BEST. TRIP.
July 1, 2025
Hi, one last time from Venice! Today we said our goodbyes after the best two weeks with this fantastic first group. We’ve wrapped up the trip with the most incredible 2 days in Croatia and a day exploring Ljubljana. After trekking, rock climbing, canyoneering, and rafting, Croatia was our vacation. The coastal country drew in the European beach goers with the crystal clear water, rocky cliffs, and endless water activities. While we posed as local travelers trying to get to the beach, we had to take advantage of our drive through the vineyard region of Slovenia, where we stopped to cook a delicious four-course meal.
Everyone put their aprons on and got to work, peeling potatoes and peaches, chopping zucchini, rolling out handmade pasta, and searing turkey breast for the table. Ren, Nash, and Oscar in particular showed off their cooking skills with multiple meals this week – the sit-down lunch, making crepes from scratch, and grilling a variety of meats. Feel free to ask them what buckwheat crepes taste like… Anyways, Pia and Oscar served the table throughout the entirety of the meal, bringing out a vegetable soup, an Iberian pasta, turkey and mashed potatoes, and a peach pie for dessert. Our family-style meal was enjoyed with a beautiful view of the vineyards below, and was the greatest road trip stop we could have asked for.
We continued our drive to Croatia with one sleeping car and one “hype” car, where Trip in particular showed off his impressive music taste. After a few hours, we arrived at our campsite along the Croatian coast where we ate a quick dinner, but were mostly concerned with our sunset swim in the water along the Premantura Peninsula. Even in the evening, it’s always warm enough for a swim. Phoebe, Ren, Pia, Nash, Oscar and Trip swam out to buoys to float in the salty sea. This campsite is a hub for European families in the summer, where some of the Slovenian children we met swimming said they’ve been coming back to for seven years. Some nights, these families gather to sing along to countless classics, with an energetic guitarist leading the pack. We were lucky enough to join in with the group for a Croatian rendition of “Country Roads,” as they welcomed us into their party. After, we headed to bed to get ready for our packed day to come, and continued to listen to the not so faint hum of music into the wee hours of the night.
We woke up to a beautiful sunny day that was calling us to the beach immediately after breakfast. We drove to a swimming spot for the morning where we soaked up the sun, swam in the refreshing water, and enjoyed each other’s company for the last little bit of our trip. It’s been apparent from the beginning that this group is uniquely close. The kids found a perfect spot where Margaret, Francis, Olive, Madeline, and Emily warmed by the sun and Andrew, Trip, and Oscar could jump in the water time and time again. After the relaxing beach morning, we enjoyed a tasty lunch and cappuccinos before kayaking in the Adriatic Sea.
For our kayaking adventure, we hopped in two-person boats and made our way to some stunning cliffs and caves. Madeline and I were making swift progress ahead when we ran into Andrew and Oscar who made it their mission to not let us get too far ahead of the pack. With a few revenge splashes, we cut loose from the boys and continued to our destination. We swam through the cool, blue waters of hidden Croatian sea caves, where sunlight filtered through narrow openings and lit up the limestone walls with an otherworldly glow. Our voices echoed in the caves and we swam around, taking in the surreal beauty. Back outside, we scrambled up a rocky cliffside and, with hearts racing, leapt into the crystal-clear Adriatic below-plunging into the water with a rush of adrenaline. We returned to our kayaks and raced back to the mainland where we got ready for dinner and an evening in the town of Pula. We could not have asked for a better way to begin the end of our Moondance trip.
We are SO sad to see your kids go. They are kind, genuine, funny, adventurous, respectful and compassionate. Every single one of them has a bright future ahead, and we can’t wait to see what that means for each individual. We couldn’t have asked for a better group of people who were down to have all the fun, but who also understood the special sauce it takes to make a Moondance trip unforgettable. We love them and we thank you for trusting us to be their leaders for this experience. Have the best rest of your summers!
Love,
Winborne Broughton and Brennan Humberston
Some Stories From Slovenia
June 27, 2025
Hi from Slovenia!
