Fun Is the Starting Point – Not the Whole Story

Fun is a huge part of every Apogee adventure – and it always has been. Summers should feel joyful and full of play and exploration. From shared laughs at camp to engaging conversations on the trail or bike, our trips are full of moments that teens will remember for years to come. But at Apogee, fun isn’t the whole story. It’s the natural result of something more thoughtful and intentional.

Achievable Challenge Builds Real Confidence

Every Apogee teen summer camp is carefully designed around achievable challenge. Whether a teen is backpacking through Europe on Alps Explorer, hiking along a rugged coastline in Acadia National Park on Maine Coast Junior, or bike packing from Vermont to Montreal, our itineraries are built to stretch kids just beyond their comfort zones – without overwhelming them. The goal isn’t to create the hardest trip possible; it’s to help teens discover what they’re capable of when given the right support and encouragement.

That sense of accomplishment is powerful. Completing a big hike, carrying everything they need on a multi-day backpacking trip, or pedaling through changing landscapes on a bike packing adventure gives teens a tangible sense of success. They’ve earned it. And that confidence doesn’t fade when an Apogee trip ends – it shows up later in school, relationships, leadership roles, and future challenges.

Unplugging Matters More Than Ever for Teens

In today’s world, experiences like this matter more than ever. Teens are surrounded by constant noise, comparison, and pressure. An Apogee teen summer trip offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to unplug, slow down, and be fully present. Phones take a back seat, replaced by real conversations, shared meals, and the simple rhythm of life at camp and on the trail.

Community, Role Models, and Belonging

Equally important are the people teens share these adventures with. Our trips bring together a unique and supportive group of peers and are led by outstanding, thoughtful, capable – and dare we say, very cool – role models who show teens what it looks like to lead with empathy, confidence, and humility. Through shared challenges and time spent together, teens build friendships, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.

At its core, an Apogee trip is about more than a great summer or an unforgettable adventure. It’s about giving teens the space to grow, the confidence that comes from real accomplishment, and an experience that will pay dividends for years to come.