Episode Summary: Hayes Hitchens - MOONDANCE ADVENTURES: Unplugging Teens for Life-Changing Travel Experiences

Podcast Title: How I Built My Small Business
Host: Anne McGinty
Guest: Hayes Hitchens
Episode Release Date: February 18, 2025

In this inspiring episode of "How I Built My Small Business," host Anne McGinty reconnects with Hayes Hitchens, the founder of Moondance Adventures, a transformative teen adventure travel program. Together, they delve into Hayes' entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and triumphs of building Moondance Adventures, and the profound impact the program has had on thousands of teenagers worldwide.

1. Introduction and Reconnection

Anne McGinty warmly welcomes Hayes Hitchens back to the show, reminiscing about their past interactions when Hayes was the dean of students and director of summer programs at Lovett School. She recalls Hayes sharing his vision for Moondance Adventures during her seventh-grade years, expressing her admiration for his accomplishments.

Anne McGinty [00:08]: "For some backstory, Hayes was the dean of Students and director of Summer programs at my school, and I remember him talking about starting Moondance Adventures when I was in the seventh grade."

2. The Genesis of Moondance Adventures

Hayes recounts the serendipitous origins of Moondance Adventures. After attempting to purchase an old summer camp in North Carolina—a dream inspired by his grandparents who owned a summer camp in Wisconsin—the deal fell through on October 13, 1995. Faced with this setback, Hayes swiftly pivoted his ambitions towards creating an adventure program for teens.

Hayes Hitchens [01:58]: "On Friday 13th October, 1995, they sold it to somebody else. And I thought, what am I going to do? That's when I had this idea for an adventure program."

Within a week, Hayes, alongside his collaborator Marcia Hill, established the foundational elements of Moondance Adventures, including the name, business plan, and concept. The inaugural summer in 1996 saw 34 teenagers embark on their first journey, marking the humble yet impactful beginnings of the program.

3. Building Momentum: From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion

Navigating the pre-digital era posed significant marketing challenges. With no internet or search engines like Google, Hayes relied heavily on word-of-mouth and personal networks to spread the word about Moondance Adventures. Leveraging his connections from Lovett School, regional ties in North Carolina, and familial links to the original camp in Wisconsin, Hayes successfully attracted a diverse group of participants from across the United States.

Hayes Hitchens [04:49]: "So it must have been word of mouth. And with the 34 kids signing up, I mean, this was all new to you, right?"

The second summer saw increased participation, fueled by events like the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, which provided additional exposure. By the late 1990s, Moondance Adventures experienced significant growth, expanding its reach internationally and solidifying its reputation as a premier teen adventure program.

4. Early Challenges and Adaptations

The initial voyages were not without hurdles. In the first summer, Hayes faced logistical challenges, including a trailer detaching from a van and the complexities of organizing trips without necessary permits.

Hayes Hitchens [06:27]: "The trailer popped off the van. That's the first bump that we hit over there."

Despite these setbacks, Hayes emphasized the importance of adaptability and learning on the fly. Drawing from his experiences in leadership and outdoor education—such as the National Outdoor Leadership School and Outward Bound—Hayes refined the program to better cater to the desires of the teens: connection, challenge, and fun.

Hayes Hitchens [07:15]: "Kids wanted to connect, kids wanted to be challenged. Kids also wanted to have fun."

5. Emphasizing Hospitality and Connection

A pivotal aspect of Moondance Adventures is its focus on hospitality and the emotional well-being of participants. Inspired by hospitality experts like Danny Meyer and Will Garrida, Hayes ensures that every interaction leaves a lasting positive impression.

Hayes Hitchens [08:55]: "Once we saw that once we started focusing more on what's that service piece like and what's the hospitality piece like, and how do people feel..."

This approach not only enhances the experience for teenagers but also builds trust with parents, who entrust their children's safety and personal growth to Moondance Adventures.

6. Managing Technology: Unplugging the Teens

In an era dominated by smartphones, Moondance Adventures employs a unique strategy to foster genuine connections and personal growth: restricting access to devices during trips.

Hayes Hitchens [10:03]: "Every single kid has a smartphone. So a couple thousand kids, we take the phones out as soon as they arrive... They love it."

By removing smartphones and even watches (to help participants live in the moment), Hayes aims to combat the addictive nature of technology and encourage direct communication and meaningful interactions.

Hayes Hitchens [12:19]: "We think about our greatest competitor is time. And so time is fleeting for a teenager... we want them to have a memory of that moment they reflect back on years later."

