"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 27) lead small groups of 12 students on a series of expeditions into the rugged and beautiful landscapes of the canyons, rivers, and mountains of Colorado, Utah, 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 which offer a variety of challenge and a progression of skill development. Activities include rafting, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, Spanish language study and leadership initiatives. Essential to each group's experience is a service learning project (in most cases applicable to high school credit). Students work on cross-cultural projects with Navajo, Hopi and Zuni people in the Southwest U.S., and homestays in Costa Rica; or conservation projects with the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. Students have the opportunity to learn new life skills, live within another culture, and make deeper connections with their group, the Earth and themselves. Deer Hill is for young people wishing to expand their horizons through the physical and mental challenges of living in the wilderness, and making new friends in a non-competitive atmosphere of respect and fun. Deer Hill has been reviewed and is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education.