Service projects are a core component of Deer Hill’s programs, and often described by participants as the highlight of their expedition. We believe that service projects exemplify the spirit of Deer Hill’s philosophy, and inspire people to connect across cultural boundaries, as well as with their own communities. Most service projects are arranged in partnership with families and community leaders in Navajo Nation, or in Zuni or Hopi pueblos. Some expeditions contain service projects arranged with the federal land management agencies, the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Participants in summer expeditions will receive certificates stating their service credit hours for use toward school or other requirements.
Service Projects
Service projects for specific group programs or summer expeditions are generally finalized very near to the project date as they reflect genuine needs of the families, communities, or agencies with which Deer Hill partners. All of the projects are designed by those families, community leaders, or agency representatives, and through years of collaboration, have been refined to best support Deer Hill’s mission and goals, and provide a meaningful experience for participants.
Native American Service
Cultural exchange is as important in our service projects as the projects themselves are. Whether you’re building a Zuni bread oven out of stone and mud, mending a fence on farmland held for generations by a Navajo family, or plastering and painting buildings in the plaza in Hopi Pueblo, you’ll be working alongside members of these communities with rich stories to tell, crafts and arts to share, and insights into traditional ways of life that are otherwise very difficult to glean for people outside of these communities. Most groups for which we design programs choose to include a Native American service project. The only summer expedition that doe not include Native American service is Heart of the Rockies.
Conservation Projects
Conservation projects with the US Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management are fantastic ways to ensure that future generations can enjoy wild lands here in the southwest. Participants’ efforts help to restore areas that have been heavily impacted by humans or weather, prevent excessive human impact in the future, or increase access to some of America’s most beautiful wilderness. While repairing a bridge across a creek, constructing a trail into a prehistoric site, or stabilizing riparian habitat, participants also have an opportunity to learn about these special places, their delicate ecosystems and the threats they face, as well as how they can reduce impact on them.
