Terms of Agreement

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND SELECTION: The application is part of this Terms of Agreement. When we have received your Application, signed Terms of Agreement, and $750.00 deposit, we will contact you by e-mail or phone confirming receipt, and to complete our mandatory Welcome Questionnaire. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Please note: After we have contacted your references, we will send, via email, a Program Information Packet (PIP) containing information and forms, including a DHE Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk & Release and Indemnity Agreement, and medical form. These forms contain important information associated with your son’s/daughter’s DHE experience, the risks associated with the activities, and your responsibilities. Please read and complete these forms carefully. All forms must be completed by Participant, Parent, and pertinent others (e.g. physician, references). Final acceptance will be determined on receipt and review of the application and all forms.

FINAL PAYMENT: An invoice will be sent to you in April for final payment, due May 1. Final payment to DHE includes program tuition plus a refundable $300 deposit for Outfitting Store Account (domestic trips only). The Store Account is for the rental and/or purchase of personal gear and clothing from the DHE Outfitting Store. Final billing for Costa Rica Exploradores includes a non-refundable $150 Contingency Account that is explained in the Program Information Packet.

REFUND, CANCELLATION, RETURN AND INSURANCE: The $750 deposit includes a non-refundable $150 administrative processing fee. $600 will be refunded if the applicant is not accepted. Otherwise, all tuition payment refunds will be made based on the number of days since we sent you the Program Information Packet (PIP). All cancellations must be submitted to the Deer Hill office in writing. Refunds will be made as follows:

  • 100% refund up to 30 days after we send you the PIP
  • 50% refund up to 45 days after we send you the PIP
  • No refunds beyond 45 days after we send you the PIP
  • For applications received after April 15: Full payment is due and no refunds given 15 days after we send you the PIP

If DHE cancels a program before it begins, for any reason, all payments (less the $150 processing fee) will be fully refunded. If it is necessary to cancel a program after its start date, DHE will refund the unused portion of the tuition. DHE reserves the right to change a program’s location or duration because of unusual meteorological or other conditions. DHE is not responsible for the costs incurred by Parents due to DHE’s changing the date or cancellation of any program. DHE strongly encourages Parents to purchase trip insurance, in the event of program changes or withdrawal from the program after full payment has been made.

Our refund policy is based upon the seasonal nature of our business. The investment of time and money required to hire staff and to purchase food, equipment and federal land agency permits, necessitates that your payments be made in advance of the summer program. DHE cannot alter agreements and arrangements made with its suppliers, government agencies and employees to accommodate a participant’s withdrawal from a program.

EARLY DEPARTURE: Participant and his/her parent or legal guardian (hereafter collectively Parent or Parents) acknowledge that if Participant is dismissed or departs early from a program, for any reason other than DHE’s cancellation of the program, no refunds will be granted. Participant and Parent are responsible for all costs of early departure whether for medical reasons, dismissal, personal emergencies or otherwise.

EQUIPMENT LOSS OR DAMAGE: Participant (and Parent) is fully responsible for lost, stolen or damaged equipment (DHE accepts normal wear and tear), and agrees to pay for any damage or loss. DHE is not responsible for loss or damage to participant’s personal belongings.

PHOTO RELEASE: DHE, or individuals or entities authorized by DHE may photograph and/or videotape program activities. Unless we receive your objection in writing before the start of the program, Parent authorizes DHE to use the son’s/daughter’s or Parent’s photo, video image, or quotations from correspondence for sale or reproduction, in any manner DHE desires, for advertising, display, audiovisual or other use.

NON-DISCRIMINATION: DHE does not discriminate in its respective employment or admissions policies on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, age or disability.

FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS: I understand that Deer Hill is a group experience and that my full participation with a positive attitude, in all activities, is important for the overall success of the program. I understand that Deer Hill activities take place in the wilderness and in other areas where group’s well being can be jeopardized if I do not participate in safety discussions or follow the directives of my Deer Hill leaders. Therefore, I agree that the safety of the entire group is of greatest importance. I agree to be respectful and non-confrontational with DHE staff and fellow participants. I agree not to use tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, or non-prescribed medications. I agree not to engage in exclusive relationships or sexual activity. I agree to be a contributing member of the group to the best of my abilities. I agree to abide by the decisions of and follow the directives of my program’s leaders. I will do my best to make this the best experience possible for all other participants, my leaders and myself.

FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS AND PARENTS: I have accurately completed the Application and have read, understand and agree to the Terms of Agreement outlined here. I have disclosed any information regarding my son’s/daughter’s medical treatment, as per Question #2 in the DHE Application. I agree that failure to disclose such information at the time of application may result in exclusion or dismissal from the program and forfeiture of any funds previously paid to DHE. I also agree to inform DHE about any injury or illness, or the prescribing of any medication by a physician from the date indicated below until the beginning of my son’s/daughter’s program. Parent gives his/her son/daughter permission to participate in all DHE program activities, at or away from Basecamp. Both Parent and his/her participating son/daughter understand that for the health and welfare of all members of a DHE program, participants are expected to behave appropriately throughout their stay on the program. DHE reserves the right to dismiss any participant whom DHE staff believe, in their sole discretion, presents a safety concern or medical risk, is disruptive, or otherwise conducts him/herself in a manner detrimental to the program. All aspects of Participant or Parent relationship with DHE will be governed by Colorado law, and any mediation, suit, or other dispute with DHE must be filed or entered into only in Colorado.