Essential Eligibility Criteria

What does it take to succeed at Deer Hill Expeditions?

For those with a willingness to participate and a desire to explore nature – and their own boundaries – Deer Hill will be a wonderful adventure, a ton of fun, and might just change their life. However, because our programs are designed to be in-depth expedition experiences, the rewards do not come without mental, physical and emotional challenges.

Please read through the following list of basic requirements for successful participation. If you have any questions or concerns about the applicant’s ability to meet the criteria, please call the Deer Hill office. We would be happy to answer your questions and give you more details about the demands of Deer Hill in general, and challenge levels on specific programs.

A Deer Hill participant must be prepared, and able, to…

  1. Enjoy their experience at Deer Hill.
  2. Be motivated to try new things.
  3. Maintain a sense of humor, even when challenged physically, mentally, or emotionally.
  4. Support a physically, emotionally and mentally safe learning environment for all in alignment with the mission of Deer Hill Expeditions.
  5. Be excited to learn about yourself and others, while displaying tolerance, respect and compassion towards all.
  6. Understand and follow instructions given to the group, or individually, to manage risks inherent in program activities.
  7. Act reliably around stated hazards to minimize risk even when not directly supervised.
  8. Effectively communicate with other participants or leaders regarding potential hazards, personal distress, injury or need for assistance.
  9. Work effectively as a member of an expedition team. This includes taking personal responsibility (for belongings and behavior), effectively communicating ideas and concerns on an individual and group level, accepting differences, and a willingness to put the needs of the group before those of the individual.
  10. Learn new skills necessary for living in remote areas, in order to support yourself and the group. This includes, but is not limited to: cooking, setting up camp, washing dishes, caring for group gear, packing dry bags and backpacks, rigging boats, and camp site clean up.
  11. Respond appropriately in the face of unexpected challenges such as inclement weather, changes in itinerary, unfamiliar surroundings, homesickness.
  12. Perform necessary self-care such as personal hygiene, adequate hydration, appropriate dressing and care of equipment.
  13. Competently navigate a variety of uneven and challenging terrain. This includes, but is not limited to: hiking on and off-trail in the mountains, negotiating rocky desert terrain, stepping in and out of wet boats – often carrying weight or wearing a backpack.