Bittersweet Ending to Belize 2A
July 8, 2026
Day 11:
This morning, we woke up feeling a little bittersweet as we said goodbye to our beloved hostel in Placencia. After a later wake-up, packing our bags, cleaning up, and one final “DJ Henzy P” jam session, we hit the road for our next adventure. Our first stop was the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Casey led the way, chatting with our guide while much of the group became completely invested in an intense game of 100 Questions. Jane, Mary Mclean, Tom, and Percy kept themselves entertained with countless rounds of Mind Meld, while I (Tyler) and Knox challenged ourselves to what may have been the longest game of “I’m Going on a Picnic” ever played. Safe to say, my brain is still recovering. Meanwhile, the boys found themselves in a heated battle of 100 Questions, with answers ranging from scuba diving O-rings to the imperial system of measurement- shoutout to Tom for somehow guessing that one. (The competition continued for the rest of the day.) After our hike, we loaded back into the van for the drive to San Ignacio. The ride started with plenty of energy before gradually turning into a group nap session. Between snack stops, rounds of Calabria, campers sleeping on one another’s shoulders, and plenty of head scratches, the miles flew by. Special recognition goes to Lila, who officially earned the title of Best Arm Scratcher. Once we arrived at our new hostel, the group made a beeline for the pool tables, where Percy and Mary Mclean immediately found themselves locked in a competitive game of pool. After settling in, we loaded into our favorite mode of transportation- the legendary “Bubblemobile”- and headed to dinner, singing along to our trip anthems, “Crystallized” and “Roses,” the entire way. Dinner was another exercise in teamwork as everyone combined budgets to maximize the amount of food they could order. Henry and I (Tyler) may have also discovered what we’re willing to call the best cheesecake of our lives. Back at the hostel, a passing rainstorm moved Moonup indoors, so we squeezed onto the floor of the boys’ room instead. Our Leaders of the Day, Henry and Lila, got everyone laughing by asking about the funniest times we’d gotten in trouble with our parents or at school before shifting to a more reflective question: What’s something you’ve lost within yourself that you’d like to gain back? We ended by sharing a compliment with the person to our left, and as everyone headed off to bed, it was clear we all felt a little more known- and a little more loved.
Day 12:
This morning, we woke up and a few of us made our way to a nearby café to start the day. Henry and Tom may have enjoyed the best avocado toast and “brotein shakes” of their lives, while Eloise led the girls sampled everything from banana matchas to crème brûlée coffees. Fueled up and happy, we hiked back to the hostel, loaded into the van, and headed to our destination of the day: the Xunantunich Mayan ruins. Once we arrived, we met our tour guide Johnny. He was awesome. We started up the hill to the ancient city, so naturally we had to continue our games of 100 questions while we walked. We learned about the roads for the royal families, leaves that were used for medicine, and even trees that had venomous sap! We made our way to courtyard number 1. We were surrounded by ancient ruins that towered over us and we all instantly felt a sense of awesome. Before we continued we had to enjoy the view in only one way possible. Hacky sack. We also learned that the courtyard we were playing in was more of the public courtyard rather than the formal one. It felt right to gather as friends and play games right where the ancient Mayans would do the same! After some great hacky sack rallies we geared up for the big boy…El Castillo. The pyramid stands a whopping 135 feet tall and is actually the second largest building in all of Belize! Naturally we had to play some hacky sack at the half way point where there was a big grassy flat area. We learned about who all would live at El Castillo and what the pictographs meant. Nugs to Percy for correctly identifying one of them! At the top we enjoyed the amazing 360 degree view, and we could even see Guatemala from the top! Griffin, Jane, and Lila performed a three-man Titanic pose. Was that the first one ever on the top of El Castillo? We may never know. After some more Ooo’s and Ahhh’s we made our way down. We saw where they would play the ancient Mayan game called Pitz. The players could use their hips and elbows and try to hit a ball through a stone ring. We then made it back to courtyard number one to hang and admire the beautiful ancient city some more. Some climbed some more pyramid ruins while others played hacky sack or enjoyed the beautiful weather. Griffin, Jane, Percy, and Thomas all claim that their hacky sack rally was the best of all time! It really was incredible. After exploring the incredible ruins and learning about the history of the ancient Mayans, we enjoyed one of our final Creole-style lunches before making our way to the San Ignacio Market. Once there, the group split up to explore. Tom and Henry searched for unique tropical fruits, bringing back quite the assortment for an afternoon taste test. Caroline and Mary Mclean hunted for the perfect souvenirs, while the boys somehow managed to turn yet another outing into a competitive hacky sack session. Back at the hostel, the fruit taste test was a hit, followed by several intense games of pool. At this point, Caroline and Knox remained undefeated- a title they were very proud to defend. That evening, we climbed back into the beloved Bubblemobile and headed to dinner. Between cheering on Team USA in the World Cup and sneaking in yet another hacky sack circle, the energy stayed high. On the ride back, the whole group belted out “Roses” one more time before piling out of the bus and getting happily distracted by an impromptu race to the park. Shoutout to Tom for narrowly beating Griffin to the finish line. During Moonup, our questions for the evening invited everyone to share a funny childhood memory and a piece of advice that has stayed with them. One quote from Henry especially resonated: “Even if you only have 50% to give, give 100% of that 50%.” It was a simple reminder that while we won’t always be at our best, we can always give our best. To cap off the night, the group launched into a massive game of Capture the Flag. After plenty of strategy, sprinting, and competitive spirit, Griffin secured the victory by stealing Team Awesome’s flag. The evening ended the same way so many have on this trip- with everyone gathered around the pool table soaking up every last minute together. It’s hard to believe tomorrow is our last full day. We are feeling incredibly bittersweet, but mostly just so grateful to have spent the past two weeks with such an amazing group.
