Soulquest Costa Rica 2 Program Information
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][full_width_section background_color=”#102027″ text_color=”light” top_padding=”25″ bottom_padding=”25″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Preparing for Your Trip
This page is a resource for participants, parents and mentors to plan for their Summer Expedition; it includes information about clothing and gear that participants need for their trip, as well as general information about Deer Hill Expeditions and how to prepare for your trip. Required forms are emailed to participants and mentors with instructions for completion and return. If you have any questions, please call our Sales and Admissions Manager, Jordan Lang, at 970-533-7492 or email her at [email protected].[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/full_width_section][full_width_section background_color=”#102027″ text_color=”light” text_align=”center” top_padding=”15″ bottom_padding=”15″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” custom_height=”20″][/vc_column][/full_width_section][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” top_padding=”15″ bottom_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Forms
If you have been accepted into a Summer Expedition, you should have received by email links to several online forms, including one PDF to be printed and returned by mail or email. Please complete those forms as soon as possible.
Terms of Agreement, Essential Eligibility Criteria and Assumption of Risk
These were completed with your application.
Participant Health History Form
Due immediately, a link to this online form is sent by email and includes a link to download the Physician’s Medical Form below.
Physician’s Medical Form
Due May 25, please print this form, and bring it to your son or daughter’s physician to be completed. Return the form by mail or email (complete instructions are included with the form).
Travel Itinerary
Due May 25, a link to this online form is sent by email.
If you have any questions, or did not receive emails with links to these forms, please contact our Sales and Admissions Manager, Jordan Lang, at 970-533-7492 or by email at [email protected].[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][full_width_section background_color=”#102027″ text_color=”light” text_align=”center” top_padding=”15″ bottom_padding=”15″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” custom_height=”20″][/vc_column][/full_width_section][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” top_padding=”25″ bottom_padding=”15″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Clothing and Gear
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”15″ bottom_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][toggles][toggle color=”Default” title=”Synthetics, Cotton and the Rainforest”][vc_column_text]Synthetics, Cotton and the Rainforest
Synthetic versus Cotton
We recommend synthetic fabrics for use in Costa Rica. These “nylon-like” fabrics dry quickly and do not stain as readily as cotton. Cotton does not dry out in tropical conditions. Purchase loose-fitting clothing that is comfortable and airy.
You will likely experience all kinds of weather while you are in Costa Rica: from hot, tropical sun to cloudy and cool humidity in the cloud forest, to torrential downpours; you’ll be in the rainforest after all. So, to be comfortable, it is best to pack lightweight layers of clothing that contain as little cotton as possible. T-shirts should contain no more than 50% cotton. 100% polyester is preferred. It is ok to have a few cotton t-shirts, and shorts, but be certain to pack synthetics, as well. Cotton takes much longer to dry, whereas synthetics will often dry while you are wearing them. Jeans will almost NEVER dry out. We suggest saving your cotton clothes for your airport travel days, and to pack synthetic clothes as indicated in the packing list.
Rash Guard Shirt
A Rash Guard is a classic piece of clothing for wet conditions that, while not required, is very useful and comfortable on this trip. It is a very lightweight, stretchy, synthetic fabric that offers protection from the wax on the surfboard (which can irritate skin) as well as sun protection while on the river and in the ocean.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Where to Find Your Gear”][vc_column_text]
Where to Find Your Gear
You can find quality backcountry equipment at stores that specialize in mountaineering and/or backpacking. Try local shops that carry brand names such as Black Diamond, Patagonia, The North Face and Marmot, or try one of the large retail chains such as REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), or EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports). If you are shopping online it is useful to try items on locally to ensure the correct fit.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Advice for Packing”][vc_column_text]
Advice for Packing
- All personal clothing and gear should be labeled with the participant’s name.
- Pack lightly. Choose items that are lightweight and compact.
- DO not overpack. Except for a few personal items or extra toiletries, you do not need to bring more than what is indicated on the packing list. You will not change clothes everyday.
Footwear
Hiking Shoes (Required)
Please take time and care when buying your shoes. You will wear these in wet, muddy conditions, on steep, often slippery terrain. Their fit will have a significant impact o the quality of your experience. Our information on fitting is relatively universal. Take this information with you when you go to buy shoes.
Your hiking shoes will need to support you during a lot of day-hikes. You do NOT need a full-on backpacking books. The best choice is a sturdy, synthetic, lightweight, ankle-high hiking shoe. Tennis shoes do not provide enough support. These generally cost under $100. It is important that the shoe can dry out; leather is not ideal as it is not possible to completely waterproof your shoes for rainforest conditions, and leather takes a long time to dry. It is important that your shoes are comfortable to walk in through the conditions described above, offer support and are lightweight and will dry quickly.
