Inklings of Italy
July 12, 2026
Hello Moondance Families!
Well… somehow we’ve already made it to the end. It truly feels like we blinked, and now we’re saying goodbye to one incredible group of students. The last few days have been full of adventure, laughter, and a whole lot of bittersweet moments as we wrapped up our time together here in Italy.
We started our final stretch with one last trek, hiking down from beautiful Rifugio Tissi after an unforgettable few days in the mountains. These trekking days were no joke, and we continue to be amazed by how strong this group proved to be. The girls once again showed everyone how it was done, setting a blistering pace down the trail! Izzy continued to prove she’s one of the strongest hikers around, while Maysey kept everyone’s spirits high with conversation and encouragement. Charlotte was once again our unofficial sunscreen captain, making sure no one forgot to reapply before another day in the alpine sun.
Before leaving the mountains, we squeezed in one final game of dodgeball that quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. Jake proved nearly impossible to hit and quickly earned the title of the player to beat, weaving around throws like a professional. Harper stepped into the role of team strategist, enthusiastically calling out game plans and keeping everyone organized. In the end, Wells and Maddie found themselves as the final two competitors standing, putting on an epic showdown that had the entire group cheering. One of the funniest moments came when Wells absolutely launched a throw that sent Elan into one of the most dramatic “deaths” we’ve ever witnessed on a dodgeball court. Safe to say there were plenty of laughs.
After saying goodbye to the high peaks of the Dolomites, we piled into the vans and made our way toward our next h0me. As always, the car rides quickly turned into rolling concerts thanks to Elan, who once again had everyone singing along to his ever-growing playlist. It’s amazing how quickly a van full of students can turn into a choir after two weeks together.
Our final adventure was canyoneering, and it was the perfect way to celebrate everything this group had accomplished. Climbing, sliding, swimming, rappelling, and jumping through crystal-clear water was an unforgettable experience. Alek and Izzy fully embraced every opportunity for cliff jumping and were always first in line for another leap. Their excitement was contagious, and before long everyone was cheering each other on through every obstacle. Watching the students encourage one another throughout the canyon reminded us just how close this group had become.
Back in town, we enjoyed some wonderful dinners together, spent our evenings playing games, laughing about inside jokes that somehow developed over only two weeks, and soaking up every last minute together. One final Moonup led by Tilley and Maddie gave everyone a chance to reflect on the friendships, challenges, and memories that made this session so special. They did a wonderful job leading the group through what was undoubtedly one of our most meaningful evenings together.
Then, before we knew it, it was time for Venice! We spent the day wandering through winding streets, crossing canals, and exploring one of the most unique cities in the world. There was plenty of pizza, plenty of gelato, and-because no Moondance trip is complete without at least one slightly questionable meal choice-a group stop at McDonald’s. Caroline confidently put her growing Italian skills to use while ordering, and Tilley enjoyed taking in the final moments of our adventure alongside the friends she had made over the past two weeks. Wells somehow kept everyone laughing right up until the very end, while Elan somehow managed to make every walk through the city feel like an adventure of its own.
Looking back on these past two weeks, Sarah and I couldn’t be more proud of this group. They climbed mountains, conquered Via Ferratas, trekked between remote rifugios, explored incredible places, embraced every challenge, and, most importantly, built genuine friendships with one another. From Jake always making sure to capture the best moments behind the camera, to Harper’s endless positivity, Alek’s adventurous spirit, Izzy’s toughness, Charlotte’s kindness, Caroline’s determination, Tilley’s quiet dependability, Maddie’s generosity, Maysey’s steady leadership, Elan’s contagious enthusiasm, and Wells’ unforgettable humor, every single student helped make this trip exactly what it was.
Thank you all for trusting us with your incredible kids these past two weeks. They challenged themselves, encouraged one another, laughed constantly, and represented your families so well. We feel incredibly lucky to have shared this adventure with them, and while saying goodbye is never easy, we know the friendships and memories made here in the Dolomites will last for many years to come.
Terrific Trekking!
July 9, 2026
Greetings from DOL2B!
We have officially wrapped up the trekking portion of our adventure, and what an incredible few days it has been. Trekking from rifugio to rifugio through the heart of the Dolomites gave us some of the most spectacular scenery of the trip so far, but even more importantly, it gave us uninterrupted time together as a group. Between the miles on the trail, evenings at our mountain huts, and countless conversations along the way, this crew has continued to grow closer every single day.
