Apogee trips became an important part of our kids' summers 5 years ago and while both my kids chose to try different camps and had different experiences they have both similarly thoroughly enjoyed each one. Each trip they took offered them an opportunity to grow in meeting new people, attempting some challenges in a safe way and each time they came home they seemed to have grown in maturity and confidence. Both girls loved the opportunity to make new friends on each trip - many of whom they have kept in touch with through the years. Each trip has taught them so much about themselves and given them a sense of independence and adventure. As parents, we always felt that Apogee takes great care of our kids - it can be stressful sending a child away for 3 weeks backcountry with no cell phone but the growth for them - and us- has been invaluable! We felt great confidence in the care and attention Apogee takes in both their campers and also their counselors and we felt very assured that our kids would be safe and well. My experience dealing with Apogee staff is that they are organized, professional, passionate and kind and really care about the experience for the kids and their parents. I can't say enough good things about them and I always encourage any family looking for an opportunity for their kid to experience an adventure camp to look at Apogee. You can't go wrong. From the research stage to following along on their adventures online while they are away, we have always found the communication from Apogee to be top notch. As our oldest daughter prepares to leave for college, she and we are sad that her Apogee trips are over for now. Although she tells us that she would love to be a trip counselor one day! I think that speaks so highly about who Apogee is as an...
   Read moreI have 3 kids (2 boys and one girl) who have done 3 very different Apogee trips and they all felt so strongly about what a fun, positive experiences they had. One child did the Caribbean Service in the Virgin Islands, another did Maine's Downeast Explorer and the 3rd did Pacific Coast Biking. My kids enjoyed the exciting activities, the friends they made and how the leaders shaped group dynamics and made normally mundane tasks like grocery shopping fun. As a parent I appreciated how involved, organized, and thoughtful the owners are. This translates into hiring amazing staff who I trusted completely. One woman who answered the phone spent 30 minutes with me combing the internet to help me find the best, most affordable gear for my son's camping experience! I have had kids do trips with other companies and no one else provides this level of attention and caring. Apogee has a very reasonable electronics policy and my kids completely appreciated the downtime from their phones. I know other parents who spent a lot of money on trips and their kids were glued to their phones the whole time and it felt like wasted money/time to them. This will definitely not be the experience if you choose Apogee. I can't recommend their trips...
   Read moreApogee isn't just another outdoor adventure program or summer camp—it's a second home and a family to many, myself included. From the age of 13, I was a student on several bike trips with Apogee, each one pushing me outside my comfort zone and fostering a sense of confidence, and thoughtfulness and community in me. As soon as I was old enough, I became a leader to share those transformative experiences with others. Behind the scenes, Apogee cultivates culture of growth, community, and fun, just like on the trips they run. This incredible atmosphere transcends every aspect of the company and is made possible by the thoughtful, creative, and kind individuals in the office who work year round to ensure an incredible atmosphere and unforgettable experiences for all. The directors, Chad and Kevin are notably involved in every aspect of the company which sets Apogee apart from any other place I have worked -- they are always available to help families, students, and leaders alike, and embody the qualities and attitudes Apogee seeks to instill in students and look for in their staff. I'll be returning to Brunswick for my third leader training this summer, and my seventh summer involved with Apogee and I couldn't be...
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