Day 3: Third Day’s the Charm!

Three is the number of the day!

One – Lots of firsts for students whether it be kayaking, taking on a ropes course, biking long distances, or cooking a meal on a camping stove! So proud of everyone for trying new things and exploring new areas. 

Two – The number of trips that started on this beautiful summer day. Welcome to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and our first America Coast to Coast team! We’re so excited to see you thrive and take on challenges over the next couple of days!

Three –  Apogees, perigees and kudos. What a trio! Three essential aspects of any Apogee trip. We like to take a little time to reflect on the highs and lows of the day, usually right before bed. It’s also nice to toss a little shoutout in there to someone else in the group who particularly made your day, helped, or stood out. 

Can’t wait to see what adventures are on the horizon!

Skip to a Specific Trip: CI, NEMCACRM, MCCE, DEXA, DEXB, CMCAKMCA, AKMCB, ACC1

Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)

Biking, boats and beach time! Our CI’ers swapped their riding legs for their sea legs and hopped on the ferry. After a bit of grocery shopping and setting up camp, they had some time to explore a nearby beach and breathe in the salty air. Nothing like some relaxation time before a day of community service. 

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New England Mountains & Coast A (NEMCA)

Trusty leaders Anna and Duncan decided today was the day to show the students the ropes. Tackling an aerial adventure ropes course is no easy task, especially when there are cat walks, burma bridges, tube nets, and multi-vines! Well done, NEMC Squad! You did it! Time to rest before your day hike tomorrow.

 

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)

Welcome to Colorado, CRM! Our students arrived in Denver today and were welcomed by our amazing leaders, Amelia & Harrison, with open arms, big smiles, and the majestic Rocky Mountains waiting to be explored. After a successful day of introductions and setting up camp, they are stoked to start their day tomorrow hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. We’re so excited to follow your adventures! 

After the airport, they broke for the mountains of Colorado!

Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)

MCCE’ers pumped out some quality essay drafts and outlines today in their group workshop with their essay extraordinaire, Leah. Leah and trip leaders, Chuck and Sage, prompted students to think out of the box and approach the essay as a story. After their group session, the students got to spend time with a Bates College Admissions Staff Member. Write on!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)

DEXA kicked things off with a solid day hike in Camden. What a place to be for some scenic vistas and overlooks! Sweet dreams tonight amazing kiddos, Acadia National Park is in your future!

Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXB)

Let the kayaking adventure begin! It’s not every day that you get to commute to your destination by kayak. Some say the happiest mode of transportation is biking, but our DEX’ers might argue otherwise. They spent the day gliding across the water to their campsite where they will spend the night under the stars!

California Mountains & Coast (CMC)

After a restful first night in their tents, CMC woke up energized and ready to spend the day sea kayaking in the warm California sun. They paddled to their beach campsite, where they will enjoy listening to the crashing waves of the Pacific as they drift to sleep and prepare for a day packed with more kayaking and day hikes along the scenic rocky coast! Unfortunately, the beauty of kayak camping means not enough cell service to send us a photo, but we’ll hopefully have several to share tomorrow! 

Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)

After packing up camp and enjoying breakfast, AKMCA left Anchorage today for the illustrious Chugach State Park to start their first adventure in the backcountry! They backpacked into their campground for the night and were able to get their first taste of the wonderful views the Alaskan wilderness has to offer. Unfortunately, the Alaskan wilderness means not being able to send photos – but we should have photographic proof of the adventures soon enough!

Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)

Today, AKMCB packed up camp in the morning and drove to the coastal town of Seward. While driving, they were able to enjoy the stunning views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach National Forest. After exploring downtown Seward, they set up camp and did final gear-checks for their overnight kayaking trip tomorrow! 

So much hydration happening.

America Coast to Coast 1 (ACC1)

Hooray for ACC1! Today our first batch of excited ACC’ers arrived in Folly Beach, South Carolina. After introductions, they went through a thorough bicycle safety talk with their leaders, Mark & Grace. To start their Coast to Coast Adventure off strong, they got on their bikes and rode to James Island, where they were able to get great views of the ocean on the way!

Where’d the bikes go? Never fear, the wheels are here!