Background & Philosophy

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.