The Best Time In Belize!
June 17, 2026
Hey Moondance Families!
As we write this, the kids are on their way home, and it’s hard to believe our incredible Belize adventure has already come to an end. Our final days here were the perfect way to wrap up an incredible trip. Surrounded by rainforest, waterfalls, and wildlife, the group had a chance to slow down a bit, reflect on everything they had experienced, and enjoy some of the most exciting activities of the trip. From flying through the jungle on ziplines to rappelling down waterfalls, the kids embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure.
The group enjoyed a night safari through the rainforest, tackled a waterfall hike with rappelling, and spent time learning about Belizean culture through visits to a Mayan community. One highlight was visiting a chocolate farm, where the kids got a hands-on look at traditional chocolate-making practices. We also squeezed in as many hikes as we could, plenty of time around the resort, and our always-competitive Jungle Olympics before finishing with a special banquet dinner and bonfire celebration on our final night together.
The growth and character shown by this group throughout the trip was outstanding. Graham absolutely crushed the waterfall rappel and attacked the challenge with confidence. Hayes and Luke became ziplining experts and were always eager for the next run through the canopy. Harry especially enjoyed some well-earned downtime relaxing in a waterfall pool after a long hike, appreciating the incredible places we were able to experience. Wiley loved the jungle safari and was constantly on the lookout for wildlife, especially spiders and other creatures most of us would have walked right past.
Thomas was always positive, impressively athletic, willing to jump into any activity, and a great teammate to everyone around him. Blaise consistently brought a positive attitude to this trip and natural leadership qualities that inspired those around him to be better. No matter the situation, he approached each day with enthusiasm, gratitude, and a smile that had a way of lifting up the entire group. Tilley-Gray also shared this infectious enthusiasm and kindness toward every single person we came across. She was an absolute joy to lead, and we will miss her so much! Mary Cleveland spent time watercolor painting cards for the group, each with a sweet handwritten note, which is just one way she was such an intentional friend to all. Maley and Davis kept the group laughing, yet also grounded, with their wittiness and maturity. There was never a complaint from either of them, and it truly inspired the group to have a more positive attitude during activities. Speaking of positive, Sophie’s passion and enthusiasm throughout the entire trip were a gift to witness. We loved her amazing energy and especially loved watching her dominate in all of our volleyball games! Together, these kids created a supportive, fun, and encouraging environment that made this trip special for everyone around them.
Thank you for trusting us with your amazing kids over the past two weeks. It has been a privilege to watch them challenge themselves, build friendships, experience new cultures, and grow in confidence along the way. They represented moondance exceptionally well and you should be so proud of everything they accomplished. We are incredibly proud of this group and grateful for the opportunity to share this adventure with them. We hope they return home with great stories, lasting memories, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
With love from Belize,
Caroline and Frank
You Better Belize It!
June 13, 2026
The last few days on Tobacco Caye were everything island life should be- sunny mornings, crystal-clear water, and students spending every chance they could in or around the ocean. A major highlight was watching the kids work toward and COMPLETE their scuba certifications. What started as a few nervous smiles quickly turned into excitement and confidence, as they explored the reef and experienced the incredible underwater world Belize is known for. For everyone when not diving, the days were filled with snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty of laughter at the volleyball net. One of the best parts of our time on the island was seeing the group truly settle into the rhythm of adventure travel. Students took responsibility for staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, and looking out for one another, while still making the most of every opportunity. The one day we had rain for a few hours might be a trip favorite; volleyball, dancing, and swimming filled the entirety of the rainy day! Whether they were looking at marine life below the surface or racing friends on paddle boards, they embraced every moment with enthusiasm.
MC has been such a light to our group! Her quiet confidence inspired others as she got SCUBA certified and was the first to ride the zip-line this morning! Maley’s wittiness and amazing one liners kept the whole group laughing, as we played lots of group games on Tobacco Caye! We can’t say enough good things about Sophie and her amazing positive energy! She never fails to put a smile on other people’s faces and continuously led by example throughout the SCUBA certification process. Palmer’s willingness to jump in and try new things has been so fun to watch this past week! She truly crushed it in our volleyball tournament on a rainy morning, helping to lift everyone’s spirits! Tilley-Gray’s bubbly personality has been infectious over the past week. She is always first to encourage her new friends! Davis’ maturity and courage have impressed us so much, especially during the SCUBA diving! Our dive instructor even started calling her “Dive Assistant”!
