Appalachian Expeditions
Appalachian Expeditions
Age Range:
15-17 Year Olds
Location:
Blackwater Falls State Park, WV
Trip Duration:
2 weeks
Dates:
See specific trip below for dates
ID Needed:
NY REAL ID
application requirements
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The application deadline for this program is May 1, 2025. As part of the application to this program, you will need to answer a few short answer questions. A reference is also required — your mentor can fulfill this requirement, talk to them ASAP!
After you have completed your application, your reference has been checked, and you have received an acceptance response from APEX, you will need to complete the enrollment process by viewing, signing, and submitting the enrollment documents (see our “Secondary Paperwork & Documents” section) online.
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Enrollment forms will be submitted through your online portal and are due withing two weeks of acceptance. All remaining paperwork is due no later than 30 days before the start of your program.
Required enrollment forms are:
APEX Terms of Agreement
APEX Risk & Release
Backcountry Medical Form
Blackwater Outdoor Adventures Waiver
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There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience. Just make sure to attend your Goodbye Group to receive your equipment and travel itinerary, and to meet the other Summer Searchers who will be traveling with the same program!
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Transportation to this program will be by plane. Summer Search will meet you at the airport and escort you to security. Program staff will meet you at your destination and chaperone you to the program site.
Travel to this program will begin the day BEFORE your program start date.
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This is a backpacking and canoeing trip — you will be sleeping in tents and you will not have access to a bathroom. Don’t worry! Summer Search will provide any equipment you’ll need (including biodegradable soap) and the program staff will teach you how to feel at home in the outdoors.
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You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive at Basecamp with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available.
Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call Summer Search if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service and we can reach out on your behalf in case of emergency.
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No spending money is necessary for this program, but you may keep cash or credit cards on you if you’d like — you may want to buy snacks along the way!
About the Programs
APEX is founded on the belief that connection to nature is an essential part of being human. Their programs encourage leadership development, risk management, and decision-making while helping you discover and examine yourself and your place in the natural world.
Here is some general information that is true for both trips. Check out each program below for details that differ per program.
Summer Search Expedition
This is a two-week wilderness excursion with other Summer Searchers only. You’ll have fun, learn technical and communication skills, gain community, and become an effective leader.
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This adventure includes backpacking, canoeing, and rafting. Begin with a backpacking trip through the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, then transition to a canoe trip down the Cheat River. You’ll see waterfalls, learn essential camping skills, explore rapids and swimming holes, and explore the cultural and natural history of this beautiful region.
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Available Sessions:
August 1, 2025 - August 15, 2025
Please select “Summer Search/APEX” when registering for this course on APEX’s online portal.
NOTE: Travel for this program will begin the day BEFORE your program start date.
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This program will be NYC Summer Searchers only. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know other students in our program!
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This will be updated in March 2025. Check back in then!
Cheat River Watershed Expedition
This open-enrollment course will include two full weeks of backpacking and boating at the largest free-flowing watershed in the eastern United States!
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Travel from the headwaters of the Cheat River to the main stem of the Cheat. On a five-day backpacking trip, you’ll hike 15-20 miles through lush forest while passing creeks and waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll drink from fresh springs and creeks, learn backpacking and leadership skills, and study the ecology of this pristine wilderness area. Once you reach the Cheat, you’ll spend three days canoeing, rafting, and camping along the river as it winds its way through the hills and hollows of West Virginia. To wrap up the trip, explore the small towns of Davis and Thomas, as well as Blackwater Falls State Park. On closing day, your group will celebrate the challenges and successes!
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Available Sessions:
July 19 - July 27, 2025
Please select “Cheat River Watershed Expedition” when registering for this course on APEX’s online portal.
NOTE: Travel for this program will begin the day BEFORE your program start date.
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This is an open enrollment program, which means non-Summer Searchers will be able to join your group and you’ll meet folks from diverse backgrounds. There may be a couple of other Summer Searchers attending the same program, but most people will probably not know each other!
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This will be updated in March 2025. Check back in then!
“I’m hoping that [this trip] will change me in a way that will further me as an individual”
Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!
Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.
Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!
Summer Experience Support Resources