Day 13:
This morning, we woke up with a mix of excitement for the day ahead and the bittersweet realization that our time together was quickly coming to an end. Rather than dwelling on the goodbyes, we challenged ourselves to do what we’d been talking about all trip: fully embrace living in the moment. We kicked off the morning with a walk to a local coffee shop, where many of us enjoyed what may have been the best avocado toast of our lives, before loading into the van for the drive to our final adventure: cave tubing. After gearing up, Percy and Knox led the way with their usual enthusiasm. Songs echoed down the trail as we hiked toward the caves, crossing a 780-foot suspension bridge before finally hopping into the water. From dodging bat poop and experiencing complete darkness to admiring the incredible rock formations inside the caves, we soaked up every second of our last adventure together. Whether Knox was attempting to scare everyone, Percy was seeing just how much noise one person could make, or Caroline found herself unexpectedly flipped out of her tube by a “river monster,” this group embraced every moment with laughter and excitement. After tubing, we enjoyed lunch at a riverside restaurant, where nearly everyone bravely sampled the infamous Red Hornet hot sauce. A few extra juices were quickly purchased to cool things down, and before long we were back in the van for the ride to our hostel. The energy was quieter this time. We found ourselves already feeling nostalgic for an experience that hadn’t even ended yet. The afternoon was spent packing, hanging out, and soaking up every last minute together before heading to banquet dinner. There was plenty of strategizing over the menus one final time, and Henry and Tom successfully completed one last perfectly budgeted meal together. Back at the hostel, no one was quite ready for the night to end. We played pool, darts, and Jenga, while Jane, Henry, and Elizabeth introduced the group to one last Belizean favorite: fresh soursop. Our final Moonup, led by Caroline and Griffin, was one none of us will soon forget. They began by sharing the quote, “Don’t be dismayed by goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again, and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.” We laughed our way through one final Nug Jug, reminiscing on the countless moments that had made these past two weeks unforgettable. More than one person admitted they had never laughed so hard in their life, and Jane and Percy received many nugs for always making the group laugh. To close the evening, each of us found a rock, a stick, and a leaf. The rock represented something heavy we wanted to leave behind. The stick symbolized something we’d discovered within ourselves that we wanted to stick with. The leaf represented a new page we hoped to turn. We finished with a journal pass, writing notes of encouragement to one another and reflecting on the ways Moondance has shaped each of us. As we looked around the circle one last time, we couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. We truly could not have asked for a more incredible group of boys and girls, daughters and sons. The friendships formed here are genuine, and we hope they continue long after Belize becomes a memory. More than anything, we hope each camper carries a little bit of the Moondance magic home with them- the willingness to say yes to adventure, to love people well, and to fully embrace the present moment. BLZ 2A, if you’re reading this: thank you. Thank you for your enthusiasm, your joy, your vulnerability, and your willingness to jump into every experience with your whole heart. You made this trip unforgettable, and we hope you know just how deeply loved each of you is. You guys absolutely rock.
Under The Sea with Belize 2A!
July 1, 2026
We woke up to a lovely French toast breakfast! Knox and Henry changed the game by putting nutella and bananas on their french toast! It was legendary. We then got picked up for our second full day of diving. BCDs were set up at a rapid pace and with that we boated off to our first dive location. The boat ride there was filled with great country music. Jon Pardi, Morgan Wallen, and Chris Stapleton got everyone in the right mood for diving. Shout out to Mary McClain for some awesome song suggestions! We arrived at Laughing Bird and after a shout history and rules briefing we did our 10 min water treading test. Everyone passed with flying colors. Griffin quickly got the boys playing some wavelength, while the girls and Thomas tried to count to 20 without saying any number at the same time. (It sounds like stupid game, but trust me it was difficult)! Now it was time to go scuba diving. Because Thomas H and Thomas M are getting their advanced certification, they went on a different boat to do their deep diving. They went all the way down to 102 feet! Thomas M absolutely killed his deep dive test and loved all the jelly fish and creatures down in the depths. Those who were getting their open water certifications continued to work on their skills and explored the reefs of Laughing Bird Caye. The visibility wasn’t great but they still saw tons of creatures! Everyone loved the jelly fish and the stoplight parrot fish. We came up for lunch, and once again the Splash cooks out did themselves. Chicken, pork chops, rice and beans, and potato salad was the talk of the town. It was incredible, and don’t forget some watermelon and fresh mangos to top it off. We then set off for the afternoon dives. The open water divers worked on some new skills and then explored all the way down to 45 feet! Lila and Elizabeth even saw a lemon shark! The sea cucumbers were also a huge hit in the afternoon. The advanced divers worked on their skills and then explored a little deeper at 75 feet. Thomas M spotted a lion fish and two big lobsters! On the way back, it was nap time once again. The girls had a little tanning session in the back while the guys were passed out in the front. Shout out to Percy for somehow sleeping through everything. Nugs to Caroline and Jane for laughing through the wavy boat ride experience and keeping the mood high. Once again music was bumping and the vibes were great. After breaking down our BCDs and logging our dives we had to hit the ole faithful Tutti Fruitti, our favorite icecream spot, and once again it was amazing. The discovery of the milkshake was a huge deal today as I think 4 people got one! After Tuitti, we headed home and got ready for dinner. Burgers and fires were on the menu tonight and grill master Henry did a fantastic job. Knox was an amazing chef, and Thomas M came up with an amazing idea. Cheese on the inside of the burger. Let’s just say it was a huge hit. Eloise and Knox led a great moonup and people opened up about some challenging moments in their life that taught them real lessons. We finished up with S’mores which was a perfect cap to an amazing day. Also shoutout to Percy for doing an amazing job at chubby bunny, a funny game with marshmallows in your mouth!
