Beaming Sunshine and Glowing Smiles
June 16, 2025
Once upon a time under the sea, there were 12 guppies (the EGP 1C gals), 2 sea lions (Ali and Elise), and 1 hammer head shark (our guide Fabo) exploring the Galápagos Islands.
After the local Pelicans picked up the guppies and took them on a journey through the skies from Quito to the Galapagos, the guppies boarded the water taxi to their first island: Santa Cruz.
During the first day on the island, the guppies ventured to the dry land to see the famous Giant Tortoises. Emily, speaking the language of the seas (Spanish), seamlessly translated for the group as they explored the Ranch and spotted over 20 Giant Tortoises in the wild. Emily continues to be the bridge of culture for the group, translating and helping the group navigate the seas.
Disoriented by the changing tides (aka the 1 hour time change) the guppies took an EARLY morning stroll through the town and watched the sun rise. With sea lions sprawled out along the marina piers and fishermen leaving for their daily catch, the group waited for their ferry to the new island. Caroline, one of the leaders of the day, exuded positivity and leadership in the early morning light by guiding the group through Morning Huddle with a quote and information about the day.
After docking at Isabela Island, the guppies explored the open seas with their snorkeling gear. Eleanor and Chloe played with the local Sea Lion siblings in the water. Their adventurous spirits came out as they swam close to the playful creatures without fear – both of them always ready to tackle the next activity with confidence.
When leaving the snorkeling area, the pod of guppies maneuvered around a large water iguana that stopped them in their tracks.
The leader of the day, Ruby, navigated the open seas (Santa Cruz) to find a feeding ground for the crew (a yummy restaurant Limon Cafe!). Ruby continues to lead by example with a confident, kind, and empathetic demeanor.
The next morning the group of guppies explored dry land to hike to the top of the Sierra Negra volcano. They peered over the edge of the expansive crater with wow and awe! Dylan, a natural leader, remained at the front of the group helping to navigate the foreign terrain and keep spirits high through the heat.
After the hike, the guppies went back to their roots and played in the waves by their oceanfront hotel. Addi was a true water bug, diving under and over the waves. Her adventurous spirit is a staple for the crew. She opts for the local cuisines at meals and is always up for the extra walk to explore the new areas.
After a relaxing afternoon the Moondance guppies battled the local school of fish (Local Galapoganians) in a duel of basketball and soccer. Bailey was a consistent cheerleader for the teams, capturing photos with a smile on her face. Despite not being able to play due to her knees, she exemplified a team-player attitude by remaining positive and supportive from the sidelines
Haley put away her Pom Poms and showed her skills on the court during our competitive basketball game. While she may be used to cheering from the sidelines, Haley gave it her all in the game. Her selfless nature carried over to the court as she consistently passed the ball to her teammates for them to score.
On the pitch (soccer field) Kenzi’s competitive nature shone through. With a near-goal, Kenzi befriended the local youth soccer players easily. Kenzi is a friend to all, breaking down the language barriers with her humor and kindness. Even 6-year old Eugene, who is sure to go pro, would not leave the field without a hug from her.
The next morning the guppies grabbed their boards and took the seas to shred some gnar (surf). Aubrey, a surf instructor herself, took the waves with ease. Even the local surf instructors took notice! She cheered on her friends and organized party-waves (one wave with multiple guppies riding it from their boards).
After surfing, the guppies once again hopped islands back to their base, Santa Cruz. Merris, the leader of the day, helped the group find the perfect spot for nourishment after the long journey (dinner). She led the group past the foreign cuisines like “Burgers”, “Gyros”, and “Sushi” until the guppies found their calling: Pizza. Her conversations and stories kept the group entertained and laughing the whole time.
With only a few days left on the trip the guppies continue to explore the islands, take in the beaming sunshine, and enjoy each other’s company. Their scale lines (tan lines) may fade, but the memories are sure to last forever.
