LEADER TESTIMONIALS

Nick Smith - Montana Service Adventure / Northwest Explorer, '08; America Coast to Coast, '09 & '10 

I’ve led trips across the some of the most scenic parts of the country (through the states of Montana, Arizona, and California to name a few). However, the trips themselves aren’t what make Apogee special. It’s the missions for organic group unity, wholesome challenge, and adventure that enhance these scenic locations into something truly unique. Everything from the community I feel during leader training at Kevin’s home in Brunswick to the level of communication and support that I’ve had with Chad in the deserts of Arizona has helped shape each Apogee moment into a “once in a lifetime” accomplishment. Additionally NOTHING has been more rewarding than working with the caliber of kids that Apogee draws. These students are a part of a family that is a summer home away from home for me; friends that I will be connected to for the rest of my life.

Rachel Baron - New England Mountains & Coast, '08; Vermont Hiker / Northwest Explorer, '09; Montana Service Adventure / Pacific Coast, '10

Spending a summer with Apogee means becoming part of a family. Whether playing on the swings with the Cashman boys during leader training or spending days off with other leaders, the Apogee staff quickly becomes family. The leaders share meals and stories, and really get to know and enjoy one another. On trip, this family atmosphere of inclusion and mutual respect is carried over. Most Apogee students come knowing only the names of the other students, but over the course of their trip will experience everything together. We bike, hike and do community service as a group, eat all of our meals together, and at the end of the day share our reflections on the day over dessert. One of the greatest parts of being an Apogee leader is watching your group progress from the somewhat awkward name-games and small talk on day one to a tight-knit family by the trip's end. On their final day, they'll hug, cry and part ways, but they now have an Apogee family.

 Cait Bradley - Cape and the Islands, '08; Coast to Quebec, '09; America Coast to Coast, '10

For me, Apogee is all about the people.  From the first moment you are enveloped into the Apogee family, where Kevin, Gitta, Chad, and Susan are there to guide you, listen, and help. With the other leaders and the directors it feels like you are really a part of something special while you are training for the summer ahead. Coming out of this nurturing training environment and heading out on trip, you are energized and ready to foster the same community within your group of students.

Colby Tucker - Montana Service Adventure / New England Mountains & Coast, '09
A summer with Apogee is nothing less than extraordinary. From the very first moment you meet your leaders and fellow adventurers you’ll know that you are in an unforgettable time. It starts with the directors, Kevin and Chad, who are incredibly enthusiastic about each day of each trip. The leaders they hire share their insatiable passion for being outside, having a blast, and, most of all, making a positive impact on each student. While everyone loves having a great time, for the leaders at Apogee the personal growth of each student is the bottom line.