This morning, we loaded up the van and headed to our first adventure of the day: horseback riding! After saddling up, the guides carefully matched each camper with a horse based on their “vibes.” Mary Mclean somehow ended up with the biggest horse in the group, while Tom was paired with an equally massive horse that turned out to be just as calm and steady as he is. Percy, on the other hand, got the smallest horse of the bunch, much to everyone’s amusement- but he led us well regardless! As we rode through the Belizean countryside, stories flowed and we continued to learn so much about each other (even when we all already felt like family). When we reached the river, we couldn’t resist an obligatory game of Birdie on a Perch. Jane may have found herself on the ground once or twice, but as always, this group gave it their all. Along the ride, we stopped to close the sensitive mimosa leaves, trotted through the jungle, and learned all about Belizean wildlife from our guides. After another delicious lunch, we headed to our next adventure: river tubing! The group eagerly jumped in, ready to conquer the rapids! As we floated downstream, our guides shared Belizean folklore and legends, introducing us to Tata Duende and La Llorona. On the drive home, we made a grocery store stop that was for sure organized chaos. Everyone picked out a snack for a hostel mukbang before getting straight to work on dinner. Thomas M, Jane, Lila, and Griffin took charge of chopping vegetables for an incredible green goddess salad, with plenty of taste tests along the way. It paired perfectly with pesto pasta and ground beef for another delicious family-style meal. After dinner, Caroline, Griffin, and Jane tackled dish duty while somehow turning cleanup into both a dance party and a water-chugging contest- exactly what we all needed. That evening, our Leaders of the Day, Elizabeth and Tom, led one of our favorite Moonups yet. We talked about which movie world we’d most like to live in and shared a struggle that we’ve walked through. To close, everyone turned to the person on their right and shared something they admired about them. It was a simple but meaningful reminder of just how close this group has become over the past week. Of course, the night wasn’t over yet. We wrapped it up with one more intensely competitive game of Birdie on a Perch and a well-earned bag of Haribo cola gummies before heading off to bed.
Best day ever loading! This morning, we woke up, the group anticipating we were headed out for a day of sea kayaking. After a quick drive to the marina, however, the kids quickly realized we had a surprise in store: a catamaran cruise to our new favorite place in the world. Henry got the van hyped with all of our favorite pump-up songs, and before long we were sprawled across the catamaran’s front trampoline, fully embracing the adventure. Lila, Jane, Caroline, and Elizabeth proudly held down the front of the boat, laughing through every wave that came crashing over them. Meanwhile, Knox and Percy kept everyone entertained with games and their usual contagious enthusiasm. After soaking up the sun and singing our way across the Caribbean, we arrived at the Caye and wasted no time cannonballing into the crystal-clear water. The day quickly turned into one giant game, playing countless rounds of Star, each one somehow becoming more competitive than the last. Some of the girls embraced full mermaid mode, floating in the water for hours, while Lila led the charge in a beach volleyball victory over the boys (who will reluctantly admit she carried the team). Lunch somehow topped every meal we’ve had so far, and after exploring the island a bit, we found ourselves right back in the water for chicken fights and whatever game “Marco, Percy” has now become. No one was quite ready to leave, and by unanimous vote, today immediately entered the running for “Best Day Ever.” The fun wasn’t over yet. On the ride home, Henry once again took over the aux while we enjoyed fresh watermelon, virgin piña coladas, and the ocean breeze. Back at the hostel, there was just enough time for a quick swim before heading to dinner. Between great food, meaningful conversations, and an unexpected agouti sighting (think mini capybara), the evening was already off to a great start. Then we were on to mini golf, where Percy and Mary Mclean brought plenty of energy in their matchup against Tyler and Thomas. There were even a few impressive hole-in-ones along the way. The fun continued on the ride home, with the entire group piled into the back of the truck singing songs a cappella. We truly never stop laughing with this group. To wrap up the day, our Leaders of the Day, Percy and Mary Mclean, led an incredible Moonup. We shared our most embarrassing stories, talked about false first impressions, and were reminded once again just how thoughtful and emotionally mature this group is. Watching everyone open up, encourage one another, and laugh together has been one of the greatest gifts of this trip. We closed the night with a few rounds of our favorite dance games- Shake & Pop, Calabria, and I Love London- before finally calling it a night. Best. Day. Ever. Confirmed.