River Sandals (Required)
River sandals are an important piece of equipment, and are excellent traveling shoes, as well. You will wear these sandals during the river sections and they are great for a walk on the beach. They MUST have a rugged, sturdy sole and attache securely to your foot. WE recommend Tevas, Chacos or Keens (or a generic brand of similar quality). Flip-flops and Crocs do NOT work as river sandals.
Flip-Flops (Optional)
Flip-flops are great, but only for a few situations. Please note, the leaders will be very strict about when flip-flops are appropriate or not. Foot care is very important, and you need to take care of your own feet so you can get the most enjoyment out of the trip, but if you have room you may choose to pack a pair.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Rain Gear”][vc_column_text]
Rain Gear
Rain Jackets and Pants
The outdoor clothing industry has varying ideas of what is waterproof. Many lightweight, coated nylons do not keep out the rain. If you are buying your own rain gear, make sure both jacket and pants are 100% waterproof (water repellent isn’t good enough.) “Waterproof and breathable” fabrics (such as Gortex) are comfortable to hike in because they “breathe” out the body’s moisture. However, they are more expensive and sometimes soak through in a humid climate like that of Costa Rica, or in heavy rains.
Rain Jacket Recommendations
All rain jackets must have a hood and come down below the waist.
We recommend multi-layered (2-layer or 3-layer) nylon rain jackets. They work quite well and are less expensive than Gortex. The multi-layered system often includes:
- An exterior of waterproof/coated nylon
- An internal lining of polyurethane or equivalent
- Another inner mesh layer, frequently taffeta
- Underarm zippers (pit zips) for added ventilation (This is probably the most important feature to prevent excessive sweating. We have found that Gortex jackets without pit zips do not work as well as a nylon jacket with pit zips.)
Rain Pants Recommendations
Some rain pants are also multi-layered. An exterior shell of waterproof, coated nylon with an internal polyurethane layer works well and is lightweight.
A zippered cuff is nice to have so you can put your rain pants on over your hiking boots. (Otherwise, you will have to take your boots off to put your rain pants on. Not fun during a rainstorm!)
Umbrella
An umbrella is essential to have. If it is a really wam and humid day, sometimes you don’t want to wear a nylon rain jacket. A small, collapsible umbrella works great. In combination with a synthetic t-shirt, an umbrellas can help keep you and daypack dry walking through the rainforest. A good rain jacket is still required, however.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Understanding the Packing List”][vc_column_text]
Understanding the Packing List
Please bring only the items that are on the packing list. Except for a few personal items or extra toiletries, you will not need more than what is listed. You will not change clothes every day. In fact, for a given expedition or project you will carry only the necessary clothing for that environment. The remainder of your clothing and any extra items will be stored at Exploradores Outdoors River Basecamp for the duration of your program or until you need it for another environment. Additionally:
- All personal clothing and gear should be labeled with the participant’s name.
- Pack lightly. Choose items that are lightweight and compact.
- Keep in mind that service work and wilderness living are hard on clothing. The clothes you bring to Deer Hill will receive rough treatment and may become torn or permanently stained.
We have designed the Packing List to help you select the appropriate gear for your program. The Packing List also contains information about each item to assist you when selecting our gear. For the most expensive/complicated items, we have included more detailed shopping guidelines in the sections above.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Clothing for Travel, Home Stays and Community Service”][vc_column_text]
Clothing for Travel, Home Stays and Community Service
While much of the packing list is geared toward outdoor adventure activities, it beneficial to retain some clothing for traveling, and some clothes specifically for community service. You will not be expected to “dress up” at all during your trip, but you may wish to have a casual outfit to wear while with your Home Stay family. Please also keep in mind that service projects can be hard on clothes–please bring clothes you don’t ming getting dirty, torn or covered in paint.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][/toggles][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Packing List
Soulquest Costa Rica 2
Each expedition with Deer Hill is unique and requires specific clothing and gear for safety and comfort. It is imperative that every participant read the packing list for her or his program and bring, or acquire from the Deer Hill Store, all required items.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]
[button color=”see-through-2″ hover_text_color_override=”#3C2415″ size=”large” url=”http://legacy.deerhillexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SQCR2-Packing-List-2017.xlsx.pdf” text=”Packing List” color_override=”” hover_color_override=”#E18F26“] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][divider line_type=”Full Width Line”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”10″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
General Information
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][toggles][toggle color=”Default” title=”Preparing for Your Program”][vc_column_text]Preparing for Your Program
Mental Preparation
It is normal for participants to have a mixture of emotions gearing up for a Deer Hill program; these places, people, and experiences may all be new. Traveling into the wilderness for the first time is a remarkable experience, and Deer Hill has guided thousands of first timers over the years. We support participants wholeheartedly and encourage adventurous attitudes. Every year when staff leaders arrive at basecamp in Mancos, Colorado for training they’re reminded of our 30 year old mantra “Safety, Fun, Learning”. When participants feel safe, they have fun, and if they’re having fun, learning will come naturally! To get the most out of a Deer Hill program, participants need to prepare themselves to act responsibly, have fun, and try new things.
