Farewell CRO 1C!
June 18, 2026
Hey Moondance Families!
Day 11
Day 11 started with an early morning in our mountain hut and one last chance to enjoy the incredible views. We woke up to a delicious Croatian breakfast before packing our bags and squeezing in a little more guitar time. It was hard to leave such a special place, but we had another adventure waiting for us. We hiked back down to our transportation, enjoying the beautiful scenery and each other’s company along the way. As a reward for our efforts, we stopped for ice cream once we reached the bottom!!! After a warm hike, it was exactly what we needed and definitely a group favorite.
From there, we boarded the bus and made our way toward the next town. The drive itself felt like something out of a movie. We passed rolling hills, ancient ruins, and castles perched high above the landscape. When we finally arrived, we immediately understood why so many people love this city so much. Nestled between towering mountains and the Adriatic Sea, this town was one of the most breathtaking places we had seen on the trip. Our hostel sat right on the water, making it an incredible home for the next couple of nights.
After getting settled, we headed straight to lunch because all that hiking had worked up quite an appetite. We found a local pizzeria and quickly discovered that it served some of the best pizza we had ever had in our lives. In fact, we loved it so much that we ordered more because no one was quite ready to stop eating. With full stomachs and lots of excitement, it was time for our next activity: ziplining! The course took us high above the mountains and river valley, giving us incredible views of the town and the surrounding landscape. Jackson was busy capturing videos on his GoPro so we could relive the experience later, while Bridger captured amazing pictures of the rest of us flying through the air.
Of course, no ziplining experience would be complete without Louisa. You could hear her scream from what felt like a mile away! She was having the absolute time of her life, and her enthusiasm made everyone laugh. After a thrilling afternoon soaring through the mountains, we made our way back into town. That evening, we explored the local shops and stumbled upon a concert taking place in the city. Naturally, we stopped to listen, cheer them on, and make a few new friends along the way. It was one of those unexpected moments that made the day even more memorable than the last!
When we finally returned to the hostel, the fun still was not over. AB and Sam organized a race, and after some fierce competition, Gardner came away victorious. By the end of the night, everyone was tired, happy, and already talking about the memories we had made throughout the day. This town had exceeded every expectation, and we could not wait for our final activity tomorrow!
Day 12
Day 12 was our final full day of activities in Croatia, and WOW, did we save one of the best for last! We woke up right on the beach outside our hostel and enjoyed a quick breakfast before getting ready for the day ahead. Hayes and Louisa were our LODs, and they did an amazing job getting everyone excited for our last big activity. We still cannot believe we are already here! Before long, we hopped in the van with our guides, and headed to get our gear. Along the way, we soaked MORE of some of the most beautiful views of the Croatian coastline. Seriously, it still does not feel real!!!!
After gearing up, we hiked down into the canyon and stepped into the freezing cool water in the scorching sun. Bridger was the first one in, launching himself with a cannonball and absolutely no hesitation. The rest of the group quickly followed, and within minutes we knew this was going to be an unforgettable day. Marin, Marguerite, and AB could not stop laughing while the boys wasted no time throwing themselves into the first rapid. After that first run, we were all shocked by how much fun it was. We were basically body surfing rapids through a Croatian canyon. How cool is that?!
One of the highlights of the day was making our way through a cave with waterfalls pouring through the walls. Naturally, we all broke into a full-group rendition of “Unwritten,” which made the moment even more memorable. Throughout the day, Elizabeth, Elliott, and Jack fearlessly led the way, while Bridger, Sam, Louisa, and Hayes brought up the rear, studying everyone’s technique and trying to find the best route through each rapid (this was pretty smart). Every turn brought a new challenge and another incredible view.
The day was full of nonstop laughter. Whether it was Jackson and Sam performing the “Moto Moto” song from Madagascar, Emme and Elizabeth floating through the canyon like starfish, or everyone finding new ways to splash each other, there was never a dull moment. We stopped at a huge waterfall for a group picture before continuing down the canyon. Around every corner seemed to be another breathtaking view, and we could not stop talking about how lucky we felt to experience it all together.
By the time we finished canyoning, the group had reached a unanimous decision: BEST activity of the trip. That evening, we celebrated with dinner at a delicious restaurant in the heart of town. AB and Louisa even tried the famous Croatian black risotto for the first time! DELICIOUS. After dinner, we obviously had to get gelato. Jack had become obsessed with the coffee flavor the night before, so the mission was clear: find it again. Thankfully, we succeeded.
