Moondance Adventures “Leaves No Trace”: Keeping the Great Outdoors…Great!

People are naturally drawn to the great outdoors. Nature has inspired exploration, achievement, creativity and more. No matter how advanced society becomes, the inherent allure of nature remains the same. For those who want to experience nature, Leave No Trace and Moondance Adventures are the perfect pair.

Leave No Trace is the leading educational organization of outdoor ethics. With this role, Leave No Trace is committed to teaching others how to explore nature responsibly. To accomplish this, Leave No Trace sponsors a number of programs that help people of all ages to appreciate nature in a way that protects it for future generations. The core ideals of Leave No Trace feature seven principles, each chosen to educate and empower. Education through Leave No Trace is both practical and idealistic, encouraging people to take realistic measures while also promoting conservation at large.

Moondance Adventures has partnered with Leave No Trace, offering a range of summer adventure camps to teens with conservation being an important aspect of all trips. These camps/trips are designed to offer a unique outdoor experience while teaching kids important skills that prevent their presence from creating a negative impact on the environment. The camps feature summer trips to a number of exciting locations and are structured to help teens meet individual goals within the framework of a supportive team. These trips are powerful and life changing, thanks in part to Moondance Adventures’ alliance with Leave No Trace.

Moondance Adventures explicitly structures its outings around the principles outlined by Leave No Trace. Therefore, all the trips and camps sponsored by Moondance Adventures are designed with sustainable travel in mind. These values help Moondance Adventures better equip teens during their summer adventure camps and summer trips. Teens are taught the most responsible ways to camp and explore, and teachings about nature and wildlife are inherent in all programs. Lessons include camping on hard surfaces, reducing waste, minimizing fires and respecting wildlife and other visitors.

With Leave No Trace, the great outdoors can remain great for generations to come. Moondance Adventures recognizes the inherent value of this program and is proud to support the cause.

About Moondance Adventures
Founded by Hayes Hitchens in 1996, Moondance Adventures is a teen adventure travel program offering a wide variety of 13-23 day experiences including community service and wilderness-based leadership opportunities. Headquartered in Asheville, NC, Moondance offers 17 co-ed, non competitive teen summer adventure programs for teenagers ages 12-18. Moondance provides fun, education and character-building with each program’s curriculum. Moondance has been has been conducting unique adult and teen summer adventures in many of the finest teen adventure travel areas in the world with courses offered in Africa, Central America, Europe, North America and South America.

Alaskan Sea Kayaking in the Prince William Sound

Teenage outdoor adventure enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to enjoy a unique kayaking experience in Alaska. Imagine combining a trip to see the beauty of the northern lights while navigating the Prince William Sound in a sea kayak. Before participating on this summer trip, it’s important to know what to expect in this vast and beautiful destination.

The Prince William Sound is located along the southern coast of Alaska. Since the weather can change drastically from one day to the next, it is important to be prepared. In the summer months, there is a mixture of warm sunny days and cool rainy days, so be sure to bring suitable clothes. Keep in mind that moisture will ruin electronic devices if they are not properly stored. The tour guide will provide other valuable tips for weather preparedness.

Since Alaska is close to the northernmost point of the globe, summer daylight hours are long. People who have difficulty sleeping without complete darkness should bring blackout sleep masks or any other necessities needed to get a good night's rest. Surprisingly enough, mosquitoes and other bugs come with the territory, so be sure to bring a spray that contains DEET.

Effort is necessary to paddle a kayak, but waters are generally calm. This Alaskan adventure involves paddling through fjords with both large and small glaciers. It is easy to feel mesmerized by their majestic beauty, but be sure to look in the water as well. Prince William Sound is teeming with life, and many species are hard to find in other parts of the world. Expect to see seals, sea lions, otters, porpoises, many varieties of fish, and even whales.

The wildlife sightings do not end in the water. There are also plenty of interesting creatures to see on land. Starfish, crabs and seashells can be found along the beaches. Alaska is famous for its plentiful eagle population. Their massive wings, loud calls and white heads are easy to identify. Dall sheep, moose and mountain goats are also common in the area. A trip through the Prince William Sound may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the unique upfront experience kayaking offers is well worth every minute and every penny spent. Visit our leadership Adventure Programs page here to learn more about the Northern Lights Alaskan Adventure and other exciting excursions (such as ice climbing and whitewater rafting) that will take place during the trip.

About Moondance Adventures:
Founded by Hayes Hitchens in 1996, Moondance Adventures is a teen adventure travel program offering a wide variety of 13-23 day experiences including community service and wilderness-based leadership opportunities. Headquartered in Asheville, NC, Moondance offers 17 co-ed, non competitive teen summer adventure programs for teenagers ages 12-18. Moondance provides fun, education and character-building with each program’s curriculum. Moondance has been has been conducting unique adult and teen summer adventures in many of the finest teen adventure travel areas in the world with courses offered in Africa, Central America, Europe, North America and South America.

