids in Squamish to shredding waves in Tofino it has really been fun. I can’t wait to see you guys and show you all the stuff I got for you guys. I love you guys a lot.
Love your favorite middle child,
Cam
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you so much for sending me on this trip! Shredding waves in Tofino was so amazing along with scaling Vancouver islands Devils ladder in rock climbing! I miss you so much and can’t wait to see you in a couple of days!
Love you so much!
Mia
Dear Mama and Daddy,
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to go on this amazing trip. Turns out I can not surf for the life of me but it was still really super fun. I promise to bring back dairy milk chocolate and I love you very much.
Love you,
Mary Frances
Dear Momma and Dizzle,
Thanks for sending me on this trip to take breaks from golf and electronics it’s been and blast I LOVED SURFING and hope that we could do that in France!
Love y’all,
Gray Chapman
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you so much for sending me to Moondance I am having the best time and can’t wait to see y’all.
-Alex Zamora
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for the oppertunity to Mooondance. I always have an amazing time and I love you so much! I’m so excited to see you guys!
Love you always,
Louisa
Hi mom and dad,
I can’t wait to see you guys. Moondance has been amazing and I’m so grateful that you let me go. I’ve met so many great people.
P.S. my name is Kevin.
Love you,
Alex J
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank y’all for sending me to Moondance. I’ve met so many great people and have learned so many impactful lessons. I even bought a book titled “How to Beeak Up with Your Phone.” I miss you all so much and can’t wait to see you soon!
Love,
Maddie
Hey Mom and Dad,
I miss y’all so so much and can’t wait to see you! I am so grateful y’all sent me here this year again. I hope Japan was fun! P.S. for dinner get me Chipotle please.
Love,
Nora Jane
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank y’all so much for letting me to Moondance, I’m so grateful I miss you guys so much and I can’t wait to see you! I’m sorry I asked for more money I realized that I got y’all horrible gifts. P.S. can we please have Del Bar again the night I get back?
XOXO,
Emmaline
Dear Mom, Dad, Walker and John,
I can’t wait to see y’all. I have had a good time meeting new people. Thanks for letting me go on Moondance. Vancouver is amazing. I love you guys. Can’t wait to come home.
Love,
Will
Dear Mom, Dad, Caroline, and Kate,
I miss y’all so much! Thank you for sending me on Moondance this year! Whether it was repelling then climbing back up or surfing on sandbars, I have always had so much fun. I can’t wait to see y’all! I love the counselors and the people on the trip are so nice. Also, I want to continue surfing more in Nantucket. I can’t wait to see y’all tomorrow!
Love y’all,
Jack
Kayaks, Campfires & King of the Dock
July 22, 2025
We rolled out of our tents to the smell of breakfast burritos and the kind of laughter that only happens early, when people are still wrapped in sleeping bags and half-asleep but somehow wide awake. It felt calm, like the morning already knew the day would be full.
Today’s activity: SEA KAYAKING! Everyone partnered up and paddled out into the open, calm but full of energy. Will and Emmaline were smooth and steady, gliding across the water like they’d done this for years. Meanwhile, Jack and Alex J decided chaos was the way to go. Their go-to move? Sneak attacks. One minute they’d be lagging behind, the next they’d splash you, yank up your rudder, and leave you spinning helplessly. Classic distraction tactics, and honestly, ridiculously entertaining.
Around midday, we pulled up on a small island for lunch. It was peaceful, with just the sound of the waves and some laughter in the background. But calm quickly turned into competitive when we launched into a shelter-building challenge using only what we could find on the island. Anne Slater, Mia, and Emmaline came through with a literal work of art, moss carpet and all. It looked like something straight out of a nature magazine.
Earlier in the trip, our guides told us about the “oh crap strap” in our kayaks, a safety feature that sounded more dramatic than useful. That is, until Marlin shouted “Oh no!” and flipped directly into the water. In that moment, the strap earned its name. Quickly.
After a full day on the water, we came back to camp for pita pizzas, and just when it felt like things might start winding down, someone had the brilliant idea to turn the beach into a batting cage. With a wooden bat and a pile of rocks, we all took turns launching them into the sunset. That night, Louisa and Jack, our Leaders of the Day, led us through Moonup. Their questions were thoughtful and real, the kind that invite everyone in. You could feel the shift. People opened up, and for a few minutes, everything slowed down. These moments remind us that this trip is about more than adventure, it’s about who we’re becoming.
The next morning rolled in slowly and sweetly. We got to sleep in and wake up to the smell of pancakes, berry flavored, thanks to Alex Z, and topped with Louisa’s perfectly spiced cinnamon spread. The two of them crushed cook crew duty yet again. After cleaning up camp, we loaded the van and hopped on the ferry back to Vancouver Island, with Gray and Mary Frances curating the perfect playlist to soundtrack the ride.