While on the island, Graham made some new friends in the form of puppies. He named them Caramel and Chocolate, and they were inseparable for the day. Wiley got the chance to fish on the island and caught over 12 fish. The guide made a special excursion just to take him out on a paddle board to fish! Luke became a scuba pro during the island trip. His knowledge and skills really put his group at ease while 40 feet down. Harry got the chance to get up close and personal with eagle rays on one of our dives. His excitement for life was contagious to the entire group! Blaise really showed his leadership skills during this part of the trip. His Moonup questions and answers took the group to a new level of comfort with one another. The group is able to balance seriousness and silliness! Hayes always has the group laughing anytime he’s around! He became close with his scuba instructor, and they were a dynamic duo cracking jokes left and right (somehow even underwater!) Our group’s dynamic is incredibly vibrant due to Thomas’ passion for life- it is truly inspiring! He became a fan favorite on the volleyball court and was the lead motivator of rain volleyball!
Today marked the start of a new chapter, as we said goodbye to island life and made our way inland to Bocawina. The transition from crystal clear Caribbean water to heavy rainforest scenery felt like stepping into a completely different world. After arriving and getting settled into our new home, we headed out for a waterfall hike that ended with a refreshing swim beneath the falls. There may be no better way to cool off after a jungle hike. Tomorrow, the adventure level gets turned up another notch, as we spend the day ziplining through the rainforest canopy. The students are already buzzing with excitement, and if their energy from the past week is any indication, it’s going to be a day full of unforgettable moments. As always, thank you for sharing your incredible students with us. It has been a joy watching their confidence grow, their friendships blossom, and their willingness to embrace every challenge and adventure Belize has to offer! Each one of them is truly so special.
TRIP SHOUT OUTS:
Luke- Hey Mom and Dad! Belize has been awesome, and I can’t believe the trip is almost over. Getting scuba certified was definitely one of the coolest things I’ve ever done, and now we’re in the rainforest getting ready for ziplining and rappelling. I’ve had such a great time and made a lot of new friends. Can’t wait to see you soon!
Graham- Hi Mom and Dad! I’m having a good time down here. Getting scuba certified was so much fun, and now we’re in the jungle for the last part of the trip. The rainforest is awesome. Miss y’all
Thomas- What’s up Mom, Dad, and Miller, I just got scuba certified a couple days ago and it was so cool. I’m excited to see y’all, but especially the animals. Also, we’re now in the rainforest doing zip lining and hiking and water repealing. It’s so cool! Love y’all so much!!
Harry- Hey Mom and Dad! We got scuba certified super recently, and now we’re in a jungle going rappelling and zip lining tomorrow. Thanks so much for this opportunity to come here! it has been amazing. I love all of y’all so much!!
Tilley-Gray- Hi! I just got scuba certified a few days ago, and it was so cool being able to breathe under water. The island we stayed at was awesome, and the water was so pretty. We are at our last hotel right now and we are going to hike, zipline, and repell. I hope you guys are having fun in Wilmington with Elkins! Love you.
Palmer- Hi!!! I just got scuba certified a couple of days ago!! It was so amazing, and I went 40 feet deep. We saw sharks, sting rays, and a huge sea turtle. It was definitely the coolest thing I’ve ever done. We are now off the island and staying in the rain forest in Bocawina where we will go zip lining and repelling! I’m having so much fun and I have met so many cool people! I bet Spain is amazing, and I will see you in a few days! I miss you guys, Fite, and Banyan, and I love you so much!!!
Mary Cleveland – Hi!!!! We just left Tobacco Key island today, It was so beautiful there!! I got scuba certified and went 60 feet down. It was so cool. We should all definitely do it together! We are now in the rainforest, and we are going on a zip line tomorrow, I’m so excited! I have met the greatest people here!! I love and miss you so much!!
Wiley- Hey Mom and Dad! I’m having so much fun here in Belize! Love y’all.
Hayes- Hey Mom and Dad! I’m scuba certified! I miss y’all so much. We are at our last resort before we leave and we do splinting tomorrow. I’ve made so many friends here, and I’m having the best time ever. I love y’all so much!
