This expedition includes:
- Flatwater Canoeing
- Native American Service Learning
Raft the Lower San Juan River through one of the most stunning canyons of the desert Southwest. Participants will learn to navigate the river and will dive into the human and natural history of the area while connecting with the land and one another. Afterwards, head to the Navajo Nation for an enriching service experience with one of our host families.
Arrive at Basecamp
Days 1-2
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, the group will pack group and personal gear for their trip.
Labyrinth Canyon Canoe Trip
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.
Service on the Navajo Nation
Days 8-12
Participants live and work with their Navajo hosts at their property on the Navajo Nation. They will work on projects such as mending the fences around their ancestral farmlands, tending to livestock, or rebuilding a shade arbor. The group will learn about Navajo traditions and lifestyles, and what an ancient culture can look like in a modern world.
Return to Basecamp
Days 13-14
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.
Ages 15-17*
July 13 – July 26, 2027
14 Days
24 Service Hours
$5,200
*For questions about age or grade level, call us at 970.533.7492.
Start and End at Basecamp
The expedition is bookended with time at Deer Hill’s Basecamp in Mancos, CO. From Days 1 to 3, participants get to know each other as they pack group and personal gear for their time in the mountains. At the end of their expedition, the group returns to Basecamp for hot showers and home-cooked meals. The final full day will include a closing ceremony and celebration with a cookout and slideshow.
Arrival and Departure:
Durango Airport (DRO) or
Deer Hill Basecamp, Mancos, Colorado.
Arrive July 13, 11-3 pm; Depart July 26, 11-3 pm
.