Mancos CO Summer Camp

Unique combination of fun and challenging wilderness expeditions and community service.

Teen summer camps at Deer Hill Expeditions feature wilderness adventures and community service in Colorado, Arizonal, New Mexico, Utah, and Costa Rica

The field staff to student ratio of 1:4 provides the opportunity to develop a fun and positive environment. Skills are taught that help enhance the uniqueness of each expedition. In this rewarding environment, mentorships and friendships are formed that change lives for a lifetime.

You don't need previous experience, and you can rent all the equipment you need from our outfitting store. As long as you are physically fit and eager to be part of a dynamic group, you'll have the adventure of a lifetime.

Travel into the Wild
The canyons, rivers, and mountains of the American Southwest, and the beaches and rainforests of Costa Rica are some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. We invite you to explore redrock canyons, hike along the Continental Divide, paddle on a river in a rainforest, and sleep under the stars. Share the joys of living in the natural world as an integral member of a group facing challenges together.

Central to almost all of Deer Hill's programs is interaction with a native culture, be it the Navajo or Hopi people in Arizona, the Zuni in New Mexico, or the Tico people in rural villages of Costa Rica.

You and your Deer Hill leaders stay with native host families, working on service projects that support their traditional way of life. Helping with community projects leaves long-lasting impressions on you and the families with whom you work.

Conservation Service
Some Deer Hill programs aid the U.S. Forest Service in the conservation of wilderness lands. During these service projects, you may maintain a footbridge or improve trails vital to backcountry access. You work alongside Forest Service rangers and other volunteers to protect and preserve these pristine lands.

In the course of several weeks, separated from modern conveniences, hectic metropolitan lives and busy school agendas, something begins to happen. Living in the wilderness with a small group of new friends, you communicate and share with each other on a new and deeper level. Backcountry travel presents real challenges, which you meet as a group. Lasting bonds of friendship are forged.

Living and working with people of native cultures, you become immersed in another way of life. As you lend a hand, your he art opens. These experiences deepen your connection with yourself and the broader community in which we all live.

What you get out of an expedition depends upon what you bring to it, but almost every Deer Hill p art icipant has more than an unforgettable summer adventure - they have transforming experiences that shape and guide their entire lives.

"You come away from a Deer Hill trip so enriched by the unbelievable experiences you've had that you are a new person. You won't know how or why, but such closeness with the Earth, the amazing people, and the wonderful staff changes you for the better."
Max Kabat,
Pelham, NY

"Michelle's time on the reservation moved her greatly, and she was so happy to feel that she had helped in some small way. She overcame some fears and was amazed at how strong she was carrying logs for the hogan and backpacking at high altitude. Michelle learned so much on so many levels, and clearly feels very proud of herself. My guess is that she will discover even more strengths developed at Deer Hill as time goes by."
Miriam Mills (parent)
San Rafael, CA

"Not in our wildest dreams did we expect our son, Daniel, to come home so radiant and ecstatic from Deer Hill Expeditions. He is absolutely brimming over with positive emotions and a quality that is so difficult to instill in today's teenagers: appreciation. We want to express our deep gratitude for the program that you have created that brings out such love for the outdoors and physical challenge, such camaraderie, and such appreciation for sensitivity and support. On top of this, you teach the students to give something back to others. Thank you so much for a truly wonderful experience. How great that you are fulfilling your own dreams and those of others with so much success."
Marea Gordett (parent)
Cohoes, NY

"I just wanted to let you know how happy we were with our daughter Kyra's experience at Deer Hill this summer. From our first contacts with your staff to the last letter we received which described the 're-entry' process, I was struck by the positive energy, thoughtfulness, professionalism, and commitment of everyone on your staff. I would enthusiastically recommend your program to anyone ready for this type of experience."
Peter Selwyn, M.D. (parent)
Guilford, CT

"The group bonding was the most amazing experience of my life--how 14 people could become a family in 25 days. I gained so much confidence in myself and learned to appreciate the smaller wonderful things of life."
Kim Segall,
Palo Alto, CA

"I can't even begin to verbalize the experience I had. It was incredible. Each day I was challenged both physically and emotionally and there was not a day when I felt I did not have a major achievement. I have never been in so supportive and encouraging an environment."
Jessica Kramer
Spencer, NY

"I can honestly say that Deer Hill was all that I hoped for and more, and I can never be more grateful for the lifelong friendships that I have made. There is nothing more wonderful than making new friends and sharing an intense outdoor experience with them . . . I could not have been luckier to have the four highly knowledgeable, warm, and friendly leaders that I did - Chris, David, Terry and Elaine. These four people have impacted my life like no others."
Andy Jacobson (10 years after his DH program)
Chicago, IL

"My experience at [another internationally known outdoor school] could not compare to the growth that I attained from Deer Hill. I took away from Deer Hill a sense of confidence that I still carry with me today."