Final Thank Yous
July 4, 2025
William – mom and dad thank you so much for sending me on this trip. I really had a great time meeting all new people and touring all of Croatia alone I’m really excited for our trip together
AK- Hey mom and dad!!!!! I love and miss yall sooooooo much! I’ve had such an amazing time in Croatia will all of my new friends. I have made memories to last a lifetime and I’m so grateful for yall for sending me on this trip❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Henry B- hi mom and dad, I had the fastest and most awesome 2 weeks ever. I really miss you. Also, I miss Simmons HAVENT SEEN HER IN FOREVER. Miss yall. ❤️
True- Hi I love yall say hi to my friends… bye ✌️
Gillian- hey yall!!!! I miss you guys so so much and I’m veryyy excited to see yall. I love Croatia!!!!!! See you soon!!!!
Kayden- I love y’all so much and so excited to see yall soon!
Mary W- HEYYY mom and dad THANK YOU SO MUCH I am sooooo obsessed with this trip!! I love both of yall so much and can’t not WAIT to update yall!!! Miss yall so so much and can’t wait to see yall soon!! And to doodles (hi I miss u and have so much to tell you have fun in Montana and PLS tell Allie I said HI) love youu byeeeee❤️✌️
Henry R – thank yall so much for sending me on this trip, I had the time of my life. I am super excited to see you tomorrow! Miss yall so much-love you!
Malon – thank you mom and dad for sending me to Croatia. This is the best reward I could’ve gotten for my first year at woodberry. Also tell Copey I can’t wait to see her and see her progress in breath of the wild.
James- thanks mom and dad, Croatia has been really fun and I have loved it. It has been a great experience.
Lilla- thank yall so so much for this trip it was such a cool experience and I met the best ppl. I wish yall helped me pack more tho but anyways love yall see you so soon!
Peyton -Hey Mom and Dad, thank you so much for sending me on this adventure. I’m so grateful to be in this interesting yet beautiful country. Yall would love it here. 😮😮😮
Georgia- Having the best time in Croatia I love my group! I love and miss you guys so much see you soon!
One Last Croatian Adventure
July 4, 2025
Well well well here we are again. This time, sadly at the end of our trip. We had the absolute best time in Croatia with this group, and wish it would last forever!!!!! Now to recap our last few days in this wonderful country.
After our fantabulous time in the Velebit Mountains we settled into our hotel (ooo la la) before heading out to dinner. We enjoyed pizza by the sea and ended with ice cream! While we were eating ice cream, Mary Windham saw a Photo Booth and gathered the girls to get silly photos with wigs and glasses! After enjoying our ice cream, we wandered back to our hotel for Moonup! We watched the sun go down and got a good night’s rest in some comfy beds before rock climbing tomorrow!
The next morning we woke up to a breakfast buffet! We got fueled up for a warm day in Paklenica National Park! Wooohooo! We arrived and got suited up for rock climbing. Henry B. was the first to jump up and conquer the rocks! Everyone conquered their fear of heights, Lilla even mentioned how proud she was of herself, and Peyton how he conquered his fear of heights! We finished up with hungry bellies and headed to our favorite lunch yet. Meat platter!!!!!! Whoop whoop! We devoured the traditional Croatian meat dish with pork, chicken, sausage, and French fries! James said it was his favorite dish yet! We hopped in the van and headed to our campsite for the night. We arrived and immediately set up all our hammocks and threw on our swimsuits. True was the first to jump into the cold ocean, and everybody followed! We swam around for a little before heading up to dinner! This was a special dinner, not only did we get more meat and fish plates, we had incredible entertainment. The music was so good that we even jumped up on the tables and danced! Malon couldn’t help but show off his best dance moves! It was one of our favorite memories so far! After dinner, we had Moonup with a beautiful sunset in the back. Gillian said it was one of the best sunsets she had ever seen. To end Moonup, James and Anna Kate had the grand idea of playing a game called “Mr. President”. Bowen and I were put to the test by guessing all the kids voices! Kayden tricked both of us by making her voice unrecognizable! It was a great end to the night before we tucked into our hammocks and tents for bed!
The next day we awoke for ziplining woooohoo! We arrived in Omiš and admired the amazing mountainous view all around us. We climbed to the top and showed off our Zipling skills before heading to the real deal. William was the first to hop up and head down the Zipline! We did 8 different lines, one even being 600 meters long! Wow! We enjoyed our day in Omiš before heading to Makarska for the night! We arrived and immediately got ice cream! We enjoyed assorted sorbets before throwing on our swimsuits and heading to the beach! Henry R. was quick to jump into the water and conquer the floats in the water, everyone joined him! We swam around and relished the beautiful beach before quickly showering before dinner! We enjoyed more meat platter before getting ice cream again! Phew! (We are obsessed). We finished the day with Moonup on a balcony and a game of ninja!