All Deer Hill Programs also incorporate a cross-cultural service component. In Costa Rica, participants stay in two different rural villages while participating in projects that will help support the local communities. In the past, groups have built a recycling center for community use, taken part in a reforestation project and repainted a local school. There will be opportunities to practice Spanish by interacting with local villagers and learning about their way of life.
Everything is in place to foster a sense of personal growth through leadership, responsibility, communication, and adventure. At Deer Hill, we know that this can happen in desert canyons, the mountains or tropical jungles. In any location, the most important elements are the vision from leaders and enthusiasm to participate overall.
Since 2002, Deer Hill has been working very closely with another company, Exploradores Outdoors (EO), in Costa Rica. This company is owned and operated by Miguel and Yency Cabrera. We are very impressed with the Cabreras’ sense of quality and concern for safety. Miguel and Yency both have extensive records of river descents and backpacking expeditions around the world. Their intimate knowledge of their homeland allows Deer Hill to offer one of the most refined programs, off the beaten path, in Costa Rica.
In addition to two Deer Hill staff members, who are with the group at all times, one EO staff will be with the group most of the time. The exception to this are that the EO staff will not be with the group during the homestays nor while the group is at Punta Mona during the end of the program. EO’s guides are first-class and will share their wealth of knowledge about the country, natural history, and culture. To learn more about EO, go to there website at: www.exploradoresoutdoors.com.
Physical Fitness
Participants do not have to be star athletes to succeed at Deer Hill. However, our programs are very active, and at times physically challenging so we encourage participants to prepare accordingly. The experience will be more enjoyable, especially at the beginning of the program, with rest, good fitness and mental preparation to live outdoors. Physical conditioning should begin at least two months prior to a Deer Hill Program. This can include walking, jogging slowly, swimming or riding a bike for at least an hour 3-4 times a week. This will improve aerobic fitness dramatically. In addition, regular resistance training, such as lifting weights, going to a climbing gym, and/or yoga, will help strengthen balance and physical confidence. Consult a trainer, take a class, or talk to your doctor before starting a resistance-training program.
Swimming
The program includes surfing and swimming in the Caribbean and rafting the Rio Pacuare and Rio Pejivalle. Therefore, we recommend that participants are able to handle themselves comfortably in water.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Immunizations and Medications”][vc_column_text]
Immunizations and Medications
Please visit the Center for Disease Control website for recommendations. Vaccinations and immunizations are up to your discretion. Please print out the CDC recommendations and take them to your physician during the required physical exam.
Though rare, dengue fever and malaria are present in some areas of Costa Rica. Malaria is found in one province where we travel. Malaria is not to be taken lightly. However, antimalarial medications are strong and may have side effects. Check with your doctor.
Some antimalarial medications must be taken for one week before they become effective. Limon is the only province that our trips visit that the CDC lists as a risk for malaria. For scheduling of medications and quantities, the following information is pertinent to tell your physician: CRE is in southern Limon from July 9 – July 16 (8 days). Depending on the type of medication your doctor prescribes, this may affect the quantity of medication needed, and the timing of administering the medication.
If you have questions regarding whether or not to give your child antimalarial medication, please consult your doctor.
We at Deer Hill are unable to give medical recommendations.
[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Money”][vc_column_text]
Spending Money
Participants will need about $100 – $150 in cash for airport food, souvenirs and other incidentals. We highly recommend bringing a Visa Debit card to get Colones quickly and easily while in Costa Rica. ATM-only cards do not work as well. Cards that look like Credit cards, but withdraw from a checking account seem to work best. Cirrus network and Star network are relatively common systems. Traveler’s checks are not recommended, because they are not easily cashed in some places. The group will only have one or two opportunities to get money from ATMs during the trip. We suggest that participants withdraw no more than a $50 equivalent each time. Please note: Due to the nature of the itinerary, there is very limited opportunity to shop for souvenirs. Usually, there is time for shopping the last afternoon in San José before departure.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Communication with Family and Friends from Home”][vc_column_text]
Communication
Personal Electronic Devices: iPods, Cell Phones, Etc.
