As we wake up to the cool breezes of early September here at Apogee HQ, we’re already missing the students and leaders that made our 25th season so special! Before we fully turn the page to summer 2027 and our 26th season, we wanted to take a moment to appreciate all of the amazing memories that came out of this summer! What better way to do it than with our second annual Peak News: Summer Stats Edition? Read on for “Apogee by the Numbers,” information on our Early Bird Discount, and details about our Apogee photo contest!
Also, if your Apogee Alum has done something cool or exciting recently (and we are sure that you have!), please send a blurb and photo to lucia@apogeeadventures.com. We love hearing from you!
Apogee 2026 By The Numbers
Our summer staff at the beginning of our 2026 season
This year was a big one for us, as it marks 25 years of Apogee Adventures. Twenty-five years and more than 1,000 summer days filled with adventure, community, and accomplishment. We have “quakered” more times than can be counted, climbed peaks, reached new Apogees, and explored the world by bicycle and on foot! This year, we explored new mountains, countries, and routes, all while continuing to return to places where we have been adventuring for years!
The 25th summer brought laughter, memories, and friendships that we hope will last a lifetime. We welcomed students from 29 states across the country and 10 countries around the world. Across our 35 sessions this summer, we adventured in 8 states and US territories, and 13 different countries. That means that on any given day of the summer, our end-of-day “Apogees and Perigees” reflections would have been happening across 10 time zones!
Students on Europe Coast to Coast this summer exploring Paris on a rest day (left) and students enjoying a Maine sunset after evening games on Maine Coast College Essay (right).
Facilitating all this was our spectacular team of leaders: the folks who support our students and make the “Apogee Magic” happen. This year, our summer staff was made up of 40 smiling faces. Our leaders come from all over the country, hailing from 23 different states across the U.S. (plus one from Canada)! These talented superstars attended (or are currently attending) 27 different colleges. We are so unbelievably grateful that they made our 25th season one unforgettable journey!
Our biking crews collectively pedaled more than 22,000 miles, completing over 8.6 million pedal rotations from start to finish! Along with cranking out the miles, our bikers made new friends, admired the passing views from their saddles, and felt the unquantifiable accomplishment of biking from point A to point B, carrying all of their equipment with them on their trusty steeds. Bikers, we salute you!
Our hikers trekked over 13,400 miles, taking in stunning views from peaks around the world. Between the more than 290 pairs of hiking boots on trail this summer, we took over 26 million steps! While on trail, we played countless hiking games, ate some delectable snacks in stunning places, and conquered trails from Costa Rica to the Alps to the Alaskan wilderness (and many places in between)!
Northwest Mountains & Coast Students rafting on Washington’s Skagit River!
On our service trips, our crews worked on 14 different service projects and completed over 1,000 hours of service. These projects ranged from sea turtle conservation and invasive species removal to helping adorable puppies find their forever home. Our students truly made a difference in the communities they served!
Back in Maine, our Maine Coast College Essay scholars were busy writing 33 inspiring college essays, totaling over 21,000 words! Their determination and creativity were coupled with sunrises and sunsets along the coast of Maine, exciting games on the Bowdoin College quad, and new friendships formed along the way.
Thank you all for being a part of our community. Whether you have been following along for 25 years or this is your very first, we cannot begin to express how grateful we are to have you as a part of the Apogee family! We are counting down the days until we see you all again. Until then, lace up your hiking boots, hop on your bikes, make positive change in your community, and keep on adventuring!
Students rocking fun face paint on Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (left). Students watching for puffins on Iceland Mountains & Coast (right)
Early Bird Discount – Ends Sunday, 9/20!
Don’t miss out – our Early Bird Discount is still flying! Save $300 on your 2027 trip through September 20th. Click here to read more about the limited-time-offer and enroll today! As always, reach out to us at any time if you have questions about which trip is right for your Apogee student!
Apogee “Apogram” Photo Contest
We’re excited to announce the second annual Fall Apogee Instagram Photo Contest! Show off your best Apogee-blog–worthy shots for a chance to win some epic Apogee swag. To enter, message us (or “DM” us, as the kids say) your photo on Instagram (@apogee.adventures) along with the location where the photo was taken and the name of the person who took the photo. This contest is open to both leaders and students!
Our full-time team here at Apogee HQ will vote on the winners after the contest closes on October 15th and the top photos will be featured on our Instagram. We can’t wait to see your stunning landscapes, fun moments with Apogee friends, and those epic backcountry meal creations!