Blaise- What’s up! I am officially scuba certified to 60 feet, which is awesome. I’m so excited to see y’all soon but sad to leave my new friends. We are currently in the jungle, and we are going on a hike to a waterfall tomorrow. Love all of y’all and excited to see you.
Davis- Hey guys! I finally got scuba certified, and it was so cool! We got to go 65 feet and my new goal is to go on a night dive. Today we left the island and are now in the rainforest. Tomorrow we are zip lining through the jungle, and I am having so much fun. I love y’all so much, and miss you, and hope you have so much fun in Spain!
Sophie- Hey guys!!! I’m literally having the best time in Belize, and this is hands down the best trip I have ever been on. The food is so good, and I’m officially scuba certified. I saw a tiger, a turtle, and lots of sting rays. We are going zip lining tomorrow. But these people are my best friends, and I never want to leave them. I love you guys so much and I miss you guys.
Maley- Hey Mom and Dad! I’m having so much fun and love my group!! Love y’all!
Student Shoutouts!
June 8, 2026
Graham Lucas: Hi mom and dad I am having a lot of fun. I saw an eel and a stingray yesterday . I tried to sleep in a hammock outside but it was too windy so we went back inside.
Sophie Hatcher: Hi mom and dad!!! I am having so so so much fun exploring Belize. I am almost done with my scuba training and I am going on my first dive today! We have been on a remote island and we are staying here for 6 days. It is so pretty here AND THE FOOD HERE IS SO YUMMY AND GOOD (way better than last year) I saw eels and big stingrays and the water here is so clearrrr. I can’t wait to see y’all and I love you guys so much. Have fun in Turks!
Palmer Paine: Hi mom and dad!!! I am having the best time in Belize! We have explored Mayan temples, river tubed, cave tubed, rode horses and done so much more. Yesterday I started my scuba diving training and it was so cool. My first breath underwater was amazing and I can’t wait to go on my first dive today! We are staying on the prettiest island. I miss you so much and have so much fun in Spain! Tell Fite to give Banyan a kiss for me!!! Love you so much!!!
Luke Causey: Hi yall! Hope yall are doing well at Old Edwards Inn. I’m having lots of fun, and scuba diving is amazing. (next time I go to the beach with Tyler I might have to rent a set with him 😁) We have done a lot, lots of tubing, horse back, exploring temples, etc. The food is actually good, which is nice. Slept in my hammock because the rooms are so hot. (Dad you should get certified for scuba with me, and I’ll do planes, equal trade)
Maley: Hi mom and dad, im having so much fun and love it here. Love yall!!
Mary Cleveland Oxford: Hiiiii! I am having so much fun here. We are staying on this island that is so gorgeous! Today I am going to start my scuba dive training and go paddleboarding. Today the UV is going to be 14! The food is great, I haven’t had any fish. I love and miss y’all so much!!
Wiley Cox: Hey mom and dad I am having a ton of fun and I can’t wait to see y’all love y’all.
Tilley-Gray: Hi! I hope you guys are having fun at home. Belize is so cool and I have an amazing group. We are staying on a cool island and I am going to start scuba diving tomorrow. The water is so clear and there are a ton of conch shells. Love you!
Thomas Stanley: What’s up!!!! I hope yall are enjoying time with just y’all two. Belize is so sick and we are currently on an island and we have little huts directly on the water. Later today I’m starting my scuba license. I miss yall a lot including the dogs and especially Mister. Love yall.
Blaise Colhoun: Whats up mom and dad hope you guys are having fun wherever you are Belize is awesome we are currently on an island with little houses and im having a blast im going scuba diving tomorrow morning which should be sick. I forgot my sim card for my camera so i havent taken any photos but im sure you have seen them or something but peace love y’all and TJ and Biggs and Jessica and Brady and Dylan.
Harry Rows: Hey Mom and Dad I hope it’s good at home. We were at a hotel in belize and now were on an island with super cool cabanas to go scuba diving and stuff. Its so much fun thanks for thinking about me. I hope Jack is doing good in football workouts, this place is so amazing, love you so much bye. Also we’ve taken so many cool pictures.
