Back in my pre-director days when I was leading Apogee hiking trips for teens, one of the things Apogee alumni students on my trip would always look forward to most were the familiar Apogee traditions. While they knew that this trip and this group of students that were gathered would be unique and special in its own way, they also craved the familiar rituals that happen only on Apogee’s teen adventure camps. These rituals create a sense of belonging from day one and help turn a group of strangers into a tight-knit community. Whether students join us on an adventure camp for middle schoolers in New England or one of our international hiking trips for high schoolers, these shared moments become some of the most meaningful memories of the experience.
Apogees and Perigees
Each evening on trip, groups gather for a tradition we call Apogees and Perigees. Sitting together after a day of adventure, everyone has the chance to reflect on their personal high point (their Apogee), their biggest challenge (their Perigee), and to offer a heartfelt kudos to someone else in the group. This nightly reflection builds trust, encourages self-awareness, and reinforces the idea that growth and challenge go hand in hand on Apogee Adventures trips.
Quakering
Community also shows up in small, playful moments, like our tradition of “Quakering” before meals. This unique tradition works as follows: once everyone has their food, each member of the group raises a finger and falls silent, working together without words to lower fingers one by one. If someone talks or two fingers drop at the same time, the ritual resets. Once all the fingers have been lowered successfully, it’s eating time! It’s a lighthearted way to pause, practice patience, and begin each meal together, reinforcing the importance of community on our adventure camps for teens.
Games!
Traditions begin even before we hit the trail on our teen adventure camps! On day one, as students arrive at the airport from towns and cities across the U.S. (and around the world), leaders jump right into icebreaker games. These games are designed to be silly, inclusive, and fun – breaking down nerves and helping friendships form quickly. Throughout the course of the trip, each group will develop their favorite games – maybe they love “woosh” or can’t get enough of “Bob the Weasel.” Whatever the case, being silly and playing games together leads to endless laughter and the fun inside jokes that make each Apogee group feel like a family.
Final Dinner and Trip-End Traditions
As each Apogee teen adventure camp comes to a close, we celebrate our shared accomplishments in meaningful ways. The final evening always includes a Final Dinner at a restaurant in the city where the trip ends – a well-earned treat after cooking our own meals for most of the trip! That night also brings Final Apogees and Perigees, where students reflect on the entire experience and receive kudos from the whole group. Leaders then present handmade paracord bracelets, a tangible reminder of the friendships, growth, and adventure shared. Long after these summer trips for teens end, these traditions – and the connections they foster – live on in these bracelets. And when a student is having a tough day at school, they can look down at their wrist and remember the amazing things they did and the friends they made on their Apogee trip, reminding themselves they can conquer any challenge.
Written by Will Robertson, Apogee Director
P.S. Hear our office staff describe their favorite Apogee traditions in this “Tiny Mic Thursday” interview from a few weeks ago!