Sweet Goodbye in California!
June 20, 2026
Final trip update
Who can believe our CAL 1A trip is over? We certainly can’t! We miss them already so so much!
Since we last updated you all, we drove from rock climbing in Yosemite to a river for our whitewater rafting portion of the trip. We woke up and had a yummy oatmeal breakfast, which Simms was over the moon about! After blasting some tunes in our long car ride, we arrived at Camp Lotus for rafting. We set up camp and finally got our well deserved showers! We had a delicious cookout, which everyone had been waiting for! Miles was certainly excited for this dinner. After dinner, Ada and Miles led us in a great Moonup. We went to sleep and got a lot of rest to prepare us for a first day rafting.
The next morning, we woke up and surprised the kids with another breakfast! Everyone had been asking for pancakes since we did it on our third day of the trip, so we listened and just couldn’t resist! Morrison was thrilled, and she, Ada, and MacRae did an awesome job making scrumptious pancakes for the whole group. Maren absolutely loved the chocolate chip pancakes! After cleaning up, we headed to the river for rafting!
We got suited up and our nice rafting guides got us out onto the water safely. We started off with some class one and class two rapids. MacRae and Maren were getting a lot of splashes, but they didn’t mind! We stopped for lunch on the side of the river and enjoyed the rafting guide’s meal. We ate wraps and sandwiches and, of course, engaged in another intense round of hacky sack, in which Rylan showed us some of his new sack moves! After we ate, we headed back on the river, and encountered some of our first class three rapids. Harrison was nothing but excited for some more challenging yet exciting rapids! He sure got splashed though! We made it through about 13 miles of the river and then headed back to our campsite. We showered and then were treated to another lovely meal from the rafting guides! We had some steak, chicken, pasta, and peppers for dinner! Our LODs, Townes and MacRae, helped cook our desert… brownies! We had another Sabrina Carpenter dance party and Cece showed us her moves! Sadie loved singing along to Sabrina too! Morrison taught us all how to swing dance! We finished the night with Moonup and rested up for our last full day together.
We woke up with breakfast from the raft guides at our campsite, packed up our stuff, and headed out to raft. Our LODs, Harrison and Sadie, led us for the day, and we started off strong with a bunch of class three rapids. We had no trouble at all and enjoyed getting splashed and bounced by the heavier rapids! Harrison and Simms were eager to get more water so they sat up front and certainly accomplished that goal! We passed through our hardest class three rapidly, safely and soundly, and everyone did an amazing job! Townes was awesome, providing some calming energy and laughter for the group. During the calm parts of the river, Cece enjoyed sitting in the front of the raft as passenger princess! We ended eight miles of rafting back at the rafting center and had another great lunch from the guides. Then we hit the road and headed back towards San Francisco to finish off our trip strong.
We arrived back in San Francisco and immediately hit the thrift store. Everyone was wearing some fire outfits – Morrison and Cece decided to go as a cheesy spring break costume duo. Townes’s outfit embodied an aspiring SoundCloud artist. Maren looked like a character straight out of the Lorax. Not really sure of the theme of Ada’s outfit, but she sure committed to the silly look and looked so awesome! With all of our crazy outfits, we headed to our surprise banquet spot… In n’ Out! We wore birthday hats and surprised MacRae as she walked up! Everyone in the In n’ Out was very curious about our goofy themed birthday party, but we embraced it! We gave out paper plate awards and had a dramatic ceremony for it. Nothing but laughter and delicious burgers for our last meal all together. We certainly went out with a bang!
After dinner, we headed back to our original campsite where our group’s favorite side character of the session resides – Bernard the dog! It was a spectacular reunion, and Miles was especially happy after he received the paper plate award “Most likely to be Bernard’s favorite.” On our car ride back, we played California Gurls by Katy Perry as Rylan’s award was “Most likely to have California Gurls as his theme song.” We arrived safe and sound to the ranch and led our final Moonup. Everyone was very sad to leave but so grateful to have gotten so close and made unforgettable memories. We headed off to cowboy camp outside and got a couple hours asleep before our early airport morning.
And alas our trip comes to an end! It’s so hard to believe that the last time we were in this airport we were strangers, and now we are one big family. We sure are going to miss our Cal 1A kiddos and all our precious memories we made together. They were truly a remarkable group of kids, and we were so lucky to have them as our first session of kids ever.
