Frequently Asked Questions

How safe are Apogee Programs?
Safety is the most important aspect of any Apogee trip. We spend a great deal of time researching our routes to find the safest back roads and hiking trails. All of our leaders go through an extensive Apogee training program, and at the very minimum are certified in basic First Aid and CPR, with many holding more advanced certifications. Parents should not hesitate to call our office with any specific questions regarding safety.

Who are my leaders?
The difference between a good company and a great company is the quality of its leaders. We know this is critical, so we spend the time and effort to make sure all of our leaders are the best in the business. They are upstanding role models who have strong leadership skills and extensive experience working with young people in group situations. Our leaders are adventurers who love the outdoors and are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with their students.

How challenging is an Apogee adventure?
Though every Apogee program will challenge you both physically and mentally, our trip itineraries are carefully designed to be well within reach of any motivated and high-spirited student. [The one exception to this rule is our America Coast to Coast bike adventure (ACC). This trip is our most challenging and is for highly motivated students. ACC participants must be prepared to push themselves daily and understand that with great effort comes great reward. Before applying for ACC, parents and students should speak with Apogee's directors about expectations.] Our primary requirements at Apogee are a positive attitude, a willingness to try new things, flexibility and a basic to moderate level of fitness. If you can bring these qualities to your trip, your Apogee experience is sure to be a great one.

Where will we spend our nights? How often can we shower?
On most trips, nights are spent camping in state parks and private campgrounds or staying indoors at youth hostels. On the Cape Cod & the Islands bicycle tour, approximately a third of the nights are spent indoors at youth hostels. On our Caribbean Service Adventure, most nights are spent in National Forest bunkhouses, guest houses and/or small hotels. The majority of nights on all other trips are spent camping. Showers will be available at many overnight locations, and there is typically at least one opportunity each week on all trips to do laundry.

What do we eat on an Apogee trip?
On an Apogee adventure, part of your responsibility will be to help plan, shop for, and cook your meals as a team, using either camp stoves or youth hostel kitchens. The meals will be simple, yet plentiful and nutritious. One leader will supervise meal preparations, but the end results are up to you and your team members. Some of the meals you might enjoy on an Apogee trip include stir-fries, pasta dishes, and burritos. Vegetarians and most students with specific dietary needs will be accommodated.

How do we keep in touch with friends and family?
In the late spring you will receive a list of mailing addresses where family and friends can send you mail during the course of your trip. In addition, there will be various opportunities on all trips for students to send out postcards and letters and to place a limited number of phone calls home. On all trips, we require students to call home and check in at least once a week.

May I come on an Apogee adventure with a friend?
A maximum of two friends can join the same Apogee trip together. Through experience we have found that any more than two friends on the same trip can hinder the dynamics of a small group. If you would like to sign up for a trip with a friend, please indicate this on the application. We will do our best to honor all requests.

What are groups like?
In all cases Apogee aims to create groups that are compatible and gender balanced. A typical group never has more than twelve students and is 6:6, 7:5 or 8:4, girls to boys or boys to girls. Groups are always led by one male and one female leader.

What equipment do I need to join a trip?
Equipment lists are made available out upon acceptance. Major pieces of equipment for the New England Mountains & Coast and Caribbean Service Adventure trips include a hiking daypack and boots. The Vermont Hiker, Downeast Explorer and Northwest Explorer trips require a sturdy backpack and hiking boots. Cape Cod & the Islands, Coast to Québec, Montana Service Adventure, Pacific Coast and America Coast to Coast trips require a bicycle and panniers.

Apogee has bicycles (for New England & Pacific Coast trips only) and panniers for rent. Please call us to inquire about availability.