Once we landed, we drove straight to our next site: Lake Comox. Sandwiches fueled us for a hike to Nymph Falls, where we swam, slid down smooth rock, and found a ledge perfect for cannonballs. Maddie was unstoppable, jumping into the cold water again and again, fearless and full of energy like a force of nature. Alex J has officially perfected the can opener, while Gray and Camden launched off that rock more times than we could count..
Back at camp, Mia surprised everyone with a full-on charcuterie board (because why not?), and the dream team, Alex Z and Louisa, returned to cook dinner: rotisserie chicken, mac and cheese, and kale salad. But the night wasn’t over yet. Marlin lost a game of “what are the odds” to Gray and had to jump into the lake fully clothed. Of course, everyone followed her in. We swam out to a floating dock, laughing and splashing as the sky turned orange. Alex J. and Will stayed on the dock the longest, pushing everyone else off like it was king of the hill.
It was one of those nights we’ll all remember. We dried off under the fading light, cleaned up dinner, and gathered for Moonup. Leaders of the Day Alex J and Nora asked the group two questions: When have you been the happiest in your life, and what has been your favorite part of Moondance so far? The answers were open, honest, and full of heart. You could feel how much this experience is starting to mean to everyone.
The next day brought a new challenge, rock climbing, and energy was high from the jump. Alex Z and Louisa kicked things off again (yes, again!) with avocado toast for breakfast, and then we hiked to our climbing spot. Within minutes, Gray was already halfway up the rock face like it was second nature. Mia and Alex J were scaling different walls with pure focus, while the rest of the group cheered each other on and took breaks when needed. Everyone pushed themselves, and everyone reached the top. Just as we were packing up, Clay pulled one of his classic pranks. He told us we’d be helping our guide Tom with yard work, and we all groaned, preparing for another sweaty afternoon. But when the van pulled up to Loves Ice Cream, we realized we’d been played. Hard. And we weren’t even mad, some of the best ice cream we’ve ever had.
We ended the day the same way we’ve ended so many of the best ones: back at camp, jumping in the lake, hanging by the shore, and making grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner. Alex Z and Mia, our Leaders of the Day, brought us together for another Moonup, another chance to slow down, reflect, and appreciate each other. Every day is full. Full of laughs, surprises, challenges, and connection. But what makes this trip unforgettable is the way we show up for one another. Whether it’s flipping a kayak, building moss shelters, jumping off rocks, or just asking real questions around a campfire, we’re not just making memories. We’re making something that lasts.
Until next time!
Beautiful British Columbia!
July 18, 2025
Arrival day set the tone for what is already becoming an unforgettable journey. From the moment the group began to trickle into the airport, it was clear: this crew is independent, eager to learn, and wholeheartedly up for the adventure ahead. In between games of hacky sack and Kings in the Corner, led masterfully by Louisa, whose quiet confidence instantly brought the group together, we were already beginning to build something special. As we drove beside the lake and watched the winding mountain roads unfold beneath a bluebird sky, it hit us: we were really here.
That evening, we settled in with spikeball, hammock lounging, and our first meal together, pizza, of course. While Marlin picked up Will and Clay from the airport, Anne Slater held down the fort, guiding the crew through tent setup, campsite etiquette, and the basics of backcountry living, all to the soundtrack of a nearby waterfall. We ended the night with a crowd favorite, Fishbowl, and our first Moonup, where we shared what brought us here and how we hope to grow. Gray and Maddie were chosen as our first Leaders of the Day, stepping into the role with quiet strength and genuine care for the group.
The next morning kicked off with pancakes flipped two at a time by Gray, followed by a challenging 1.5-mile ascent up The Chief. It was steep, but we moved as one, cheering each other on, trading stories, and letting the landscape take our breath away. At the summit, Nora Jane broke out her journal while Jack and Camden mapped our path back down. We dipped our faces in a cold stream and capped the hike with a jump into Alice Lake, followed by a well-earned spaghetti dinner as we prepped for our overnight rafting trip.
Our time on the Squamish River felt like something out of a storybook. After gearing up in colorful wetsuits and dry bags, we met our guides, Mela and Alex, who split us into two rafts. Together, we tackled seven Class IV rapids, floated past towering cliffs, and even took turns riding the bull. Laughter echoed off the canyon walls, especially when Alex Z flopped backward into the raft with perfect comedic timing. That night, on our own private island, we cowboy camped under a sky littered with stars after a dinner of salmon, steak, and lava cake. Will and Mary Frances, our LODs for the day, helped set the tone, balancing lightheartedness with leadership in a way that made everyone feel held and seen.