We hope you all have a great rest of your summer and are thinking about upcoming trips for next summer with Moondance!
All the best,
Louisa, Robin, & Rob
The Fun Continues in California!
June 18, 2026
Hey Moondance Families!
Greetings from Yosemite National Park!
It’s hard to believe we are over half way into our trip. Time really is flying! Our group is phenomenal, and we have gotten closer by the day. Since our last update, we’ve been hanging out in Lake Tahoe and Yosemite!
After our long travel day from Pacifica to Tahoe, we set up camp and headed to a nearby beach to swim and explore the new spot! Ada bravely jumped right in despite the freezing cold water! Then we headed back to camp to have some tasty quesadillas, which some of the kids rated higher than the Taco Bell on the beach.
The next day, we headed out for our kayaking adventure! Our LODs, Morrison and Simms, showed off their kayaking skills and led the group with their synchronized paddling. We stopped and had lunch on a nearby cove. We played an intense game of kayak paddle ball, where Team 1 won! After kayaking, we hiked up to a viewpoint, where we had an incredible view of Lake Tahoe. We discussed everyone’s spirit animals, noting that Miles would be a whale shark. We made some burrito for dinner and had another awesome Moonup!
Next up was some SUPing (Stand up paddle boarding)! Miles and Townes led the way, flying by the group on their boards! Cece showed us her yoga moves on the paddle board, as well. After, we headed into South Lake Tahoe for a little shopping. But first, we made a quick pit stop to get some much deserved ice cream! During our shopping trip, Rylan made the coolest purchase: a stylish fish hat, where the head of the fish glows! For dinner we had pasta, and Cece hopped right in to help cook the broccoli without being asked. MacRae and Rylan did an amazing job at Moonup, leading everyone without any help from the leaders.
The next morning, we departed from Tahoe after a delicious egg sausage burrito breakfast, and headed to Yosemite. We set up camp and immediately took a swim at the beautiful lake located on our campsite. Everyone got in the water, and Ada once again proved that she might be more fish than human, staying in the water longer than anyone else! We had a surprise local food stop at a nearby pizza place, and we had a blast playing imposter while waiting for our food. We finished the night off with some more hacky sack followed by Moonup on the lake beach.
After a good night’s sleep, we began our first day of climbing in Yosemite National Park. In the Tuolumne meadows, we began our rock climbing. Our guides set up the ropes, and the kids had no hesitation. Before we knew it, Simms had reached the top of the hardest route without any fear. Everyone was so supportive, providing words of encouragement to every climber. Sadie was especially encouraging to everyone, rooting for everyone’s success! We were all so proud when Maren persevered her fears and made it to the top, with support and cheers from all her friends below. After we climbed, we made a quick stop to another lake within Yosemite, played some hacky sack, and took a much-needed beach nap. We headed back to our campsite and had a delicious Mac ‘n cheese dinner. This was definitely a fan favorite dinner, and Maren was beyond excited! Simms and Cece led us in our Moonup, and we headed to sleep.
We continued our next day climbing in Yosemite at another spot with an incredible view. Harrison was fearless, taking on the hardest route with the support of Rylan and Simms belaying below. He was unstoppable! Cece and Ada also took on the challenge and crushed the hardest route as well. Townes was zipping up each of the climbing routes so fast, it was hard to keep up with him! After our long climbing day, we took another swim at the lake, and then began our yummy taco dinner. All the girls were eager to help cook– MacRae made a delicious guacamole, Sadie and Maren cut up all the bell peppers, and Morrison helped chop the sweet potatoes. Morrison was just as excited as her leader Louisa to have some sweet potatoes for dinner! They were an essential addition to our tacos. Harrison and Morrison then led our Moonup, and we headed off to sleep early.
We had an early wake up for our last full day in Yosemite. We drove back into Yosemite National Park, and began our hike up some beautiful falls. Maren and Miles led our morning huddle and gave us some words of wisdom before we set out for the hike. It was steep, but everyone had a great attitude, and we made it up in no time. The name of the trail was not deceiving, we got pleasantly misted by the waterfall as we hiked up. On the way up, there was a breathtaking view of a double rainbow alongside the waterfall. It certainly made our hike worth it! We had lunch at the top of the waterfall, soaking in the astonishing views. After our hike we headed back to our campsite. It was a long day, but certainly rewarding. We had one last swim at the lake and then had our Moonup under the bright California stars.
