July 10, 2025
Back again with our third and final trip update-we truly can’t believe this session is already over. There’s a MAD 2B-sized hole in our hearts after saying so many hard goodbyes this morning. By now, the kids are somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, and we’re still recovering from puffy eyes and one last round of hugs before sending them on their way.
The past 17 days have been packed with stories, laughter, challenges, and unforgettable moments we know they can’t wait to share with you. But before they walk you through every hilarious memory and inside joke, here’s a look at how we spent our final days together.
SundayWe kicked off the day with a hike at Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of Madeira. The trail winds along massive volcanic cliffs carved by the ocean over millions of years, with streaks of red rock formed by ancient lava and ash creating a dramatic backdrop. We stopped for lunch at a hidden cove tucked along the trail before heading back to explore Funchal.
In the city, we grabbed ice cream and wandered through a hillside park with a great view of the harbor. The group found a playground where they played a game called “Ground,” which kept them entertained until we all found a shady spot to relax, play cards, and listen to music. That night, we went out for a traditional Portuguese dinner-definitely out of some kids’ comfort zones-but everyone gave it a shot and seemed to enjoy it. Afterward, a quick stop at McDonald’s made sure no one went to bed hungry.
MondayWe started Monday at a local café with espresso and pastries before heading into the mountains for our first day of canyoning. After suiting up in wetsuits, boots, helmets, and harnesses, we hiked into the canyon and began a thrilling series of rappels, jumps, and slides. The mountain water was ice cold, but it kept us sharp and laughing the whole time. Everyone caught on quickly and encouraged one another through every obstacle.
After warming up in the sun with our picnic lunch, we headed back to Funchal for ice cream at the Ritz and some free time. The group split up for shopping-flip flops for the boys, bathing suits for the girls-and then we drove up the hillside for one of the most memorable meals of the trip: a traditional cooking class with a local Portuguese family. We made bolo do caco (Madeiran garlic bread), salad, fried maize, and espetada (grilled beef skewers) while music played and the sun set over Funchal. It was a truly special night and easily one of the group’s favorite meals. After dinner we went back to the ice cream place, of course and then headed back to the hostel.
TuesdayDay two of canyoning took us even deeper into Madeira’s mountains in an area known as the island’s plateau. The jumps were higher, the water colder, and the challenges tougher-but the kids were all in. They leapt from cliffs, laughed their way through freezing pools, and capped the day with a surprise zipline into the canyon below. Everyone brought their best one-liners as they zipped into the water, adding plenty of comedy to the adrenaline.
After another picnic lunch, we headed back to Funchal and got to work picking out outfits for banquet the following night. We headed to Zara and half the group emerged with some new Euro-summer fits to sport the next night. We got changed for dinner and all wore our Ronaldo jerseys. We took to the streets of Funchal getting plenty of looks from people walking by. We finished the evening with a heartfelt, extended Moonup by the water, where everyone had the space to reflect and share. It brought us all even closer, and we lingered in the moment as long as we could, ending the night talking on a ledge overlooking the sea.
Wednesday
We returned to Ponta de São Lourenço for one last adventure: rock climbing. The guides set up a range of routes that increased in difficulty, and the group tackled each one with focus and determination. The later climbs were no joke-physically demanding and technically tough-but every single student made it to the top. Some even took on routes our guide said he had never attempted. Their grit and encouragement for one another was amazing to witness.
After a celebratory swim in the crystal-clear water below the cliffs, we headed back to the hotel to clean up and change for banquet. Dressed to the nines (an upgrade from the usual beachwear), the group looked incredible. We walked around the city, then gathered in a park to write letters to one another-something to read on the plane and take home as a memory.
Dinner was a feast-filets, lobster risotto, and everything in between-and the perfect final meal to celebrate the journey we’d shared. After dinner, we had a long, emotional final Moonup filled with gratitude, memories, and quite a few tears. None of us were ready to say goodbye, but we were all deeply thankful for every moment we had together.
Each of these incredible kids brought something uniquely special to our group:
Abby, with her unwavering kindness that never went unnoticed.
Eli, always ready to lend a hand without being asked.
Mary Alice, who constantly challenged herself and inspired others to do the same.
Maggie, whose bright and uplifting spirit lit up every moment.
Hatcher, radiating positivity that lifted everyone around him.
Cooper, steady and reliable-someone we could all count on.
Graham, always keeping us laughing with his perfect timing and humor.
Baylor, whose enormous heart was felt by everyone.
Margaret, bringing warmth and sincerity into every space she entered.
Tyler, who impressed us with his honesty and openness from day one.
Libby, always friendly and quick to make others feel included.
And Will, wise beyond his years and a calm, grounding presence throughout the trip.
We are endlessly grateful for all of the amazing memories we made with this group over the last 17 days. They are truly such a special bunch. Not a minute went by without them keeping us entertained. We know that they created lifelong friendships with each other and with us over the course of the trip. They seized every opportunity and put it all out there. We could not have asked for anything more than what they gave us. They all opened up in ways we never expected and it brought the group so close together. We are forever grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know them and can’t wait to be their biggest cheerleaders as they continue through life after Moondance. Thank you again for sharing them with us.
Signing off,
Hayden and Nelson
June 25, 2025
Hello Madeira Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely on Madeira! 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