River Expedition and Native American Service Project Proposal
Prepared for Minnesota Waldorf School
May 17 – 23, 2017 (tentative); 23 Participants and 2 Adults
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” bottom_padding=”25″ top_padding=”25″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Dear Gideon,
Thank you for contacting me about arranging a custom-designed program to support your class at this important point in their journey. Deer Hill Expeditions has over 30 years of experience guiding young people on wilderness expeditions and service projects in the Southwest, our home and backyard.
While fun and adventure, such as paddling through a Class 2 or 3 rapid, is built into every program, it is Deer Hill’s mission to guide young people to find their unique place in their community. To this end, discussion and reflection about participants’ experiences are major components of Deer Hill’s approach. Typically, Deer Hill staff facilitates this learning process through what we call Circle—honest and candid conversations in which individuals share their hopes, fears, thoughts, and reflections in an occasion where non-judgment and acceptance have been established as the ground rules. Additionally, in order for participants to carry their newfound insights back into their everyday lives, Deer Hill staff facilitates a closing ceremony or activity as is fitting to your group. These elements add depth to the fun and adventure of a Deer Hill trip.
Based on our communications so far, I have prepared an outline of an expedition for your class that I believe will meet your stated goals of adventure, challenge, service and team-building through a river expedition and cross-cultural service project.
Please review this proposal for descriptions of the program components, for dates and costs, and for details specific to Deer Hill. This proposal serves to provide an outline for further refinement in the development of a contract between your school and Deer Hill. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Yours sincerely,
Gabriel Bernier
Outreach Director[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_image=”7017″ bg_position=”center bottom” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”300″ bottom_padding=”300″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Colorado River Rafting Expedition
Your group would explore a 20-mile stretch of the Colorado River outside Moab, Utah. The first seven miles are largely flatwater which allows the group to get accustomed to the feeling of rafting, while taking in the stunning scenery unique to southeastern Utah. Fisher Tower stands as a tall, red column, incomprehensible against the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains. Sheer sandstone cliffs, blackened by “desert varnish” define your winding path through the wilderness.
Your group will make camp at a sandy beach along the way, and learn to minimize impact through Leave No Trace practices. Participants are encouraged to be actively engaged throughout–from trying out the oar rig or paddling inflatable kayaks to making meals at the camp kitchen.
You will encounter rapids in the latter 13 miles of the trip, of Class I – III, depending on river flows. The breathtaking landscape, beautiful campsites and exciting but moderate rapids make this is a great introduction to rafting.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” bottom_padding=”30″ top_padding=”25″][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
Cross-Cultural Service
Prior to starting the service component, your Deer Hill instructors will orient you to working with your service host. We will discuss appropriate etiquette and the group’s views on service in Native American communities.
Our host families or community leaders identify the service projects based on what would be helpful to them. In the past, this has included the construction of corrals, fences, barns, shade arbors and erosion control dams, as well as repairing buildings in the plaza in Hopi Pueblo, or helping elders with home repairs and ranch projects.
Maintaining flexibility in the design of the project allows groups the opportunity to join in local events such as a ceremonial dance, or a basketball game with community youth. Additionally, it gives our host families the opportunity to teach traditional arts such as jewelry making, pottery and beadwork.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_style” interval=”3″ images=”7194,7164,7163,7159,7125,7124,7123,7118,7116,7115,7092,7094,7091,7090,7028,7027,7029,7031,6808,6437,6435,6433,6432,6373,6387,6330,6130,4920,4913,7236,4886,4807″ layout=”3″ gallery_style=”1″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” img_size=”600×400″][vc_column_text]
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”center” top_padding=”30″ bottom_padding=”15″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Itinerary
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”center” top_padding=”30″ bottom_padding=”15″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Day 1
Afternoon: Arrive by train in Grand Junction, CO. Your leader team will meet you at the Amtrak station and bring you to the launch site on the river.
Evening: The group holds its first Circle and establishes goals and expectations for the trip.
Day 2
Morning: After breakfast, you’ll pack up camp, load up the boats, and launch on the river.
Afternoon: Float the river, enjoying the scenery and learning how to navigate the river.
Evening: You will decide as a group where to make camp, and collectively participate in making meals and setting up your campsite.
Day 3
On the River: River days include time for exploring side canyons and archaeological, geological, ecological and historic sites along the way. Additionally, there is a site for rock climbing, if the weather allows for it.
Day 4
Morning: Float the last stretch of the Colorado to the take-out site outside of Moab, UT.
Afternoon: Deer Hill interns will meet you at the take-out site to help with your transition to your service site. You will exchange your river gear for service gear (personal and group) and drive to your hosts’ home.
Evening: After meeting your hosts, you will set up your tents, and a kitchen area.
Day 5
At Service: Service days typically include time for cultural teachings and storytelling by hosts and their family members, in addition to whatever project your host has lined up for your group.
Day 6
Morning/ Afternoon: After lunch, you’ll break camp, say goodbye to your hosts and drive to a campsite near Moab.
