Programs
We offer free, low-barrier programs open to kids in grades 5-12.
Drop by our HQ at 45 Granite Street, or give us a call at 207-282-9700 to find out more about participating!
Coming soon! Watch the registration pages for these opportunities.
Makers & Breakers: for middle school, learning problem solving and critical thinking by putting things together and taking things apart.
Apex Does: an afterschool program for middle school youth focused on DOING! Has already started at BMS. Contact Adventure@apexyouthconnection.org for more information.
Drop by our HQ at 45 Granite Street, or give us a call at 207-282-9700 to find out more about participating!
Coming soon! Watch the registration pages for these opportunities.
Makers & Breakers: for middle school, learning problem solving and critical thinking by putting things together and taking things apart.
Apex Does: an afterschool program for middle school youth focused on DOING! Has already started at BMS. Contact Adventure@apexyouthconnection.org for more information.
Exploration and Adventure
Adventure Academy
This is our flagship Adventure program taking place during the summer and school vacations. Typically, Adventure Academy programs require a multi-day commitment to explore all of the stages of wilderness skills; from the initial planning and preparation stage to the actual implementation and on-the-fly decision-making and risk management. Examples of the classes include:
- Preparation: The “Ten Essentials”
- What’s gonna kill you first? (prioritizing needs and resources)
- Shelter building and campsite selection (the “five W’s”)
- Sourcing and treating water
- Establishing time-control plans (TCPs) and turn-around times
- Group pacing and wilderness navigation
- Basic wilderness emergency medicine
- Reading and understanding weather
- Knots and rope-craft
- Rock climbing
Wild Wednesdays
Each Wednesday we’ll choose from a mixed bag of possible disciplines from the Adventure Academy programming depending on weather, student interest, experience, and capability. This could mean navigating with a map and compass to a hidden waterfall, riding the Clifford Park Trails, finding some new boulders to scale, or other adventures!
Mountain Bike Madness
Meet at Apex HQ to get your shred on! We’ll work on advanced riding skills and explore Clifford Park, from the flowy doubletrack to the rocky and technical single track. Shop bikes are available for use. Intermediate to advanced riders, please! Street Smart Bike Safety: Come to Apex to learn how to be a safe bike user on the roads. We will talk proper helmet use, rules of the road, biking basics, and more. Includes both a lesson and a practical session. All ages are encouraged to join. Please bring your bike.
Each Participant must…
Each Participant must…
- Be able to recognize and react to dynamic and changing terrain
- Exhibit developed bike handling skills including braking, shifting, negotiating obstacles appropriate to the terrain
- Exhibit sport-specific fitness required of the duration and level of difficulty of the class or ride
Apex Open Rides
Join Apex for an exploratory ride around Biddeford! Work on biking skills and safety. Open to all 3rd-12th grade, but participants should be able to ride up to 5 miles on their own power.
Apex Does
Apex Does is a hands on making and doing program. Our fun interactive projects create community impact while learning about the places we live and building hands-on maker skills.
Leadership and Empowerment
Trek2ConnectTrek2Connect is a monthly excursion based program with a 7 year trajectory from 6th grade through high school graduation which focuses on raising student’s aspirations in both academics and life through adventure based activities, community service projects, and cultural experiences.
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Helpful HangoutHelpful Hangout is Apex’s academic support for 6-12 graders which happens weekly on Wednesday’s from 3-6pm. To sign up for helpful hangout, visit our Leadership and Empowerment page.
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Job Readiness
Apex Bike Factory (ABF)Participants in our work readiness simulated bike shop learn all of the intricacies that go into the operation of a small business. Under the tutelage of a Youth Managing Intern, participants repair bikes, update inventory, manage online marketplaces and social media, track financials, learn how to manage a team and more, receiving a stipend for their work. Middle School participants learn the basics of job preparedness, while High School participants take a deeper dive into career exploration and post-secondary aspirations, including resume writing, networking in the local community, and financial literacy.
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Junior MechanicsLearn all about business by helping to run an actual business!
Junior Mechanics -- this is where you start. If you like to take things apart or put things together, you need to check this out. You’ll end up with a bike YOU helped to build. Plus, you’ll learn everything you need to know to become part of the paid ABF team! ABF team members must apply and interview with the Youth Manager. Youth 7th grade and older are eligible. ABF positions include:
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