The office phones are ringing, the van wheels moving, the gas stoves burning. Oh yes, Apogee Summer™ is (nearly) fully underway. According to our math (employed in the outdoor industry, so take it with a grain of salt) 63% of the Apogee trips are in the field right now. Bazoinks! Here is a snapshot of what they are all up to — and yes, we are jealous, too.

Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMCA, NEMCB, CRM, MCCE, DEX, CCM, AKMC A and B, PMC

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

After a great start to their trip yesterday, MCJ got to ‘yak today. Not yak the animal, yak as in take the great little plastic vessels that transport one across the seas! Also known as kayaking. After breaking down camp early this morning, MCJ got to kayak around the bay for a few hours, before driving to the iconic Acadia National Park. It was a long and full day — the Apogee ideal!

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

Being CI’s first day on the bikes, they got to spend the morning learning how to safely ride on their new trusty steeds (bikes) as a pack! Today, the group biked some 2 miles to the ferry, where they were then shuttled across into Martha’s Vineyard. After cruising a couple more miles into camp, the group got to know each other better and explored the area. Seemed like a great day on the land and sea! (And look at those delicious lunches!)

New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

NEMCA started their journey with name games and a fun van ride to their first campground tucked in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. They settled into camp for an early evening of dinner, more games, and hanging out with their new friends. They went to bed early, excited for their first hike tomorrow!

New England Mountains & Coast B (NEMCB)

NEMCB enjoyed a beautiful van ride to New Hampshire, and a delicious dinner back in camp. They had a great time playing games back in camp, and are thoroughly looking forward to getting to explore the White Mountains tomorrow. This crew can’t wait to get moving!

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)

Big arrival day over in Colorado! Once the whole group was together in the afternoon, they jumped in the van to start the journey to camp (with some early peeks of the stunning peaks (ha, see what I did there?)). Once there, they had dinner, played some games, and got stoked for a day hike of Grand Lake tomorrow!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

Today, we received this message from Saul and Lily: “Everyone is so focused – it’s amazing! You could hear a pin drop in there right now!” If that doesn’t sound like a productive day, we don’t know what does. This team had an epic grill night to compliment their hard work today — complete with all of the classic grill essentials… and watermelon, of course! They finished off their night with s’mores and a sunset writing session. They’re hoping to have some drafts to go over in the morning. All in all, a productive and fun-filled day!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)

With Luke and Lucia leading the crew, the Downeast Explorer trip is already off to an exciting start! They had a delicious dinner, and set up their tents in record time. See if you can recognize them in their new costumes (below) — hopefully they’ll get some sun in the coming days to put those new glasses to use!

California Coastal Mountains (CCM)

After trickling in to the San Fran Airport, CCM hit the road to make their way to camp. We heard from the leaders that the plan for the evening is to set up an epic camp, cook a delicious dinner, play lots of name games, and then hit the hay early after an all-around big travel day. Tomorrow, they have a day-hike and will prep for their backcountry kayak portion. Stoke levels looked through the roof– we have been promised a blog photo from camp tonight which will be posted tomorrow. Check back in then!

Alaska Mountains & Coast (AKMCA and AKMCB)

Alaska! Last Frontier! Hiking! Salmon!

This group has already been faced with more than just hiking challenges, as flight logistics have held up members of both sections. Nevertheless, today marked the start of the trip of a lifetime for a good portion of the AKMC group, and hopefully the adventure will start for the rest tomorrow. After flying into Anchorage, the group had a short ride over to their campsite where they got to play games and had dinner, then snuggle into their sleeping bags after a big travel day. We can’t wait to see what they get up to tomorrow!

Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)

After arriving in the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport — try saying that fast three times — these kiddos got to know each other in the airport with some classic Apogee games. After leaving the airport, they set up camp in Sitges and went to check out the beach (after getting some ice cream, of course), then the group got some well-deserved sleep. After a few travel snaffus, they can’t wait to meet the four that will arrive tomorrow morning! Tomorrow, they take to the sea (in kayaks).