Evening: Your group will make camp, have dinner, and enjoy the last night of the program.
Day 7
Morning: You’ll wake up early, have breakfast and your leaders will drive you to get showers, en route to the Grand Junction Amtrak station.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”center” top_padding=”30″ bottom_padding=”15″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Financial Information
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”center” top_padding=”45″ bottom_padding=”15″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Estimated Price: $1250 (per participant)
Quotes are conditional on final group numbers, activities and travel arrangements. We require a minimum of 10 paying participants to run the program. Final pricing will be confirmed in a contract. However, final price is subject to change based on adjustments to program, travel arrangements, arrival and departure times. A 25% deposit is due to reserve your group.
Program price includes:
- The teacher/trip organizer will attend free of charge with the group. One additional adult may attend at half-price; all other adults will pay the participant price.
- The estimated price above includes a $125 round-trip shuttle fee.
- All meals, snacks and drinks from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on the final day (depending on arrival and departure times),
- All guiding activities, service materials, and group equipment (rafting gear, cooking gear, tents, service tools, etc.)
- Permits, fees and insurance
- Personal gear (sleeping bags, pads, etc.) and clothing items (e.g. rain gear and fleece) is not included. These items may be rented from the Deer Hill outfitting store at a very reasonable cost. We will provide you with the price list for rental items along with detailed information after contracting. We require a per-student cash deposit, or credit card, to cover participant rental gear.
Food and Accommodations
On the river and at the service site, we will be camping in 3-4 person, single-gender shelters. Deer Hill provides healthy and balanced meals and can accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences. At Basecamp, participants and adults sleep in single-gender, rustic cabins with bunkbeds.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” parallax_bg=”true” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” bg_color=”#ffffff” bottom_padding=”50″ top_padding=”15″][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Additional Information
- The original plan included a one-way shuttle fee for pick-up in Grand Junction, but departure from Basecamp. Departure from Grand Junction, as well as pick-up, requires a round-trip shuttle fee.
- Gideon is also considering flying to Denver and renting vans to get from Denver to Grand Junction. This option would remove the need for the shuttle fee, but in our estimation, probably not reduce the overall costs (including transportation–van rental, gas) significantly for Gideon’s class. Additionally, given Sun Country’s flight times out of Denver, it would impact the itinerary, or require spending a night self-supported (perhaps in a hotel) closer to Denver.
- Please check Amtrak’s policies regarding travel with groups of minors. Their policies change from time to time, and despite our best efforts to stay informed, you’re better off going to the source.
Click the edit button to add your testimonial.
[/testimonial][testimonial title=”Testimonial” id=”1475266977537-0-6″ name=”Lisa Archer, Teacher, Tucson Waldorf School” quote=”Thank you again for a memorable trip. As I’ve told everyone, a class trip with Deer Hill is so much more than just rafting or camping with a tour group. You make the trip meaningful with marvelous guides who facilitate nightly ‘Circles’, solo time, and closing ceremonies that make the trip so much better. Deer Hill is more than a trip, you are creating connections with people.”] [/testimonial][testimonial title=”Testimonial” id=”1475267043440-0-7″ name=”Jeff Jackson, Cedar Springs Waldorf School” quote=”Thank you so much for organizing this wonderful trip for us. Your leaders were incredible. The trip REALLY met all our needs and effected a genuine transformation in my students.”] [/testimonial][/testimonial_slider][/vc_column][/vc_row][full_width_section bg_pos=”Left Top” bg_repeat=”No-Repeat” text_color=”custom” top_padding=”60″ bottom_padding=”50″ background_color=”#c2b59b” type=”full_width_background” text_align=”left” custom_text_color=”#352300″][vc_column width=”1/1″][gravityform id=”47″ title=”false” description=”false” ajax=”false”][/vc_column][/full_width_section][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” parallax_bg=”true” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” bottom_padding=”25″ text_align=”left”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Service at Deer Hill
Most of Deer Hill’s service projects get you working alongside Hopi, Navajo and Zuni families on projects that they have proposed. Oftentimes, host families will share cultural knowledge, stories, and arts with participants. Other service projects are conservation oriented, and arranged with the US Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. Service projects in summer expeditions will earn you between 20 and 56 service credit hours.
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Wilderness Adventure
Deer Hill’s programs offer young people a chance to connect with nature in some of the world’s most remarkable landscapes. They also push individuals to overcome challenges and learn new skills to stay safe when enjoying the backcountry. Deer Hill’s wilderness adventures typically include a combination of white water rafting and canoeing, canyoneering, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and backpacking.
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]About Deer Hill
Deer Hill Expeditions was founded in 1984 by Doug and Beverly Capelin, who still own and operate the Mancos, Colorado-based company. Since 2005 Deer Hill has designed custom programs for school and community groups to provide fun, meaningful, and memorable culminating experiences, retreats, and educational expeditions. Deer Hill is accredited by the Association of Experiential Education, and maintains an impeccable safety record.
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