We’ve just wrapped up our hut to hut trek through Triglav National Park, and what an incredible few days it has been. The group has really stepped up to every challenge thrown their way, and it’s been amazing to watch them grow more connected and confident with each step.
Our first day of trekking was the most physically demanding. It was about five and a half miles with quite a bit of vertical gain, but the kids kept a steady pace and stayed positive the entire way. Early into the hike, we walked through a wide open pasture filled with dairy cows. The soft ringing of their bells echoed through the air as we passed by. Trip quickly befriended one of the cows and gave it some well deserved pets, and Phoebe joined in as well. After moving through the pasture, we climbed a steep rocky slope that eventually led to a tricky down climb.
With Luka and Miha guiding us, we made our way down the rocky section and eventually arrived at our first mountain hut. All 14 of us squeezed into a cozy cabin style room with stacked bunk beds. That night, we took a group vote on whether to play Olive’s white noise machine. The group said yes, and Olive was very happy with the outcome. After a good night’s rest, we woke up and had breakfast at the hut before heading out for a short two mile hike to a nearby alpine lake. We returned for lunch and enjoyed more traditional Slovenian meals like goulash, sauerkraut soup, sausage, and buttered noodles. Margaret was especially happy with the noodles.
The second leg of the trek brought us to our next hut, which offered a stunning view of the valley below. It overlooked the town of Bohinj where we had stayed earlier in the trip. The group moved quickly and smoothly through the trail. Emily started getting some blisters but made no fuss about it, which was impressive. To be honest, I would have guessed she would be the first to complain, but those years of ballet have clearly made her tough. As soon as we arrived, Andrew set up his hammock. At this point we are starting to think he might be addicted to the thing. That evening, we ate more traditional food, had a great Moonup in a scenic spot, and got some well earned sleep.
The next morning we hiked toward our third and final hut. We made our way steadily uphill until we reached a saddle between two peaks. From the top we had a beautiful view and could spot the bunkers built by the Italians during World War II. On the way down, Phoebe and I talked about her cross country training. She is an incredible runner and has been a great motivator during the trek. We took a path that led us directly to the old bunkers we had seen earlier. With our headlamps on, we walked through the narrow tunnels while Luka gave us some of the history. We paused afterward for a water break, and Nash showed off his soccer skills using a water ball Trip had brought along.
Soon after, we arrived at our third hut where we immediately saw the other group, SLO 1B. The kids were excited to reconnect and catch up a bit. As one big group, we walked down to a nearby dairy creamery where we tried fresh cheese and learned about the production process. After that, we hung out and got some well deserved rest before the final day of our trek.
The next morning we ate breakfast and began the descent back to our van. The hike included lots of steep switchbacks, and everyone was relieved when we finally reached the bottom and got to take off our backpacks for good. We drove straight to a café for traditional Slovenian dessert, which was a big hit with the group. From there, we made our way to our new campsite, which has been an awesome setup for us. It has a unique system where everyone is responsible for washing and returning the dishes and kitchenware they use. It’s been a great opportunity for the group to take ownership and help out as a team.
Oscar was especially excited to discover a basketball court at the campsite. He has been talking about wanting to play since day one, so seeing that court was a dream come true. The day after our trek we went canyoneering, and it was definitely a highlight for many. We slid down waterfalls, leapt into clear pools, and repelled down a thirty foot drop through a flowing waterfall. Everyone got outside their comfort zones and faced each challenge with enthusiasm. It was so impressive to see the kids take literal leaps of faith into the cold water below, even if they were a little nervous at first. After that, we visited a cliff jumping spot on a beautiful Slovenian river. The water was absolutely freezing, but that didn’t stop anyone from diving in.
We returned to the campsite and kicked off a team barbecue. Ren was the head chef, proudly wearing an apron and manning the grill like a pro. That was just yesterday. This morning, we went white water rafting with two awesome guides who gave us great paddling instructions before we hit the rapids. We stopped midway at a cliff jumping spot. Madeline was hesitant to make the climb, but after thinking it over she went for it. She was a little shaky on the way up, but was really proud of herself afterwards.
