All of our programs provide an unforgettable journey into the backcountry
of some of the world's most beautiful and pristine wilderness areas. From
the densely forested slopes of the Southern Appalachians to the glacier
bays of Alaska, our expeditions offer students a first-hand view of the
diverse ecosystems that make our world wild and fascinatingly beautiful.
All of our programs promote an abiding respect and appreciation for the
wild places we visit. We strongly support the national education program
"Leave No Trace," teaching our students outdoor ethics for responsible
use of wilderness areas.
Powerful Opportunities for Personal Growth
 Every Moondance trip offers its students unparalleled opportunities for
personal growth. Students broaden their personal horizons through travel
to new and unique destinations. They find their curiosity and sense of
connection to the larger world stimulated by a rich set of experiences
and encounters.
They discover remarkable reserves of adaptability, resourcefulness,
and spirit while undertaking adventurous and challenging outdoor activities. The Moondance mission statement reads, "With courage, belief in one's
self, and a sense of purpose, a person can accomplish anything." Focusing
on this mission, Moondance instructors work diligently to establish a nurturing,
non-competitive environment in which every young person is pushed beyond
his or her "comfort zone" to a place where preconceived limits
are challenged and significant personal growth can occur.
Teamwork and Community
 Moreover,
the Moondance program is built on fostering individual achievement within
a strong context of teamwork and community. We travel in small groups
so that each person not only receives significant individual attention
but also becomes an integral and valued member of a team.
On every Moondance trip, students assume responsibility for the other
members of their group as well as for themselves. They learn the importance
of "expedition behavior" as the foundation for success in challenging
circumstances.
The old cliché "There's no 'I' in team" never takes
on more meaning than on a Moondance expedition, as students learn first
to give to and rely on one another to create a vibrant, healthy group
dynamic. Only then can personal goals and aspirations be realized. Living,
traveling, striving, and succeeding in these small "communities,"
Moondance participants accept individual and group responsibility, develop
leadership skills, increase self-confidence and self-reliance, and learn
to support and respect the decisions of others.
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