Last day of diving! After arriving at the Splash dive shop (and, of course, giving the entire Splash crew one final round of cheers), we loaded onto the boat for our last day beneath the surface. The longer ride gave everyone a chance to catch up on sleep before the back of the boat turned into a full-blown concert. Jane and Mary Mclean had us belting Taylor Swift while Percy led an enthusiastic rendition of “Firework.” When we reached our dive site, we geared up for our first dive all together! It was so much fun finally having the entire group underwater after everyone had earned their certifications. After surfacing, we headed to a different Caye for lunch. Once everyone had eaten, we fed the hungry bonefish off the dock while Percy, Knox, and Griffin challenged a few of our dive guides to a highly competitive game of pool. The rest of the group explored the island, with Lila and Eloise leading the girls in getting flowers for their hair and Casey keeping everyone engaged with thoughtful questions along the way. Before long, it was time for one final dive. Excitement was high as we descended together for the last time. Some of us spotted a sea turtle, Mary Mclean had an unforgettable encounter with a moray eel, and we said our final goodbyes to our favorite “ocean puppies”- the nurse sharks. On the ride back, most of the group stretched out for well-earned naps, soaking in our final hours on the water before saying heartfelt goodbyes to the incredible Splash team. There were plenty of hugs, thank-yous, and even promises to mail friendship bracelets. Of course, no celebration would have been complete without ice cream. We made a stop at a new shop that afternoon (though let’s be honest, everyone knew Tutti Frutti would still be making an appearance later that night). A few of the boys attempted an ambitious pint challenge, while many of the group happily stuck with mint chocolate chip. Back at the Royal Rat, everyone jumped in the pool for one last pool party before packing up and getting ready for our final night in Placencia. The kids had been requesting sushi since day one, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. After some serious budgeting, strategizing, and mathematical calculations to maximize the number of rolls ordered, the food finally arrived. The boys developed an elaborate plan to eat nearly 200 pieces of sushi, while the girls opted to split everything family-style. We secretly timed the meal, and every last bite had disappeared in under five minutes. Naturally, the evening continued with one final visit to Tutti Frutti before stopping by the shop so everyone could pick up matching shirts to remember the trip. With music blasting, everyone piled into the back of the truck one last time for the ride home. As soon as we arrived, we grabbed the speaker and sprinted down to the dock for Moonup. Our Leaders of the Day, Jane and Knox, asked who we’d be if we could be any celebrity and, on a more reflective note, about a difficult season in our lives and what helped us through it. Once again, this group amazed us with their honesty, vulnerability, and willingness to encourage one another. Watching these campers grow over the past week has been one of the greatest joys of the trip. Last day in Placencia: complete.
Thank you’s from the students!
Tom: Thank you so so much for this opportunity to do this Moondance, I am having so much fun and have met some amazing new people. I love you!
Henry: Thank you mom and dad so much for this opportunity! It’s been an amazing summer with new friends and experiences, and I can’t thank you enough for this! See you all soon, love you!
Lila: Thank you guys sooo much for letting me be able to do this!!! I’m having the best time ever and I couldn’t have asked for a better group and I have you guys to thank I love yaaaaa
Eloise: Dear mom and dad!! Thank you so so so much for giving me this opportunity to be here and make so many friends and memories that will last forever!! I love y’all so much and will see y’all very soon!
Elizabeth: Hey, mom and dad, thank you for everything you did to get me here, I’m so thankful. I can’t wait to see you soon!
Jane: Hellooooo mom and dad thank you for sending me on this trip it has been soooo much fun and I love everyone on my trip. Best experience ever and will tell yall about it! Miss all yall and the dogs see yall soon- love Jane
Caroline: Hii mom and dad!! Thanks you so so much for sending me on this trip! It has been the best experience ever and I have met so many amazing people! I’m so excited to see all yall and tell you all about it!! Tell cubby I miss him so much! See yall soon love you!!
Mary Mclean: Hi mom and dad!!! This trip has been so amazing! I’m so grateful you guys sent me. I’ve had so much fun making new friends dad and doing all these cool things here!! I miss yall and love you! See you soon love Mary Mclean
Casey: Thank you so much mom and dad! I am having so much fun and this is a experience I truly will not forget. I have made so many good friends and memories. Can’t wait to see you soon.
Griffin:What’s up mom and dad. I want to thank you so much for letting me be apart of a trip as special as Moondance. I have met so many people that will become lifetime friends and that’s all because of yall. Thank you and love you. See you soon.
Percy:Hey mom and dad. I just wanted to say thank you so much for giving this opportunity! I am having so much fun and have made so many new friends. I can’t wait to see you guys in, 2 days!
Knox: Hi Mom and Dad. Thank you so much for everything that you have done to get me to Moondance and giving me this amazing opportunity! I could not be having a better time making friends and doing amazing activities. Miss you can’t wait to see you. Love Knox
Underwater + Under the Stars of Belize!
