Here's a list of frequently asked questions that people have about APEX Adventures.
Q. Who can go?
A. Boys and girls, rising 6th graders through outgoing 8th graders. Students from any middle school may be a part of APEX Adventures.
Q. Can parents come along?
A. One of the goals of APEX Adventures is to give middle schoolers a chance to be independent form their parents in a well supervised environment. Another goal is to give parents a chance to be independent from their kids for the week! We ask that this be for the kids only.
Q. What should my child bring?
A. A back pack (an old book back would do fine,) sturdy shoes, shorts, t-shirt, rain jacket, water bottle or hydration pack, bag lunch, snack bar, lightweight jacket, a change of clothes in an empty plastic grocery bag, sandels that strap around the ankles (flip flops are only for the van ride). For those going mountain biking or rock climbing, helmets will be neccessary. If you are bringing your own mountain bike, make sure that it is in good working orderm, sized correctly, with good all terrain (knobby) tires, and at least 24 working gears and a suspension fork. If you do not have bicycle that meets these requirements, APEX can provide you with a high quality, professionally maintained mountain bike for $25.00.
Q. Are electronics allowed?
A. Students are permitted to have cell phones, ipods, portable electronic games, cameras, etc, but APEX is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen or broken gadgets.
Q. Will these trips be dangerous for my son or daughter?
A. Our trips are designed to be safe yet challenging. As with any outdoor based activity, there is an element of risk associated with our trips but our goal is to limit those risks by not creating unnecessary risks. Before each trip leaves, a short safety briefing will be given in which we lay down the rules that will be observed. Safety will be the FIRST concern.
Q. Will lunch, food, drinks be provided?
A. APEX will provide a cooler with a selection of lunch meats/cheeses, peanut butter, jelly, bread, healthy snack foods, and drinks.
Q. Should my son or daughter bring money?
A. We recommend that they bring a few extra dollars in case we stop at a gift stop or fast food restaurant.
Occationally we will stop at a ranger station gift shop and on Thursdays when we go rafting, Appalachian Rivers Raft Company will have a gift shop as well.
Q. My son or daughter has never done some of these activities. Will he or she be able to participate?
A. Absolutely they will! Our trips are geared for everyone.
Q. My son or daughter is highly experienced with some of these activities. Will this be below their ability level?
A. Absolutely not! Our goal is to tailor our program to fit all ability levels. In some cases, groups will split so that there will be an advanced group and a entry level group.
Q. Can my son or daughter sign up for more than one 4-day session?
A. We encourage you to sign up for as many sessions as you are able. APEX will offer $10.00 off to any camper that comes for more than one of our 2011 sessions!
Q. What if it rains?
A. Trips go rain or shine. Rain is OK! Just because it is raining at your house at 7:00 am does not necessarily mean it will be raining at our destination, and just because it is 80 degrees and sunny in Greenville does not mean it will be the same where we are going. Prepare your child for the possibility of rain and perhaps even cool weather. If inclement weather interrupts while students are outdoors, we will seek appropriate cover and recommended action will be taken to make sure safety is insured. Trips may be cancelled on a case-by-case basis if severe weather is forecasted. Students and Parents will be notified.
Q. What if my student doesn’t have a proper bike for bike day?
A. APEX can provide high quality mountain bikes for $25.00 per bike.
Q. I watched the movie Deliverance! Isn’t whitewater rafting dangerous?
A. The Nantahala River is a very forgiving whitewater river. Most rapids are class II and class III which are relatively safe, provided that the proper precautions are taken and rules followed. As with any other outdoor-based activity, there is an element of risk associated with whitewater rafting but Nantahala River is a wonderful introduction to whitewater rafting for middle school aged children. All trips will be run through Appalachian Rivers Raft Company, which has been operating successfully on the Nantahala since 1978.
Q. What if someone does get hurt or have a health related problem?
A. APEX staff are first aid certified and experts in wilderness adventures with a great deal a familiarity with the locations we'll be visiting. All of the locations for our adventures have been chosen with an "exit strategy" in mind in case we should face an injury or health related incedent. All locations are within a relatively short drive of a local emergency center.
