Visions BVI

  British Virgin Islands

Sea Cows Bay

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 30 - July 27, August 4 - August 24

Description: Like the US Virgin Islands, the BVI are paradises of white sand beaches and turquoise-blue waters. Unlike the US Virgins, the BVI remain relatively undeveloped. Until the 1960s there were few paved roads, fewer tourists, and only a dirt landing strip for airplanes. Wisely, the BVI planned carefully for tourism, avoiding high rise casinos and endless duty-free shopping so that cruise ships do not dominate the harbor views.

Strong governmental autonomy and relative self-sufficiency create a feeling of well being in the BVI unusual in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, because a significant portion of the population does not benefit from tourism or the yachting industry, pockets of real and visible need do exist. Homes for the elderly are few and overcrowded, often with people who still can and wish to live independently. Others cannot afford alternative housing or crucial repairs to their own deteriorating homes. Many families live in cramped one- or two-room houses with no electricity or running water. Social service organizations are under-funded and under-supported; resources are few for the disabled and handicapped.

Highlights: Our work in the BVI always incorporates construction. Through partnerships with the Ministries of Education, Health and Welfare, the National Parks Trust, and public schools past building projects include houses, playgrounds, park gazebos and pavilions, tables, benches and shelters. We renovate schools, hurricane shelters, training centers, re-build facades, design and paint murals. We have undertaken environmental projects, created new trails and walking paths in protected lands such as the walking paths participants built in The Baths, ancient building-sized boulders and geological wonders on Virgin Gorda. We volunteer in public school summer camps. A special annual project is the assistance we lend to our friend Michael Penn, a subsistence farmer, harvesting his fruits and vegetables for market.

VISIONS groups live and work mainly on Tortola, the commercial center and largest island of the BVI. Some seasons we are home-based on Virgin Gorda as well, a neighboring island that is smaller and less populous about six miles east of Tortola. On both islands we reside in large church halls that serve as practical centers for community life. Our friendships in the BVI have been forged through years of close collaboration. The surrounding neighborhoods know and trust us. Upon our arrival every season we are recognized on the streets and greeted warmly.

We are never far from a beach, so mid-afternoon after work we usually head for the water to wash off the day's grime and just relax. We play sports with local youth groups, listen and learn to play steel drums, go dancing, hike to high places with dazzling views, and enjoy a day of resort diving in the waters offshore.

Meaningful service in a beautiful setting and the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle combine to create a rewarding summer in the BVI.

Cost in US$: 4,325, 3,400

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to British Virgin Islands in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 25

Application Process Involves:

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Visions Service Adventures's Mission Statement: VISIONS offers teenagers opportunities for ambitious service work and cross-cultural immersion in the United States and abroad. We work with and for intercultural communities that lack financial and other development resources. Through service, authentic experience, and active exploration, we encourage new perspectives and dynamic learning.

Year Founded: 1989