June 26, 2026
What a day! Upon arrival, Belize 2A was the first group to roll out of the airport! We loaded up the van for our first ride of the trip, en route to Placencia (though the kids wouldn’t know that yet)! After introducing the concept of “Live in the Moment” (LITMO), we hit the road. Griffin sponsored the first aux of the trip, cueing up Mr. Blue Sky– which, in my opinion, is the happiest song of all time. Eloise, Lila, Jane, and Griffin then led some spirited games of Hangman on our way to lunch. We stopped at a local Belizean restaurant and enjoyed our first meal together before continuing the drive. The highlight had to have been the brownies, and we quickly learned that many of us have three siblings! Lunch was an absolute hit. The brownies and cookies definitely stole the show, although Henry seemed pretty impressed with his burger. The van ride afterward was even better. We started out with some chill music and shared riddles. Henry and Knox brought some great ones to the group that definitely got everyone thinking. Mary McLean’s penguin riddle completely stumped the van. We soon transitioned into some more upbeat music. Rihanna boosted everyone’s spirits, and Wonderwall and Mr. Brightside were sung at the top of everyone’s lungs. We finished the ride with some Treaty Oak Revival as we rolled up to the Royal Rat! Once at our hostel, we unpacked and everyone immediately jumped into the pool, with Griffin leading the way. Casey and Knox got us excited for diving, while Henry and Thomas had us looking forward to all the underwater photography adventures to come. After swimming around for a bit, everyone got cleaned up and ready for our first dinner together- everyone’s favorite: pizza! After dinner, the group broke out the communal bag of string and got to work making friendship bracelets. Lila finished hers in record time, while Percy may have struggled a bit at first. Later, however, we learned that “successfully tying those knots” was one of his favorite feelings, making all the effort worthwhile. As the sun set, we gathered under the stars on the dock for our first Moonup of the trip. After introducing several Moondance traditions and setting expectations for the weeks ahead, we kicked things off with our first Nug Jug- a time for gratitude, laughs, and sharing stories. We also learned everyone’s favorite sensation, with answers ranging from Henry’s back cracking to Caroline’s cold sheets at night. We talked about what everyone was most excited for, what they were nervous about, and gave a preview of the adventures awaiting us tomorrow. After Moonup, the group spent some time playing hacky sack and hanging out by the pool before eventually winding down for bed. The energy is high, we’re already having an incredible time, and we can’t wait to continue getting to know everyone as we begin our scuba adventures tomorrow!
This morning, we awoke to balloons, Katy Perry’s iconic Birthday, and pancakes for Griffin’s 16th birthday! After getting hyped for the day, we loaded up the van and set out for the Splash Dive Shop.The kids gave our diving instructors their very best attention during Day 1 of scuba training. Percy asked thoughtful questions, growing his scuba confidence by the minute, while Mary McLean, Elizabeth, and Thomas absolutely crushed breaking down and setting up their gear- at least five times! After a fun and educational morning of review, we had to make a quick pivot due to higher winds. But all was good—and perhaps even more exciting! We tucked our new scuba knowledge into our back pockets and set out for a day of service and cultural immersion. After changing into paint-ready clothes, we drove into the town of Placencia for a community painting project. We painted a house, jammed out to music, and learned that life is simply better when you’re covered in speckles of paint from head to toe. Thomas, Knox, and Griffin tag-teamed carrying a rotating group of local kids on their shoulders, helping them reach just a little bit higher and making new friends along the way. Eloise and Percy rocked it on the ladder, while Griffin and Lila, our first Leaders of the Day (LODs), teamed up to tackle a bright blue door. We blasted Coldplay, danced around with the kids, and met what may have been the cutest puppies of all time- with Mary McLean taking a particular liking to one of them! After our hard work, we headed back for a delicious lunch of chicken and rice paired with some of the most perfect mangos we’ve ever tasted. We then geared up for an afternoon of Garifuna fun, learning from some of Placencia’s most talented Garifuna drummers and changing into traditional Garifuna attire. The Garifuna people are descendants of West Africans and Indigenous Caribbean peoples and have a rich cultural heritage rooted in music, dance, storytelling, and community. We learned dances such as the Punta and Paranda, which have been passed down through generations and remain an important part of Garifuna celebrations and identity today. Everyone gave it their all, embracing the spirit of the afternoon with upbeat dance moves and shared excitement. Griffin led us in a dance circle, while Elizabeth may or may not have been pulled into the middle twice (perhaps against her will), but she gave it her all! Jane led with enthusiasm, and Eloise showed off some impressive Paranda moves. We had such a fun day immersing ourselves in Garifuna culture. Afterward, we headed to a local soccer field, where probably 40 local kids flocked over to play soccer and hang out with the group. Percy and Griffin took charge on the soccer field, while Tyler led some of the girls and local kids through an impromptu workout class. Jane made many promises of future friendship bracelets, while Caroline and Mary McLean spent the afternoon dancing and playing with many of the younger kids. We had a headstand competition, some optimistic attempts at headstands, and brought our very best energy to the afternoon. We left the field feeling grateful for the connection and perspective that the experience provided. After spending the late afternoon swimming and relaxing in hammocks, the group set off for dinner! There were plenty of virgin piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris to go around, and Lila even tracked down the DJ to lead a toast in honor of the birthday boy, Griffin! The table played countless rounds of Imposter, with Henry contributing some of the most niche responses imaginable, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their dinner. Afterward, we introduced everyone to their new favorite ice cream: Tutti Fruitti. (This name will almost certainly become very important in future trip updates.) On the ride home, we ended the evening with a full-on jam session. I can already tell that this group will never pass up an opportunity to blast Maroon 5 or scream every word to Call Me Maybe. Once we got back, Casey showed off some impressive dance moves to everyone’s favorite childhood Just Dance song: Rasputin. Our LODs, and birthday boy, Griffin and Lila then led an incredible Moonup. We learned about everyone’s dream jobs as both children and young adults, and we shared the places where we feel most like ourselves. It was especially meaningful to hear that environments like Moondance are where Jane and Henry feel most at home. We are already feeling incredibly lucky to have such a reflective, enthusiastic, and upbeat group. We can’t wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings!
