Day 30: Let the Games Begin!

If you didn’t know, today is the opening ceremony of the Olympics! To honor this exciting day, our adventures are all about embracing the Olympic spirit. From sport climbing to beach volleyball, our trips embody the themes of strength, teamwork, and fun. Let’s dive right into these Olympic-inspired trips!

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Skip to a Specific Trip: AX, CRMDEXECC1, ECC2MCCE, MCJNEMCNWXPC

Alps Explorer (AX)

Today’s AX adventure felt like a grand Olympic equestrian event! They took a train and cable car to the start of their glacier hike, ascending to a stunning ridgeline with views of Europe’s largest glacier: the Aletsch Glacier! Along the way, they spotted the Matterhorn from a new angle and saw some adorable sheep. They hiked close enough to touch the glacier, explored a tunnel, and descended via another cable car to catch a train back to camp. They wrapped up the day with gelato and are now gearing up for a delicious dinner and packing for the TMB trek!

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)

The CRM squad took their adventure to new heights today with an exhilarating day of rock climbing and ziplining! We’re totally jealous (and maybe a bit biased), but they seem to have earned the coolest Olympic sport—sport climbing. It’s the perfect match for their day, combining strength, agility, and adventure. The team had an absolute blast, and their pics are super awesome! It was a day filled with excitement, giggles, and some unforgettable moments. We can’t wait to see what they conquer tomorrow!

Europe Coast to Coast 1 (ECC1)

Europe Coast to Coast 1 had a day full of fun and exploration in Venice to finish their journey. They began with a ferry ride into the heart of the city, where they wandered through charming streets and looked at the iconic canals. In true Italian style, they enjoyed a delightful final pasta dinner, sharing laughs and stories from their adventure! Their Olympic sport of the day, beach volleyball, perfectly captures the relaxed and joyful spirit of their final day together!

Europe Coast to Coast 2 (ECC2)

Our ECC2 team wrapped up their final day riding epically! They stopped at a quaint Italian market to grab a yummy lunch before tackling their last 90 kilometers on their bikes! They planned a swim for the afternoon followed by a classic Italian pizza dinner to celebrate. This group totally crushed the biking on this trip, and they are well-deserving of some exploring tomorrow in Venice! Because they had an awesome swim this afternoon, the Olympic sport that we have given them is swimming!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

Today, the Maine Coast College essay group created their very own 3-sport Olympic Games! The morning kicked off with a focused writing session, setting the stage for a productive day. In the afternoon, the group enjoyed competitions of “Captain’s Coming”, a handstand competition, and long jump. Following the events called for a refreshing swim at Reid State Park. Dinner included a scrumptious grill night and delicious dessert! 

Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)

The last full day for MCJ was packed with a morning of community service working on a garden! After their impactful work, the group set off to explore Portland. As they come together for their final dinner and last set of As and Ps tonight, they’re keeping the energy high by embracing the new Olympic sport of breakdancing. We hope these kiddos end their time in Maine with lively moves and never stop dancing!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)

As our Maine Downeast Explorer trip concludes, we’re reminded of the precision and focus seen in the Olympic sport of archery. Much like archers aiming for their target, our students have carefully navigated the trails and scenic vistas of Maine’s remote wilderness. Just as archers use precision, our explorers have sharpened their sense of adventure and connection with nature. We wish these rugged adventurers the best for the rest of the summer, knowing they’ll treasure the memories and friendships created over the past two weeks! 

New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)

The New England Mountains and Coast trip continues to have a ball as the group wraps up their time in the White Mountains. After a brief stop for some well-deserved mail at the office, they spent the afternoon kayaking, channeling their inner Olympic athletes on the water. Their excitement and teamwork was inspiring, reflecting the spirit of Olympic competition! As they paddle into their next adventure, we look forward to the awesome experiences that lie ahead!

Northwest Explorer (NWX)

Our NWXers are making a powerful exit from their backcountry adventure, demonstrating awesome strength and having a blast along the way. Their Olympic sport for the day is weightlifting. Just like weightlifters who flex their muscles and tackle heavy challenges, our explorers have shown incredible endurance and teamwork throughout their journey. Their photos showcase the fun they have had, and even include everyone spelling out “Jul,” the name of the kids favorite French rapper! As they settle into camp tonight, they’re reflecting on their first backcountry stint and eagerly anticipating the next leg of their journey!

Pacific Coast (PC)

The Pacific Coast bike squad hit a high note today with a fantastic ride filled with stunning scenery. The cyclists tackled a significant climb, gaining over 500 feet of elevation over Cape Sebastian. They saw breathtaking views of the rugged Oregon coastline. The day’s journey perfectly embodies the spirit of Olympic cycling—combining endurance, strength, and appreciation for the beautiful terrain. They enjoyed a yummy dinner and are now cozied up in camp ready for another fun-filled day tomorrow!