Davis DesCognets: Hey Mom Dad and G! I hope you guys are having so much fun in Spain. Right now we are on this cool island in these little cabanas. You guys would absolutely love it here, and it would honestly be a great spot for SB27. I hope that Ellie is enjoying her trip as much as I am mine because this place is amazing, and I love it even more than last year. Thank you for sending me here and I love yall so much! Also we have taken a ton of pictures for you Mom!
Hayes Amick: Hey mom and dad I hope everything is good at home and I’m so excited for Spain. Right now in Belize we are on this really cool little island with a bunch of cabanas and we set up our hammocks. I’ve made so many friends and have become really close with everyone here. I’m having the best time of my life and I miss y’all so much and can’t wait to see yall. Love yall so much. We’ve also taken many cool pictures so I’ll show you everything.
Greetings from Sunny Belize!
June 8, 2026
Hello Family and Friends!
These past few days in Belize have been filled with adventure, laughter, and so many unforgettable moments! This group continues to amaze us with their positivity, willingness to try new things, and the kindness they have shown one another. From exploring ancient Mayan ruins to cave tubing through underground caves and beginning SCUBA adventures on Tobacco Caye, every day has brought something exciting and new.
On Day 2, we started the morning with breakfast and our morning huddle at Midas Resort before heading to the incredible Xunantunich Mayan Ruins. Graham especially stood out during the tour with the thoughtful questions he asked our guide. His confidence, curiosity, and leadership qualities have been so evident already on this trip. Tilley-Gray also stepped up as one of our Leaders of the Day and has truly been such a steady and joyful presence in this group. Her kindness and contagious laugh constantly keep everyone smiling. After exploring the ruins, we enjoyed a delicious local lunch before heading out for a relaxing afternoon tubing down the Mopan River. Hayes fully embraced his role as LOD, keeping everyone laughing the entire afternoon. Wiley’s jokes and laid-back personality also kept the group’s energy high despite the Belize heat! We wrapped up the evening with dinner and a sweet Moonup back at Midas.
Day 3 brought even more adventure! After breakfast, we headed out for horseback riding through the beautiful Belizean countryside. Thomas immediately stood out with his leadership and confidence while riding. When given the chance to trot through the barrel racing arena, he confidently took the lead and encouraged everyone else to follow behind him. Harry also fully embraced the adventure during our hike up to cave tubing! His adventurous spirit keeps this group excited and willing to step outside their comfort zones. Once we geared up for cave tubing, the group spent the afternoon floating through stunning caves and crystal clear water while learning about Belize’s natural environment from our incredible guides.
Blaise continues to be one of the kindest and most encouraging members of the group. He constantly makes sure everyone feels included and valued, and his howler monkey call has quickly become a group favorite. Mary Cleveland, who has now been lovingly nicknamed “MC,” has also been such a fun part of the group, making a true effort to get to know everyone around her. It has been so sweet watching these friendships form so quickly.
Day 4 was our transfer day to beautiful Tobacco Caye! After traveling from San Ignacio to the coast and boarding a boat to the island, the group was beyond excited to settle into island life. We spent the afternoon preparing for our SCUBA adventures while also getting to snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, and explore the island. Sophie’s positive attitude and fearless energy were on full display as she became one of the first to confidently jump into the crystal clear blue water to begin her SCUBA certification. Her confidence encouraged so many others around her. Palmer also showed amazing courage as she pushed through some initial nerves about diving and encouraged others who were feeling the same way. We loved seeing her confidence grow throughout the day. Luke’s love for nature has also been so evident during our time on the island. Whether in the water or exploring the outdoors, his excitement and appreciation for the environment are contagious. Maley’s sweet personality and contagious smile have brought so much joy to this group, especially as we paddleboarded around the island together. Davis has also brought such calm, positive energy to the group and immediately jumped into every adventure with excitement, being one of the first in her tube during cave tubing on day 3!
This is truly such a special group. They encourage one another constantly, laugh nonstop, and continue to embrace every challenge and adventure that comes their way. We are already so proud of the ways they are growing as leaders and friends, and we cannot wait for all the memories still ahead over the next two weeks. Thank you all for sharing your amazing kids with us this summer. We already feel so lucky to know them!
More adventures to come!
Caroline and Frank
Safe Arrival!
June 4, 2026
Hello Belize Families!
We heard from our leaders this afternoon that the group has landed safely in Belize City! 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