The trekking itself was no small feat. These mountain days demanded a lot from everyone, but this group rose to the challenge with determination and positivity. Sarah and I continue to be amazed by how strong these students are. They have embraced every climb, every long descent, and every early morning with incredible attitudes. One thing quickly became apparent during our hikes: the girls absolutely flew up the mountains! Time after time, they left the boys chasing behind, proving they were the true speed demons of DOL2B.
Leading that charge was Izzy, who once again somehow managed to stay glued to Michele’s heels throughout another demanding day of hiking. Keeping up with Michele is no easy accomplishment, and watching Izzy tackle each climb with such confidence and determination has been incredibly impressive.
The trails also gave us the chance to slow down and appreciate the people around us. Wells spent one afternoon deep in conversation with our guide Marta, exchanging stories about growing up in North Carolina and learning about life in Italy. It was one of those special travel moments that reminded us how much can be learned simply by talking with people from different walks of life. Of course, Wells also continued to do what Wells does best-keeping the entire group laughing with his jokes and quick sense of humor whenever the miles started to feel a little longer.
Harper and Maysey made sure to stop and appreciate some of the local residents along the trail, happily spending time petting a group of cows we met in the alpine meadows. Later in the trek, Maysey kept everyone’s spirits high by leading the group through a long round of questions as we hiked, helping the miles pass quickly while everyone learned a little more about one another.
Throughout the trek, Elan, Alek, and Jake became our unofficial documentary crew. Armed with Elan’s GoPro, they captured everything from scenic ridgelines to hilarious trail moments, making sure this adventure will be remembered long after we’ve returned home. Alek also became the group’s resident Polaroid photographer, snapping instant pictures that have already become treasured keepsakes for everyone.
Jake has continued to be one of the group’s biggest encouragers. Whether he was hiking alongside someone on a climb, filming memorable moments, or making sure everyone’s best memories were captured, he consistently found ways to make those around him feel supported and included.
One afternoon, we reached a beautiful alpine lake that quickly became one of everyone’s favorite stops of the trek. While the boys challenged one another to increasingly ambitious rock-skipping contests, the girls transformed the shoreline into the set of their very own GoPro music video. It was one of those perfectly unplanned afternoons that reminded us how much fun can come from simply enjoying an incredible place together.
Even after long days on the trail, this group has continued to look out for one another. Maddie showed incredible generosity by treating several students to sodas and water at one of the rifugios, a thoughtful gesture that certainly didn’t go unnoticed after a full day of hiking. She also partnered with Wells to lead one of our favorite Moonups of the trip at beautiful (and very chilly!) Rifugio Tissi. It was the perfect way to reflect on everything we had accomplished together during the trekking portion of our adventure.
As always, this group continues to surprise us with its many talents. Caroline and Tilley impressed everyone with their growing confidence ordering in Italian, and Charlotte also became the group’s unofficial sunscreen captain, making sure everyone stayed on top of reapplying before long days in the sun – a responsibility that probably saved a lot of noses and shoulders over the course of the trek.
Once we wrapped up our final trekking day, we piled into the vans for the drive to Clauzetto, tired but incredibly proud of everything we had accomplished together. Before long, Elan had taken over the speaker and turned the van ride into another unforgettable singalong, introducing everyone to his favorite playlist while the rest of the group enthusiastically joined in.
Looking back on these last several days, Sarah and I are most proud of the attitude this group has displayed. Trekking through the Dolomites is challenging. There are long days, tired legs, changing weather, and plenty of uphill climbs. Yet this group has consistently met every challenge with resilience, positivity, and encouragement for one another. They have continued to work hard, laugh often, and appreciate every moment along the way.
We feel incredibly lucky to spend these two weeks with such a respectful, adventurous, and genuinely kind group of students. It’s hard to believe we’re heading into the final stretch of our trip, but we can’t wait to see what the last few days have in store!
Thanks again for sharing your amazing kids with us. We’re making memories we’ll all carry long after we leave the Dolomites!
Some shoutouts from the crew below:
Wells: Hey mom and dad I am having the absolute best time. This is the best Moondance trip I’ve ever been on. I miss and love yall.
Love, Wells
Elan: Hey mom and dad! I’m having a blast and I cant believe the trip is almost over. I’ve taken a ton of videos for yall. Love and miss everyone and give Luna a big hug for me!