With gelato in hand, we headed to the waterfront and played Birdie on a Perch. It quickly became a competitive battle, with Elizabeth and Emme winning one round and Bridger and Hayes taking home the victory in the other. We ended the night with a Moonup under one of the most beautiful skies we have seen all trip. Elliott, AB, and Gardner spotted an incredible shooting star streak across the sky, and it felt like the perfect way to end such a special day. As we prepare for our final day together, we are soaking up every moment. We headed to bed early, knowing we had a long day ahead of us and one final destination waiting: Dubrovnik!
Day 13
Day 13 was finally here, and while none of us could believe it, we were determined to make it the best day yet! After all, you know what they say: last day, BEST day!
A group of students woke up extra early for the infamous “Coffee Chats and Conversations.” Gardner, Jack, Louisa, Marguerite, Elizabeth, Elliott, Marin, Reagan, and Emme joined us for coffee as we reflected on the past two weeks and talked about what we wanted to bring home from this experience. It was such a meaningful way to start our final day together and a reminder of just how much this group has grown. After breakfast, we hit the road for Dubrovnik! Since we had a later start, we did not arrive until the afternoon, but the excitement was building the entire drive. Once we arrived, we grabbed a few snacks, got settled, and started getting ready for our town day and banquet dinner.
The boys all wore matching Croatia soccer jerseys, while the girls got dressed up for the occasion. We headed to a beautiful garden restaurant for dinner and enjoyed one last special meal together. Then, of course, we had to get gelato. Jack had already become obsessed with coffee ice cream earlier in the trip, but somehow the coffee gelato in Dubrovnik took that obsession to a whole new level!
After dinner, we wandered through the streets of Dubrovnik, picking up a few final gifts for friends and family back home and soaking in every last moment of Croatia. The city was buzzing with excitement because Croatia was playing in the World Cup that night, and we knew we were about to witness something really special. Before dinner, the boys were actually stopped by one of Croatia’s biggest news stations and asked to be part of a live broadcast because of their matching jerseys. Definitely ask them to show you the video!
As we explored the city, we also ran into some of our friends from other Moondance groups. Seeing them in the streets of Dubrovnik was such a fun surprise, and everyone was excited to catch up and watch some of the game together. The energy throughout the city was unlike anything we had ever experienced. The streets were packed with fans, everyone was dressed in red and white, and the excitement was contagious!!! Watching Croatia compete while actually being in Croatia felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it is something none of us will ever forget.
Later that night, we returned to the hostel for our final Moonup together. We shared reflections, gratitude, and some truly inspiring final words before our journey home. It was emotional, meaningful, and the perfect way to close out such an incredible adventure. Sleep was definitely minimal last that, but I am confident this group would agree it was worth every second!!! Day 13 reminded us that the best memories are often made in the moments you never could have planned. As we prepared to head back to the States, we felt incredibly grateful for the friendships, adventures, and memories that will stay with us long after Croatia.
Day 14: Airport Day!
As we sign off one final time, Sam and I just want to say how incredibly special this group has been to us. We truly could not have imagined a better group of students to spend the last two weeks in Croatia with.
Every single person brought something unique and irreplaceable to this experience. Whether it was their humor, kindness, curiosity, courage, positivity, or willingness to jump headfirst into EVERY adventure, each of them helped make this trip what it was. Together, we laughed harder than we thought possible, learned so much from one another, and embraced every single moment to the fullest.
We have so much love for each of these incredible humans, and we feel unbelievably grateful that you trusted us with them and allowed us to be part of their journey. Watching them grow, support one another, and create friendships that will last far beyond Croatia has been one of the greatest privileges of our lives!!!!!
Thank you for following along on our adventure and for sharing these amazing students with us. This trip is one we will never forget!
Signing off one last time, CRO 1C ❤️
Hvala ti na svemu, jako smo ti zahvalni,
AB + Sam 🇭🇷🥾☀️⛰️
Music, Mountains, and Moonup!