On our last day we headed to town! We threw on our best workout clothes and arrived in Dubrovnik. We walked around and explored the city before our banquet dinner! Georgia couldn’t stop laughing and keeping spirits high! We soaked up our last dinner together and ate spaghetti, pizza, burgers, chicken, and soda! Definitely a celebration. We went back to our hostel and had a special Moonup full of laughs and some tears. We ended the night late before our wake up for the airport the next day.
Unfortunately our trip is over….we wish we could keep this group forever. These kids are so full of life, kind-hearted, and inspiring. Watching this group grow together and create unforgettable memories has been one of the best experiences! Thank you for sharing your wonderful kids with us on such a special trip.
Love ya BYE!!!
Coolness In Croatia!
July 2, 2025
Previously on Croatia…
We have been to the sea on Rab Island to the summits of the Northern Velebit mountains. This trip is breezing by! Everyone has really settled into the trip, it is sad we have such little time left. Exploring Croatia together has been a blast! We had an adventurous kayaking expedition around the island. We started our day with a luxurious buffet, before heading out on the water. We hopped in our kayaks and Henry R. sped ahead with his insane paddle skills! We enjoyed the amazing view all around us as we paddled in the Adriatic Sea. We eventually got to an island where we got out and swam around! We hung out in the water for a little before hopping back in our kayaks and heading back to Rab! By this time, our stomachs were growling so we went to a nearby restaurant for lunch, where got various cheeseburgers! After we ate our lunch, Anna Kate had the grand idea of getting ice cream! We devoured our ice cream and of course, headed to the beach! We swam around until the sun started to set. We went BACK to the buffet for dinner…on the way back, Kayden bought the group a volleyball! We played volleyball until it was time for Moonup! The next day we woke up for BOAT DAY! We geared up in snorkel gear and set sail! Malon could not contain his excitement for snorkeling! We went around to different coves on Rab! James even found a bright red starfish to show everyone! We even got to (safely) jump off the top of the boat! We enjoyed the beautiful weather and listened to music as we cruised around the island. We even stopped at an island called “Santa Island”! There were reindeer everywhere! Lilla fed the reindeer bread and everyone followed! We got back on the boat and ate lunch before going back to Rab! Once we got back to the island, we had to get ice cream! Of course, we finished our day at the beach before packing for trekking. We finished our day with volleyball, a sunset, and Moonup! WOOOHOOO!
First day of trekking!!!! We woke up and laced up our hiking boots for the day! We hit up the bakery before hopping on the ferry to the main land! Once we made it we drove to the trail head! True hyped up the group by playing the best songs! Once we arrived, we sorted the food out and headed up the mountain! We arrived at our mountain hut for the next two days and the group was so excited! It was a perfect little house situated in the Velebit Mountains! For the rest of the day we had free time! William had the grand idea of heading up the mountain/hill in front of us! The group headed up and enjoyed the view before cooking dinner! We enjoyed Mac and cheese and fruit for dinner, which everybody loved! Before moonup, Henry B. had the wonderful idea of climbing back up the mountain for sunset! We all sat and enjoyed the view before heading down for Moonup and much needed sleep!
The next day we awoke with PANCAKES for our second day of trekking! We hiked 9.5 miles through the Velebit Mountains and enjoyed the limestone rocks around every corner. Peyton and Georgia kept the groups moral high by sharing many riddles! We ate our sandwiches at the end of the trail and played many games of “shake and pop” before heading back! Once we got back we hung out and relaxed before dinner! The sun started to set, and we sat outside and enjoyed every minute before Moonup! On the last day of trekking, we climbed the tallest mountain in the Velebit range! Gillian kept the trail talk going, and kept the group encouraged! We finally made it to the top and celebrated with a whole bunch of candy!!!! We ran down the mountain and packed up quickly! Mary Windham kept the group hype by singing a bunch of sing-alongs on the way down!We enjoyed lunch and said goodbye to our perfect hut! We celebrated our accomplishments once we got back to the van and headed out! We cannot believe that our time is flying by so fast. This group is extremely special, hilarious and so kind. We wish we could stop time and live in Croatia forever! talk to yall soon ish! Love ya bye!
Fun in the Sun!
June 28, 2025
Bok from Croatia!
Wow!!! We have had quite the adventure since you last heard from us! We have already made so many memories to last a lifetime. After a loooooonnng day of travel to Zagreb, we settled into our cabins and played just about 100 games of mafia! Malon was very excited about being the milk man, and Henry R. was sooooo close to winning! We worked up an appetite and headed to a dinner of wings, fries, and fruit! We had our first Moonup before heading to bed for a big day tomorrow!