We believe that experiences in this group setting will be enhanced by the absence of these familiar electronic devices. Some participants choose to travel to and from Costa Rica with their cellphones and iPods. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, we put all such devices in a secure location for their safe storage until the end of the program. Airplane tickets and any other valuables will be stored in an envelope with participants’ names on it so these things don’t get lost.
Phone Calls Home
All participants will call home to assure parents that they are safe and in Deer Hill staff’s care. After picking up participants at the airport and possibly waiting there for the next incoming flight, we will drive the hour into San José to the EO office to make these calls before heading to the hostel. There may be a few hours between arrival and the time that participants call home. If there have been any sudden travel changes, at the end of the program, participants will call home to inform their parents of these changes.
Participants can carry a cell phone for travel days. If your child is not traveling with a cell phone, we suggest a purchase of a U.S. long-distance phone card for your son/daughter. This is a relatively inexpensive way for your child to contact you while traveling in the U.S. It is very handy if he/she misses a flight or is delayed on the way to the San José Airport. Once in Costa Rica, U.S. calling cards do not work. Cell phones will be securely stored during their time in Costa Rica.
Note to Parents
Please contact Deer Hill Basecamp if there have been any changes that you are aware of. Otherwise, plan on seeing your child when he/she gets off the plane at your home airport.
Mail and Email/Internet
The mail service to Costa Rica is poor, at best. It frequently takes more than two weeks for a letter to be delivered anywhere outside of San José. Therefore, it is not recommended that parents write letters to their children.
However, we realize that parents and families want to know what is going on with their son/daughter. At least once, around the mid-point of the program, the program leader will send an update to the Deer Hill office and we will send an email to all parents, to provide an update on what the group has been doing and where they are going next.
Because of the limited amount of time spent during transitions from one expedition to another, and due to the fact that there is little internet access, your child will not have access to email or social media.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”The Beginning of your Program”][vc_column_text]
The Beginning of your Program
Deer Hill leaders will meet all Costa Rica Exploradores participants at San José Airport, Costa Rica, (SJO) after passing through customs and immigration. The leaders will be waiting right by the only exit door wearing a Deer Hill hat or T-shirt. Once gathered together, we will give each participant a tag with his/her principal means of identification and emergency phone numbers to keep in his/her wallet. We will collect passports, ATM cards, and US cash or traveler’s checks, and store them for safekeeping.
The group will then leave the airport and drive a short distance to a local hostel, where the group will have a snack, chat about what to expect in the first few days, and give a quick overview of the entire program before retiring for the night. The next morning, the group will have a healthy breakfast, followed by our first “Circle,” an informal meeting where we get a chance to share something about ourselves and go over some of the more important safety issues and ground rules for life in Costa Rica. We discuss everyone’s expectations of the program, and then start preparing for the hiking expedition.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Adapting to Costa Rica”][vc_column_text]
Adapting to Costa Rica
Like any other foreign country, upon arrival, bodies have to adapt to the new climate, food and water. The tropical climate of Costa Rica, with its heat and humidity, may feel uncomfortable at first. The moisture may cause minor skin irritations and rashes. Some travelers may contract “traveler’s disease” or “la turista.” Symptoms may include stomach cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. We carry mild antacids and watch participants carefully for changes and indications of more serious illness. The vast majority of the time, these symptoms are mild and disappear within a couple of days.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][/toggles][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][divider line_type=”Full Width Line”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”10″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Traveling to Costa Rica
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][toggles][toggle color=”Default” title=”General Information”][vc_column_text]General Travel Information
Passports
You must have a valid US passport to enter the country-no exceptions. US citizens will usually be permitted to stay in Costa Rica up to 90 days without a visa. Please make sure your passport will be valid for at least 30 days after your return to the United States from Costa Rica.
Prior to Traveling
Please keep track of changes in flight numbers and/or flight times and contact the office immediately if anything is altered. This happens frequently so it is imperative that we are kept abreast of any and all updates. This is more likely to happen as your travel date nears.
Flights to and from Costa Rica
Your program tuition does not include airfare. All participants for the Soulquest Costa Rica program will meet in the San José International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica. When you arrive, one of your trip leaders will be waiting to greet you near the exit door of the airport.
Please book your flight so that you arrive at the San José International Airport (SJO) between 11:00am and 3:00pm. Please book your return flight to depart between 6:30am and 11am.
If you cannot schedule your flight during those times, please call us before making reservations. If you have ANY questions about your travel arrangements, please call us before you purchase tickets. Arrival and departure times that fall outside of the parameters above may result in additional transportation costs.