This morning we hit the pool for our opening day dives! We headed to a nearby resort where everyone geared up for their pool dives. Elizabeth and Thomas sped through their review, while Lila and Griffin showed off their recovery diving skills. Afterward, we treated ourselves to all sorts of beverages, including iced coffees, strawberry smoothies, and Mary Mclean even found a delicious lime juice. We watched a little Messi before heading back for lunch! We enjoyed another amazing Creole-style meal. Knox was loving the fried chicken, while Henry claimed he may have just had the best mango of his life. After lunch, we spent some time in the pool. Thomas attempted to organize a huge group GoPro picture, during which Percy may or may not have been missing for the “1” part of “3, 2, 1…” Following the picture chaos, we hit the beach! After another group photoshoot on a giant beach chair, the boys immediately broke out the soccer ball while the girls ran straight for the ocean. Tom, one of today’s LODs, once again showed us what it looks like to lead with intention by inviting a nearby kid to join our soccer game. Jane then got everyone involved in a big group game of Star, where Griffin somehow managed to dominate the girls in categories involving some of the most well-known girl TV shows. Tyler, Thomas, Percy, and Knox played a few rounds of spikeball, while Lila and Griffin attempted to channel their inner Messi by practicing flip throws. We then took a group swim out to a buoy before packing up and heading into town. We wandered the streets of Placencia, popping into shops and enjoying the afternoon before somehow ending up at Tutti Frutti and another local favorite, Black Orchid. Knox made sure everyone knew that Black Orchid had officially become his favorite ice cream spot. After a little more exploring, we settled onto some benches for a group game of Kemps while some of the guys broke out the hacky sack. Lila, Henry, and Mary Mclean then showed off some dance moves for Axel the frog before we loaded up the truck and headed back to the hostel. On the way home, Tyler joined today’s LODs, Thomas and Mary Mclean, for what may have been the most efficient grocery store trip of all time. Nugs to them! Once back at the hostel, much of the group jumped into the pool and created an intense whirlpool, while Jane, Elizabeth, and Henry helped cut up fruit for everyone. Tom and Mary Mclean then helped chef up some tacos while the rest of the group battled it out in Kemps. Let’s just say, the competitive nature of this group is coming to LIGHT! After dinner, everyone piled into their triangle-formation, three-story hammock fort before we headed down to the dock for Moonup. Mary Mclean and Thomas led us through a great discussion where we shared what animal we would each be and talked about someone we look up to. Shoutout to all of you amazing parents out there- you were a huge part of our circle tonight, and your kids love you so much! And nugs to Percy for being a honey badger and Jane for being a platypus! We ended the night with the LODs surprising us with Rice Krispie treats, Oreos, and a few rounds of Mafia. Let’s just say, the suspense was real! Day 2 and it’s already been two back to back best-day-evers!
