Trip General Questions

Common Program Questions:

Where does Moondance operate trips?
What do we do at Moondance?
What kind of equipment do I need?
Where do we sleep at night?
What do we eat?
What if I'm a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions?
How often do we shower? Can we do laundry?
How much time do we spend driving?
Will I need any special immunizations for these programs?
How challenging are the expeditions?
How safe are Moondance trips?
What is the best course for someone with little experience?
What is the most challenging course?
How many miles will we backpack?
Do people go on Moondance more than one summer?
What does Leave No Trace mean?
How much money should I bring on my trip?
Can I bring my camera?
Can I bring my Discman or Walkman? How about my cell phone?
Should I bring a watch?
What if I get sick?
Will my trip be too challenging?
Does Moondance have any rules that I have to follow on my trip?

Where does Moondance operate trips?

We operate programs in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, North Carolina as well as British Columbia, Costa Rica and France/Switzerland.

What do we do at Moondance?

From the first moment of the trip, you learn by doing. You learn to climb by clipping in and climbing. You learn to paddle by running rapids. Most importantly, you learn to share in others' challenges and ultimately their triumphs. Bring only motivation, a burning desire to learn and a willingness to share, and you will take home a sense of accomplishment that will sustain you for years to come.

What kind of equipment do I need?

Many of this you already have or can borrow from friends. A few essential items will be a backpack, a sturdy pair of boots, sleeping bag, ground pad, good rain gear and personal clothing. A complete clothing and equipment list will be sent to you upon acceptance. You can also find this list by going to each individual trip on our website. Moondance will supply all of the group equipment such as tents, stoves, cooking supplies, technical gear, etc.

Where do we sleep at night?

We encourage everyone to take full advantage of the backcountry experience by sleeping out beneath the stars. You just can't imagine how incredible this is when you live in the city. To gaze at the night sky and count shooting stars as you fall asleep, well, how many people get to do that? We also will have state-of-the art Mountain Hardwear tents for those who wish to sleep "inside." Occasionally we will use organized campgrounds when we are in the frontcountry.

What do we eat on a Moondance adventure?

One of the most frequently asked questions is how is the food. Being well fed and having tasty meals is important to the success of any trip, especially if it is for teenagers! We strive to provide everyone with food that is wholesome, simple and, since we oftentimes carry it all on our backs, lightweight. We aim for variety and good taste as we teach everyone how to cook and bake in the backcountry. You'll have things such as cereal, yogurt or fresh fruit for breakfast, lunch consists of sandwiches and your ever-present bag of GORP (good ole raisins and peanuts) and dinner might be chicken fajitas, pizza (you'll bake this yourself!), pasta, fresh vegetables and even creative desserts. Everyone takes part in the planning and preparation of the meals (as well as the cleanup!) and each participant gets to practice backcountry-cooking skills. You'll be amazed at your creativity and cooking talents. Plus, everything always taste better in the backcountry!

What if I am a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions?

No problem. We can accommodate special diets or restrictions if we are notified in advance.

How often do we shower? Can we do laundry?

Remember, this is a wilderness experience and most of our expeditions will be out for several days at a time, so we give up some of the creature comforts like a daily shower. That is the beauty of the backcountry experience, because everyone gets equally as dirty! Everyone soon forgets about this and enjoys the time together with their group. Of course, we take advantage of those dips in the lakes and streams to clean up. In between activities we take time to resupply food, have an opportunity for a shower and do laundry as well.

How much time do we spend driving?

We travel in new 15 passenger vans and try to keep the time on the road to a minimum. We only use the vans to transport us to and from an activity. We have carefully designed our programs so that there is only a short drive between sections of the trip.

Will I need any special immunizations for these programs?

The Costa Rica Venture is the only program which requires special immunizations. Moondance is not a medical authority, and we can only relay personal experience and information that we receive from our medical sources. We suggest that you consult your physician, local health department or the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta for advice on any health precautions or concerns related to overseas travel.

How challenging are the expeditions?

