This is a CampSite Camp Spotlight – An opportunity to highlight the amazing work being done by those within our ecosystem. This edition features Moondance, an adventure travel company for teens going to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring places.
While not a camp in the classic sense, Moondance is a vital part of the summer program ecosystem. We’re so grateful to work with amazing programs like Moondance that are evolving the industry and creating truly extraordinary opportunities for young people.
The Genesis of Adventure
Moondance’s story began in 1996 with Hayes Hitchens, a visionary with over 40 years of experience in designing and leading outdoor programs for teens. His love for the outdoors began at Camp Deerhorn, a camp started by his grandfather in 1930. Hayes further honed his expertise through programs with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS).
Moondance was founded on Hayes’s simple yet powerful goal: to share the life-changing impact of outdoor adventures with young people. For over 3 decades, Moondance has been helping teens explore the world, embrace new adventures and discover their potential.
From Destinations to Discoveries
Moondance’s programs span across five continents, 21 countries, and nine states. From the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the majestic mountains of Colorado to the vibrant cultures of Belize, the stunning coasts of Croatia, and the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, teens embark on trips lasting between 14 and 21 days. The “unplugged” nature of these trips provide an opportunity for them to really disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves, others and nature.
These trips are packed with exhilarating activities like whitewater rafting, trekking, scuba diving, surfing, and immersive cultural experiences. During these trips, Moondance gives teens the opportunity to really get to know the world around them and the chance to overcome challenges together with others their age. These life-changing experiences not only help them build resilience but also help them develop critical life skills that carry on long after their trip.
Care, Connection, and a Commitment to Excellence
While the destinations they visit are incredible, Moondance is more than just the adventures they offer. Above all else, Moondance’s true focus lies within people, their growth, and the connections they make during these trips. They believe adventure travel is a wonderful way to connect people, and to connect with people. Because of this, trips are intentionally designed to be dynamic, giving everyone the chance to forge deeper connections and experience profound personal growth.
This commitment to people and relationships is also why Moondance operates with a strong commitment to customer service and hospitality. From the initial inquiry to post-trip follow-up, the team strives to surprise and delight families and participants, going the extra mile to ensure a positive and memorable experience. Their guiding principle is clear: service defines their actions, but hospitality defines the way people feel. From every detail to every interaction, their goal is to create experiences that prioritize both and create memories that linger long after the moment has passed.
Insights from the Inside: A Q&A with Banks Church, Brand Director
To learn more about what makes the Moondance experience so special, we reached out to Banks Church, Moondance’s Brand Director, who kindly shared some fantastic insights with our team.
Q: How did you get started in the camp world?
Banks: “I went to camp for 8 years and served as a counselor for 2 years. It was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding jobs I had ever had. When the opportunity to be Moondance’s Brand Director presented itself, I thought it was a perfect step into my career and back into my love for camp. I am so fortunate that I was hired. But, Moondance is so much more than camp – in fact, it is not a camp. It is an experiential opportunity that opens teens up to new cultures, new challenges, and new friends.”
Q: What do you think sets Moondance apart and makes it special?
Banks: “What makes Moondance so special is the amount of detail that goes into making this the best experience of our teen’s lives. In my first year of working for Moondance, I was shocked at all of the tiny details that go into each trip – and honestly did not think they were important at the time (and so much work!). Now, in my third year of working at Moondance, I have seen firsthand how these details can affect the experience. The details are quite important, and make Moondance what it is.”
Q: What do you want people to carry forward from their time with Moondance?
Banks: “I hope Moondance instills confidence in young people. There is so much that influences teens today, and it is rare that they can be without all of those influences (social media, school, sports, news, etc). All of our trips are “unplugged” – teens cannot bring any technology. I believe that this allows the teens to be fully immersed in the experience and open to learning about themselves. We also allow teens to be an “LOD” (Leader of the Day) which teaches them to lead their peers in challenging situations. Opportunities like this allowed me to find my confidence at camp.”
Q: How has working at Moondance shaped you as a person?
Banks: “Working at Moondance is about serving others. I believe that jobs like this are extremely rewarding. We can be a turning point in someone’s life. I value that because that is what camp was for me.”
The Moondance Legacy: Building a Foundation for Life
As former Moondance leader Kelly McFarling once put it, “This job didn’t just change my life, it gave me the ability to navigate life. Right now, when the waves are bigger than ever, I’m glad I got the opportunity to learn how to ride them.” This is a testament to the amazing impact of Moondance.
After learning more about Moondance, it’s easy to see what makes them so special. Moondance pours their heart into crafting trips that go beyond travel, dedicating themselves to nurturing deep connections and sparking profound personal growth. This thoughtful approach helps both participants and staff cultivate resilience and confidence, preparing them to take on new and even more exciting challenges.
Curious to learn more about Moondance’s mission and the work they’re doing? Visit their website here to dive deeper into their story.