We awoke bright and early today, ready for a day full of adventure and living in the moment! After some breakfast bagels, we hopped in the van and began the drive to our activity of the day: waterfall rappelling and ziplining. The back of the bus kept everyone entertained the entire ride with stories, singing, and plenty of laughter. As soon as we arrived, the group made a beeline for the tire swings, where Percy and Knox immediately showed us what it looks like to embrace an activity with enthusiasm. After introducing the group to our favorite dance game, Calabria, we hit the trail for our hike to the waterfall. The hike may have been steep, but this group absolutely crushed it. Griffin led the way with the speaker, while Henry kept morale high with a soundtrack featuring “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” and “Break My Stride.” When we finally reached the top, the plunge pool made every step worth it. Knox and Casey wasted no time swimming over to the cliff-jumping spot, while Caroline and Elizabeth quickly found the perfect rock to relax on. Before long, everyone was in the water. Percy organized an underwater tea party, while Lila and Eloise spearheaded a full-scale underwater photoshoot. After enjoying the pool, we hiked over to a beautiful viewpoint before making our way to the waterfall rappel. Standing at the top of the waterfall and looking over the edge was enough to get everyone’s heart racing. Henry and Knox led the way with plenty of energy, while Griffin kept the speaker going with some favorite Chainsmokers hits. Soon enough, we were all dancing and singing beneath the waterfall as campers made their way down. Eloise may have let out a few screams on the way down, but nobody had a bigger smile when she reached the bottom. With lunch on our minds, we practically flew back down the trail. After applying what felt like an entire bottle of bug spray, we enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch in the rainforest. A quick hacky sack circle followed before it was time for the next adventure: ziplining. Percy and Knox once again volunteered to go first, setting the tone for the rest of the group. The back half of the line kept things entertaining by sharing their best animal impressions before stepping off the platforms- shoutout to Eloise for fully committing to the challenge. Caroline and Mary Mclean may have needed the rescue rope a few times to make it all the way across, while Tom somehow managed to find a way to make every ride even faster. The enthusiasm never faded. Just as we finished our final zipline, the skies opened up and the rain came pouring down. Rather than running from it, Jane led the charge in embracing the moment, and before long everyone was laughing, soaked, and loving every second of it. The fun continued on the ride home, where intense staring contests broke out in the back of the van. Percy gave it his best effort, while Mary Mclean was eventually brought to tears…happy tears, we promise. After an epic snack stop filled with sharing and trading, we made our way back to the hostel. Despite the rain, everyone headed straight for the pool, blasting their favorite 2010s hits and creating plenty of chaos. The boys invented a new game of Whack-a-Mole, while the rest of the group bounced between swimming, dancing, and several highly competitive games of Kemps before dinner. That evening, we enjoyed a local favorite, Momolicious. Thomas attempted to take on the challenge of eating four burritos. While the mission was ultimately unsuccessful, we respect the ambition and can confirm that the leftovers made for an excellent snack. After dinner, we headed out to the dock for Moonup. Our Leaders of the Day, Elizabeth and Casey, asked the group what animal body part they would choose if they could have one and what they would tell their younger selves. The answers were thoughtful, hilarious, and a reminder of how much we continue to learn about one another each day. As the evening came to a close, it was clear that this group has fully embraced the idea of living in the moment. The night ended with more Kemps, more laughter, and another night of all twelve campers sleeping in their hammocks outside- occasional thirty-second rain showers and all.
This morning we woke up to French toast (and a noticeable lack of kids in the hammocks after everyone had to make a midnight sprint into their rooms because of the pouring rain)! We loaded up the vans and headed to our activity of the day: traditional Mayan cooking and a chocolate farm tour! Percy was the first to jump in, leading the way as we dropped the chicken legs into the pot. Jane, Elizabeth, and Thomas took charge of crafting our delicious homemade corn tortillas, while Mary Mclean and Caroline chopped herbs like pros. Lila and Griffin kept everyone entertained with impressive dance moves and their best Stitch impressions. Before long, we were all enjoying an incredible chicken soup with fresh tortillas that everyone had a hand in making! After lunch, Percy and Knox started up a hacky sack circle (special shoutout to Griffin for rescuing the hacky sack from the roof), while the girls wasted no time soaking up the sunshine. Tyler went on a walk with Caroline and Elizabeth before we loaded back up for our chocolate farm tour. At the farm, we learned all about how Belizean chocolate is made and even got to taste both the cacao fruit and the beans themselves. We discovered just how many antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids are packed into chocolate- and that maybe we should all be eating a little more of it! That said, after grinding our own 100% cacao, we quickly realized just how bitter pure chocolate can be. Along the trail, many of us also worked up the courage to try some minty termites. Chocolate and termites…yum! Percy asked thoughtful questions throughout the tour, and everyone cheered each other on while taking turns grinding their own chocolate. Afterward, we piled back into the vans for a high-energy ride home, complete with reggae music, plenty of snacks, and lots of laughter. This group loves sharing everything, from food to stories, and we are all for it! After changing into our swimsuits, making sure everyone stayed hydrated, and grabbing a few fresh mangos, we headed to the beach. The girls made a beeline for the swings while the boys dove into an intense game of ultimate frisbee. Percy and Knox earned a rematch against Tyler and Thomas in spikeball, and before long the whole group had recruited some local kids for an epic game of water tag. The fun didn’t stop there! We walked over to a new dinner spot, Chicken Joe’s, where everyone loaded up on chicken of every kind. Lila, Caroline, Mary Mclean, and Elizabeth were especially excited to discover some incredible mac-and-cheese bites. During dinner, Percy got everyone laughing with karaoke, while Griffin gave an unforgettable performance of “Dance Monkey” that had the whole restaurant hyped up. We sprinted across the street for ice cream before heading back for a later Moonup. Tonight’s LODs, Henry and Jane, led an awesome Moonup featuring a great nug jug. We shared the three items we would each bring to a deserted island, along with one thing we hope to improve over the next year. The group’s creativity was on full display, with answers ranging from speakers with unlimited music and those magical choose-your-own-flavor soda machines to unsurprisingly…. multiple girls choosing tanning oil…. We wrapped up the night with a lively game of Imposter before relaxing together in the hammocks. We are having so much fun and are so grateful for each day we get to spend with this incredible group. The kids keep saying it already feels like one big family, and we couldn’t agree more!