Tahoe and Yosemite were incredible, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for our whitewater rafting!!!! Finishing off our trip strong!
Until our next update!
Robin, Louisa, & Rob
Thank yous
Rylan: Thank you Mom and Dad for allowing me to go on this trip. Thank you for pushing me to go on it because I would not have been able to make new friends and have as much fun as I am having. I have been able to see such cool and did something that wyatt was too scared to. Thank you for giving me a great experience.
Townes: Thank you mommy and daddy for giving me the opportunity to have this experience of seeing things that I probably wouldn’t see if I didn’t go in the first place. Thank you for pushing me to go on it because if I didn’t I wouldn’t have met all the friends I made. I am very thankful I was able to go and had experiences that are very special.
Miles: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go on this trip. Also thank you for pushing me to go on this trip because I had so much fun and saw things I had never seen before. Also thank you for packing me for this trip because I would not be able to go on this trip without you guys packing me.
Simms: Thank you guys for letting me go on this trip. I have seen so many amazing things and met so many new friends. Thank you mom for helping me pack and get everything I needed to go on this trip, I couldn’t have done that by myself. Thank you dad for working hard and giving me the opportunity to do things like this. I will remember the experiences I have made on this trip forever.
Harry: Thank you guys for giving me the opportunity to go on this trip. I have had so many new experiences from this trip. I have made so many new friends. It’s crazy how in just two weeks I have become so close with these other kids. The other boys and I have already made plans to meet back up. This unique experience has opened up so many opportunities for me. Thank you for helping me pack and buy everything I needed for this trip.
Morrison: Thank you so much for encouraging me to do this trip! It has been soooo much fun and I am so grateful for this opportunity. I have made so many memories and have had the most fun experiences. I can’t wait to see you guys soon!!
Maren: Hiiii! Thank yall for sending me here and letting me have the opportunity. I’ve been doing good, and trying stuff! I have made so many new friends, everyone is so nice here!! I have had such a great time here. I am excited to see y’all soon but also don’t want to leave. I love y’all so much. Love yall!!! BYEEEE!!!
MacRae: Hey Mom and Dad!!! I am literally having a blast!!!! I’ve made so many friends, and I feel like I have known them for way longer than 2 weeks! Thank you so much for having me go on this opportunity to come here. You guys need to be ready for the stories, and funny memories when I come back! Everyone is already planning to go to Belize next year together!! Love youu!!!
Cece: Heyyy guys!! Thanks you so much for giving me this opportunity. I am having such a great time here!! Everyone is so nice and the activities are so fun!! I have made so many great memories here. I can’t wait to come back and tell u guys all abt it!!!!!!! Love you guys and see u soon!!❤️
Sadie: Hiiiiii, thank you guys so much for sending me to Moondance. I have already made so many memories here and everyone is so nice.
Ada: Hellooooo!!! Moondance is so much fun and I love the friends here but I mostly love all the hilarious memories I have made here. I also drew in my journal so I can tell you what I did every single day! Most of all I just wanted to thank you for sending me here and helping me make these memories! See u soon!👀
Love ya,
Ada
Hellooo from Sunny California!
June 11, 2026
Hey Moondance Families!
Greetings from the beautiful West Coast! We’ve been up to some amazing adventures since the trip began! Our group has bonded fantastically, and we already feel like we’ve become one big family!
After everyone arrived at the airport, we said goodbye to other California groups and headed to our campsite. We set up our tents and everyone immediately jumped into a game of kickball. After playing some bocce ball as well, we had some pizza and caesar salad for dinner. Then we began our first Moonup as the sun was setting over the beautiful view of the valley. We headed to bed early, and everyone rested up after their long travel days.
On our second day, we ate breakfast and headed out to surf in Pacifica. Cece and Harrison were our LODs (Leaders of the day), and started us off with an uplifting quote to get us motivated for the day. It was a little chilly, but everyone had great attitudes and showed us some great moves on the surf boards nonetheless! Miles looked like a pro surfer, catching one wave after the other without any fear.
After surfing, we headed to a scenic viewpoint of the Golden Gate bridge and had a picnic! The boys led us in some hacky sack in front of the stunning view. Simms was showing us some crazy moves with the hacky sack landing on his back!