With love from your sea lion-leaders,
Ali and Elise
Thank You Letters:
Chloe- Hi mom and dad! Thank you so much for sending me on Moondance. I have done so many cool things and am so grateful I am here. -Chloe
Dylan- Hi Mama! Hi Dad! I want to say thank you so much for letting me come on Moondance. I have learned so many life lessons while here and hope I can bring them outside of camp. See yall soon! I love yall!!❤️- Dylan
Eleanor- Hi mama and dad!! I am so extremely grateful for yall letting me go on this amazing trip. Moondance has taught me so many valuable lessons just in these two weeks. I can’t wait to come home and tell yall all about them!! I love yall 💕 -Eleanor
Emily- Mom and Dad, Thank you so much for the opportunity to go on Moondance! Throughout my trip, I’ve been so grateful for each experience. The activities we’ve been able to do here are once in a lifetime things. I can’t wait to tell you everything about my trip soon! I love you! ❤️Emily
Aubrey- Hi mom and dad! I’m so grateful to be able to go on this Moondance trip! It has taught we so many things and it made me create so many more connections with new people around the world. It has pushed me outside my comfort zones and has taught me to live in the moment, and be comfortable in the uncomfortable. I can’t wait to see y’all and tell y’all everything about it! Love you!!❤️ Aubrey
Merris- Hi mom and dad! I’m so grateful that I was able to go on this trip! I have learned so many new things and made so many new friends. It has definitely allowed me to do activities I wouldn’t normally do but I’m so happy I did! I can’t wait to see y’all and give yall hugs!! Miss you and love you!!! ❤️❤️Merris
Haley- Hey mom and dad!!! Thank you so so much for allowing me to go on this trip to travel and see more of the world! I can’t wait to share all the new memories I have and knowledge I’ve gained. Hope you had the best Father’s Day dad!! I love you both always and tell Payne I said hi! ❤️❤️ Haley
Bailey- Hi mom and dad! I am having so so so much fun here. This trip has been amazing. It is so beautiful here. I am so so thankful that you sent me here, and that I have had the opportunity to do this. I am very grateful for both of you and all that you do for me. Again, thank you so much!!! I love you💗-Bailey
Kenzi- Hi mommy and daddy. thanks so much for this amazing opportunity that I got to experience! It’s been so fun and so extraordinary. I love both of you extremely and I hope yall are doing ok. I’ll see you soon. LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCHO!!!💗💗💗-Kenzi (KK bear)
Caroline- Hi mom and dad! Thank you sooooo much for sending me on Moondance I’m having the most fun ever. Our group is so amazing and so are our leaders. We’ve done so many crazy things that I never would’ve done too. I love yall so so much and see you soon!!❤️-Caroline
Ruby- Hi Mom and Dad! Thank you so much for this opportunity it has been amazing! I’ve done so many new things and learned so much! Love you guys! -Ruby
Addi- Hi Mommy! Thank you so much for letting me go in this trip. It has honestly been so helpful for me to realize that I can do anything i put my mind to. This has been an amazing opportunity and I thank you for letting me have that. I’ve learned so much while having so much fun! I Love you!! – Addi
Ali- Hi mom and dad! Thank you for always supporting me (even through my crazy spontaneity) Love you lots! Ali
Embracing Life In Ecuador
June 12, 2025
Time really does fly when you’re having fun! These past few days have been filled with adventure and so much laughter. This group has the best energy, and they are truly hilarious. We’ve explored Quito, ridden horses near Cotopaxi, and embraced the lively charm of Baños!
On our first full day, after settling into Quito, we journeyed to Cotopaxi for an incredible horseback ride. Chloe, with her adventurous spirit, was the first to mount her horse and confidently led the way for the entire duration of the ride! The group (full of tenacious spirit) even asked the guides if it was possible to take the horses into a canter. Addi maneuvered her horse, Lucky, with ease as the group galloped through the rolling hills.
It was an amazing experience riding through the foothills with a volcano close by. Everyone was great about hydrating well at the altitude.
The next day in Baños was packed with excitement. We started with a scenic chiva (open air bus) ride to the magnificent waterfalls and soared over Bridal Veil Falls on the cable car. Despite the tropical rain, Ruby led the charge of the Pailón del Diablo waterfall hike, leading with a positive attitude and embracing the beauty of nature around us.
After the waterfalls, Bailey befriended a furry feline friend (a cat) in the local market as the group perused local artisan jewelry and crafts nearby the trails.
The evening in Baños was a highlight with salsa lessons! Our fearless leader, Elise, was crowned Queen of Salsa by the instructors along with our very own Chloe. Eleanor, with her welcoming personality, was right there, loving every beat. She’s also been busy capturing all these fun moments and new friendships on her GoPro, and even took the initiative to try new local food, adamantly ordering a “Gringa” on her first night!
The next morning we hit the ground running by visiting the adventure park! Emily exemplified a team-player attitude as she cheered on the group on the Zipline, hanging bridge, and climbing wall. She also has been the group’s go-to DJ providing a musical backdrop to match every adventure.
After conquering a tough climbing section, Merris avidly supported our sweet leader Ali through her new fear of heights as they zip lined across the roaring river hand in hand! She confidently made her way through the adventure park, leaving with memories that are sure to last.
The group left tropical Baños with full hearts (and soggy socks!). We then drove back to Quito for more adventures. During the bus ride, Dylan kept the group entertained with her bright personality and knack for making everyone feel welcome. She tried local foods with excitement during our lunch stop at a local food hall with varieties of pork and corn. Kenzi (our constant source of laughter) entertained the crew at lunch and during the ride with her engaging stories of life in the big ATL.