June 15, 2026
DAY 6
We woke up bright and early for a BIG day of trekking! Our LODs for the day, Marin and Elliott, started us off strong with an incredible breakfast spread of yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit, and bars to make sure everyone was fueled up and ready for the adventure ahead. Shoutout to Louisa for always volunteering to do the dishes. It never goes unnoticed, and we appreciate her so much!
Our trail for the day was famous for a reason, and while we knew it would be beautiful, nothing could have prepared us for the views. Every turn seemed to reveal another jaw-dropping panorama of mountains stretching endlessly into the distance. We stopped for lunch at a mountain hut perched along the trail, where we spent time exploring one of the most unique places we’ve seen so far. The walls were covered in stickers from travelers all over the world, and we were especially excited to spot a Moondance sticker among them!
Everyone found their own way to enjoy the break. Jackson played hacky sack with AB and Sam, Elliott and Hayes soaked in the views from the edge of a cliff, and Elizabeth and Bridger made it their mission to explore every corner of the hut. AB also taught the group how to split an apple using only your palms, which quickly became the challenge of the day. So far, nobody has succeeded, but we are hopeful that will change soon! As we continued hiking, the fun never stopped. We played Wavelength along the trail, took approximately one million photos courtesy of the girls, and decided to add a bonus adventure by hiking an extra peak to reach the summit. Huge nugs to this group for always saying yes to a little more adventure! Elliott absolutely crushed his LOD duties all day and even put his climbing skills to good use by helping the group navigate the descent after reaching the top.
What stood out most was this group’s attitude. No complaints, no negativity, just excitement, encouragement, and appreciation for where we were. After a full day on the trail, we returned to the hut with plenty of time to relax in the field and soak in the incredible scenery. As the sun began to set, the mountains glowed with the most beautiful colors, creating one of those moments that makes you stop and realize just how lucky you are to be there. To top off an already amazing day, Marin and Elliott cooked an incredible Mexican feast for dinner. We scarfed down tacos, beans and rice, and some of the yummiest guacamole we have had all trip. Good food, great company, unbelievable views, and a sunset we will never forget. It was one of those days that reminded us why we came all the way to Croatia in the first place.
We ended the night the best way we know how: with a long Moonup. A little rain forced us inside, so we squeezed into one of the rooms in the hut and gathered together there instead. What could have been a change of plans ended up being one of the highlights of the day. Between the laughter, stories, and conversations, Moonup lasted nearly two hours and reminded us just how special this group is. As we headed to bed, tired from a full day in the mountains, we felt incredibly grateful for the adventures we shared and the memories we are making together here in Croatia.
DAY 7
Day 7 was another big day of trekking and the group was excited to get going despite fog and temps in the 50’s. Elizabeth and Hayes were our LODs, and they kicked off the morning with a quote that got everyone excited for what was ahead. Louisa and Gardner curated the most impeccable playlist, and we jammed out all the way up the mountain. As we drove to the trailhead, we looked out the window and realized we were literally in the clouds. Instead of being intimidated, the group was even more excited to get out and explore. Like I’ve said before, they always have the best attitude. The hike started with a steep uphill climb, but we took our time and enjoyed each other’s company along the way. When we finally reached the top, we found ourselves standing above the clouds. The wind was absolutely whipping around us, and we could not stop laughing. It was freezing, but also incredibly freeing and beautiful. What an accomplishment! We made our way back down, taking pictures, filming vlogs, and soaking in every moment while our playlist continued to provide the perfect soundtrack for the day.
After two big days of hiking, everyone was excited for a slower afternoon back at the hut. AB taught Sam, Bridger, Jack, and Gardner how to play Dutch Blitz, and within minutes we were all completely obsessed. We played for hours before the boys finally called it quits to get some much-needed rest. Not everyone was ready to slow down, though. Elliott and Sam headed out for a short hike to squeeze in a little more adventure. Meanwhile, the girls gathered around a table in the dining room while AB made coffee and tea for everyone. We spent the next hour laughing, talking, and enjoying some much-needed downtime together. Emme showed off her incredible artistic talent by sketching the stickers on our water bottles, and we were all amazed by how good they were. Inspired by her work, Jack decided to try his hand at drawing as well. Let’s just say his portrait of AB was… memorable. We appreciated the effort, Jack!
