Update from BGW 4B!

July 7, 2026

Hello again Moondance families and friends! Kiki and Henry here to report on the next few days of our amazing adventure so far!

We woke up this Independence day feeling patriotic and ready to conquer some mountains, as today was our first day of climbing school in Grand Teton National Park! We enjoyed a speedy breakfast of bagels with cream cheese, fruit, and yogurt before piling in the van to make our way into the park. After Hodges and Eva started a circle to practice our group hacky-sack skills for a few minutes, our guides from Exum helped us get suited up with helmets, harnesses, and ropes for the day ahead. We made our way to the boat ramp where we had a quick scenic boat ride across the lake to the base of the mountains. After a short hike up, our amazing guides helped teach us basic bouldering and climbing skills by the gorgeous rushing waterfall. Reid showed off his pro climbing skills while zipping up the boulders before we all headed to a higher section of the mountain where our guides set up several pitches for us to practice. Eva inspired everyone by immediately conquering the most difficult pitch, and Fisher showed everyone his technique through perfect use of hand and foot-holds. Everyone enjoyed their packed lunches and snacks between climbs before heading down past the falls to the boat ramp where we made our way back across the lake. With a pit stop at camp to grab our festive outfits and bathing suits, we decided to go out and celebrate the holiday after crushing it during climbing! We went to a local lake to swim, toss the football, and play frisbee before an amazing Fourth of July cookout. Everyone swam out to the jumping rock in the middle of the lake despite the brisk water, making for a refreshing pre-dinner dip. Henry was the grill master, whipping up burgers and hot dogs while Leaders of the Day Lizzie and James helped with slicing watermelon and queuing up a patriotic playlist. After dinner, we drove over to Teton Village for their Fourth of July festival. Elizabeth and Eleanor grooved to the bluegrass music while we found a perfect spot to watch the famous firework show. The show was beautiful with the colorful fireworks in front of us and the Tetons behind us, and then we headed back to end the night with a meaningful Moonup led by our LODs reflecting on the challenges we have overcome in our lives.

 

The following morning we woke up to a quick breakfast of cinnamon rolls, muffins, fruit, and yogurt before heading to meet our guides for another day of climbing! We hopped in the van and returned to Teton Village, where we started our second day of climbing school featuring mutli-pitching and rappelling. After getting geared up with our guides, we got to ride the gondola taking us up from the village towards the famous restaurant at the top of the mountain. We made another hike to our climbing location, where we split into groups for an awesome multi-pitch climb and a few rappelling runs. After a long day of climbing, short uphill hike, and ride back down the gondola, the group enjoyed a well deserved afternoon of shopping in the village! Everyone loved browsing the outdoor gear, especially the boys who are still on the hunt for the perfect beanies. We headed back to our campsite where everyone had some downtime, played spikeball, threw the football, and played cards together. The LODs Elizabeth and Eva helped prepare everyone’s favorite dinner yet: build your own Greek bowls with rice, chicken, fresh veggies, hummus, tzatziki and pita! Hodges, Berkeley, and James were very helpful in volunteering to help clean group dishes, and then we all piled back in the van for a special new Moonup location. We found a beautiful spot overlooking the cool blue and yellow sunset over the Tetons, enjoying cold smores with the silhouette of the mountains behind us. Our LODs led an inspiring Moonup where we closed the night talking about our most impactful moments and favorite life lessons.

 

Today we made our long drive from Wyoming to Idaho to transition into our rafting section of the trip. We started the day with an early wake up followed by breakfast on the road. The first part of the drive consisted of morning naps and calming music, and later on sharing favorite gas station snacks, playing mafia, making friendship bracelets, and sing-along karaoke. We made a sur[rise stop at everyone’s favorite for lunch- Chick Fil A! After cranking out the rest of the drive we arrived at our gorgeous campsite on the banks of a lake in a national forest in Idaho. We set up camp quickly so that we could head down and jump off the dock, lay in the sun, and play games by the water. Caroline and Eva were quick to jump in first, quickly followed by the rest of the group. Our swimming was followed by a campsite luxury- hot showers! After getting clean, our LODs Reid and Lizzie prepared an amazing Mexican dinner for everyone. Chicken and cheese quesadillas, chips and dip, and yummy smores were almost as good as the laughs we shared around the campfire over our meal. Ella and Harper volunteered to clean dishes before we all headed back down to the water to have Moonup by the water under a spectacular sunset. Our LODs prompted us to think about our ideal summer days and our proudest accomplishments. Moonup may have ended with Henry and I jumping in the lake in our clothes before all getting to bed for a good night’s rest before rafting.

