Carson, 22, is a native of Boiling Springs, PA, and a recent graduate from East Stroudsburg University studying Recreation Services Management. After a standout first summer in 2025 leading the Yosemite trip, where he successfully navigated complex logistics and guided students to the summit of Mt. Shasta, Carson returns for the 2026 season as a second-year Trip Leader. On campus, he remains deeply involved as a Resident Advisor and the captain of his club lacrosse team, roles that have sharpened his natural ability to foster community and mentor young adults. This spring, he is further honing his outdoor expertise through an internship as an Outdoor Instructor at the Pali Institute in Southern California. Carson’s calm confidence and passion for mountaineering make him a vital asset to the team, and we are excited to welcome him back to lead more life-changing Moondance trips this summer!

Gavin, 22, from Atlanta, GA, steps into his first summer as a Moondance Trip Leader before beginning his senior year at Appalachian State University. His outdoor leadership experience includes guiding college groups through caving, backpacking, climbing, and hiking with App State Outdoor Programs, where he also supports group dynamics and technical instruction in the field. He is a NOLS graduate with formal training in wilderness medicine, risk management, and group facilitation, and has also completed whitewater raft guide training focused on logistics and expedition preparedness. Beyond outdoor programming, Gavin served as a sprint team captain in high school and coached youth basketball through his local church, strengthening his experience working with teens. We are excited to see Gavin step into this role and make a lasting impact on the students he leads this summer.

Maya, 23, is a graduate from James Madison University with degrees in Media Arts and Design and General Psychology. Originally from Davidson, NC, Maya grew up attending Camp Illahee with her twin sister and veteran Moondance leader, Ellie Kollme. Maya attended Illahee for several years before becoming a Counselor in Training, Junior Counselor, and Senior Counselor. Maya also chose to spend a semester with The Alzar School, splitting her time between Cascade, ID, and Patagonia, Chile. As a former Moondance student on our Croatia trip in 2019, and experience leading Colorado Trail last year, we are excited to watch her continue her leadership growth with us! She is witty, intelligent, and truly has a passion for the outdoors.