“We are most comfortable when we’re connected, sharing strong emotions and stories, and led by strong, charismatic leaders who keep us safe and together” (forbes.com). Sounds like an Apogee adventure to me but I might be a bit biased. Apogee aspires to encourage a love of exploration, foster individual accomplishment and cultivate an inclusive, supportive community and none of those things can occur without connection. Take a peek at how each trip is leaning into the things that bring us all together.

Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, CRM, MCCE, VLCA, VLCB, NWXA, NWXB, NWXC, PC, ACC1, ACC2

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

Yay for MCJ! There’s nothing more fun than goofy introductions, endless games and awesome icebreakers to start off your Apogee adventure. Trip leaders, Chase and Jonathon, are so excited for the week of kayaking, biking, hiking and volunteering that’s ahead of all of you! Soak it in because it’s going to fly by!

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

Today had a little bit of everything…shining sea bike paths, steamship ferries and some beach relaxation. Way to get into the swing of things CI’ers! You have a day of service and exploration ahead of you tomorrow so get pumped! 

Pictured: cook crew working on concocting a tasty dinner, while other members of the squad take a breather after a day of hiking and biking.

New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

I spy with my little eye…something…oh my gosh…could it be? A ropes course! Leave it to trip leaders Anna and Duncan to take the kids on a challenging, fun ropes extravaganza for day 2 of their NEMC trip. We are all wishing that we could be rope expert like these kiddos, but we’re knot! 

New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)

NEMCB also tackled the ropes course today. While preparing harnesses, one of the ropes course staff members made his way over to trusty trip leader Giuseppe. “You’ve done a ropes course before right?” he asked. Giuseppe furrowed his brow, shifted his shoulders back a bit and replied, “A frayed knot.” True story. You go NEMCB! Way to show those ropes who’s boss! Have a great day hike tomorrow!

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)

Up and at ‘em! CRM’ers got up bright and early for their full day in Grand Lake and the West side of Rocky Mountain National Park. They covered a couple of miles hiking and getting warmed up for the week ahead of them. Keep an eye out for marmot, bald eagles and elk! 

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

Name a better way to fill a morning than with witty, creative, jaw-droppingly fantastic college essay outlines and drafts. Our MCCE’ers spent the day workshopping with Leah, our marvelous essay coach, and absorbing advice from college admissions expert, Jared. Can you feel the essay brilliance brewing? I predict excellence in the near future!

Vermont & Lake Champlain A (VLCA)

No photos today, as being in the moment as everyone bids adieu was at the front of everyone’s minds. We’re sad to see you go VLCA. From cycling rural through Vermont to sea kayaking on Lake Champlain and approaching the Canadian Border and peddling through the Champlain Mountains, you all crushed it on this goal-oriented trip! We hope you look back on this experience with fondness and a feeling of accomplishment.

Vermont & Lake Champlain B (VLCB)

Helmets off to VLCB! They wrapped up the last full day of their trip yesterday with some beach and trail cleanups and some celebratory ice cream from the one and only, Ben & Jerry’s. We hope your legs are tired (good tired, of course), your cheeks hurt from smiling, and your hearts are full as you say goodbye to your squad. 

Northwest Explorer (NWXA)

The press coverage will have to wait as our NWXA’ers make their way through the backcountry. It’s just as entertaining though to imagine the beauty they saw today as they covered their 6.4 miles of backpacking. No doubt a day for the books as they bounce along the trail singing songs and cracking jokes. 

Northwest Explorer (NWXB)

Extra socks – check! Sleeping bags/pads – check! Snacks – check! Tents – check! NWXB covered 4.3 miles today as they headed into their 5-day backcountry portion, all while decked out in some thrift store collected fashion for a little extra motivation on the trail. You got this NWXB! Enjoy hiking in the glorious Olympic backcountry.

 

Northwest Explorer (NWXC)

Off they go! Backcountry endeavors are in play for NWXC! NWXC’ers covered 3.5 miles on their way into camp today. It’s not every day that you carry everything you need on your back while meandering down beautiful trails with new close friends at your side. 

Pacific Coast (PC)

PC’ers were powerhouses today as they biked 60 miles through the forest to the ocean! They conquered two massive hills before descending to the salty water. Congratulations PC squad! You have taken on the highest climb along the Pacific Coast between Canada and Mexico. What a feat! 

America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)

Fine. I guess since you all biked a whopping 93 miles yesterday that we can shave off ten and ask that you only cover 83 miles today. Props to everyone in ACC1 for pushing themselves mentally and physically. You are all capable of more than you think and you’ve all proven day after day that you don’t shy away from challenges. And welcome to Arkansas! 

America Coast to Coast 2 (ACC2)

ACC2 stepped up today increasing their distance to 93 miles. Not an insignificant increase from the 68 miles they sped through yesterday. From Alabama to Mississippi, this group is making some headway! In the name of all the double consonants in Mississippi, here’s a question for you…What English word has three consecutive double letters? Bookkeeper. Food for thought ACC2 as you continue to push through!