Experience the Hawaiian Islands while Supporting Conservation Efforts!

Taking a summer trip to an exotic location is a blast, and the only thing better than exploring your new surroundings is being able to assist with conservation efforts at the same time. Adventure camps that place emphasis on community service help instill a sense of accomplishment along with unforgettable experiences. This summer, Moondance Adventures is hosting a rewarding community service trip to the Hawaiian Islands for teenagers, 9th grade and up. Campers will contribute to sustainability in the form of forest conservation while experiencing many of the breathtaking sights and memorable activities Hawaii has to offer.

Kona Coast
The trip begins on the Kona Coastline where campers spend four days on a custom diving boat earning their SCUBA certifications from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). After certification, the boat takes the adventurers out in search of exotic marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles.

Volcanoes National Park
From Kona, campers head to the other side of The Big Island to spend a day at Volcanoes National Park learning about two of the most interesting volcanoes in the world. The first is the world's largest volcano: Mauna Loa. The second volcano is the world's most active: Kilauea.

Kauai Forest Conservation
Campers fly to the island of Kauai on the sixth day to take part in the ongoing forest conservation efforts at Koke'e State Park. Kauai is filled with lush, tropical vegetation and is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Unfortunately, invasive species brought in by travelers have put a damper on the island’s natural ecology. Erosion is also a major threat to the forest.

Campers will learn what it takes to sustain a healthy ecosystem, but it is not all toil. Local volunteers bring food, play ukulele and talk about their native culture throughout the trip. Hearing the heartfelt stories of native Hawaiians allows campers to discover the true importance of the forest and the conservation efforts that keep the beauty alive. Moondance Adventures’ Hawaiian Island trip is the perfect remedy for ho-hum summer holidays.

About Moondance Adventures:
Founded by Hayes Hitchens in 1996, Moondance Adventures is a teen adventure travel program offering a wide variety of 13-23 day experiences including community service and wilderness-based leadership opportunities. Headquartered in Asheville, NC, Moondance offers 17 co-ed, non competitive teen summer adventure programs for teenagers ages 12-18. Moondance provides fun, education and character-building with each program’s curriculum. Moondance has been has been conducting unique adult and teen summer adventures in many of the finest teen adventure travel areas in the world with courses offered in Africa, Central America, Europe, North America and South America.

Adult Adventures: Discover the Mystery and Wonder of Machu Picchu

One of the greatest legacies that the Incas bestowed to mankind is the archeological wonder of Machu Picchu. The ruins of this once-great city are situated 8,000 feet above sea level on a ridge overlooking Peru’s Urubamba Valley. Archeologists believe that the Incas built “Old Peak” as an estate for Emperor Pachacuti. The Incas abandoned the site during the time of the Spanish Conquest in the early 1500s. Although located only 50 miles from the Incan capital of Cusco, Machu Picchu was not discovered or plundered by the conquistadors. It provides a rare perspective into the culture of the Inca civilization.

The ancient citadel remained unknown to the outside world until Hiram Bingham, a historian from Yale, discovered the site in 1911. This amazing urban environment is located in a beautiful setting amidst a pristine mountain forest. The site consists of three districts known as Sacred, Popular and Nobility.

There are temples, homes and storehouses in this ancient community. An adult adventure travel excursion with Moondance Adventures provides a remarkable opportunity for visitors to learn how the builders used ashlar, an innovative masonry technique. This is a process where stones are precisely cut so that they hold together without the aid of mortar or concrete. Archeologists don’t know how the laborers moved the massive stone blocks. There are hundreds of flights of stairs. Some of the structures are carved from a single granite slab.

During the adult Machu Picchu trip with Moondance, you can see the Intihuatana Stone. It is one of the last remaining Incan ritual rocks. Scientists believe that it served as an astronomical clock or calendar. Visitors participating in one of the summer programs will see the Room of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Tomb. There is evidence that an irrigation system supplied water to the homes. The natural setting encompasses a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Machu Picchu is one of the most important cultural sites in South America and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, this majestic, primeval city became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Over the years, Moondance Adventures has offered several adult programs in addition to the dozens of programs the company runs for teens during the summer months. Other Moondance adult programs have included a Wind River Range expedition in Wyoming as well as a Pacific Northwest sea kayaking tour, a mountaineering expedition to Mount Rainier in Washington State and a Kilimanjaro expedition in Tanzania, Africa.

About Moondance Adventures
Founded by Hayes Hitchens in 1996, Moondance Adventures is a teen outdoor adventure travel program offering a wide variety of 13-23 day experiences including community service and wilderness-based leadership opportunities. Headquartered in Asheville, NC, Moondance offers 17 co-ed, non competitive teen summer adventure programs for teenagers ages 12-18. Moondance provides fun, education and character-building with each program’s curriculum. Moondance has been has been conducting unique adult and teen summer camp adventures in many of the finest teen adventure travel areas in the world with courses offered in Africa, Central America, Europe, North America and South America.