After our relaxing afternoon, Elliott, our very talented chef, helped Elizabeth and Hayes prepare one of the best meals of the trip: pasta. It was so good that we’re still talking about it. Elizabeth even hand-shredded cheese for the occasion! To end the day, we gathered for another long Moonup led by our fantastic LODs. In the middle of Moonup, AB and Sam surprised everyone with fresh-baked brownies. While the group raced up the mountain after dinner, they managed to sneak the brownies into the hut without anyone noticing. We love finding little ways to surprise the students whenever we can, and seeing their reactions makes it completely worth it. Days like today are why we love what we do. Big adventures, lots of laughter, incredible views, and meaningful moments spent together. We are so proud of this group and cannot wait to see what the next few days have in store!
DAY 8
Day 8 was all about soaking in the beauty of Croatia and enjoying every moment together! Reagan and Jackson came in HOT as our LODs for the day. They somehow managed to make breakfast in record time, and before we knew it, we were packed up, fed, and ready to hit the road for our next adventure. Reagan walked us through the plan for the day and made sure everyone had exactly what they needed before we headed out. Before leaving, we said our goodbyes and thank-yous to the mountain hut, a place that gave us some of our most memorable moments of the trip. While we were excited for what was next, it was definitely hard to leave behind the mountains, the clouds, and the memories we made there.
Our drive to the next destination was full of laughs, music, and plenty of classic group antics. Sam and Marguerite (better known these days as “Gert”) stepped up and filled everyone’s water bottles before we got going, which was some top-tier expedition behavior! Gardner and AB spent a good portion of the day reciting memes back and forth to each other, which should come as a surprise to absolutely no one. Once we arrived, we took some time to relax and enjoy the sunshine. The girls stretched out on the grass, soaked up the warm weather, and enjoyed some much-needed French fries as an afternoon pick-me-up. We also squeezed in some hacky sack, which has quickly become a staple activity whenever we have a little free time.
That evening, we arrived at our hostel and were so excited to explore the adorable little huts we would be staying in. Everyone immediately started checking out their rooms, settling in, and making themselves at home. Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any funnier, the students pulled off one of the most unexpected pranks of the trip. Out of nowhere, they surrounded AB and Sam and began running circles around them. It was completely spontaneous, absolutely hilarious, and had everyone laughing uncontrollably. Moments like these are impossible to plan for and always end up being some of our favorites. We wrapped up the night the best way we know how: spending time together. There was plenty more Dutch Blitz, and Sam taught everyone a new game that quickly became the evening’s entertainment. By the time everyone headed to bed, we were tired, laughing, and excited for everything still to come. Another day, another reminder of how special this group is. We can’t wait to see what Day 9 has in store!
Day 9
Day 9 was another adventure-filled day, and our LODs, Elliott and Emme, were ready to make it happen! They helped the leaders make sure we had plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and games packed for our activity, making sure everyone was set up for a great day. Before we hit the water, Elliott and Sam started the morning with a run to get the juices flowing before a long day of kayaking. Then it was time for one of our most exciting activities yet: river kayaking! We were lucky to have Beli as our guide for the day. He kept us laughing from start to finish and taught us everything we needed to know before heading down the river. Once we got going, the adventure began immediately. One of the biggest victories of the day belonged to Emme, who conquered her fear of cliff jumping! The entire group was so proud of her for taking on the challenge. Elliott and AB managed to flip their kayak along the way, but honestly, it only added to the fun. Somehow, they still managed to win the race!
Jack and Elizabeth skillfully paddled through the waterfalls, while Bridger and Reagan seemed to find every possible place to get stuck, which definitely kept the rest of us entertained. In a particularly memorable moment, Bridger became the first person to go backwards down a waterfall, a feat that may never be replicated. Louisa and Hayes navigated the rapids with ease, looking like kayaking professionals, while Jackson kept everyone on their toes by splashing just about anyone within range. Thankfully, he made up for it by capturing some incredible footage on his GoPro, and Marguerite was determined to get the perfect waterfall photo. We are all hoping the picture was worth it!
One of the most fun parts of the day came during our ride back. Louisa, AB, Hayes, Bridger, and Marguerite spent the drive absolutely jamming out to Croatian music with our other guide, Amon. Then, out of nowhere, ABBA came on the radio. The entire van immediately erupted into singing at the top of our lungs. After a long day in the sun, it was the perfect surprise and one of those moments we’ll all remember for a long time. When we returned to our starting point, we enjoyed lunch, made flower crowns, and soaked up as much sunshine as possible before heading back. Once we arrived at our next stay, everyone was grateful for a chance to shower off and relax before dinner.