The respective courses demand different levels of fitness from participants. The courses are challenging, but not beyond the reach of anyone in average physical condition. They are all designed for success, but sometimes, you have to reach a little deeper within to realize what you are capable of accomplishing. The better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy your trip. With a motivated spirit, we feel you can accomplish anything.

How safe are Moondance trips?

Safety is the number one priority on any Moondance program and we take this very seriously. All of our leaders hold a Wilderness First Responder certification. We are very proud of our safety record. We have a safety and evacuation plan for every area in which we travel. We want to teach each participant that responsible behavior, good judgment, and a concern for group safety are the most valuable commodities in the outdoors. We use only the finest outfitters and guide services for technical activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, or whitewater rafting.

What is the best course for someone with little experience?

You don't have to have a lot of experience in the outdoors to participate in any Moondance expedition. The activities are well within the abilities of all participants. The Blue Ridge Expedition and The Colorado Trail are designed for the younger student who has little or no experience. The Rocky Mountain Way is also a great introduction to wilderness living for those with limited time.

What is the most challenging course?

Our Moondance Leadership course, designed specifically for juniors and seniors in high school, is our most challenging course. Our trips in Alaska, Wyoming, and Washington state offer unique challenges; they are geared for students who are motivated and want to get the most out of their summer. We also offer international programs in Canada, South America and France. These programs offer their own unique challenge. Given the international travel component, these courses will allow you to immerse yourself in the respective country's culture and landscape.

How many miles will we backpack?

It all depends on the trip, your age and the terrain. Backpacking days can be anywhere from 4 to 12 miles. Though some days may be challenging, once you realize what you have done, you will be so proud of yourself. Remember one student's comment, "the toughness of the climb makes the view even better".

Do people go on Moondance more than one summer?

You bet. We have a large number of folks who return for another summer and many that come for multiple summers. Not only have students made some very close friends that they want to travel with again, they also want to experience different areas we travel. We have several who have been with us for four, five, and six summers!

What does Leave No Trace mean?

Moondance Adventures strongly supports Leave-No-Trace (LNT), a national education program whose goal is to promote responsible use of wilderness areas and outdoor ethics. The LNT program is dedicated to building awareness, appreciation and most of all an abiding respect for our delicate wilderness areas. Basically, we want to leave an area more pristine than when we arrived for others to enjoy.

How much money should I bring on my Moondance trip?

Students should have a small amount of money for incidentals such as souvenirs, gifts, showers and personal items. We recommend $50 per week of expedition; we encourage ATM cards rather than cash.

Can I bring my camera?

Absolutely. A picture is worth a thousand words and we strongly encourage everyone to bring their camera. Though disposable cameras are great to have, many students will bring digital or 35 mm cameras to get the best pictures of their trip. Every year we have students who have photos featured in our catalog. Each leader will have a digital camera and Moondance will create a photo cd of each trip ($38) for all interested students.

Can I bring my Discman or Walkman? How about my cell phone?

You may bring a Discman or Walkman along on the trip to be listened to with headphones ONLY on the plane ride. Your Discman can be used in the van during travel days only if everyone can hear it. We don't want you to use their headphones during our courses simply because it removes you from the group. To listen to the rhythm of the river or immerse yourself in conversation with other group members is a big part of the whole experience. Moondance does NOT allow students to use a Discman or Walkman while in the backcountry. Likewise cell phones can only be used on opening and closing days to get in touch with parents. Under no circumstances will they be allowed during the trip. They will be taken up on opening day and returned once we get to the airport on closing day. Other electronic devices such as pagers, gameboys, etc. are not allowed and will be taken up at the start of the trip and returned when you leave. Moondance will not be held responsible for the loss or damage of your Discman, Walkman, cell phone or other electronic device.

Should I bring a watch?

It is nice to have when you travel to and from your trip, but oftentimes we will remove everyone's watch during the trip. We feel that so often you are programmed when to be here or make a practice there. We want everyone to be able to rise and set with the sun. It seems simple and it works. We will take these up and store them in a safe place, but understand that we cannot be responsible for the loss or damage of your watch.