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Deer Hill Expeditions

Summer Address:

   Mancos, Colorado, USA
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Deer Hill Expeditions offers a unique and powerful blend of wilderness expeditions and community service programs in the Southwest United States and Costa Rica. Since 1984, Deer Hill’s purpose has been to enhance an individual’s appreciation of the natural world, teach the skills of living in the wilderness with minimum impact, promote stewardship of our Earth, and foster a tradition of service to our native lands and peoples.

Deer Hill provides a safe, yet challenging atmosphere in which people can grow as individuals and be an integral member of a small group. Students from the United States and the international community engage in activities, including whitewater rafting, backpacking, rock climbing, inflatable kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, surfing, leadership development, cross-cultural living with Native Americans, and conservation projects with the U.S. Forest Service. Spanish Language immersion is central to our Costa Rica expeditions. Field staff average 28-30 years of age and have extensive experience leading young people in the backcountry. Programs are specifically designed for 7th-8th grade introductory expeditions, as well as 9th-12th grade individuals.

Our expeditions launch from our 128-acre base camp facility located near Durango, Colorado. Deer Hill is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education. You don't need previous experience, and you can rent all the equipment you need from our outfitting store. As long as you are physically fit and eager to be part of a dynamic group, you'll have the adventure of a lifetime.

Camp Type:  Travel
Year Established: 1984
Gender: Coed
Age of Campers: 13 to 18 years old
Cost/Week: $1001.00-$2000.00/wk
Religious Affiliation: None
Camp Owner(s): Douglas and Beverly Capelin
Camp Director(s): Bradley Hoessle
Nearest Large City: Durango, Colorado
Off Season Rental: Yes
Accreditations ?
AEE
Camp Focus:
Adventure Camps: Assorted Adventures
Adventure Camps: Environmental
Adventure Camps: Whitewater Rafting
Adventure Camps: Wilderness
Special Programs: Community Service
Study Abroad and International Camps: Costa Rica

Special Accommodations:
ADD, Asthma, Food Allergies, case by case
Adventure Activities:
  •  Assorted Adventures
  •  Backpacking
  •  Canoeing
  •  Environmental
  •  Hiking
  •  Kayaking
  •  Mountain Biking
  •  Mountaineering
  •  Orienteering
  •  Rappelling
  •  Rock Climbing
  •  Whitewater Rafting
  •  Wilderness

Academic Activities:
  •  Languages

Miscellaneous Activities:
  •  International Exchange
  •  Team Building

River and Mountain 1: July 1 - July 21

River and Mountain 2: July 21 - August 10

Colorado River Plateau: July 10 - August 1

Colorado Mountain Country: July 1 - July 18

Mountain Biking and Backpacking: July 10 – July 27

Rocky Mountain Canoeing: July 3 - July 26

Canyon Country: July 5 - July 24

Southwest Adventure: July 13 - August 3

Service Leadership: July 18 - August 8

Wilderness Leadership: July 4 - July 31

Costa Rica Exploradores 1: June 28 - July 18

Costa Rica Exploradores 2: July 23 - August 12