"I had such an amazing time. I don't think my friends will quite believe me or grasp the immensity of my experience." Baldwin, Little Rock, Arkansas

Inspiring journeys for young adults in the American Southwest and Costa Rica. A mature and experienced staff (average age of 28) lead small groups of 12-15 students on expeditions into the rugged and pristine landscapes of the canyons, rivers, and mountains of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and the rain forests, beaches, and rural villages of Costa Rica. Deer Hill's 4:1 student to staff ratio provides personalized attention and instruction during two to four-week long programs.

We integrate activities including rafting, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and wilderness leadership with community service. A focus of each program is a service learning project (in most cases applicable to high school credit) and cultural exchange. Deer Hill partners with Navajo, Hopi and Zuni tribes in the Southwest U.S., and homestays with families in Costa Rica to provide an enriching service component to our adventures. We coordinate conservation projects with the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management in the San Juan Mountains. Learning about the wilderness, native cultures, new life skills and making deeper connections with each other and the Earth are essential to our programs. Deer Hill is for young people wishing to expand their horizons through the challenges of living in the wilderness while making new friends in a non-competitive atmosphere of respect and fun. Deer Hill is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education.