ARRIVE AT BASECAMP Days 1-3
Participants arrive at Basecamp throughout the first afternoon. Their expedition leaders help them become acquainted with Deer Hill, as participants meet each other and the group begins to form. In addition to playing games, and eating home-cooked meals, and a canoe practice session in our pond, the group will pack group and personal gear for the first part of their trip.
CANOE THE LABYRINTH Days 3-7
The group will depart basecamp and make their way out to the Green River in Utah, where they will launch their canoes and begin paddling downstream. Participants will bond over backcountry meals, swimming, and sleeping under the beautiful Utah sky. On the last day, the group will take out the canoes at Mineral Bottom and swap out paddles for service gear to start the next element of their expedition.
CROSS CULTURAL LEARNING AND SERVICE WITH THE NAVAJO NATION Days 8-12
Participants will camp on the property of their service host. During the day, they will learn about Navajo culture while also giving back to the community. Service projects can include repairing fence lines, assisting with painting buildings, or helping to build a shade arbor.
REJUVENATE AT BASECAMP Days 12-14
The group will spend a full day at basecamp, where they will shower and prepare for the mountain backpacking section of their expedition. They will have the chance to relax, eat home-cooked meals, and enjoy some of the luxuries of the front country before heading into the San Juan Mountains.
BACKPACKING IN THE SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS Days 14-18
Each kid will carry personal gear and divided group gear on their back for the next few days, with the pack getting lighter as the days progress and food is eaten. Participants will enjoy stunning views while hiking through pristine subalpine forests, learn to cook with backcountry stoves and sleep under tarps in the evenings. There will be the opportunity to summit a couple of different peaks over 12,000ft.
RETURN TO BASECAMP Days 18-20
Participants return to Basecamp for program closure. The group cleans equipment, returns it to its storage locations at Basecamp, and returns any rental items to the Deer Hill Store. The group holds a closing ceremony to conclude their experience and enjoys a cookout and slideshow on the final evening. On the last day of the program, expedition leaders drive participants to the Durango airport to return home.