As if the day couldn’t get any better, the staff surprised us with ice cream that evening. It was exactly what we needed after spending the entire day outdoors. We spent the rest of the night playing games, laughing together, and enjoying one another’s company. We ended the evening with a particularly deep and meaningful Moonup. We are always so grateful for how willing this group is to share, listen, and show up for one another. They continue to wear their hearts on their sleeves, and it makes every conversation so special.
As the day came to a close, everyone felt surprisingly emotional about leaving this location. We had such an incredible time there, and it seems like every place we stay somehow becomes our new favorite. Fortunately, that’s a pretty great problem to have. We can’t wait to see where the next adventure takes us!
Day 10
Day 10 was a transfer day, but that certainly did not stop it from being packed with adventure! Our LODs, Marin and Jack, did a fantastic job making sure we were ready to go before heading out. They made sure the rooms were clean, the dishes were put away, and that everyone took the time to say thank you before we left. Those are all signs of great leaders, and we were so proud of the way they stepped up for the group. We hopped on the bus and, after a busy few days, most of us immediately fell asleep before arriving at our activity for the day: CAVING!
When we arrived, we met our guide, Marion, suited up in our “Minion costumes” (protective overalls!) and helmets, and made our way to the entrance of the legendary and historic Modrič Cave. We quickly learned just how special this experience was. Only one group is allowed into the cave each day, and somehow that group was us! To help preserve the cave, there are no lights and nothing bolted into the walls. Instead, we navigated through the cave using only our headlamps, our hands, and a healthy sense of adventure. We climbed, crawled, squeezed through narrow passages, and explored some truly incredible formations. Of course, we also managed to take plenty of pictures along the way. One of the most memorable moments came when we reached the deepest point of the cave. We all turned off our headlamps and sat in complete darkness and silence for about thirty seconds. Honestly, I was impressed that this group stayed quiet for that long! They have so much fun together and are usually laughing about something. It was a really cool opportunity to experience total darkness and appreciate just how unique the cave was.
After emerging back into the sunlight, we were greeted by a lunch of chicken tenders and fries. Even better, it happened to be exactly what Marguerite had said she was craving while we were still inside the cave. Needless to say, everyone was thrilled. Once lunch was finished, we packed our day packs and got ready for our overnight stay in a mountain hut. The afternoon consisted of a hike up the mountain, and Marin and Jack did a great job leading the way and helping us navigate using the map. The hike flew by thanks to the endless stream of riddles and brainteasers. Sam seemed to have an unlimited supply and managed to stump most of us more than once. Emme became known for asking the best questions, while Elliott somehow always seemed to solve them. Bridger shared a riddle that had everyone thinking, and AB, Louisa, and Gardner spent a good portion of the hike laughing at the ridiculous questions they came up with along the way.
When we finally reached the hut, Gardner made one of the greatest discoveries of the trip: two guitars that guests were encouraged to use. This felt especially lucky because AB and Gardner had been talking about how much they wished they had brought a guitar. Suddenly, not only did we have one, but we had two! They spent the afternoon playing music while the rest of the group journaled, played card games, explored the area, and enjoyed some well-earned downtime. For dinner, we had goulash, a traditional Croatian meal that was a huge hit with the group. As the evening went on, we gathered for another Moonup, and somehow they just kept getting better and better. Every night we leave feeling grateful for the conversations, the vulnerability, and the way this group continues to show up for one another. To top it all off, we ended the night with guitars, singing, and plenty of laughter. Sitting together in a mountain hut, surrounded by friends and good music, it was hard to imagine a better way to spend an evening.
Provodimo se najbolje ikad,
AB + Sam
Thank you to our friends and family for sending us on the trip of a lifetime!!!
Marin – thank you so much for sending me on this trip!! I’m having the best time with best people I’ve ever activity! Love y’all miss you
Reagan- thank you for this amazing experience! I don’t think u could have had a better group and leaders! Every day has been amazing! I am so grateful for everything! Love y’all miss you so much!
Marguerite – Thank you so much for this opportunity! I have had an incredible time and experienced amazing things. This group is awesome!!!!! Love you and see you soon.