7. Memorable Experiences and International Ventures

Over the past three decades, Moondance Adventures has facilitated over 2,000 trips across 21 countries and 11 states, providing participants with unforgettable experiences. Hayes shares some of his most cherished memories, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his daughter and engaging with wildlife in East Africa.

Hayes Hitchens [16:38]: "East Africa is pretty special to me. I've been fortunate to have gone a number of times and been up Kilimanjaro a couple different times."

These international adventures not only offer physical challenges but also foster cultural appreciation and global awareness among the teens.

8. Leadership Training and Team Building

A robust leadership structure is crucial for the program's success. Moondance Adventures employs around 170 trip leaders each summer, many of whom are former participants. The rigorous selection and training process ensures that leaders possess both technical skills and the ability to foster a supportive and engaging environment.

Hayes Hitchens [21:46]: "They're all remarkable folks... we have to trust our subcontractors as well."

Leaders undergo extensive training, including two weeks at a traditional camp and four days of simulated trips, preparing them to handle diverse challenges and mentor the teenagers effectively.

9. Risk Management and Subcontractor Vetting

Safety and risk management are paramount. Moondance Adventures collaborates with specialized insurance companies and subcontractors who are vetted meticulously to meet the program's high standards.

Hayes Hitchens [25:11]: "We subcontracted all these professional guides and outfitters... it's about trust."

Regular conferences and partnerships with organizations like the National Outdoor Leadership School ensure that Moondance maintains stringent safety protocols across all its international destinations.

10. Innovative Offerings: The Mystery Trip Concept

To add an element of surprise and excitement, Moondance Adventures introduced the "Mystery Trip". Participants sign up without knowing their destination, revealing it only shortly before departure. Destinations have included Ladakh, India, and Madeira, offering unique and exhilarating experiences that push participants out of their comfort zones.

Hayes Hitchens [28:30]: "They're going to go to a destination but they're not going to find out until July 8th the following year where that is."

This innovative approach not only heightens anticipation but also emphasizes adaptability and openness to the unknown.

11. Future Endeavors and Succession Planning

As Moondance Adventures approaches its 30th season, Hayes reflects on the future of the business, considering expansion into the adult market and the importance of succession planning. He seeks passionate individuals who can carry forward the legacy and continue to inspire future generations.

Hayes Hitchens [40:54]: "I'd love to be able to do this for the rest of my life, but I'm not, I can't."

12. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Hayes offers invaluable advice to budding entrepreneurs:

• Believe in Yourself: "If you are passionate about something, if you believe in something, if you really want to do it, you'll miss an opportunity if you don't go after it."

• Embrace Resilience: "You've got to grind. You can't get knocked down and fail to get back up."

• Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: "More is not better. Sometimes focusing on less and just improving on a smaller selection is better."

• Build Trust: Essential for team dynamics, subcontractor relationships, and client confidence.

• Continuous Learning: "Learning as much about how a small business operates, learning how a larger business operates."

13. Final Reflections and Gratitude

The episode concludes with heartfelt reflections on the profound impact Moondance Adventures has had on both the participants and Hayes himself. Anne expresses her admiration for Hayes' dedication and the life-changing experiences he provides to young individuals.

Anne McGinty [48:03]: "You've really found a magical winning spot because you get fulfillment from this. It energizes you... thank you so much for coming on the show and sharing your story with us."

Hayes reciprocates the gratitude, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment he derives from reconnecting with Anne and sharing his journey.

Key Takeaways

1. Adaptability in Entrepreneurship: When initial plans falter, pivoting to alternative ideas can lead to unexpected success.
2. Importance of Hospitality: Focusing on how participants feel enhances trust and the overall experience.
3. Digital Detox Benefits: Removing smartphones fosters genuine connections and personal growth.
4. Memorable Experiences Matter: Lifelong memories and transformative experiences are invaluable.
5. Robust Leadership Training: Comprehensive training ensures competent and inspiring trip leaders.
6. Rigorous Risk Management: Ensuring safety through meticulous planning and trusted partnerships.
7. Innovative Program Offerings: Creative concepts like Mystery Trips add excitement and uniqueness to the program.
8. Future Planning: Succession and exploring new markets ensure sustainability and growth.
9. Entrepreneurial Advice: Belief in oneself, resilience, and prioritizing quality are crucial for success.

Book Recommendations Mentioned:

• Die with Zero by Bill Perkins
• Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Garrido
• Setting the Table by Danny Meyer

This episode serves as a testament to the impact one individual's vision can have on countless lives. Hayes Hitchens' journey with Moondance Adventures exemplifies passion, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to fostering growth and connection among the youth.