Back at camp, we spent the afternoon doing watercolor portraits of each other. Francis painted Margaret, and the painting got some laughs when everyone noticed she had forgotten to give Margaret arms. Luckily, she added them later and turned it into a beautiful portrait, with a few funny quirks of course.
As I’m writing this, lightning is flashing off in the distance. We’re expecting a storm tonight, but we’ll be tucked into our tents and ready to take on whatever comes. Tomorrow morning we are off to Croatia, where we’re promised sunshine and more unforgettable adventures ahead.
Thank you again for sharing your amazing kids with us. I am beginning to get sad that we only have three full days left together.
Warmly,
Brennan + Winborne
Emily: Thank you so much for sending me on this awesome trip! I have had so much fun and made so many memories that I will never forget:) I’m so excited to see you guys soon to tell you all about it and how perfectly our group worked out!
Oscar- Thanks for sending me on this trip, I made so many new friends and overcame challenges I didn’t even know I had.
Trip- You guys are the best, thank you for sending me here, I love you guys!
Nash- Thank yall. Having the best time. Love yall. See you soon..
Margaret- Thank you so much for sending me on this trip it has been so much fun and I am excited to tell yall all about it!!!
Francis- Thanks for sending me on this trip! I am having so much fun. see you guys soon! Love yall.
Ren- This has been so awesome! Thank you for always supporting my adventures.
Phoebe- Thank you so much for sending me on this trip!! I am having so much fun!! Can’t wait to tell you guys all about it!!
Andrew- Thank you so much; this trip is awesome and I am having a bunch of fun. I am thankful for the ability to visit a new country
Mads- Hi Mom and Dad, I am having the best time ever! This has been the best trip of my life and I never want to come home. I love y’all so much and I can’t wait to see you guys, hometeam, and even Roxy.
Pia- Hi mom and dad! I could not be having more fun with this amazing group and experiencing something so great. Slovenia is gorgeous and I am so thankful you sent me on this trip. I love y’all!!
Olive- Hi!!! I have had so much fun on this trip and have grown so much. I’ve met a great group of people and the counselors have been beyond supportive. I’ve tried so many new things and am so grateful for this opportunity. I will miss everyone so much but also look forward to seeing you. Love you!
Laughter, Lake Days, and Lifelong Memories
June 20, 2025
Dear Slovenia 1A Parents,
Hi from Lake Bohinj, Slovenia! What an amazing time we have had with your kids so far. The past three days have been full of lake day activities, beautiful scenery, delicious meals, and lots of laughter from this incredible group. While we are still at the beginning of our trip, it doesn’t feel that way in the slightest. From day one in the Venice airport, to our drive to Slovenia, everyone had a surprising amount of energy, despite the jet lag. Each personality began to blossom, and has only continued throughout our time so far.
Our first day of activities began with a fantastic breakfast from our hostel dining room, which we got to eat in front of the giant windows looking out over the stunning mountain lake. We fueled for a “warmup” hike, to get a little taste before our four day trekking trip. This morning hike definitely got the kids warm… we hiked up a steep ski slope that took us to the most incredible view of the Julian and Austrian Alps. Andrew, Trip, and Ren lead the group in a speedy summit to the top. Emily put her camera to use, taking in the view and ensuring everyone had a postcard worthy shot in front of the scenery. Next, our wonderful guides, Miha and Luka, gave us a brief history lesson on the 400+ Italian bunkers from the world wars that are built along the Alps, when we stopped to explore one of the bunkers. We continued the journey to the top of the mountain where Margaret, Francis, and others basked in the warm sun, sprawling out on the soft grass and giving those tired legs a break. As we descended the mountain, the stunning view remained in site, which we caught quick glances in between focused steps downward.