Mornings began with pots and pans, French toast, and songs echoing across the island. Mia led the charge in morning games, while Alex J and Emmaline worked together to load boats and clean gear. On our final river stretch, we floated under a cascading waterfall, a quiet, almost cinematic ending to a wild and beautiful journey. Back at Klahanie, we circled up for a dinner of chicken stir fry, another round of spikeball and Bananagrams, and a Moonup where we opened up about personal risks and what it means to choose growth over comfort. Emmaline and Camden, our Day 4 LODs, offered reflections that stayed with us long after Moonup ended.
Canyoning brought a whole new kind of adventure. Decked out in wetsuits and oversized river shoes, we scrambled, swam, and rappelled through a series of waterfalls. There were moments of fear, yes, but also courage. Everyone showed up for each other, especially Mia and Alex J, our LODs for the day, whose calm and grounded energy gave the group a sense of trust. That night over tacos and volleyball, we could feel something shifting, like the group was no longer just a group, but a team.
On Day 6, we made our way from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, then caught the ferry to Quadra Island, a place that already feels like a new chapter. With burgers by the water and one of our most breathtaking Moonups yet, we talked about change, resilience, and the moments we’ll carry with us. Nora Jane and Alex Z stepped into their LOD roles with ease, modeling reflection and self-awareness in a way that inspired everyone around them.
And now, as we prepare for tomorrow’s sea kayaking adventure, our final pair of LODs, Louisa and Jack, are ready to lead us into this next phase with humor, intention, and steady hands.
This group continues to impress us with their curiosity, kindness, and willingness to try everything boldly. British Columbia has met us with challenge and wonder at every turn, and we’re just getting started.
SHOUTOUTS!!!!
Dear Mama and Daddy,
I miss you very much and I hope all is well at home. I just ate a bagel and it was super good. The activities are really fun. I am having a really good time. I am so glad I came and my favorite activity so far has been rafting because it was an overnight. Miss you and Love you tons.
-Mary Frances
Dear Mum and Pops, I miss you guys a lot and I hope your all good. I have not had any nose or ear problems. P.S. tell Kinley and Colten Hi.
Love, Cam
Hi Mom and Dad I miss you lots. I can’t wait to see you again, but Moondance is amazing and my favorite thing we’ve done in the canyoneering. Bye and love you
-This was written by Kevin (Alex J)
Dear family,
I miss you all so much, but Moondance has been very fun so far. We have gone canyoning, hiking, and swimming. It’s day 6 right now so we have eight left. I will see y’all soon!
Love, Jack
Dar Mom, Dad and Barb,
Hi. Moondance has been really fun so far. Thank you so much for sending me. All the activities have been so fun so far. We’ve also had a lot of fun so far. We’ve also had a lot of fun at our campsites. For example, at our last campsite, we found a rope swing and had a lot of fun on it. I have a lot of great photos and videos to show y’all when I get back. Love y’all!
-Maddie
Dear family, I miss you all very much and I’m having a blast. I hope yall had fun in Nantucket and can’t wait to see you guys very much. Love you guys never stopping numbers.
Love, Gray
Dear Momma & Papa,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I’m happy here. Hello Rosie and Boo. So fun. Miss you and love you!
P.S. Please don’t kill Honey while I’m gone.
-Louisa Trotter
Dear Mom and Dad,
I’m having a lot of fun in BCO. I miss y’all a lot, and I’m looking forward to seeing Winston + Frank. I hope y’all are enjoying just one kid. Love you!!
Love, Nora
Dear Mom and Dad,
I’m having such an amazing time here in BCO! Canyoning was so fun and we are about to go surfing in a few days and it will be so awesome! I miss you guys so much, and tell Ella, Nick, and Murphy I say hi! Love you and see you soon!
Love, Mia
Dear family,
Hey! I can’t wait to have a little steak. I also can’t wait to see y’all, we have gone canyoning. Tell gramps, CC, Pop, and Bootsie that I’m having a good time. Love you guys. Give the pups a hug for me.
Love, Will
Dear Mom and Dad,
I miss you guys so so much and I hope yall are having a good time with Albert. Moondance is so much fun and we have gone hiking, rafting, canyoning and we went on a cool rope swing. I’m about to go on a ferry boat right now. I miss y’all and love y’all! Bye.
-Emmaline Tate
Dear Mom, Dad, Bobby, and Bella,
I am having a good time at camp and I miss all of you guys. We have gone hiking rafting and canyoneering. I hope Bobby is doing well in NY and Bella is savoring her summer. Mom I hope you face gets better and Dad I hope everything is well and I can’t wait to fish T.I.F.T. when I get back
Love, Alex Zamora
Safe Arrival!
July 13, 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