Louisa – Hiiiii! Thank you so much for letting me experience the BEST TRIP EVER. I can’t express my gratitude for being able to go on Moondance and meet the coolest people! Love y’all and miss you sooooo much! See you soon 🙂
Jack – Hey guys! Thank you so much for letting me go on this trip. It has been so much fun and I have met awesome people. I can’t wait to tell y’all about it!
Elliott- Hi Mom and Dad! Thank so much for sending me on this trip! It’s been such an amazing trip and I’m excited to see you soon!
Hayes – Thank you Mom and Dad so much for introducing me to Moondance. I have so many stories and adventures I can’t wait to share with you!
Gardner – Hello Mom and Dad! This trip has been awesome and I have experienced so many cool things. Thank you for sending me on this trip so I could make unforgettable memories!
Elizabeth – Hey Mom and Dad! Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity, I am having the time of my life making friends, kayaking, zip lining, etc. I am forever grateful, I love you so much!
Bridger – Hi Mom and Dad. Thank you so much for sending me on Moondance, I have so many stories to tell y’all!
Jackson – Hi Mom and Dad! Thank you so much for letting me go on this trip. It’s so fun and I can’t wait to see you soon!
Emme – Hey guys!!! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to come to Croatia. I can’t wait to tell you all about it! I love you!
Keep Calm and Croatia On!
June 10, 2026
Hey Moondance Families!
Zdravo from Croatia 1C!
DAY 2
Wow, have we hit the ground running! What a special group of individuals we have here with us in Croatia. AB (Anna Brock) and Sam are feeling so lucky to lead such a curious, thoughtful, kind, and absolutely hilarious group of teens through the experience of a lifetime. From Day 1, we encouraged them to embrace every second, and through the friendships and group dynamic we’ve already seen, we can confidently say they are on their way to making this a trip they’ll never forget. Kudos to this group for having the BEST attitude about the longest travel day. AB and Sam were absolutely perplexed by the amount of energy they had coming off the plane! But honestly, that says everything you need to know about this group. They are determined to make the most of every moment.
Jack was the first to arrive before the rest of the group, and we immediately knew he was going to be an integral part of this experience! AB, Sam, and the rest of the Croatia leaders felt SO lucky to spend time with him playing hacky sack, cards, and looking through “meme” stickers before everyone else arrived. Once the whole group was together, we met our wonderful guide, and it was officially time to begin our adventure. AB collected the phones, everyone piled onto the bus, and we immediately started building a playlist together. This group has GREAT music taste! Our first destination was Rab Island. Along the way, we stopped at a local grocery store since we would be cooking all of our own meals. MAJOR NUGS to Reagan and Jack for helping AB tackle the shopping list. Let’s just say it was definitely a bonding experience!
Once we arrived, we dropped our bags and headed straight to a local pizza restaurant for dinner. Our guide knew everyone would be starving, so she had already ordered ahead for us (she’s the best). The table was covered in all kinds of pizza, and it disappeared quickly! By the time we got back that night, it was clear that this group was READY to explore, but they definitely needed some sleep! Let’s see what the next day holds!
DAY 3
Our first full day in Croatia was nothing short of incredible! We were up bright and early, ready for a full day of exploring, bonding, and immersing ourselves in the culture of this country. On deck today: sea kayaking!
AB and Sam woke everyone up to some calming tunes, and our first LODs, Jack and Marguerite, got breakfast started. After fueling up on sausage, eggs, croissants, fruit, and coffee, we packed our lunches and made our way down to the sea. We arrived and met our amazing guides, who got us fitted with gear and walked us through a safety briefing. Once everyone was ready to go and AB made sure there was AMPLE sunscreen on every face (don’t worry, parents!), we pushed off and started paddling. It didn’t take long before we needed to cool off, stopping to jump into the crystal-clear water. The only downside to waking the kids up with music that morning was that our speaker died about 30 minutes in… but for this group, nothing could stop them! Especially with Gardner breaking into song every chance he got, either getting everyone to join in or cracking the whole group up. We paddled and swam for about two hours before pulling into a nearby bay for lunch. While eating, we obviously had to squeeze in a game! We played Wavelength while relaxing on the shore. Elliott, Jackson, and Hayes explored the far end of the beach while the girls swam and snapped a few pictures. Once lunch was over, we packed up every piece of trash and made sure we were practicing Leave No Trace before hopping back into our kayaks.