For lunch we stopped at a restaurant hut below the slopes, where we enjoyed some classic Slovenian cuisine, or the Slovenian version of chicken tenders for those of us who are happy eating what we know. Our most adventurous eater, Phoebe, enjoyed the beef bulgogi, and loved it, so we are all now taking notes from her! After lunch, we traveled to Lake Bled, the picturesque lake that contains the only island in Slovenia. We hopped in wooden row boats and paddled to the island where we enjoyed our first ice cream stop and climbed the steps to the famous Roman Catholic Church. Rumor has it, a groom must carry his bride up the 99 steps without a complaint from her, or else the marriage will be doomed. We climbed the 99 steps, but it’s safe to say no one was carrying each other. Especially not after the great warmup hike! After exploring the island, everyone was dying to jump in the crystal clear water, so we swam and hung out by the boat docks for rest of the afternoon. Olive, Madeline, and Pia clearly know how to make the most out of a lake day. After swimming around the turquoise water, the girls caught a moment of peace laying in the sun and chatting like old friends. Nash and Ren joined in, bringing their laid back energy to the conversation. Oscar and Emily on the other hand amped up the energy, jumping in the water time and time again, without a smile leaving their faces.
After a full day of activities, we gobbled up a yummy dinner and headed back to the hostel. And don’t worry, there was no limit of fun to be had. Oscar, Andrew, and Trip have discovered a rope swing that doesn’t fail to bring them an enormous amount of entertainment each evening when we return to the hostel. The boys rotated in energetic fashion, jumping into the water again and again. Shortly thereafter, Trip and Olive prepared their first Moonup to guide the group through, as Leaders of the Day. After a fantastically full day, we closed with funny, but engaging talk at Moonup where we continue to get to know each other more and more.
Thank you for sending your kids on this incredible adventure with us! Today we continued our journey with some rock climbing that challenged us in the best way, and a little afternoon standup paddle boarding. Tomorrow we begin our hut-to-hut trekking, and cannot wait to bring this group even closer throughout that experience. What a privilege it is to hang out with these amazing kids for a whole two weeks!!
All the best,
Winborne + Brennan
Madeline – Hi mom and dad! I am having the best time and I miss y’all so much. Tell Britton and wells hi. Love you guys and I can’t see y’all and ice again.
Olive – Hi!! Miss you lots but I liked swimming and rowing yesterday. Can’t wait to see you and be home but I’ve met great people and the counselors are so nice.
Phoebe – hey mom and dad!! I’m having so much fun so far!! Love and miss you guys!!
Francis – Hello family! I am having so much fun in Slovenia. Today we went rock climbing and are going paddle boarding later, and tomorrow we start our hiking! Thank you so much for sending me on this trip, I have met so many great people. Love you guys!
Pia – Hi mom and dad!! I’m having the best time and trying so many fun new things. I miss and love you guys!
Emily – Hey guys! I’m so thankful y’all let me come- the entire trip has been perfect so far! Every single thing on this trip has been awesome and I’m so excited to tell y’all all about it! Hope you guys are ready for my birthday:) I love you so much! Tell Henry, Bessie, and honey I love them too!
Andrew – love you all. Thanks for sending me on this trip it’s awesome
Trip -hey guys I love you and I’m having fun!!!
Margaret – hii!! I am having so much fun in Slovenia! Today we went rock climbing and yesterday was so much fun! I’m excited to show y’all pictures! We are trekking tomorrow… but I have made the best friends and our counselors are awesome!! Love y’all!!!
Nash- miss y’all. Having fun.
Oscar – Hi Everyone, i Love Paddleboarding. I’m dying to see you guys. Slovenia is so fun, I miss you guys and I can’t wait to come home and catch up on everything. Tell Grey that I’m so mad I can’t watch game 7. Love you guys.
REN- Hey guys, I’m having so much fun!! Slovenia is a blast and such a beautiful place. I hope y’all are enjoying Pinehurst, and EC I hope you’re having fun at Cheerio. We’ve gone swimming in Lake Bled and gone around the towns surrounding us. I’m ready to start the trek, and I miss American food. Excited to continue the trip, but I’m excited to get back and see everyone! Love y’all!!!
Safe Arrival!
June 18, 2025
Hello Slovenia Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely in Venice! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from 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
