School may be out for our wonderful students, but here at Apogee Adventures, we never stop researching the formula for a successful summer. Today, we take a closer look at the components of a fun trip as we seek to optimize the correct combination of elements to ensure students have the time of their lives. We currently have 13 fascinating experiments underway in the field… let’s go take a look at the equations our groups are producing!
Skip to a Specific Trip: AXA, AXB, CRM, CRMC, CSPR, CSVI, DEX, ECC, MCCE, NEMC, NWMC, PC, PMC, VM
Alps Explorer A (AXA)
Picturesque Views + Shimmering Sunshine + Swimmable Alpine Lakes = A Fun Final Day Hike in Zermatt
These Alps explorers tested the aforementioned hypothesis during their final day in Zermatt, and it is safe to say they found some exciting conclusions. The group had a fun post-hike afternoon as well, including a rambunctious game of animal house party, some pure hacky sack touches, and some sweet post-dinner gelato in town. Vibes are far beyond the tree line in the Alps as these globetrotters begin preparations for the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc tomorrow!
Alps Explorer B (AXB)
A Restful Train Ride + Great Company + Successful Resupply = An Adventure Ready Group
A famous philosopher (Socrates, probably) once said, “prior preparation prevents poor performance.” Such words rang true for our Alps adventurers as they trained from Zermatt to Martigny and began stockpiling munitions in preparation for their Tour du Mont Blanc journey. This “calm before the storm” rest day featured card games, dancing, and beautiful views from the train. These explorers are ready to start backpacking tomorrow!
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Big Sky + Big Rocks + Big Steps = Big Fun
They say everything is bigger in Texas – Wait! I mean Colorado. Home to over 48 mountains over 14,000 feet tall, there is no shortage of big rocks to step on and big peaks to summit in the sunshine state. Today, CRM tackled their biggest hike yet with the perfect mixture of insatiable hunger and energetic enthusiasm. With rock climbing, white water rafting, and a challenging day hike yet to come, this group will continue combining its strengths to launch vibes that soar higher than the Rockies!
Costa Rica Mountains & Coast (CRMC)
Hiking Chirripo Trail + Swimming in Cloudbridge National Park + Charming Lunch Views = Jungle Joy
Life’s simplest pleasures tend to fill our cups the most. If we can exercise our bodies on the trail, fill ourselves with nutritious food, and splash around in some water, life will be good. What our explorers of Central America are finding is that when we can do all these things while surrounded by caring, kind, and joyous individuals, life will be great. Such a finding is critical to any fun and successful Apogee trip, and these students in Costa Rica are uncovering more and more liberating truths on the daily. How could you not be excited for what is next?!
Caribbean Service Virgin Islands (CSVI)
Crystal Clear Caribbean Sea + Wondrous Aquatic Wildlife + Snorkeling Masks = Burgeoning Marine Biologists
Hosting more than 13,000 known marine species, the Caribbean Sea is home to a wide variety of marine species, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Tasked with identifying as many such species as they could, our CSVI snorkeling research team took turns scanning the smooth sand of the clear ocean floor. Our team of fun-loving, ambitious, and evergrowing snorkelers will continue analyzing their findings while cherishing their time together in days to come.
Europe Coast to Coast (ECC)
The North Sea coastline + 55km of Smooth Bike Paths + 246 Dutch People Saying “Alo” Along the Way = Day 1 of ECC Biking in the Books!
Let the games begin! Our ECCers got out of the bustling town of Haarlem and out to the coast for a gorgeous first ride of the summer in Europe. It was a hot one, so a cold gelato stop was a must after lunch. The group made awesome time into camp and got to relax by the pool all afternoon before refueling with a delicious dinner.
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Mastering the Written Word + Tackling the Admissions Process + Scoring Big on the Court = A Fulfilling Day in Maine
The old adage of “work hard, play hard” exemplifies the yin-yang balance between learning and recreation. These studious, future college scholars examined this delicate balance with a full day of ranging activities. After a morning of workshopping their college essay drafts with their writing instructor, the students took to an afternoon of learning about the college admissions process. The group then swaggered over to the basketball court to let off some steam before a tasty dinner. Sounds like a balanced formula from where we sit!
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEX)
Full Backpacks + Awe-Striking Appalachian Trail + Calm and Remote Seclusion = Magical Day 1 in the Backcountry
These fervent DEXers have enjoyed their domination of the frontcountry trails and have thus decided to take their research to the backcountry. As one of the world’s most famous through-hikes, the Appalachian Trail serves as an ideal place to experiment with the components of the perfect backpacking adventure. Unfortunately backcountry = no cell service = no blog pics today, so stay tuned for when they return to civilization!
New England Mountains & Coast (NEMC)
Summits + Intriguing Trail Games + Monty the Moose = Trail Conquering Crew
It takes a tough, resilient, and spirited crew to brave rainy clouds en route to a sunny peak. However, with amazing comrades, stimulating trail games, and an epic mascot like the Monty the Moose, groups like our NEMC expeditioners can make such a feat look effortless. With aims to summit even bigger mountains as the trip progresses, this spunky bunch concludes that the right combination of camaraderie, endurance, and a well-timed, smile-filled selfie can catalyze any climb!
Northwest Mountains & Coast (NWMC)
Ferry Ride + New Campground – Fishing Pole = First Catch of the Trip
Today was a travel day for the NWMCers, but that doesn’t mean it was any less exciting. A fun ferry ride transported the group to their next temporary home where they will be taking a break from the trails and getting out on the water for a few days on Kayaks. The afternoon was spent by the water where one of our campers caught a fish with his bare hands. Nice job Alex!
Pacific Coast (PC)
Seven Devils + Granny Gear + Quads of Steel = Triumphant Kiddos
Today our PC rippers conquered the Seven Devils (7 gnarly hills that only the bravest cyclists would dare attempt). After the devils, the rest of the ride was easy money and the crew got to enjoy a chill afternoon in camp, eating quesadillas and warming up with some hot cocoa.
Pyrenees Mountains & Coast (PMC)
A Cozy, Comfortable Bus + Warm Iberian Sea + Jumps for Joy = New Place, Same Stoke
After a restful northbound bus ride from Sitges to Port de la Selva, our PMCers had another scenic afternoon on the beach. Studies indicate that time near the ocean offers a number of physical and mental health benefits, such as decreasing stress, boosting vitamin D, and enhancing good vibes. Our boots on the ground confirmed these findings and also tested the correlation between beach time and increased vertical jumps. While their jump test findings were inconclusive, they verified that they are stoked to get on trail tomorrow!
Vermont to Montreal (VM)
Picturesque Farmland + Quiet Country Roads + Snacks on Snacks on Snacks = 28 Miles Closer to Montreal
It was a beautiful, peaceful ride in Vermont, indeed. The group crushed their longest ride yet and made it look easy! A refuel stop for lunch kept everyone stoked to speed into camp for a restful afternoon. The lovely campground owners even had some ice cold popsicles waiting for the group to enjoy on this warm day. Only a few short miles lie between the VMers and their first rest day in Burlington. Keep on keeping on, legends.
