Middle school is a time when young people have the chance to build for themselves an identity. Often times, the foundations of the identity that they begin to construct at this age will be built upon for the rest of their lives. When I started APEX Adventures, I did so because I feel that my own life is evidence to this fact as my love for outdoor adventure began in middle school. That enthusiasm was nurtured by certain individuals who stepped into my life and gave me an outlet through which to experience the outdoors. Now I have the opportunity to give back, and I hope that I can help to share my own appreciation for outdoor adventure through APEX Adventures
This summer, APEX will be offering 5 action packed sessions including 4 days of different adventure activities. Each day's activity will be an all day long outdoor adventure that will focus on some of the best outdoor experiences that our slice of the Southern Appalachian Mountains can offer. Your child will experience excitement, challenge, and education through the unforgettable adventures that APEX will offer. Five day camp sessions will be offered this summer. Campers will meet in the Langston Charter Middle School parking lot each morning at 8:00 am and will return around 6:00-6:30pm, depending on that day’s activity. Transportation will be provided. Activities planned will include paddle boarding on lake Keowee, whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, hiking through the Carolina’s most breathtaking wilderness areas, and mountain biking on some of the Southeast’s best loved trails. More activities will also be announced as APEX progresses. Each day’s program will provide a memorable and challenging experience for your child in a safe and well supervised environment.
APEX is open to both boys and girls. Each young person who joins APEX this summer will bring his or her own level of experience and the goal is to cater to all ability levels. Activities will be programmed to offer a challenge to those who are new to outdoor adventures as well as those who are experienced. No student will be forced to participate in a level of challenge beyond what he or she feels comfortable with. All students will be encouraged to understand that they are challenging themselves rather than those around them. APEX staff are well experienced in leading outdoor activities. Their utmost goal is to ensure the safety of all students while allowing them to experience the thrill of nature.
While this is intended to be a fun and exciting way to experience the outdoors, it is inevitable that learning will also take place (unbeknownst to the participants, perhaps!) A goal of APEX is to provide teachable moments using an outdoor setting that will allow students the opportunity to learn through experience. The outdoor environment provides the chance to learn about geography, geology, ecology, history. Students will learn how to be good stewards of the environment. They will learn survival skills and leadership skills. These are things that can be learned in an informal outdoor setting far better than they can ever be learned in the formal classroom. Please consider APEX for your young adventurer this summer!