The next morning, we woke up to jingles and jangles from Bowen and me! We ate a scrumptious breakfast of sandwiches and cereal. After packing TWO water bottles, we were off to see the Great Lakes of Croatia! Anna Kate lost count of the waterfalls at 1 billion! The water was so blue it looked like Gatorade. We were hoping we would “accidentally” fall in. We even hopped on a boat that took us across one of the lakes! After our wonderful day at Plitvice National Park, we headed back to Lana’s house (our cabins). Before we got home, we had to stop for snacks! We got back in the van, and Mary Windham made sure to share all her snacks! We got home and played multiple games of two truths and one lie, and it was hilarious to hear everybody’s stories! Intermittently, some of the boys attempted the slack line! Peyton was persistent and even walked on the slack line by himself! We heard the dinner bell ring and scurried off to the dining tables for a dinner of grilled chicken burgers and fries! After dinner, we hung out while the sun set. Gillian even taught me (Catherine) how to play the guitar! We ended the night with Moonup and were very excited for a big day!
We JUMPED out of bed (literally). We had to surprise the kids with kayaking down a river… not just any river…a river full of waterfalls! And not just any kayak…but an inflatable kayak! Georgia was a rockstar and flew down every waterfall. We finished up on the river and couldn’t stop laughing about our group sock tans. We quickly changed and ate our packed lunch before heading back to Lana’s house! We enjoyed a large dish of pasta, which filled everybody’s bellies. After dinner, we played a calm game of splashing our water on each other, but with 15-year-olds, one thing led to another, and it turned into a full-on water war. James threw the last Nalgene before it was ultimately complete. We also played the guitar, and William even showed off his secret talents. We played until the sun went down, and it was time for Moonup. True and Henry B. were the LODs (leaders of the day), and they led us in an incredible Moonup! We headed right to bed before an exciting day at the beach!
We ate a quick breakfast before hopping in our van and heading down a windy road to the ferry! We all got slushees before the ferry arrived, and everybody’s tongue was dyed red or blue! We got on the ferry and headed to Rab Island! We spent the rest of the day on the beach and even swam to a nearby island! Kayden even caught a paddleboard ride to the island! We arrived and explored the island! We spend our time on the shore collecting the rocks and swimming around before slowly heading back to the main island! We had a dinner of everything! (A buffet) and made sure to try everything. After dinner, we discovered our favorite place so far. The ice cream store. We all got various ice creams and made sure to share! After dinner, we played many rounds of volleyball! Lilla was even diving in the sand to save the ball from hitting the ground! We ended our day with Moonup on the beach and a wonderful night’s sleep in our tents.
We are having the best time with the group. They are so funny, charismatic, and incredible young men and women.
We will update you soon-ish! See ya on the flip side,
Catherine and Bowen
Here are some shoutouts!
Henry R- Thanks Mom and Dad for sending me on this trip can’t wait to see yall soon.
Gillian – Love and miss yall soon much. See yall soon. Tell the dogs I love them. I hope yall are having the best time in Paris 🔥🔥
James- Hey guys I miss you so much I’m having a great time! I miss you and love you
Anna Kate- Hey mom and dad!! 👋 I love and miss yall so much. I’m having a blast! Also- hi Stella and charlotte!!!!! I miss yall and I’m sure yall are doing awesome at soccer nationals. ⚽️ I can’t wait to see yall! 😚FYI my leaders are sooooooooooo amazing ❣️❣️
Malon- hi mom and dad I’m having a lot of fun! Thank you for sending me
Georgia- hi guys!!!! I am having the BEST time in Croatia! My group is amazing and we are having lots of fun. I love and miss you guys see you in a week! There are lots of FF’s here.
Henry B- Hi family, I am super excited for Sea Island in a few weeks. I cannot wait to see all of you. I hope Pickles and Andy are doing well! Tell Margaret that I miss Andy too. Please send a pic of Andy to her and a pic of pickles to Ace. I’m having so much fun! I wonder how many golf balls dad and pickles have found! Love you Mom
True- hi I hope home is fun! I am in Croatia and it’s super cool! I really like Catherine and Bowen and my group. See yall later love yall👋😚🥰😎😮💨
Mary Windham- Dear mom and dad I’m having a lot of fun I love my leaders and the group! We are going trekking tomorrow and I’m super excited. You mispronounced trekking so now I say it wrong and it’s a joke. Can’t wait to see yall I miss biggie a lot love yall lots.
William – Mom and dad I miss yall so much I’m having the best time of my life over here! I can’t wait to see yall in Dubrovnik soon!
Peyton- thank you mom and dad for sending me on this trip. Croatia is really pretty
Kayden- Mom and dad I miss yall a lot and hope yall are having a great time as well. Croatia has been so fun and I love all the time I have had with everyone. If possible can you please change my flight so I don’t have to fly with you guys back and I can fly with everyone to Atlanta and not back to Charlotte. Thanks again for sending me here
Lilla- hey yall Croatia is one of the coolest places I have ever been I am so glad I went on this trip. Thanks for sending me on this trip I can’t wait to tell yall all about it!
Hello from Zagreb!
June 22, 2025
Hello Croatia Families!
We heard from our leaders that the group has landed safely in Zagreb and is enjoying well-deserved rest after travel! 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
