By: Eliza Adams
Today, friends, is a big day – not only because it marks the mid-point of 2016 and the start of a holiday weekend (and its corresponding traffic jams…), but most notably because it is a milestone in Apogee history! Today, a record-setting fifteen trips are embarking on their incredible journeys. Equipped with exuberant leaders and eager kiddos, everyone here at Apogee is geared up for another great summer. Over the next few weeks, our students will explore scenic hikes from here in Maine, to Yosemite’s majesty, and all the way across the pond in Scotland’s Highlands. They’ll bike along breezy Cape Cod beach paths and through Montana’s Big Sky Country, and (of course) share laughs and s’mores along the way.
Let’s check in with our trips!
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ1): Our MCJ kiddos played icebreakers and van games as they traveled from MA to their shoreside campsite on Maine’s Casco Bay this afternoon. The group looks forward to heading to Maine’s true gem tomorrow – Acadia National Park. This may be the first of many Apogee summers to come for these adventurous explorers!
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI1): Our Capers are gathering down near Falmouth, MA today and didn’t let a little evening rain get in the way of their activities. When the drizzle prevented them from having a fire, they carried on with their s’mores dessert by replacing roasted marshmallows with ooey-gooey fluff – inventive!
Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA1): Our CSA gang was up and at ’em today! The group spent the morning working on trail maintenance along the Tanama River rainforest with their guide, Roberto. This afternoon, they took a break from service and explored the Tanama Valley. ¡Buen trabajo, amigos!
Vermont to Montreal A (VM1A): Leaders Ariel and Red picked up their kids in NH and headed out to southern Vermont to kick off their trip! Today was chock full of name games and icebreakers before the group prepares to stretch their legs on their 22-mile ride tomorrow.
Vermont to Montreal B (VM1B): Leaders Anna and Chandler were certainly pumped to meet their students this afternoon! The group enjoyed some quality bonding time in the van today as they made their way from New Hampshire to Vermont. Tomorrow marks the start of their bike trek to Montreal!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer A (DEX1A): Lizzie and Rhett’s adventurous group is ready to take on their action-packed itinerary this week! Our DEX-ers look forward to sea kayaking, hiking, and community service as they explore the beautiful state of Maine.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer B (DEX1B): After checking out their campsite and playing name games, our DEX B crew took a quick break to capture a picture with their van (whose name is TBD). They’re in for an awesome week!
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS1): Emily and Thomas’s group is ready to go (and on their way to Turrialba as we go to press)! Over the next thirteen days, these eager students will have the chance to strengthen their Spanish skills, engage in community service, and even take a salsa dancing class. First stop, Apogee. Next stop, Dancing With the Stars?
Coast to Quebec A (CQ1A): Emily and Kadin’s group was all smiles as they rolled through Brunswick on their first big ride of the trip. After spending last night on the lovely shores of Casco Bay, today the CQA-ers biked to Wiscasset and enjoyed gorgeous weather for their first day of riding.
Coast to Quebec B (CQ1B): Our CQ B trip had a great day of riding – in fact, there were numerous sightings of the group looking darn good on the roads around Brunswick and Freeport…!
California Mountains & Coast A (CMC1A): After gathering everyone, CMCA ditched the airport and headed for the beach. They didn’t let a little cloud cover dampen their spirits and jumped for joy as they first stepped foot on the California Coast!
California Mountains & Coast B (CMC1B): After gathering everyone from the airport, Jessi and Nick hit the road with their crew! We wonder what was playing on the radio when they snapped this picture…. California Dreamin’ by The Mama’s and The Papa’s?
Montana Service Adventure (MSA1): The Montana crew is all accounted for! With the help of exuberant leaders Anna and Freddy, these kids are gearing up for an awesome trip of exploration and service. We promise the views will get much prettier than this concrete lunchtime spot!
Northwest Explorer (NWX1): These Northwest Explorers are off to an incredible start – especially with all flights arriving right on time! They’re leaving SEATAC behind and heading to the woods for the night before venturing out to the Olympic peninsula tomorrow. Smiles all around!
Pacific Coast A (PC1A) & Pacific Coast B (PC1B): Way out in Eugene (where the Olympic Track & Field trials are going on today)! Everyone is on the bus, loaded with bikes and gear, headed west to the Pacific Coast!
Scottish Highlands Explorer (SHX1): These Scottish Highland Explorers are tucked in on the shores of Loch Lomond and look more than ready for their 20-day trek across Scotland’s picturesque terrain! Rockstar leaders Midge and Matt are stoked to pioneer Apogee’s newest trip overseas.
Alps Explorer (AX1): Our very own Alps Explorers have all arrived safely and caught the train to beautiful Zermatt, Switzerland! The group is settled in their campsite and looking forward to getting their boots dirty tomorrow!
America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1): Our ACC-ers crushed it on their first day riding! They have officially set an Apogee ACC record for making it into camp so early. Well done!