 

We can’t believe how quickly our trip has gone by already, Henry and I are so grateful for the time we still have left! We have already formed so many special memories with this outstanding group and are looking forward to the new ones we will make while rafting the Salmon and Snake Rivers these upcoming few days!!

 

Until next time,

Henry and Kiki

 

Thank yous:

 

Hey mom and dad! Thank you so much for sending me on this trip. It’s been so much fun and I’ve learned so much too. Miss you! Love, Lizzie

 

Thank you mom and dad for sending me on this trip I’m so grateful and I can’t wait to tell you about it. Love, Elizabeth

 

Heyyy! Thanks for sending me on this trip, having so much fun and I’m so excited to see you – Ella

 

Thank you mom and dad for sending me here, it’s fun. Can’t wait to see you -Berkeley

 

Hello!!! Thank you so much for sending me on this Moondance trip. The group is so funny and the leaders are amazing. Love you!! XOXO, Eleanor

 

Hey mom and dad! Thanks for letting me go on this trip, it’s lots of fun. Love y’all! -Harper

 

Hey mom and dad, thank yall for sending me on this trip it’s so fun and right now we are otw to go rafting love y’all and miss you guys -Reid

 

Hey mom and dad!! Thank y’all so much for sending me on Moondance! I am having the best time and can’t wait to see y’all soon!! Love y’all and miss yall!! – Caroline

 

Hey Mom and Dad, thank you for sending me on this amazing trip. I’m having a great time and about to get on the river. Love y’all and miss y’all! – Hodges

 

Hello! I’m about to go white water rafting in a heshtechnails fit. This trip is so fun thank you so much for letting me go everyone here is so funny, and starting a podcast with fudge. Mama we gon make it out with fudge(Hodges). -James

 

Hi mom and dad! I’m having so much fun and I’m so happy I’ve been able to go on Moondance I’ve learned so much and love my group. Thank you and I can’t wait to tell you all about it whenever I get back!! 💕 -Eva

 

Hello mom and dad, I am having the time of my life👍👍. We are leaving to go rafting. The group is really funny can’t wait to see you guys. -Fisher

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Big Wild Begenning!

July 4, 2026

Howdy Moondance Families!

It’s Henry and Kiki here with our first trip update from Big Wild 4B—we’re so happy that everyone is finally here!

Our day at the airport was full of fun games like contact and entourage, sharing snacks, and listening to music while the group got to know each other. After everyone arrived, we headed into town for a local pizza spot. We enjoyed a great meal together while sharing hometowns, fun facts, and what everyone was excited for on the trip.

When we arrived at camp, Henry and I showed everyone how to set up tents, went over camp etiquette, and reviewed Leave No Trace principles. We had our first Moonup with a view of the Tetons and shared excitement for the two weeks ahead.

The following morning, we woke up to Henry’s famous breakfast burritos, with help from our Leaders of the Day (LODs) Reid and Harper. After breakfast, we led everyone through the duffle shuffle—the system we use to organize and pack for our upcoming time in the backcountry. Berkeley and Hodges were especially good at this. 

After packing up camp, we headed into Grand Teton National Park where we hiked along a beautiful lake and enjoyed lunch with an incredible view. The group had the chance to take a refreshing swim in the cold alpine water, and several kids bravely jumped right in and followed along after the first splash.

We then continued on to a fly fishing lesson where we learned about fly selection, fish behavior, and proper casting technique, along with some knot tying skills. After an awesome session, we headed into town for a surprise burger dinner, which was a big hit with everyone.

