Hayes Hitchens, the founder and longtime president and CEO of Moondance Adventures, is being remembered as a visionary leader, mentor, and tireless advocate for young people following his passing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Hitchens devoted his life to creating meaningful outdoor experiences that shaped generations of teenagers through adventure, service, and connection.
Moondance Adventures, founded by Hitchens in 1996, is an adventure travel program for teens that operates trips to some of the world’s most remarkable destinations. What began as a way to share his own love of the outdoors grew into a globally respected organization rooted in personal growth, exploration, and living fully in the present moment.
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our founder and CEO, Hayes Hitchens,” Moondance Adventures wrote in a statement. “His integrity, generosity, and belief in young people shaped Moondance from the very beginning and created a community rooted in adventure and connection.” The organization said Hitchens’ legacy will live on through the relationships, memories, and lives he touched, and that his vision will continue to guide Moondance trips this summer and beyond.
Hitchens’ passion for outdoor education began early at Camp Deerhorn in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, a camp founded by his grandfather, Dr. Don Hitchens, in 1930. Camp Deerhorn described Hitchens as “a force of nature” whose presence loomed large within the Deerhorn family. Over the years, he was a camper, counselor, Voyager leader, campfire entertainer, and horseback riding counselor, leaving a deep and lasting mark on the camp community.
A graduate of Charlotte Country Day School and the University of Alabama, Hitchens also spent twelve years at The Lovett School in Atlanta, serving as Dean of Students and Director of Summer Programs. His career in youth development spanned more than four decades and included involvement with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS).
Through Moondance, Hitchens personally visited trips each summer whenever possible and often joined students on challenging expeditions. He made ascents of Mount Rainier, the Grand Teton, and Mount Kilimanjaro alongside Moondance groups, exemplifying his belief that shared challenge builds character and community.
Julie’s Dream, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to outdoor adventure, also honored Hitchens, highlighting his commitment to equity in adventure travel. “Hayes was more than a visionary leader in youth adventure travel; he was a champion for young people everywhere,” the organization wrote, noting his generosity, leadership, and dedication to ensuring youth from all backgrounds could experience transformative outdoor programs.
Hitchens lived in Nashville, Tennessee, where Moondance Adventures is headquartered. He is survived by his wife, Michael, and their daughter, Hunter, who completed her seventh Moondance trip in 2023. Service information will be shared by the family when available.
As tributes continue to pour in, Hayes Hitchens is remembered not only for founding a successful adventure travel organization but also for building a community grounded in purpose, curiosity, and a deep belief in the potential of young people. His impact will continue to be felt on trails, mountains, and rivers around the world, and in the lives of those he inspired to “Live in the Moment.”