DEER HILL EXPEDITIONS
Located in the American Southwest, Deer Hill Expeditions offers a unique combination of backpacking and service learning within local, Indigenous communities. Participants will spend half of their experience in Colorado and Utah backpacking and rafting, while the other half will be spent working with and learning from Navajo or Hopi hosts. Participants will be challenged physically and mentally, reflecting on what they achieved and learned each day during closing circle.
Who is Deer Hill?
Deer Hill is Summer Search's longest standing partner, having started with us since the very beginning! They lead unique programs that empower youth to create authentic connection to self and their community through outdoor and service experiences. A special part of Deer Hill is their strong, long-standing relationship with the Navajo Nation and Hopi and Zuni pueblos, who have welcomed Deer Hill participants into their communities.
program details
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Location: Utah & Colorado
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Program Length: 3 weeks
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Courses & Dates:
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Canyon Country: June 27 - July 18
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Wilderness Leadership: June 29 - July 23
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Southwest Journey: July 6 - July 29
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Heart of the Rockies: July 11 - July 31
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Participant Mix: Mix of Summer Searchers &
non-Summer Searchers
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Transportation: Flight to Colorado (SS pays)
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Accommodations: Tents & camp beds
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Bathroom Access: Flush toilets & showers in the front country; none when backpacking
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Phone Access: While traveling only
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COVID Policy: No current requirements.
program activities
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Backpack multiple miles for half of your Summer Experience
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Depending on course, you may also spend time white water rafting or rock climbing
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Spend a few days completing a community service project with the Navajo Nation and Hopi and Zuni pueblos or a conservation project in the Rockies.
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Closing ceremony is held at the end of your experience, complete with a cookout and slideshow
what you'll get from this experience
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Increased confidence and sense of what you’re capable of
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New friends built around teamwork in the outdoors
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Deeper understanding and appreciation of the land and our communities
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A certificate stating your service credit hours
Some courses, but not all, have:
