The Edge - What Makes Us Unique

The Moondance Difference

Which summer camp is right for my teen? When deciding on a summer program, there are numerous companies from which to choose. What makes Moondance unique? There are certain areas both parents and students should consider before making their final decision.

Small Groups

Our groups are designed to be no larger than 12 students with two adult instructors. This allows for the best opportunity to get the most out of your experience.

Building Character

Our summer camp programs are built on the philosophy that challenge builds character. In all of our programs, we create an adventure that is not only lots of fun, but one that is truly educational as well.

Using the outdoors as our classroom, we teach what we love -- backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, etc. But far more than learning climbing or paddling skills, you develop life skills that can be applied to everything you do back home. Many of the powerful lessons learned on a Moondance course are intangibles--communication, leadership, self-esteem.

Personal Touch

One of the true benefits of being a small company is that we have the chance to personally know every one of our students. In addition, we make every effort to get to know each family before their child's trip begins. Whether we meet while we are out promoting our programs, or during a phone conversation, Moondance feels it is just as important for us to know our families as it is for you to know us.

The personal touch fostered at Moondance creates a family atmosphere. As one mother pointed out, "I always felt that Maria was not just a name or number . . . but that she was a very important individual to everyone at Moondance." Our Director, Hayes Hitchens, travels to every domestic course during the summer so that he has the chance to meet each student and share a part of everyone's Moondance experience.

Moondance takes this same get-to-know-you approach when we hire our staff. Not only do our staff members need to have a passion for the outdoors, they also must love sharing their passion with teenagers.Because each group is small, our staff get to know every individual and help them gain as much as they can during their course.

By combining fun, challenge and learning, we strive to turn you on to the wonders of nature so that you will gain a love and appreciation for the wilderness long after your Moondance Adventure.

Diverse Programs

Over the 14 years that Moondance has been around we’ve traversed some pretty amazing terrain. We offer domestic and international trips in the world’s most desirable locales. We offer a chance to learn technical and wilderness skills, to perform community service, and to immerse yourself in the culture of the most incredible places.

Behind the Scenes

We are a small company with tons to do.   We are seasoned wilderness travelers, young at heart, detail oriented, organized and productive.

Who are Moondancers?

Our students are motivated, intelligent, and share a common thirst for adventure. They are energetic, open-minded and positive. In 2008, Moondancers came from 32 different states and five foreign countries.