Apply early! All of our courses were full in 2003. Because of our limited number of openings for each trip, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Many trips fill early, so we urge you to submit your application along with your $800 deposit at the earliest possible date to ensure you get the desired course. There is no deadline for submitting applications, however you should contact the Moondance office to inquire about any available openings.

What if my first choice adventure is not available?

If your first choice adventure is full, we can put you on a waitlist. Most students will then sign up for their second choice trip and put their names on the waitlist for the first choice trip. Your deposit and balance are transferable between trips. If you are on a waitlist, we will notify you as soon as a spot on a trip opens. Please keep in mind though that we cannot guarantee that a space will become available. Spots only open when other participants switch programs or cancel.

What happens after I send my application?

We will contact your teacher reference to get their feedback on you. We want to make sure this is the right match for both of us. Upon acceptance, we will send you our Trip Information Packet, which will include: equipment and clothing list, travel information, medical forms, student questionnaire, general liability release forms, etc. We will supply you with liability release forms from both Moondance and the professional outfitters with whom we subcontract throughout our trips. These forms must be signed by a parent/guardian and the student and should be returned within 14 days of notification of acceptance. All medical forms must be returned to our office no later than May 1st. Until your forms have been received and reviewed, your admission is still pending.

What is your refund policy?

If a student leaves a program after it starts (for any reason) no refund will be granted. Please understand that Moondance cannot recover course expenses if you cancel, even if due to illness or injury. The seasonal nature of our program prevents any tuition refund, the reduction of tuition for late arrival, early withdrawal, or cancellation for any reason. If a notice of cancellation is received in writing before March 1st, the applicant forfeits $400 of the $800 deposit. An applicant, who withdraws from his/her course after March 1st but before May 1st, will be refunded the entire tuition, less the $800 deposit. An applicant, who withdraws from his/her trip after May 1st forfeits the entire tuition, provided the trip does not fill. If the trip does fill, Moondance will refund the entire tuition, less the $800 deposit.

What about gear? Do I need special boots or a backpack?

We have a detailed clothing and equipment list for each trip. In addition, we have a very informative section about what type of gear and why. You'll find out the difference between an internal frame pack and an external, why capilene is better than cotton and much much more. We also make suggestions on certain equipment that we feel is a good match for families both in functionality and price. This helps ease the process about selecting proper gear.

Do I need all the gear on the list?

We feel that the list we have is detailed enough to insure a safe trip. You hope for the best weather, but prepare for the worst. Proper layering and rain gear are a must. A person inadequately prepared for the elements puts not only himself at risk, but also the entire group. Most of the items on the list can be borrowed from friends or rented at many outdoor stores.

How do I get ready physically?

You don't have to be a great athlete to enjoy a Moondance course, but you do have to be in good physical condition. Just like taking a test, you want to prepare ahead of time. The better prepared you are physically the better your experience will be. If you are active in spring, continue to stay active by running, playing tennis, swimming, riding your bike, etc. If you are not presently active, get on a program at least a month before your trip that will help you get your ready. Make sure to BREAK IN YOUR HIKING BOOTS!

Do you ask for references on the application?

We ask that folks new to Moondance list two teacher references on their application. The conversations we have with teachers, as well as with Moondancers and their parents, help us to make sure that each student finds a trip that is right for him or her.

How soon do trips fill?

Moondance trips are small so they fill early! We run multiple sections of each trip and certain sections fill in the fall. Many of our trips fill by mid-January, so it's important to apply early!

How do I choose the right trip for me?

We offer a broad range of trips in the US and abroad so give us a call if you want help finding the one right for you. All of our trips will have a combination of beautiful landscapes, fun people, and adventure. If you're looking for a particular trip that has more rock climbing or sea kayaking or other activities, call us and we'll point you in the right direction.

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