Once back in Quito, the group sauntered over to the local soccer field. Fueled by Tate McRae and local Ecuadorean candy the girls flexed their competitive edges for a thrilling dance off. Caroline showed gymnastic and cheer skills with cartwheels and kicks and Haley brought out her dance-team skills to lead Team 2 to a photo-finish victory. Both girls exemplified leadership and sportsmanship in the heated competition.
We finished the day with a comforting spaghetti and bolognese made fresh by the hostel owners. Bella, the hostel owners’ dog, became a group favorite.
The next morning the group leaned into relaxation and visited the natural hot springs. Dipping between 5+ different temperature pools, the girls settled into their favorite and played the game Mafia. Aubrey, with her sly poker-face, was picked as Detective multiple times and caught the Mafia (our fearless leader Elise) with ease on her first try.
The day ended with a local restaurant visit and a run-in with the friendly faces of the other EGP Moondance group!
All silly stories aside, this group of girls is truly amazing. Each one of them is selfless, kind, and enthusiastic. As leaders, we could not have asked for a better first group to kick off our time in Ecuador.
We are so excited to hop on over to the islands and ~dive into sunny Galapagos tomorrow!
SHOUTOUTS:
Emily – Hey Mom + Dad! I hope y’all are having fun in Alaska. I am having a blast on my trip + I love my group! Right now we are on the plane, about to fly to Galapagos. Can’t wait to be in touch soon and tell y’all about my trip. Love y’all so much! <3 Emily
Bailey – Hi mom and dad! I hope everything is going well in Nashville. I am having so much fun here, and everyone is really nice. Our leaders are amazing, I love them so much. We are currently on the plane to Galapagos! I am really excited. I’m looking forward to seeing the sea lions and tortoises. Say hi to Wuinn for me. I miss you and love you! Sending hugs <3 love, Bailey
Kenzi – Hi Mommy + Daddy! I’m having so much fun here and I’m about to leave for Galapagos. I hope I get super tan. I hope you don’t feel too bad Momma + Dad I hope you’re having fun with whatever you’re up to. Miss U!
Addi – Hello Mom! I hope everything is amazing at home and you’re not worrying about me too much because I’m doing amazing! I’ve had so much fun so far and I’m loving it. I miss you, gigi, poppy, dita, Andie, Bryce, and Cas sooo much and please tell them all I’m having so much fun but I’m missing and love them so much. I can’t wait to tell you all about it when I come home. I love you so much mom!!! <3 e
Merris – Hi Mom + Dad! I’m having so much fun in Ecuador and I love my group. We are heading to the Galapagos and I’m so excited! I have a lot of pictures and vlogs for y’all to see when I’m home. Hope y’all are having fun in CHS, see y’all soon! Love Merris + Happy Father’s Day Dad <3
Aubrey – Hey Mom and Dad!! I’m having so much fun and my group is so fun! Ecuador was really fun and now we’re on a flight to Galapagos. Happy Father’s Day Dad.! Don’t miss me too Much <3 Love y’all and see y’all soon. Please order the clothes for Ross lunch + young life! Love you!! xoxo Aubrey
Caroline- Hey mom + dad! I’m having so so much fun!! We actually have seen so many cool things and have so many good pics! Our group is so fun and all the girls are so nice. We’re otw to GPS now so I hope I can get some sun! Have fun on y’all’s trips and happy fathers day Dad sorry I’m not there! Love yall!!!
Haley – Hey mom and dad!! I’m having a blast! Can’t wait to see you all and Payne next week. Love you so much <3 I can’t wait to fill you in on all the things I’ve been up to! Thank you for letting me go <3
Chloe – Hey mom + Dad, I’m having so much fun! Love yall <3
Eleanor – Hi Mom + Dad!! I miss you all so much thanks for letting me go on this amazing trip. I have had the time of my life. Tell Grayson I miss him <3 Also hi to all my friends! I miss y’all!
Dylan – Hi Mama! Hi Daddy! I miss y’all so incredibly much! We’re having a lot of fun here! I can’t wait to see y’all! Tell Danny I miss him like crazy & tell Bella and Arya I miss them! I owe y’all. See you soon! P.S. Happy early Father’s Day!
Ruby – Hi Mom + Dad! I’ve been having loads of fun in Ecuador thank you for letting me go on this trip. Tell Sawyer and any of my friends hi! Love you lots!
Ali – Hi Mom and Grandma (and maybe Dad!!) Sending you a leader shoutout because I, too, am unplugged 🙂 Absolutely loving my time here and all of the girls – they are awesome! Miss you all so much and please give Mars a hug and a walk for me.
The Journey Begins!
June 7, 2025
Hello Ecuador + the Galapagos Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely in Ecuador! The group is so excited to start their adventure together!
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