Then we headed out to sail. We saw the cutest seals resting on the dock! We saw a new perspective of the Golden Gate bridge as we sailed right below it. MacRae and Rylan were fearless, sitting in the front of the sailboat, getting a few sprays from the bay water. Morrison was all bundled up and dressed for success, she had a blast! We sailed back in and drove to the campsite for dinner. Harrison showed off some of his cooking skills as he led us in making chicken alfredo pasta. It was delicious! Townes showed us his signature dance move – the Townes Tingle, and we all have been doing it since. We finished off the night with our Moonup and headed to sleep! Miles said this was the best day of his life!
On our third day, we had a leisurely morning, and began our pancake breakfast which was a hit! Ada and Morrison led us on the cook crew and helped make the pancakes. Even Maren, who didn’t like pancakes, gave them a try and said they were delicious! Once our bellies were full, we headed out to surf one last time in Pacifica. The sun was shining, the waves were flowing, it was a perfect day to surf! Cece and Townes were like fishes in the sea, killing wave after wave. After we surfed, we listened to the kids’ requests and surprised them with lunch at the fancy Taco Bell right on the beach. They were off the walls, jumping for joy!
After lunch, we headed to a marine reserve and walked through an enchanting forest which led us down to a small beach. We tried to spell out Moondance with our arms and legs for a photo, which didn’t turn out as well as expected, but we had so much fun nonetheless. Throughout the day, Sadie has been checking in on everyone, helping out whoever needs help, and keeping spirits up! After a big day full of laughter, adventure, and exploration, we had some dinner. Ada and Townes did great jobs as LODs and led Moonup under the night sky filled with stars.
This morning we got up and had a yummy egg and sausage breakfast before packing up camp and heading on the road for our car ride to Tahoe. Everyone said goodbye to the campsite’s dog, Bernard, who the kids bonded with.
Talk to y’all soon!
Louisa, Robin, and Rob
Shoutouts:
Morrison: Hey! It’s been really fun. I love you guys! My favorite part has been sailing and making pancakes! Say hi to everyone!
Rylan: Hey mom, hey dad. I miss you guys so much. I am having so much fun just like you said I would. I had Taco Bell for the first time and seeing the coolest veiws ever. I have made lots of new friends and one named Townes who is very funny.
Ada: Hey guys! What’s going on! I had Taco Bell the other day, Dad, yours is still better. Mom, you were right to bring chapstick. Surfing was fun, it was more difficult than at home. Counselors are so nice. Say hi to Uncle John and Butchy for me!
Townes: Hi mommy, hi daddy I’m having a great time in California and got a lot better at surfing.
Cecelia: Hey Mom and Dad! Camp is so much fun. Everyone is great and we’ve done a lot of fun stuff so far. Mom, you were right about the warm clothes. It’s chilly here! I love you guys and miss you guys! Tell Gabriel and Coco I said hi, and happy birthday to Coco on her birthday.
Miles: I am having a great time and I have been having fun surfing. I have been having fun with Townes and the others and I miss yall.
Sadie: Hey guys! I’m having so much fun over here! California is very awesome. Surfing was cool, I got up once! I am getting along with so many people and the flight was really good. Love you!
Harrison: Yo what’s up parents. I learned how to surf and I am going to move to Cali when I’m older. We had this really cool surf instructor. I have met a few kids on the trip and Townes is super funny. Hopefully we can go surfing soon after this. We have the best food like Taco Bell. See you soon.
MacRae: What up gang? I am having a blast, I think surfing is my new thing. San Francisco is so different from L.A. I am so excited for what’s ahead! I have met so many new fun friends and it feels like I have known them for way longer. I saw the Golden Gate Bridge and the waves were huge. I hope you guys are having fun on your trip. I hope PG had a lot of fun at camp. Miss you guys! Love you!
Simms: Hey Mom and Dad, I’m having so much fun in Cali. So far we’ve surfed and we just got to Tahoe. We stayed at this really cool ranch as a campsite first. It had a wiffle ball field, putting and chipping green, and it was all on a huge hill with a crazy view. Miss you guys love you.
Maren: Hey guys! I have been having a lot of fun! Camping is SO fun! I tried surfing, but it wasn’t my thing. I have met lots of new people! Love and miss y’all!
Safe Arrival in San Fran!
June 7, 2026
Hello California Families!
We heard from our leaders that the group has landed safely in San Francisco! 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
