Why Provide Scholarships?
When students are removed from all that is familiar to them, when they are immersed in nature and service with native cultures, they learn that they are part of a greater community. Such challenges build self-confidence, open-mindedness, and respect for others. We provide these life-changing experiences for promising students in financial need who then bring these values back to their families and communities. Established in 1998, DHF has awarded over 200 scholarships for students from all over the United States including Native Americans, and first and second generation Americans from Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe.
Education through Cultural and Conservation Service
DHF has long-standing friendships in the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Ute Nations. Our youth groups live with Native American families and work with them on service projects important to their traditional ways of life. Conservation service is also an important part of DHF's work. In cooperation with public land agencies, we support service projects that teach stewardship of our natural and historical resources.
Non-Profit Partnerships
There are many organizations that share our passion for teaching and guiding young people. In addition to local schools and community organizations, DHF works with a growing number of other non-profit organizations who want to benefit from our programs and techniques, and who share our mission of empowering young people of all backgrounds. These non-profit organizations include:
- Summer Search Foundation in San Francisco, Petaluma, Boston, Seattle, and New York
- Bridges, located in Memphis, Tennessee
- Montana Yellowstone Expeditions in Emigrant, Montana
- Waldorf Education Association of Southwest Colorado
- Deepwater Experiential Education Project (DEEP), Westport, New York
Sharing in DHF's Vision
DHF seeks financial and in-kind support from individuals and organizations sharing our belief that our futures are bound together, and that honoring cultural diversity is essential to that future. DHF is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status. Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
"Deer Hill, a wilderness experience with soul and depth, is one of the most compelling programs in the field of summer experiential education. The quality of any program is always in direct proportion to the values and goals of the directors. Doug and Beverly Capelin have developed programs that not only include service projects, immersion in Native American culture, and challenging wilderness treks, they have created a vehicle where young people can work as a team and connect with each other honestly."
Linda Mornell
San Francisco, California
Founder and director of the Summer Search Foundation
For more information about scholarships,
programs, and partnerships, please contact:
Deer Hill Foundation
PO Box 180
Mancos, CO 81328
970.533.7492
info@deerhillexpeditions.com
Douglas D. Capelin, Executive Director