Love, Elan
Jake: Hey mom and dad!!! I’m having the time of my life. Cannot believe the amount of experience I have been blessed with! Thank you guys so much! Miss you guys so muchhh!! 🙂
Love, Jake
Alek: Hey guys! I hope everything is going great back home. This trip is been a blessing to me and it feels great not having a phone with me, but I am sad it’s coming to an end soon but exited to spend some time with you guys soon! I love you so much.
Love, Alek
Harper: Hey fam! I miss you guys so much! I can’t believe it’s already almost already over. I love Italy, we need to come here with everyone. It has been so adventurous and out of my comfort zone! I’m so glad I get to be able to experience the Dolomites Love you see u soon!
Love harper
Izzy: Hey fam! I can’t wait to see yall soon but have loved it here! My group has been so awesome and I have met the most amazing people ever! I can’t wait to keep exploring Italy with yall! Thank you so much for this opportunity! Love y’all!!
Love Izzy
Maysey: Hi everyone! This has been the best trip ever and I can’t wait to see you guys! This has been so amazing and I have done so many great things here, I’m so sad it’s coming to an end. I love everyone here and thank you for sending me here!
From, Maysey
Maddie: Hey mom and dad! I have been having so much fun!! I can’t wait to see you both and tell you all about it. I have done so many cool things and I love everyone in my group. I’m so glad I get to experience this trip. Thank you so much and see you soon.
Love, Maddie
Charlotte: Hey mom and dad!! This has been such an amazing trip and I am excited to get home but so not ready to leave! We have done lots of hiking and I’m so exhausted but it has all been super fun!! Thank you for sending me on this trip!! Love you!
Tilley: Heyyy mom and dad!!!! I’m having so much fun here in the Dolomites!!! I am going to very very sad to leave on travel day!! I can’t wait to tell you two about it and mimi!!! And I also can not wait to see Luna!! See you soon, love you
Caroline: Hi mom and dad I am having the time of my life here in Italy!! Everyone is so nice and I have the best friends and leaders ever. I miss yall so much and can’t wait to see you and tell you all about it! Tell the brothers hi and I miss them and pet the dogs for me. I love you so so much and thank you x1000000 for letting me come here and have this experience. Y’all are the best!! Love, Caro
Shout Outs!
July 6, 2026
Some words from the kiddos:
Thank you mom and dad I’m having an amazing time! I’ve taken so many photos and I’m so excited to share all these memories. The group is incredible! Happy birthday Jacqui love ya!
Love,
Elan
Hey mom and dad, I’m having a wonderful time in the Dolomites and you were right Moondance is so much fun and I’m having the best time of my life. Thank you for sending me on this trip and I’m so thankful for this trip. I will see you soon and tell you the wonderful stories from the Dolomites.
Love Alek
Hey mom and dad, this is the best Moondance trip I have ever been on. I love the group they are amazing. The views are so amazing. I hope to be able to come to the Dolomites one day with all of you. I love yall and can’t wait to see yall soon.
Love,
Wells
Hi mom and dad, thank you for an incredible time you guys have gave me on this trip. Honestly, this has been some of the best times with new people as well as overall experiences I just have ever had. I miss you guys so so so muchhh!
Love,
Jake
Hi mom and dad thank you so much for letting me be able to experience this awesome trip. it’s so fun we have been doing the coolest thing ever. I miss you guys and I miss CGC. Love you so much. See you soon
Love,
Harper
Hey mom and dad I’m having so much fun and have made a lot of new friends. Thank you so much for letting me be able to go on this trip. I miss you guys so much, see you soon
Love,
Maddie
Hey guys! I am having so so much fun thank you so much for sending me on this trip. I am meeting so many new amazing people and having so many great experiences!
Much love,
Maysey
Hi mom and dad, I am having the best time in the Dolomites and I miss you so much. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go on this trip! I love y’all so much and I can’t wait to tell you all about the trip and my new friends and experiences! I love you!