Deer Hill leaders will accompany participants into the airport as far as they can go.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Unaccompanied Minors”][vc_column_text]
Unaccompanied Minors
When you are booking your flight, be sure to look into the airline’s Unaccompanied Minor policy. Many airlines provide Unaccompanied Minor services, and others have restrictions around flights for unaccompanied minors. Their policies are listed on their websites. Requirements vary greatly from airline to airline, so please check carefully before booking your child’s flight. If possible, make arrangements for your Unaccompanied Minor in advance for flights in both directions.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Travel Insurance”][vc_column_text]If you would like to obtain travel insurance for your child’s program, there are many different packages available. Deer Hill has no affiliations with any travel insurance company. The following companies offer insurance:
- Travel Guard 800.826.4919
- CSA Travel Protection 800.711.1197
- Travel Insured 800.243.3174
- Allianz 866.884.3556
Beginning of Program Travel Day
While traveling, please make sure that the Deer Hill phone number, 970.533.7492, is in your child’s phone if he/she will be carrying a cell phone. If your child does not have a cell phone, we urge you to purchase a long distance phone card for him/her. In case of a travel delay, please contact the Deer Hill office immediately so we can get the information to your leaders who will be meeting you in San José. Also, call your parents to keep them updated. If arrangements to accommodate these delays need to be made – it is the responsibility of the parent.
Participants should also travel with a carry-on bag that contains important or valuable items (passport, debit card, cash, camera, medications, etc.) as well as a change of clothes, in case his/her baggage is delayed.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”End of Program Travel Day”][vc_column_text]
End of Program Travel Day
A Deer Hill leader will take your child to the San José Airport on the last day of the program in plenty of time to check-in and catch their flight. When our leaders take the participants to the airport he/she will assist your child with check-in and accompany all of the participants to the security checkpoint. If there are delays with your child’s flight out of Costa Rica, our leader will remain at the airport until the flight is ready to begin boarding.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Checked Baggage”][vc_column_text]
Checked Baggge
All airlines now have policies and fares for checking baggage. Again, please contact your carrier regarding their fees and paying for your child’s checked luggage in advance, for flights in both directions. Some airlines do not allow you to pay for luggage online so your child must have cash to pay for this. Others will allow you to pay for your child’s luggage online but your child will not have a receipt that may be necessary. Please look into this before your child leaves home for Deer Hill so all necessary arrangements can be made.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Return Travel Money”][vc_column_text]
Return Travel Money
Be sure your son or daughter has money to cover any airline fees that are assessed at the gate for the return flight (i.e. baggage, unaccompanied minor services, etc.) These fees vary considerably from one airline to another. We encourage you to check with your airline to estimate an appropriate amount of money to help cover these contingencies, and to pack this money separately from your son or daughter’s spending money.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][/toggles][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][divider line_type=”Full Width Line”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#1f414e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” top_padding=”45″ bottom_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]As a Licensed Child Care Facility in the State of Colorado, Deer Hill provides all parents and guardians with the following information:
- To report child abuse/neglect, call 1-844-CO-4-KIDS or 911
- To report a child care licensing complaint, contact the Office of Early Childhood at 1-303-866-5948 or at 1575 Sherman Street, Denver, Colorado 80203.
[button color=”see-through-2″ hover_text_color_override=”#fff” size=”medium” url=”http://legacy.deerhillexpeditions.com/?p=3785″ text=”Summer Expeditions” color_override=”” hover_color_override=”#E18F26 “] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
[button color=”see-through-2″ hover_text_color_override=”#fff” size=”medium” url=”http://legacy.deerhillexpeditions.com/?p=3920″ text=”Custom Group Programs” color_override=”” hover_color_override=”#E18F26 “] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
[button color=”see-through-2″ hover_text_color_override=”#fff” size=”medium” url=”http://legacy.deerhillexpeditions.com/?p=4221″ text=”About Deer Hill” color_override=”” hover_color_override=”#E18F26 “] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][full_width_section image_url=”3542″ bg_pos=”Center Center” parallax_bg=”true” text_color=”light” bottom_padding=”60″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][testimonial_slider style=”default” autorotate=”5000″][testimonial title=”Testimonial” id=”1404587728-2-0″ name=”Alex, participant” quote=”Deer Hill has been a major part of my life, even though it has only been two summers. I always remember the leaders and the spectacular views in the mountains. I always cherish the memories made and the life lessons learned. At Deer Hill I have matured far beyond what I was when I first showed up.” tab_id=”1478805178219-3″]
Click the edit button to add your testimonial.
[/testimonial][/testimonial_slider][/vc_column][/full_width_section]