We then made our way to a scenic campsite near the mountains and set up tents before getting ready for our backpacking section. That night, our LODs Harper and Reid led a thoughtful Moonup where the group reflected on goals for the trip and shared fun ideas like “ideal superpowers.” We fell asleep under clear, star-filled skies.

The next morning, we woke up early and enjoyed breakfast sandwiches prepared by Henry, with Kiki helping the group get organized for the trail. We met our outfitter and her dog and began our backpacking journey.

The trail started with a steady climb followed by rolling terrain alongside a creek. Midway through the day, we stopped for lunch in a scenic meadow, where our LODs Fisher and Ella helped set out PB&J sandwiches and snack items.

Later in the day, we were met with a light rain shower, but the group kept great attitudes and continued hiking strong with Eva making everyone laugh. We eventually arrived at a beautiful backcountry campsite near a lake surrounded by mountains. After setting up camp, some of the group chose to jump into the cold water for a quick swim, while others spent time fishing along the shoreline.

Dinner was enjoyed together with warm meals and lots of laughter, and we ended the night with a meaningful Moonup led by our LODs while looking out at the stars.

The following day, we slept in and started with pancakes made by our LODs Hodges and Caroline. After a relaxing morning, we set out on a day hike to a nearby ridge and meadow area with incredible views of the surrounding peaks and lake. The group played games in a snowy patch, including hacky sack, snowball fights, and building small snowmen.

In the afternoon, weather moved in and we spent some quiet time in our tents resting and recharging. Once it passed, we regrouped for card games and then enjoyed a Mexican-style dinner together. The day ended with a beautiful sunset and a reflective Moonup led by Caroline and Hodges.

On our final backcountry morning, we woke up early with hot chocolate and oatmeal, packed up camp, and headed out on trail. James helped set a strong pace at the front while Elizabeth, Eleanor, and Lizzie supported the group in keeping steady energy throughout the hike.

We arrived back to the van and surprised the group with warm showers and a hot meal. On the drive back toward town, the group enjoyed music and downtime together. After arriving at camp, we set up tents and cooked a special Italian dinner with pasta, meatballs, Caesar salad, and garlic bread.

After dinner cleanup, we surprised the group with a quick trip into town to pick up Fourth of July gear for the days ahead. We ended the night with Moonup under the stars, followed by an incredible surprise sighting of the northern lights over the Tetons.

Thanks for tuning in everyone! We are about to begin our climbing section of the trip and celebrate America’s 250th!

Talk to everyone again soon, Henry and Kiki

Shoutouts:

Hey Mom and Dad, I’m having a great time in Wyoming—backpacking and much more. Love y’all – Hodges

Hey mom and dad, I’m having a blast in Wyoming/Idaho so far. Backpacking was so fun shout out Fudge. – James

Hey mom and dad!! I am having the best time in Wyoming! My group and leaders are amazing and the activities have been so much fun!! Love y’all and miss y’all!! – Caroline

Hey mom and dad, I’m having the best time, see you guys soon! Much love – Ella

Hey mom and dad, I am having a really good time, love you guys! – Harper

Hey mom and dad, I’m having a great time and doing super fun activities. The views are great and we just got back from an amazing 3-day backpacking trip. Love y’all ❤️ – Reid

Hey mom and dad, I’m having a great time and I’m glad I went. I miss you guys so much – Elizabeth

Hey mom and dad, the views here are incredible and I hope y’all are having the best time at the beach! Love y’all and miss y’all – Eleanor

Hey mom and dad, Wyoming is so fun! I’m so happy to be here and we are doing so many cool things. I miss you and love you! – Lizzie

Hi mom and dad, I made it here. It’s really fun and I went fly fishing after a backpacking trip. Love you guys. – Fisher

Yo mom and dad, this trip is pretty fun. Love y’all! – Berkeley

Hi mom and dad!! I’m having so much fun—we went backpacking and even saw the northern lights, and today we’re going climbing in the Tetons. It’s so so pretty here, and my group is so much fun. Love y’all and miss you guys, hope you are having fun at the beach – Eva

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Safe Arrival!

June 30, 2026

Hello Big Wild Families!

We heard from our leaders that the group is finally complete and the last student has landed safely in Jackson! 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

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