Nick Smith, Dover, NH
Bowdoin College, Class of 2009
Trips as a Leader:
Montana Service Adventure '08, Northwest Explorer '08, America Coast to Coast '09
"I've led trips across the some of the most scenic parts of the country (through the states of Montana, Arizona, and California to name a few). However, the trips themselves aren't what make Apogee special. It's Apogee's concentration on group unity, wholesome challenge, and adventure that enhance these scenic locations into something truly unique. Everything from the community I feel during leader training in Brunswick, to the level of communication and support I get in the field help shape each Apogee trip into a 'once in a lifetime' accomplishment. Most importantly, though, NOTHING has been more rewarding than working with the caliber of kids that Apogee draws. For me, these students are a part of a family that is a summer home away from home; friends that I will be connected to for the rest of my life."
"This was an amazing challenge and achievement for Ellie! She returned with joy, stories, confidence and pride. Who could ask for more?"
- Whitney Soule
Freeport, ME
Freeport, ME
Trip Leaders at Apogee Adventures
To learn more about leading for Apogee, click here.The difference between a good summer program and a great summer program is the quality of its leaders. We know this and take the time to recruit the highest quality individuals. Our leaders are responsible, compassionate, inspiring and fun. They love working with kids and they love the outdoors. Students look up to our leaders as role models, and overwhelmingly rate them as excellent.
Apogee selectively recruits trip leaders from prestigious liberal arts colleges and universities.We look for individuals with outstanding leadership skills and wide-ranging experience working with youngpeople in the outdoors.Every applicant fills out a detailed application and is carefully interviewed, in person, by our directors. We check references thoroughly before offering any position. Our leaders are a minimum of twenty years old. Most are between 21 and 26.Leader training takes place over the course of an intensive, week-long program at Apogee's headquartersin Brunswick, Maine. We work with our leaders both in the classroom and in the field to cover everythingfrom safety and group dynamics to trip logistics and outdoor skills. Leaders also spend time reviewingstudent applications so they are familiar with each individual in their group before the start of their trip. Bythe end of their training, leaders are well prepared to safely and effectively lead their group on theadventure of a lifetime. All of our leaders are certified in CPR and First Aid/Wilderness First Aid at a minimum. Many hold evenhigher certifications.Apogee enjoys a very high leader return rate. Many veteran leaders return for multiple summers. 
Rachel Baron, Lexington, MA
Colby College, Class of 2011
Trips as a Leader:
Maine Mountain Explorer '08, Vermont Hiker '09, Northwest Explorer '09
"For leaders and students alike, spending a summer with Apogee means becoming part of a family. Whether playing on the swings with the Cashman boys during training or spending down time with the other leaders, the Apogee staff quickly becomes close. As leaders, we share meals and stories and really get to know and appreciate one another during training. On trip, this atmosphere of inclusion and mutual respect is carried over. We bike, hike and do community service together. We eat all of our meals together. And at the end of each day, we reflect on our accomplishments together. The greatest part about being an Apogee leader is the satisfaction I get from watching my group progress from the somewhat awkward name-games and small talk on day one to a tight-knit family at trip's end."
Colby College, Class of 2011
Trips as a Leader:
Maine Mountain Explorer '08, Vermont Hiker '09, Northwest Explorer '09
"For leaders and students alike, spending a summer with Apogee means becoming part of a family. Whether playing on the swings with the Cashman boys during training or spending down time with the other leaders, the Apogee staff quickly becomes close. As leaders, we share meals and stories and really get to know and appreciate one another during training. On trip, this atmosphere of inclusion and mutual respect is carried over. We bike, hike and do community service together. We eat all of our meals together. And at the end of each day, we reflect on our accomplishments together. The greatest part about being an Apogee leader is the satisfaction I get from watching my group progress from the somewhat awkward name-games and small talk on day one to a tight-knit family at trip's end."
Colby Tucker, Chestnut Hill, MA
Trinity College, Class of 2009
Trips as a Leader:
Montana Service Adventure '09, New England Mountains & Coast '09
"A summer with Apogee is nothing less than extraordinary. From the very first moment you meet your leaders and fellow adventurers you'll know that you are in for an unforgettable time. It starts with the directors, Kevin and Chad, who are incredibly enthusiastic about each day of each trip. The leaders they hire share their passion for being outside, having a blast, and, most of all, making a positive impact on each and every student. While it is easy to find companies where the focus is on having a great time, the bottom line for the leaders at Apogee is the personal growth of each student."
Trinity College, Class of 2009
Trips as a Leader:
Montana Service Adventure '09, New England Mountains & Coast '09
"A summer with Apogee is nothing less than extraordinary. From the very first moment you meet your leaders and fellow adventurers you'll know that you are in for an unforgettable time. It starts with the directors, Kevin and Chad, who are incredibly enthusiastic about each day of each trip. The leaders they hire share their passion for being outside, having a blast, and, most of all, making a positive impact on each and every student. While it is easy to find companies where the focus is on having a great time, the bottom line for the leaders at Apogee is the personal growth of each student."
Maggie Smith, Manchester, VT
Middlebury College, Class of 2009
Trips as a Leader:
Montana Service Adventure '07, '08, Coast to Québec '07, Northwest Explorer '08, America Coast to Coast '09
"Leading for Apogee has allowed me to see incredible places, meet remarkable young people and challenge myself in more ways than I thought possible. Even the toughest days feel so worthwhile. The best part of being a leader is seeing how your hard work affects your kids. I love motivating young people to challenge themselves in new ways, whether it's conquering a summit, or gaining the confidence to take on a leadership role within the group. Sitting around the campfire at the end of the day, a student will reflect on an important achievement they or the group has made - that's when I get goose bumps and know I'm part of something extraordinary."
Middlebury College, Class of 2009
Trips as a Leader:
Montana Service Adventure '07, '08, Coast to Québec '07, Northwest Explorer '08, America Coast to Coast '09
"Leading for Apogee has allowed me to see incredible places, meet remarkable young people and challenge myself in more ways than I thought possible. Even the toughest days feel so worthwhile. The best part of being a leader is seeing how your hard work affects your kids. I love motivating young people to challenge themselves in new ways, whether it's conquering a summit, or gaining the confidence to take on a leadership role within the group. Sitting around the campfire at the end of the day, a student will reflect on an important achievement they or the group has made - that's when I get goose bumps and know I'm part of something extraordinary."
Lead for Apogee
Are you someone who thrives on challenge? Do you love the outdoors and working with young people? Do you have what it takes to be a true leader? If so, we'd like to hear from you. We're looking for the best and the brightest to join Apogee for an exciting summer of adventure and personal growth. This is your opportunity to inspire young people and realize your own leadership potential.Please visit our leader blog to learn more about working for Apogee.
To apply, please download the following Leader Application.
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DOWNLOAD APPLICATION - WORD DOC (54kb) |
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DOWNLOAD APPLICATION - PDF (103kb) |
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Apogee
PO Box 505
Brunswick, ME 04011