FAQ: I have been to "camp" for the last 5 years. I do not want to go to camp again. What is basecamp and will
I be staying there very much?
Our 128-acre Basecamp is a comfortable place to start and end our wilderness expeditions and service projects. You will spend a few nights at the beginning of the trip at Basecamp, getting to know your instructors and other participants. You’ll pack your food and gear and prepare for your first expeditions. Generally, you’ll return to Basecamp after the second expedition for to take showers, eat delicious, hot meals, and prepare for your final section. You will return to Basecamp for your final evenings and a sweat lodge and farewell banquet.
Deer Hill’s service component is truly unique. We seek service projects where we can work with Native peoples and public land agencies. Service gives you the chance to do something new and interesting, and allows you to learn new skills that you can use in your everyday life. Service is a way to help others and to give back while creating amazing relationships, learning about Native American cultures along the way. Many participants find that when you give of yourself, you get more in return. Most find the service project to be the most memorable experience of their time at Deer Hill.
"The service was the most amazing thing I have ever done because I saw and felt the results of my work. Phil Bluehouse is the most amazing person I have ever met. I will always remember the different ways in which a hogan and a sweat lodge can be used."
Ari Triest
Sebastopol, California
Our participants fly into Durango La Plata Airport, near Durango, CO where they are met by one of their instructors and then driven to Basecamp (about an hour away) to meet the rest of their group. Participants travel through Denver (United), Phoenix (US Air), or Salt Lake City (Delta) to get to Durango. We encourage travelers to carry a cell phone or calling card to stay in touch with our office during their travel to Deer Hill, in case of flight delays or changes in arrival times. Many airlines offer a service for unaccompanied minors to assist them in flight and gate changes.
The Deer Hill sweat lodge is a final ceremony that brings closure to your group experience. Performed in “Deer Hill” style, (every group since 1985 has taken part in the activity) we draw upon Native American and universal traditions to bring the group together during this culminating event. Participants find the sweat lodge to be a very empowering experience.
"My most memorable experience was the sweat lodge."
Joseph Morf
Saint Helena, California
FAQ: Should I come to Deer Hill alone or with a friend?
Deer Hill is a great experience to share with a friend. Most participants come alone, seeing it as a fresh chance to make new friends. Participants come from all over the U.S. and from other countries as well. We do allow friends to come to Deer Hill together, as long as they are willing to be part of the group experience.
"Something I will always cherish is how easy it was to become close to the leaders and other participants. I have had the same friends since elementary school. Thinking back on how easy it was to make new friends at Deer Hill, and love them just as much, I will remember that for the rest of my life."
Meryl Breeden
Rye, New York
"Last year, I went to a camp of many hundreds of other people and made only a few friends. I made friends with everyone in my group of 12 at Deer Hill."
Renaud Bidou
Paris, France
FAQ: What are the Deer Hill leaders like?
Our field leaders come with a wealth of outdoor experience. Their enthusiasm and love for the wilderness is something they share with participants continuously. The average age of Deer Hill Instructors and Program Leaders is 28. As a result of our high staff retention rate (80%-90%), most of our leaders have worked with Deer Hill for multiple seasons, thus possessing great knowledge of the southwest, outdoor leadership and a commitment to the Deer Hill philosophy.
"The leaders listen to your problems and always put efforts into making the group better and closer. They encourage you to go higher and are always proud of you no matter what. That's what leadership is."
Dolla Seng
Chelsea, Massachusetts
"One of the best parts of Deer Hill was how personal the staff all were. From the second I arrived at Basecamp until the moment I left, I could not have felt more at home."
Sarah Lowenstein
Fayetteville, New York
FAQ: How difficult is Deer Hill? Do I have to be in good shape? Do I need previous experience?
While you don't have to be an athlete, you should be in good physical shape. Life is very active at Deer Hill. You will have a better time if you are physically fit. A positive attitude goes a long way and will help you succeed. Remember, most people who come to Deer Hill have never done this before.
"There were different challenges and they were difficult, but if that's what it takes to find the true you, then it is reasonable."
Dolla Seng
Chelsea, Massachusetts
"The mountains were my favorite part. The challenge of the hike was intense, but at the same time I knew I could check out an unbelievable view at any moment. It was like walking through a dreamland, only I was awake!"
Emily Capelin
Durango, Colorado
FAQ: Can I get school credit for my community service work at Deer Hill?
Yes! Nearly every school has accepted Deer Hill service hours to meet graduation requirements. We will furnish your school with written verification of your work upon request. Check with your school community service coordinators and have them call our office if they have questions.