Of course, we had to stop one more time to jump in the water. There is still a heated debate about which kayak team was the fastest, and I think it’s time to settle the argument once and for all. It was definitely AB and Bridger. They only got faster when Louisa and Reagan joined them to create a mega kayak! Gardner and Jack were a very close second. Once we made it back to shore and turned in our gear, the group headed straight to the beach for spikeball, hacky sack, and beach volleyball. Eventually everyone made their way to the volleyball court, where we quickly learned that Louisa and Emme absolutely could not be on the same team if we wanted any chance of the game being fair! They are both incredibly talented. AB and Sam were also surprised by how athletic this entire group is. Things got competitive FAST! After about two hours of volleyball, we headed back to our housing to make dinner after a long day in the sun. Our LODs cheffed up some stellar burgers, fries, and green beans, and we spent dinner laughing and retelling stories from the day. Later, we headed into town to explore. Some people got gelato, some picked up Croatian soccer jerseys, and everyone soaked in the energy of the evening. While we were walking through the markets, Hayes did a soccer trick for a little boy, and it absolutely made his day! It was such a fun moment for the rest of the group to witness. We didn’t know we had that kind of talent on our hands! We wrapped up the evening beachside during our first real Moonup, where the LODs took charge and made it one to remember. The next LODs were Louisa and Bridger, and we headed to bed excited for another day together!
DAY 4
We woke up to another amazing breakfast: PANCAKES! Our LODs worked hard to make all sorts of options for everyone, and we were so grateful. We had banana pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, and even a combination of the two! Louisa even made a mega heart-shaped pancake! Huge shoutout to Bridger for his incredible talent of flipping pancakes. We were all impressed! After breakfast and a quick dish cleanup, the LODs gathered everyone together to make sure we had everything we needed for our next adventure: Boat Exploration Day! We were excited to grab our snorkels and fins before heading out on the water. Our first stop was a cave that we got to swim through, and Jackson was the brave soul who volunteered to go first. He even brought his GoPro and underwater light so he could capture the experience. We can’t wait to see the footage! Nugs to you, Jackson! Right behind him were Marguerite, Louisa, Gardner, and Sam. It felt like we were stepping into another world. Everyone took turns exploring the cave with Mateo and taking in the incredible sights.
Once we finished there, we headed to another cave that was even larger. Hayes, Elliott, and Jackson swam through it with Sam while the rest of the group enjoyed jumping off the boat and soaking up the sunshine. Marin and Elizabeth were some of the first to jump into the cool water, with Bridger and the rest of the crew not far behind. Our next stop was arguably everyone’s favorite: cliff jumping! This was one of the most incredible views we have seen yet. Tucked into the rocks was a large wooden platform that felt like our very own pirate ship plank. Hayes was the first to jump without a second thought. No hesitation, no fear. He was READY! Once everyone saw how much fun it was, they were eager to give it a try themselves. Every single person jumped and absolutely loved it. It was definitely a highlight of the day. Back on the boat, Mateo showed Gardner, Sam, and Marin how to feed the fish straight from their hands. Within seconds, it felt like hundreds of fish had surrounded them! It was such a cool thing to witness.
After about an hour of jumping and swimming, we made our way to a nearby beach for lunch. Sam, Gardner, Louisa, and Bridger decided to swim to shore with their lunches, which turned into quite the challenge when they realized they had to keep their sandwiches dry! Meanwhile, the rest of the group stayed aboard with AB, singing at the top of their lungs and enjoying the ride. After lunch, we headed back to the beach for even more relaxation. More volleyball, more swimming, and definitely more snacks! The boys spent time exploring in the water with Sam while the girls played frisbee with AB. As the afternoon rolled on, some people found a shady hut to relax under while others continued soaking up every bit of sunshine they could. Elizabeth was absolutely crushing it during a game of Categories in the water with Sam, Marin, Marguerite, and Emme.
Eventually, we made our way back to the housing for an early dinner so we could spend more time exploring town. After dinner, we wandered through the market area, grabbed gelato, and enjoyed another beautiful evening together. Once everyone had their gelato, we headed down to the beach for a game of Four Square. This group seriously loves a game! At Moonup, the LODs selected Gardner and Emme to lead us the following day. We wrapped up the evening and headed back to our hostel to get some rest before our next adventure. Of course, we couldn’t go to bed without one more game. After a very rowdy round of Spoons, Reagan came out victorious!
