Choice Camps Recommendation of Deer Hill Expeditions: Canyon Country

Since 1984, Deer Hill Expeditions have been refining their unique summer programs: a powerful blend of wilderness adventure and community service for students in grades 7-12. Each expedition offers an intimate group limited to 12 students, close in age, accompanied by three experienced leaders. Trip leaders accompany campers from the time they step off the plane to the time they say their goodbyes; this ensures that leaders know each participant’s level of confidence and competence as they guide them along their journey. On their extended backcountry adventures, Deer Hill groups learn how to live in some of the wildest and most beautiful places on earth.

Forging connections with native lands and peoples through service projects is at the heart of Deer Hill's mission. Participants on many of their expeditions can expect to interact with local natives who have deep connections to their land and cultural traditions. Some expeditions carry out vital conservation service, learning real skills in incredible locations, all the time learning from inspirational guides from the U.S. Forest Service. Returning to Basecamp at the end of their journey, each group enjoys a final banquet and sweat lodge ceremony, a powerful way to say goodbye to new friends. With experiences and memories that are both profound and meaningful, every Deer Hill participant can expect to “find themselves in the middle of nowhere.

Trip Description

An incredible multi-activity traverse of the Colorado Plateau that rafts the length of the San Juan River then leaves the boats behind to hike up majestic Grand Gulch, one of the most stunning canyons in the West. Add a rich cultural learning and native arts experience in a Hopi Pueblo and it is no wonder this program is the first to sell out each year.

Trip Highlights Include:
• Jump into a pristine pool in a hidden side canyon.
• Steer your raft safely through Ross and Government Rapids.
• Discover the prehistoric survival secrets of “The Basketmakers” while hiking through one of the richest archeological regions in the world.
• Get your hands dirty building and mudding a traditional stone oven with the Hopi.

Staff Overview

Deer Hill Expeditions employs a mature staff of trip leaders who undergo an intensive 10-day field training expedition. All Program Leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders and many have formal EMT training. Experience leading young people in the outdoors is a pre-requisite for employment.

The average Deer Hill staff age is 27, and most team members have worked with the organization for several years, learning the Deer Hill philosophy and approach to risk management. Nearly 90% of Deer Hill trip leaders return each summer.

Deer Hill does not outsource any of its activities or instruction to outside organizations. Deer Hill guides lead the students from the airport, to the base camp, on the river, at the service site, at the climbing camp, on the trail, through the sweat lodge, and then put them on the plane at the end of the program.

Setting & Accommodations

All Deer Hill expeditions (excluding Costa Rica Exploradores) begin and end at the organization’s 130 acre Basecamp which is ideally located between the majestic Colorado Rockies and the Colorado Plateau, with a swimming pond, basketball and volleyball facilities. Each trip sets out on an expedition away from Basecamp where accommodations will include tents or other forms of camping. Most return to Basecamp at least once for supplies, but each will spend several days exploring the wilderness on foot, by bike, by raft or canoe. Deer Hill resupplies their groups in the field, minimizing van time and eliminating the need for the group to return to civilization to shop for supplies.

Great food is key to the Deer Hill experience. In the field, campers learn how to prepare surprisingly delicious meals, anything from a make-your-own burrito spread, to dutch oven lasagna, followed by a delicious dessert like cinnaman rolls or chocolate brownies. At Basecamp, the food is legendary (ask the alumni) with plenty of options. As a special treat, Deer Hill is known to air-drop packages of ice cream and supplies via plane to groups in the mountains.

Safety Standards

All Deer Hill Expeditions Program Leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders and many have formal EMT training. While in the field, each group carries a powerful satellite phone, linked to a 24-hour emergency phone back at Basecamp. The fact that Deer Hill run programs in their own "backyard", and have been doing so for 25 years, helps them run safer and more seamless expeditions.

Deer Hill Expeditions is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education, the same organization that accredits industry leaders like Outward Bound and National Outdoor Leadership School.

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