Love, Caroline
Hi mom and dad I am having such a fun time here in Italy!!!! Thank you for sending me on this trip!!! I MISS Luna so much and give her walks because I see dogs climbing mountains something Luna can’t do….. love and miss you guys
-Tilley
Hi mom, dad, and Millie!! I miss y’all so much and can’t wait to see y’all soon! I hope you’re having so much fun in Italy already and I can’t wait to meet up with y’all and see more family!! I LOVE YOU GUYSSS!!
love- Izzy
Hi mom and dad! I’m having so much fun and love the group I’m in! say hi to the dogs and have fun and if he hasn’t left yet tell Coleman bye and have fun for me! Love yall!!
-Charlotte
Delightful Days in the Dolomites!
July 5, 2026
Helloooo from DOL2B!
We are officially halfway through our adventure here in the Dolomites, and what a week it has been! We have laughed harder than we thought possible, climbed higher than many of us imagined, and continue to be blown away by the strength, positivity, and determination of this incredible group. Every single day these students have embraced new challenges with enthusiasm, and Sarah and I couldn’t be more grateful to spend these two weeks exploring Italy with them.
From the moment we landed in the Dolomites, this group clicked. After settling into our hotel in the beautiful mountain town of Corvara, we spent our first evening getting to know one another over pizza, games, and our first Moonup beneath the towering peaks. It didn’t take long before Alek had the entire group hooked on the game “21,” which has since become a daily tradition. Harper wasted no time proving she was the one to beat by hitting 21 not once—but twice!
Our first Via Ferrata at Les Cordes was the perfect introduction to climbing in the Dolomites. Everyone stepped outside their comfort zones and tackled the route with confidence. Elan kept spirits high by singing along sections of the climb, and before long the whole group had joined in with a Frank Sinatra singalong echoing through the mountains. Jake was constantly looking out for everyone around him, offering words of encouragement through the trickier sections while somehow also managing to capture incredible photos of the group along the trail. Maddie impressed everyone—including our Italian guides—who congratulated her on being a complete natural on the Via Ferrata. Safe to say she’ll always have a future in mountain climbing if she wants it!
The next day brought one of our biggest hiking days yet as we trekked beneath the incredible Setsass Peak. This group has proven time and time again just how strong they are. Izzy absolutely flew up the trail, somehow keeping pace with Michele, our guide, who is famous for hiking at what feels like superhuman speed. Watching her match his pace on one of our toughest days was seriously impressive. Along the way, Jake continued documenting everyone’s adventures with his camera, making sure these memories will live on long after we’ve returned home.
One thing Sarah and I have loved most about this group is how much joy they bring to every part of the day—not just the adventures. Whether we’re hiking, eating dinner together, or winding down after Moonup, there is never a shortage of laughter. Wells has quickly earned the title of group comedian, keeping everyone smiling with perfectly timed jokes and comments that somehow always land. Between card games, storytelling, and constant laughter, this crew has made every moment together memorable. As the perfect grand finale to night six, Maysey and Alek utilized their positions as LODs to close an already chilly Moonup on the Lagazuoi summit with a snowball fight! During downtime after the long hikes, Charlotte leads the group in friendship bracelet tutorials which have become a huge hit!
The Fourth of July brought another unforgettable day in the mountains. Caroline and Tilley fully embraced the holiday spirit by glittering up for the festivities, adding a little extra sparkle to our celebration abroad. We hiked through the incredible World War I tunnels before arriving at our cozy mountain refuge, where the day ended with one of our favorite Moonups so far.
Over the past two days, we’ve been climbing throughout the breathtaking Cinque Torri area with our mountain guides. Every student has continued to impress us with their courage, determination, and willingness to try new things. Whether clipping into another Via Ferrata, scrambling over rock, or cheering each other on from below, this group has continued to support one another every step of the way. They truly celebrate each other’s successes, and it’s been incredible to watch their confidence grow with every climb.
More than anything, Sarah and I have been amazed by the character of this group. They are exceptionally respectful—to one another, to us as leaders, and to our Italian guides. They have approached every challenge with grit, positivity, and an incredible amount of energy. Even after long days in the mountains, they somehow still have enough left in the tank for games, conversations, and plenty more laughs before bed.
We feel incredibly lucky to be leading such a fun-loving, adventurous, and resilient group of students. They have already accomplished so much, but the best part is knowing we still have another week of adventures ahead of us. We can’t wait to see what memories the second half of the trip has in store! Thanks so much for sharing your amazing kids with us—we’re having an absolute blast!
Warmly,
Moss and Sarah
Safe Arrival!
June 30, 2026
Hello Dolomites Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely in Venice! 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
