It’s a big day of arrival here at Apogee! Our leaders in Alaska, California, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Spain will all be picking up their next group of students! To these folks, we say “Welcome!!!”
While we can’t wait to see what these folks get up to (ice climbing, surfing, zip-lining, snorkeling in tropical waters, backpacking, and all sorts of other fun), we also are going to check in on our trips who have been in the field for a while now.
Our Apogee family is continuing to grow with new members and we can’t wait to see all the cool things they get up to. Get after it, team!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMC, CRM, CS, MCCE, MCP, CRMC, CMC, AKMCA, AKMCB, NWX, PC, AXA, AXB, ECC1, ECC2, PMC
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
It was the last day in Acadia National Park for the MCJ crew! The group got up bright and early to watch the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain. Nice work team! On the way down, they soaked up that sun and took a little extra time to enjoy the rocky shores and blue waters that make Maine so special. Afterward, they made the trek back to Brunswick (with a particularly fashionable bathroom stop). Back at camp, they played an intense game of keep-away before dinner. Tonight, the team got a special evening ride on sea kayaks before some well-deserved slumber. This group does it all!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
The CI crew can’t be stopped. Today they were on their bikes, traveled across the water, and celebrated a birthday!! After a short ride, the group spent the day enjoying some stand-up paddle boarding with guides off the eastern side of the Cape. Afterward, they had a picnic birthday party for their fearless leader, Kelly, who is turned 22! After a big day, it was back to camp for games and dinner.
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
Another fun-filled day for NEMC! This awesome group of students got to take off their packs and get away from the trail today as they went whitewater rafting on the Androscoggin River. Afterward, the group warmed up from the rain, got some ice cream in Gorham, and savored their sweet treats during some quality downtime in the park.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
The CRM crew got back on the trail today after rock climbing yesterday! They explored more of Rocky Mountain National Park as they hiked around Emerald Lake and Haiyaha Lake. Just look at the color of that water! Afterward, they went to Estes Park for a picnic lunch and a tour around town. Then, it was back to camp for card games, including the kids’ favorite, Egyptian Rat Slap!
Caribbean Service (CS)
CS2 is here!! Westen and Faerin met their group at the airport in San Juan to get the trip started before heading to Utuado. It looks like they also had a nice stretching session after being cooped up in a plane – smart move! After some games, they got a chance to rest by their beautiful house before the real adventure begins tomorrow with service at the Tanama river!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Our rising high school seniors are working hard today! They started today with an awesome writing workshop with Leah. After lunch, they traveled to Bates College and had a college admissions workshop with Jared to practice for interviews. After a big day, today’s cook crew got to work grilling up a tasty dinner for the group before a relaxing evening in the yurts.
Maine Coast Photo (MCP)
The MCP folks left Boothbay this morning to take a ferry to Monhegan Island. There, they had a photoshoot with their instructor and took a little hike to enjoy the views. In the afternoon, they returned home to the cottage to edit their photos and play games in the yard. We can’t wait to see the awesome pictures they are getting!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
It’s arrival day in San José! Elle and Andrew headed to the airport (with tons of enthusiasm!) early to meet all their students flying in. Now that the team is together it’s off to Manuel Antonia National Park! Tonight they had their first dinner all together and settled in for bed to get tons of rest for a fun-filled day tomorrow.
California Mountains & Coast (CMC)
It’s another arrival day in California! After Katie and Jared picked up their students, the group headed out to set up camp for the first time together (but not before stopping at the Golden Gate Bridge!) After some games, they made dinner and settled in for the night for some sleep before activities begin tomorrow. Looking good, team!
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
It’s arrival day for AKMCA! While today was spent mostly in the airport, the students had a great time playing games and getting to know each other. After everyone arrived, it was off to camp for dinner and prep for hiking tomorrow. These students need some rest before all the fun they’re about to have. No blog pics for today, but we cannot wait to see what they accomplish in the next two weeks!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
Our AKMCB team is also back in the field! After airport arrivals, Nellie, Alex, and the crew are on their way to a great adventure. While tomorrow, they will start with their kayak tour, tonight is for games, getting to know one another, and getting the first peek at the beauty that is Alaska! Similar to AKMCA, there are no photos to share at the moment, but rest assured, this crew is in for an amazing trip.
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
The NWX team may be the coolest people I know. They are absolutely crushing the longest backpacking portion that Apogee has! Today, they had a long hike in NoCa (that’s Northern Cascades if you’re just tuning in!) Tomorrow, they’ll hike out, but tonight, they get to enjoy the stars, the silence, and the beauty that is the Pacific Northwest.
Pacific Coast (PC)
PC had one of their best rides yet today! Not only did they ride a killer half-century (50 miles!) but they had an absolutely breathtaking ride with the sea cliffs and horizon always on their right. They ended today at a gorgeous beach to play and eat dinner. Keep doing your thing PC — only two more days of riding left!
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
It’s the last full day on the Tour de Mont Blanc for AXA! They are looking and feeling good as they headed into Champex for the night! Throughout the course of the day, they went through forests, mountains, and a beautiful lake — what a jam-packed day! Tomorrow they’ll get off the trail, but for now, they’ll enjoy one last night under the stars.
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
After a day of rest in Fiesch, the AXB team is back on the trails for the last time! Today, they went on a day hike on Aletsch glacier, which is the largest glacier in the Alps. The group also met some new friends today (see below), although we’re not sure they’ll be invited back for dinner. Congratulations to AX1B for completing their final hike — what rockstars!
Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)
How lucky are our ECC teams to be in France on Bastille day? Although not in a city where large celebrations are taking place, ECC1 had a great day. It was a long ride, including their toughest hill yet, but they absolutely crushed it and celebrated at the top with a mystery box filled with stickers and fun sunglasses! Awesome job, team! They got into camp early and had plenty of time to play games, swim, and watch the Tour de France. Gotta take notes and learn from the best!!
Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)
The EEC2 team was enjoying some countryside riding today on Bastille day! They started the day on riverside bike paths and made their way out to the fields of crops and wildflowers. Like ECC1, they won’t be going through any big towns, however, they will end the day in Celles-Sur-Plaine. There, they might have seen some celebrations in addition to being able to enjoy the pool at their campground!
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
Today is the day! Our students made their way to Barcelona to begin their 13-day journey! After airport pick-ups, Connor, Clio, and the group played some games and headed to camp. They went straight to the beach for sea shells, swimming, and dinner. Sounds like a great first day! Then it’s off to bed for some sleep before kayaking tomorrow.
