What can you find our Apogee students up to today, you ask? You can find them exploring serene Icelandic glaciers or snorkeling with turtles in Puerto Rican waters. You can find them soaring above treeline on Central America’s longest zipline (5,220 feet) or beginning their great biking expedition in the scenic hills of Vermont. You can find them retreating into the backcountry in preparation for four days of incognito hiking or exploring the historic streets of Port de la Selva. We even had a picturesque “Prom in the Pasture”! Read on for more highlights from the field!
Skip to a Specific Trip: AKMCA, AKMCB, AX, CRMC, CS, DEXA, DEXB, GSA, IMC, NEMC, NWX, PC, PMC, VMA, VMB
Alaska Mountains & Coast A (AKMCA)
Our Alaska crew kicked off their adventure today! They had a handful of early arrivals last night and the site of a sprawling coastal city surrounded by mountains on all sides was there to greet them as they flew into Anchorage! Our AKMCA team got to work right away to prep for their first backcountry adventure which starts tomorrow!
Alaska Mountains & Coast B (AKMCB)
This Alaska crew also kicked off the adventure today! At their airport day, the new arrivals were greeted with beautiful sunshine (until sunset at 10:41 PM!) This crew will head south tomorrow to the Kenai Peninsula and prepare for their backcountry kayaking adventure!
Alps Explorer (AX)
Hiking packs, boots, water bottles, and…corsages?! That’s right, today our Alps Explorers had prom in the pasture! Their hiking route took them through Les Contamines Montjoie on Route de Notre-Dame de la Gorge which brought them to Le Praz. They caught some amazing views of the Aiguille de Bionnassay and its glacier as they winded through the picturesque broken meadows! A strenuous day of hiking called for a big campsite dinner and deep slumber to prepare for more exciting hikes in the next few days!
Caribbean Service (CS)
Ahoy matey! Today, our CS crew went snorkeling in some of the most pristine waters the Caribbean has to offer! Facemasks, fins, and floaties went on and the deep blue sea was explored! Dolphins and turtles offered their friendship, paddleboards were paddled, big ol’ foam pads were used to sun-soak, and beautiful beaches were snorkeled!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Zippity-do dah! Where can you find our wonderful CRMC squad on a day like today? Oh, only zip-zip-zipping above the treeline on Central America’s longest zip line! The morning was spent in the air, but the afternoon was spent on pavement, as they zipped into south-central Costa Rica, where they had a suppertime feast in a sleepy village in the shadow of Costa Rica’s tallest mountain, Chirripó! Then they zipped into their sleeping bags for an early night of sleep as they prepare for a big day of hiking tomorrow!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer A (DEXA)
Arrival day! You know what that means…Name games galore! Icebreakers galore! And…moustaches galore?? Our DEXters bonded quickly in the van ride with some Spotify roulette and “would you rather?”. Upon arriving in Camden, the squad set up camp, cooked a delicious portable stove dinner, and got in their sleeping bags eager to attack the next few days with vigor!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer B (DEXB)
Arrival day for DEX: 1.) Anxious butterflies and grinning faces 2.) Welcoming warmth of leaders and peers 3.) Unleashing creativity and individuality 4.) Building confidence and independence 5.) Forming lasting relationships 6.) The beginning of a legendary adventure. Our DEXters couldn’t be more excited for the days to come and never can we!
Golden State Adventure (GSA)
Don’t make us leave! The GSA team has had a historic trip and now it is time to say goodbye. They have laughed, they have cried (tears of joy), they have hiked, they have kayaked, they have explored the city, they have played games in camp. Phone numbers and emails have been written down, hugs have been elongated, and lifelong friendships have been solidified. We will miss you GSAers!
Iceland Mountains & Coast (IMC)
The team spent the day hiking through Iceland’s most famous, remote, and beautiful National Park: Vatnajökull! The glaciers that our students traversed through today are the height of beauty; a serenity that is inexplicable and an elegance that is inconceivable. An experience that is certainly worth the sore quads and hammies that our campers are enduring right now!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
Goodbye! Au Revoir! Adios! Arrivederci! Departure day means long hugs, phone numbers being written down, plans to reconvene being made, and the coveted final quaker! Although they have to leave, the laughter, experiences, and friendships they have made on this trip will never fade! We will miss you NEMC squad!
Northwest Explorer (NWX)
NWX is going off the grid! Today marked their escape from society’s grip and entrance into the all-encompassing serenity of nature’s hands! With nothing other than the packs on their backs, NWX entered the backcountry and went on a short but beautiful hike at Bridge Creek. The backcountry is an avenue for self-discovery, transcendence, group achievement, and personal growth…the journey begins now! Go!
Pacific Coast (PC)
A behemoth ride for the squad today! The second longest of the entire trip – 50 miles! Good thing they had the world famous redwoods to keep them peaceful company during their ride. Potholes were called out, directions were given, word games were played, and every muscle in their legs were exhausted. A big dinner and a night of much deserved rest prepares them for the next four days of riding. Keep on keeping on! [Late addition photos below!]
Pyrenees Mountains and Coast (PMC)
Our PMCers are on the move! After an eventful few days at Sitges, the team “speed-dated” on the shuttle to Port de la Selva, where they explored the historic city and embraced the lively culture and cuisine that it has to offer. They took to the cacti-lined trails which opened up to a breathtaking view right over the majestic water, so majestic they couldn’t help but go for a swim in it! The mood on camp approaching the main part of the trip: amped, psyched, stoked!
Vermont to Montreal A (VMA)
Wheels up! The first day of biking as the crew embarks on a transformational experience that will shape their lives forever. Through the challenges, the laughter, and the moments of awe-inspiring beauty, they will discover the true meaning of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery. They carry the spirit of the open road in their hearts, knowing that no matter where life takes them, they will always cherish the memories of the extraordinary biking odyssey that lies ahead of them and pushes them to new horizons and new adventures!
Vermont to Montreal B (VMB)
So the great Canadian odyssey begins! Today marked the true beginning of a story that will be told throughout time, taught in history classes, and passed down for generations! The squad began their northern trek in hilly Southern Vermont, where the calves, hammies, and glutes saw their first true test. Then they played volleyball and slithered down the spiral slide at the campsite pool! The campers crushed their first bike day and look onward with an overwhelming sense of excitement!
