1. Deer Hill is a small company, founded and directed by Doug and Beverly Capelin. They are involved in many aspects of Deer Hill, including staff hiring, training, and programming. This small, community setting at Deer Hill creates an open, dynamic, and engaging work environment.


2. We hire Deer Hill staff to facilitate in-depth wilderness expeditions. How is that different from other organizations? When it comes to the technical elements of our programs (rafting, rock climbing, backpacking, etc.), we do not hire subcontractors. Deer Hill staff instruct and lead every aspect of the program, technical and interpersonal. This approach attracts highly qualified outdoor educators to Deer Hill and gives new staff the opportunity for fun and challenging professional development. We have high expectations from all of our staff, and we do our best to help them progress in the outdoor education profession.


3. Field Staff training is in the field, not indoors. Since we expect you to row rafts, navigate mountain or canyon terrain, and set climbs, our mandatory staff training takes place in the canyons, rivers and mountains where our expeditions travel.


4. The greatest difference between Deer Hill and other programs is that all of our groups participate in service. Whether it is a trail restoration project with the US Forest Service or building a hogan with a Navajo family, our service projects are an integral part of the whole Deer Hill experience. Some young people may choose not to attend Deer Hill because of this "work," however, those students who do participate in the Deer Hill experience are often striking in their sincerity and depth.


5. Deer Hill is not a travel program. Our centralized location between the Colorado Rockies and the river and red rock canyon country of Utah allows our courses to minimize driving time and spend more time in the backcountry. Our students fully participate in every activity, from setting up camp, to preparing meals, to cleaning vehicles and doing the dishes. Deer Hill leaders guide participants to be motivated and successful at every level of the expedition.??


6. Deer Hill operates programs in the Southwest United States and Costa Rica. In the U.S., Deer Hill operates specifically in the Four Corners region of the Southwest. We have lived and worked in the canyons, rivers, mountains, and Native American nations for 20 years. Our relationships with the people and places of the region give our programs a level of consistency and sense of stewardship unique to Deer Hill. As the world gets smaller, we have decided to go abroad. Our Costa Rica expeditions are operated in conjunction with a Costa Rican family who owns and operates their own outfitting business. We have known them for many years. Costa Rica was an obvious choice because of the relationships we've developed there, its stability as a country, and its diverse recreational and educational opportunities.


7. The Deer Hill Foundation (DHF) is our non-profit arm that sponsors "Scholarships for Diversity" and our service projects with native cultures. We believe that there is great joy, deep learning, and the hope for peace in the celebration of diversity. Deer Hill Foundation funds scholarships for dynamic youth of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds who are in financial need. 10-20% of Deer Hill's summer enrollment receives scholarship, including Native Americans, and first and second generation Americans from Eastern Europe, South America, Central America, and Africa. This is a dramatic difference between Deer Hill and other programs, and a rare opportunity for outdoor leaders to expand their own professional development.