Summer Search / Apex Experience

Please note: This program is for Summer Search NYC Students only!

Photos: Summer Search/APEX 2025

Summer Search / APEX Experience

Please Note: This program is for Summer Search NYC students only.

Trip Overview

Hello Summer Search Students and Families!

Appalachian Expeditions (aka APEX) is thrilled to offer this co-created experience, reserved exclusively for Summer Search participants. From the Big Apple to the big apple orchards of West Virginia, we are super excited to share this special part of the U.S. with you!

This trip begins at Blackwater Falls State Park, with a couple days of preparations where we will get to know each other, build community, and learn some important skills for living comfortably in the backcountry.

On day three, we will begin our backpacking trip, navigating some of the scenic wonders of the Monongahela National Forest for 3-4 days.

The next two days of our program will focus on river travel. We will camp on the banks of the Cheat River while stand up paddle boarding, canoeing, and rafting through one of the oldest and most scenic rivers in the eastern United States. We partner with Blackwater Outdoor Adventures for our boating adventures.

On the final days of the program we will have the opportunity to visit Thomas and Davis, in Tucker County, WV; two small towns filled with art galleries and small town mountain charm.

No experience is necessary to join the trip. All you need is a curious, open mind and the willingness to learn about yourself.

Wondering what previous Summer Search students thought about their APEX trip? Check out their testimonials at the bottom of the page!

Curious about what to bring? Check out our Expedition Equipment List.

Other important information for participants can be found in our Participant Paperwork.

Have questions for us? Don’t hesitate to reach out:

Libbey- libbey@appalachianexpeds.org, 717-873-7509

Alex- alex@appalachianexpeds.org, 717-873-7509

APEX Summer Search Highlight Video

Intended Outcomes

Have fun! Participants will get outside and experience outdoor adventures they may or may not have experienced previously.
Create an intentional community where participants can be themselves.
Learn technical skills such as canoeing, rafting, and navigation. These skills will prepare participants for future trips with Appalachian Expeditions or on their own.
Learn leadership and communication skills that will make participants more effective and engaged members of their communities.
Explore the cultural and natural history of this beautiful region.
Provide mentorship using Summer Search’s Depth Mentoring model

Travel Information

Summer Search will provide transportation to and from Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis, WV. Expect a ~7-8 hour trip.

Thank you for taking me on this trip and helping me meet all these amazing people.

I’ve never experienced something quite like this before and every single moment has become a core memory. This trip is one I’ll never forget.

On this trip I enjoyed everything: the water, the hiking, the snorkeling, the caving- absolutely all of it!

On this trip I got to know the people around me and had so much fun with them. I learned that no matter what you have to stay strong not just for yourself, but for your peers too.

I loved this trip and would love to do it again.