The group was genuinely sad to leave Rab Island that night, and we know this place will always hold a special place in their hearts. It was here that these twelve incredible individuals started to become one big family, and that has been such a special thing to witness.
DAY 5
WE’RE HEADED TREKKING!!!!
The group was absolutely thrilled to learn that we would be heading to the Velebit Mountains to begin the trekking portion of our trip. We loaded up the van and made our way to the legendary Zavizan Mountain Hut, and WOW, what a place. Surrounded by mountains as far as the eye can see, we were completely in awe from the moment we arrived. Every corner we turn seems to reveal another adventure waiting for us, and AB and Sam could not be prouder of how this group continues to embrace every experience with excitement and curiosity. Whether it’s trying something new, stepping outside their comfort zones, or simply making the most of every moment, they continue to impress us every single day. We spent the afternoon settling into mountain life and soaking in our surroundings. Some people made flower crowns, some explored the area, and of course there was plenty of hackysack. It was the perfect way to slow down and appreciate where we were before our big hiking day ahead. The group loved having some time to wander, relax, and take in the beauty of this incredible place.
As the evening rolled around, we hiked up the mountain for Moonup and sunset, and it was truly one of the most awe-inspiring sights we have experienced so far. Looking out across the mountains as the sun dipped below the horizon was one of those moments that is difficult to put into words. It reminded all of us just how lucky we are to be here together. Gardner and Emme led a fantastic Moonup, ending the evening with a game of Simon Says before we made our way back down to Zavizan. We headed to bed feeling grateful, excited, and ready for another day of adventure together.
Each day on this trip feels like such a gift, and this one was no exception!!!!
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
AB and Sam’s hearts could absolutely EXPLODE with how much love we have for this group. We are also incredibly grateful to each of you for trusting us with your kids and sending them on this adventure. We haven’t wasted a single second, and we will continue to give our all for these twelve very special humans every single day.
Vidimo se uskoro,
AB + Sam
SHOUTOUT TO OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY BACK HOME!!!
Louisa – Hi Mom and Dad! It’s been so fun! I love my group and the leaders! Today we are going to start trekking and I miss y’all so much! 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 (I miss lily too)
Reagan- Hi Mom and Dad! This trip has been the coolest! We have taken so many pictures and I am so excited to show you guys! I love the whole group and all my friends! Me and Gert are having a great time too! Today we are starting trekking! Can’t wait to see you guys!
Marin- Hi!!! I am having so much fun and this trip has been so cool! We have gone kayaking, cliff jumping, and gone in caves and we start trekking today! I love my group and Sam and AB and I’m having a great time! Miss y’all and can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Elliott- Hi Mom and Dad, the trip has been pretty insane so far and Croatia’s amazing. My groups pretty great and we’ve had some great food. I hope y’all are doing well in Nashville and I’ll see you soon
Hayes- Hi Mom and Dad, the trip has been amazing so far and I met a lot of great people, I saw a lot of good views and new things.
Gardner-Hi Mom and Dad, Croatia is awesome, I love our group that we have and the scenery is beautiful. I will see y’all soon, hope y’all are doing well.
Jack- Hey Mom and Dad, I’m having a great time. Our group is awesome and the activities have been super cool. See y’all soon.
Bridger- Hey Mom and Dad, I’m having an amazing time in Croatia. My group is great and we are doing some very cool things, see y’all soon.
Marguerite- Heyyyy!! Croatia is so fun everyone is really nice and we are about to go trekking today. Croatia is so pretty. See you soon!
Emme- Hey Mommy, Daddy, and Kelty! I am having so much fun! I love my group and my leaders. Miss y’all!
Elizabeth – Hey Mom and Dad, i am having so much fun in Croatia!!!! It’s beautiful here and I can’t wait to see y’all soon!
Jackson- Hey Mom and Dad I’m having so much fun here it is so cool here and nice can’t wait to see y’all
Safe Arrival in Zagreb!
June 6, 2026
Hello Croatia Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely in Zagreb! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure as they prepare to begin 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