Yay for our first full day of diving! After fueling up with chocolate chip pancakes, we immediately headed to the dive shop to set up our gear for a full day underwater. We hopped on the boat, jammed out on the ride to the island, and made our way to our first dive site of the trip. The entire group completed both dives with so much enthusiasm. Jane led with joy, making us all laugh as we geared up for our first descent, while she and Mary Mclean held hands the entire time. Lila and Griffin showed off with underwater cartwheels, while Knox and Henry chased after some adorable nurse sharks. Mary Mclean even managed to hypnotize one of the sharks, gently holding it in place for nearly a minute while petting it! Caroline and Eloise attempted bubble rings, while Mary Mclean and Tyler somehow managed to squeeze in a solid game of underwater chopsticks. And just like that- dive one complete! We boated over to Silk Caye for an amazing lunch in the sun, with Percy taking things one step further by squeezing in an extra snorkeling session. Once everyone was fueled up, we headed to our second dive site, excited for more adventures below the surface. Tom and Thomas worked on the Fish ID and Naturalist portions of their Advanced certifications, while the rest of the group continued building their Open Water skills. Tyler dove with Lila, Caroline, Mary Mclean, and Elizabeth, where they encountered the biggest loggerhead turtle any of us had ever seen- it seriously looked like a dinosaur! Needless to say, we were ecstatic. Back on the boat, we celebrated with fresh pineapple and enjoyed a beautiful ride back to the dive shop. We then loaded up the van for an important stop… Tutti Frutti! Seconds were definitely involved, and thirds may not have been too far behind. Back at the hostel, the fun kept rolling. The group organized a dance-off before jumping into the pool to create a giant whirlpool, followed by an attempted synchronized swimming competition that somehow turned into a full-on Calabria dance party. After rinsing off (and many campers getting their hair braided by one of our new friends), we enjoyed some well-earned Chinese takeout for dinner. We wrapped up the day with MoonUp on the dock beneath the stars. We shared our favorite fish of the day (and what we imagined it would sound like if it could talk!) before discussing what our most treasured gift would be. It led to some hilarious and thoughtful conversations. To top it all off, our amazing hostel parents surprised us by setting up a projector so we could watch the USA game together- Go America! What an incredible first day of diving. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store!
Trip Shoutouts:
Griffin: What’s up fam love yall especially Lela. Having a blast in Belize. Shout out to the meat mountain see yall boys in a week. The nights by avici is on repeat.
Knox: Hi guys, love you all. I am having a great time petting sharks, zip lining, scuba diving and so much more. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. See you guys soon. Also tell Barley I miss him and he needs a new toy. – Love, Knox
Casey: Hi mom and dad I miss yall. I am having a lot of fun do not worry. I will see you soon . (Ps good luck on the move some stuff is going to be sent to the old house so pls make good connections and tell them to forward it to our new house.)
Henry: Hi Mom, Dad, and Molly! Belize is awesome. Scuba diving has been amazing, will tell you all about it. Food has been great, been eating beans! The fruit here is better than Cayman. See you all in a week! Hope Lily is doing well. Miss you all, love you!
Mary McLean: Hi mom and dad! I’m having so much fun thank you for sending me on this trip! Pls don’t forget to bring Beale to the airport and tell Hampton – idk about bingo probs notLove yall so much!
Caroline: Hi guys!!! I am having so so much fun! Happy late Father’s Day!! Thank you so much for sending me here it’s amazing!! Tell the jigs and everyone I love them!!
Percy: Hi guys, I’m having so much fun and I’m so glad you sent me here. Happy late Father’s Day. Tell Julia I miss her and everyone at the house. I can’t wait to see you guys again.
Elizabeth: Hi mom and dad!!! Belize is so so much fun and I have met so many new people and I’ve gotten so close with everyone.
Tom: Hi mom and dad, Belize has been awesome and i was able to get my advanced certification. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be here. Mom I am wishing you a very happy birthday tomorrow. I can’t wait to see you guys! Love, Tom
Eloise: Hii mom dad and bill!!! I miss you all so so soooo much and I’m so excited to see yall soon!! Belize is so cool and I’m so glad I get to have this opportunity but we have had a little bit of soup while we were here too!! Tell everyone I miss them and tell p and mfc I will see them soon and I love them!! Also please tell Quinn on the 1st I say happy birthday!! Alsoooo happy late Father’s Day to bill and dad!! I love you all sooo much and will see yall soon 😚-eloise 💓
Jane: Helloooo family I’m having a lot of fun and I have met so many good people. I miss yall and love yall and we went on a boat today and I got so tan we have done so many cool things and thanks so much for sending me on this trip it is literally awesome.All the girls are awesome and me and Lila are besties. I miss rusty and Susie and scuba diving has been so cool. My group is awesome and I am excited to see yall. Tell all my friends and Landon that I am having a lot of fun love yall!!!
Lila: Hiiii guyssss I’m actually having the best time ever I’m so glad I got to be able to do this. I’m getting close with everyone and especially Jane we are bestiessss. Mom I hope this didn’t start the water works haha I love yall so much I miss yaaaaaa
Safe Arrival!
June 21, 2026
Hello Belize Families!
We heard from our leaders 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
