Adventures With The ICE-PACK!!
June 18, 2026
Hello from Iceland!
It’s been an epic couple of days out here, and we are just getting started! After a long wait in the airport and an overnight flight, our first Icelandic adventure was well-needed: a spa day at a lagoon. We all agreed that our favorite part of spa experience was the wooden sauna that had a huge window overlooking the ocean.
The next day began with the arrival of our final member of the Iceland family, Katie, and finally our group felt complete. We spent the afternoon at a horse breeding farm, and we got the chance to ride show horses. Barrett taught the group how to vogue and we had a dancing photo shoot in front of the barn. After riding, we were greeted with the farm’s specialty: hot-spring cooked rye bread with warm butter. Safe to say we were all having the time of our lives! In the afternoon, we got to go see a natural hot springs, where Taylor and Liesl found the sweetest mountain dog to play fetch with.
That night, we transferred over to our first campsite, where Harry had the perfect idea to play capture the flag in the huge pasture by camp. Sam made many successful attempts at bringing his team a win, but it was our girl, Katie, who took the final leap victory for her team. We celebrated together before walking to a beach for our Moonup.
Moonup is a special and foundational part of the Moondance culture. It is a time at the end of each day where the group gathers to reflect on the day and it gives us the opportunity to get to know one another a little better. This activity is led by the leaders of the day (LODs), which are two students who are tasked with setting a good example for the group each day. The LODs elect new leaders during Moonup, and it is a great time for students to acknowledge each other’s strengths. Corley and I both agreed that Cecile and CJ would be a stellar duo to begin the leader of the day tradition.
The next morning, after fueling up with some Icelandic porridge, we set off on a hike to one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. Part of the hike required a river crossing, and the way to get across was by carefully walking across a log. Edie showed off her fearlessness and walked effortlessly and calmly, which set the lead for the rest of the group. After the hike, we were off to one of the most insane activities on our trip: snorkeling between tectonic plates! Anna Frances and Kate snorkeled side by side, taking in the cold and beautiful views under the crystal clear water.
That night, we headed to a natural geyser for Moonup, where CJ and Cecile gave a world-class example of how to lead a meaningful Moonup. Hunter talked about how working through the physical discomfort of the cold snorkeling water to enjoy the views helped him to reflect on how sometimes in life, the best views come with a little bit of hard work. Cecile and CJ elected Katie and Griffin to be the next LODs, and Corley and I have no doubt that the two of them will lead another awesome Moonup tonight.
For now, we are off to go zip lining and take a dip in a thermal river. We are all having a blast in Iceland, and though the activities have been out of this world, the best part has been how awesome, kind, and hilarious all of the students are. We cannot wait for more adventures together!!
Here are some shoutouts from the students!
I hope you’re not missing me too much. Tell Jade and Iris I say hi, and I love them. I love you guys too! -Barrett
I’m having so much fun! I love and miss y’all! Tell Holden and Riley I say hi!- Cecile
I’m having so much fun! We are doing a lot of hiking, and I love and miss you guys. Tell the Jigs and Landon I love them!- Edie
I miss you, and I’m having lots of fun! I love you guys! – Taylor
I miss you guys, and I’m having such a great time! Give my dog a pet for me!- Harry
I miss you guys! Iceland is really cool! Love you, bye!- Sam
I’m having fun in Iceland! Love you!- Griffin
I miss you, but I love it here- Hunter
I miss you mom and dad! I’m having fun! Can’t wait to see y’all!- CJ
I love you, and I miss you and Tommy. Have a safe trip! I am having the best time. – Kate
I love and miss you! Tell Charlie I said hi!- Katie
I love you guys, and I’m having a lot of fun! Go say hi to Henry for me!- Anna Frances
Hi! I love y’all and miss y’all, and tell Ann Cameron and Milli I say hi!- Liesl
The whole group together!
June 16, 2026
Hello Iceland Families!
We heard from our leaders that our last group member was able to reunite with the group!
More stories of fun times in Iceland to come 🙂
-Moondance HQ
Safe Arrival!
June 15, 2026
Hello Iceland Families!
We heard from our leaders early this morning that the majority of the group landed! We are still awaiting the arrival of one student whose travel was delayed. The group is excited to welcome them shortly!
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
