About APEX

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Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate and inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Central Appalachian region through adventure, community, and sustainable living skills.

Our Story

The idea for Appalachian Expeditions (APEX) began when Alex was hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2009. “I spent six months putting one foot in front of the other and I had a lot of time to think,” he says. “I realized that spending time outside was key to my happiness, and it could afford others the same sense of solace.”

APEX began taking shape at Prescott College in 2014, where Alex met co-founder and wife, Libbey Holewski. Together, they developed a program that emphasizes the resilient strengths and spectacular beauty of the Central Appalachian region.

In 2017, APEX incorporated as a non-profit educational program. The following year, they led their first program, a canoe trip on the Cheat River. In 2019, APEX offered four unique experiences in the wild corners of West Virginia. These programs featured boating, biking, and backpacking adventures for participants ranging from five to 65 years old. During these adventures, participants learned essential camping skills, ecological concepts, and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.

With new adventures in store for the summer, APEX will continue to expand and adapt its role in Central Appalchia’s outdoor education community.

Where are we?

Appalachian Expeditions is an outdoor education program based in Davis, West Virginia. We are centrally located between Pittsburgh (3 hours), Baltimore (3.5 hours), and Washington DC (3 hours).

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At APEX, we model our programs after ecological principles in the natural world, where communities are comprised of a diverse array of organisms. We strive to include diverse participants and staff through our programs, and aim for equity among all members of our community. APEX practices inclusion across all identity groups, including but not limited to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status.

About APEX

Mission Statement

Our Story

Where are we?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Rooted in Adventure.

Rooted in Appalachia.

About APEX

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Co-Created Expeditions