Gear up for Your 2012 Moondance Trip!

Moondance Adventure summer camp/trips offer young travelers unique ways to spend their vacations. Although no prior camping experience is required, people who are interested in adventure travel need to be prepared to spend a lot of time outdoors. In order to attend any Moondance trip, participants need to make sure that they have all of the necessary gear. At the minimum, wilderness travelers will need sturdy backpacks or duffel bags (sometimes both), but the required gear usually varies with each outdoor adventure. Although students are encouraged to sleep under the starry sky, tents are provided.

This year’s domestic destinations include Alaska, California, Wyoming, Washington, North Carolina, Utah and Hawaii to name a few. Adventure camps are also scheduled to be held in Europe, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Peru and Ecuador. On international trips, students typically stay in youth hostels or with host families, so they may not have to bring sleeping bags or bedding.

On most domestic trips, travelers need to bring their own sleeping bags and cutlery sets, although Moondance provides all necessary food and group gear. Also, good hiking and walking shoes are required for every excursion. Some trips involve rafting and swimming, so participants need to make sure that they have the recommended style of pants, jackets, gloves and swimsuits. Additionally, everyone needs to bring sleeping clothes and underwear. Most outdoor gear can be either rented or purchased through Moondance, so participants can choose the gear that best fits their needs. Because travelers will be busy the entire time, cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted on any of the outdoor excursions.

Moondance provides far more than a typical summer camp experience—these adventures build character and memories that will last a lifetime. If you have yet to sign yourself or your teenager up for a Moondance trip, check out our Adventure Program Chart for details about upcoming adventures. You can also find gear for your trip at our online store.

Discover the Appalachians at 1,000 Feet

With summer fast approaching, many people are making vacation plans, some of which include the outdoors. Adventure travel is becoming a popular way to experience the world.

Asheville, N.C. is a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of fun things for the entire family to experience. Over the years, thousands of children have attended summer camps in Asheville, and now there are summer adventure camps that also cater to adults. Visitors enjoy hiking and biking in the mountains, and some parents even schedule their own adventures while their children participate in activities with their own age group.

Anyone seeking a thrilling outdoor adventure will enjoy the splendor of a zip line canopy tour. Set among the wilderness near Asheville, the guided canopy tour includes multiple zip lines, sky bridges, rappelling and hiking. Visitors can glide among the trees and experience a bird’s-eye view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding area. Some of the trees even have platforms where people can stand and slowly take in the incredible sights around them. The entire course is carefully constructed to blend in with the natural beauty of the area, and the guides are happy to point out the various types of flora and fauna along the way. There are many different kinds of trees, plants, animals and other creatures that live in the mountains, and the tour affords visitors the perfect way to understand the area’s biodiversity. Guides will also talk about the history of the Appalachian region.

The zip line canopy tour takes about three hours to complete. For a different type of outdoor adventure, a nighttime tour is also available.

Moondance Adventures is offering a ‘Mountains to Sea’ adventure for 12–14 year olds this June, July and August that will span various areas in South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee and will include an Appalachian canopy tour. Check out our Adventure Program Chart for details.

Backpacking Safety and Preparation Tips

Enjoying an outdoor adventure by going on a backpacking trip is fun and exciting, but a backpacker needs to be well prepared to stay safe. Adventure travel generally requires more materials and preparation than a typical trip.

Preparation

The first step in preparing for a backpacking trip is to prepare for the hike. Conditioning should be targeted to the specific trail that you will be hiking, and the chosen trail should not be above the backpacker's fitness level. Getting used to traveling by foot with the weight of a fully stocked backpack is also a key part of training. Breaking in hiking boots is also important in the success of a backpacking adventure.

Packing an adequate amount of supplies and food is a must for a successful backpacking trip. A general rule of thumb is that each person on the hike will need one to two pounds of food per day to provide enough calories for the hike. This food should be rich in nutrition and not require refrigeration. Nuts, dried fruits are all ideal.

Safety

It is particularly important for novice backpackers to stick to marked trails when embarking on an outdoor adventure. At least one person that is not going on the trip should be aware of where the backpacker is hiking in case of an emergency.

Water sources are often a safety issue due to bacteria. Water can be boiled or filtered to increase safety, but it should be noted that filtering does not take care of viruses that may be present. Outdoor shops sell water treatment solutions that can be added directly to water to kill viruses. We suggest using iodine tablets to treat water.

Always bring a first aid kit on a backpacking trip in case of an emergency.

For younger backpackers, summer adventure camps are a great idea. Moondance summer trips give the benefit of experiencing the outdoors while also providing the safety of having a knowledgeable and experienced staff nearby at all times. Moondance Adventures provides safety in numbers with at least two adult instructors and assists in building character as well as lasting friendships.