Here at Apogee HQ in Brunswick, Maine, we’re just starting to see the buds emerge on trees as we inch our way towards our favorite season — the Apogee summer! With only 50 days (!) until our leaders arrive for staff training (which is what really denotes the beginning of summer) we’re dropping in your inbox with another edition of Peak News. Read on for stories and updates from the wide world of Apogee!
Also, if your Apogee Alum has done something cool or exciting recently (and we know you have!), please send a blurb and photo to jackie@apogeeadventures.com. We love hearing from you!
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Alumni Staff Feature
Tim Hunt
Apogee alumni leader legend Tim Hunt spent five summers with Apogee, leading both hiking and biking trips from the coast of California to the stunning peaks of the Alps. Over the course of those five summers with Apogee, our rough calculations show that Tim spent about 200 nights sleeping in a tent (not to mention the summer he took off from leading with Apogee to hike the Pacific Crest Trail!). So with all of that experience setting up tents in all sorts of different environments, it’s no surprise that Tim now works for SlingFin: an outdoor gear brand dedicated to building best-in-class tents using premium materials, meticulous design, and rigorous field testing.
Tim credits his time with Apogee as a pivotal influence in his journey into the outdoor gear industry. “Working at Apogee taught me the value of spending time in nature and sparked the idea that I could make a career out of being outside,” he says. That spark has grown as he continues to live out his passion through his work – blending adventure, design, and a deep respect for the outdoors.
Of course, Tim’s Apogee memories go far beyond professional inspiration. One of his all-time favorite moments? Playing a full hour of Euchre with his 2015 Alps Explorer group while perched on Col du Grand Ferret, right on the Italian-Swiss border. It’s the kind of memory that perfectly captures the spirit of an Apogee trip: adventure, fun, connection, and unforgettable views.
As for life beyond work, Tim has big changes on the horizon. He got engaged this past fall to a fellow Bowdoin College alum, and will soon be relocating from San Francisco to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where his fiancé is beginning her medical residency in emergency medicine. “I have fond memories of riding across New Mexico on America Coast to Coast,” Tim shared, “and I’m looking forward to getting to know the rest of the state!”
Now eight years removed from leading his last Apogee trip (America Coast to Coast in 2017), Tim continues to live a life rooted in the outdoor adventure world. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Tim!
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Office Happenings
The Apogee Gear Store is OPEN!
Apogee’s Gear Store is officially live through May 1! Now you can grab all the essential gear you need to elevate your adventures, from hats and water bottles to synthetic shirts and bike jerseys. Whether you’re gearing up for your next adventure or just want to rep Apogee in style, we have something for everyone. Check it out and get ready to explore – only eight more days to get your orders in!
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Blog Feature
Dustin Ward
Meet Dustin Ward, Apogee’s Equity and Inclusion Consultant! In our most recent blog post, we are proud to introduce Dustin to the wider Apogee community.
Dustin has been working with Apogee for the past several years. He meets with our full-time team throughout the year to discuss our goals as an organization and leads an equity and inclusion workshop during our staff training. Dustin’s experience, unique insights, and engaging facilitation style make his time with us one of the highlights of our staff training.
One of Apogee’s core goals is to create tight-knit, supportive communities on all of our trips. Dustin’s workshop helps give our leaders the tools to create a welcoming environment where every student, no matter their background, feels valued and comfortable in their “Apogee family.”
We’re honored to have Dustin as part of the Apogee community and are excited to share his journey, his mission, and the impact he’s making with you all.