Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is Impact: Southwest?
Impact: Southwest will take place in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico during two sessions for summer 2010. Session 1 is from June 18-July 29, and session 2 runs from August 1-12. Impact: Southwest staff will meet participants at the Durango, Colorado airport (DRO) and will escort participants back to DRO at the end of the program.

Who may attend?
Jewish high school students, current 9th through 12th graders, who want to make a difference. Participants should be prepared to cooperate with others, work hard, demonstrate a curiosity about the world, and maintain an open mind.

Can I get community service credits for attending?
Yes! Participants will receive 45 hours of community service credit.

What will the sleeping and eating accommodations be like?
All participants and staff will sleep in tents. All participants should be prepared for “rugged conditions” – i.e. – field showers, outdoor latrines or port-a-potties, etc. There will be periodic access to hot water shower and bath facilities. Groups will cook their own kosher vegetarian meals under the direction of the Impact: Southwest staff.

What are the physical demands?
Impact: Southwest is an active, outdoor service and adventure program. We recommend that you prepare yourself physically for your Impact: Southwest experience. The activity level of the program combined with the high elevations (4,500 ft. to over 12,000 ft. above sea level) will be difficult for those who are not in decent physical shape. We suggest that you begin consistently exercising prior to the start of your program. If you are unsure of your level of physical fitness, discuss this with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.

What is the weather like?
The program will be in a variety of climatic zones, based on location and elevation. Temperatures can range from 45° to 100° F in a single 24-hour period, even in July. During the summer, brief rain storms are not uncommon. Though you may not experience these weather extremes, you must be prepared for them.

Can I bring my cell phone, i-pod or electronic games?
We believe that your experience in the Impact: Southwest group setting will be enhanced by the absence of these familiar electronic devices. Please leave these items at home. There is so much going on here, you won’t miss them anyway!

What is Jewish about the program?
Participants will come from a wide range of denominations and Jewish educational backgrounds. We will celebrate Shabbat together, cook kosher food and study together. We will explore what it means to be Jewish in America, the Jewish roots of social justice, and Jewish understandings of ecology.

How much does the program cost?
Impact: Southwest tuition for 2010 is $2500. Tuition includes vegetarian food and all transportation once you arrive at base camp in Durango, CO. Generous scholarships are available.

Who are the staff?
Staff will include PANIM educators who have a demonstrated professional experience with Jewish teens and are heavily committed to activism and Judaism. Deer Hill’s skilled outdoor educators will be in charge of the program’s logistics and recreational activities. All will be well-equipped and trained to ensure that you have an enjoyable and satisfying group experience.

Who is running the program?
PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values is recognized as one of the premier Jewish organizations integrating Jewish learning, values and social responsibility. Founded in 1988, PANIM has more than 14,000 alumni from over 200 different communities. It’s flagship programs are Panim el Panim, the Jewish Civics Initiative (JCI) and PanimWorks: DC JAM (Judaism, Activism and Mitzvah work).

Deer Hill Expeditions have been running outdoor adventure programs in the southwest since 1984. It is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education.