Visions Service Adventures

Description: Visions is a residential program for teens ages 14-18. Programs blend community service work, cross-cultural living and learning, adventurous exploration, and language immersion at some sites. We live and work in communities in North, Central, and South America, Asia, and the Caribbean Islands.

Typical group size is 16 - 25 participants with 4- 6 staff leaders. Every program undertakes a central construction project as well as other service including sustainable development, environmental, wilderness and agricultural initiatives, renovation of homes and community buildings, work with young children, mural design and painting, and more. Some programs offer internships with social development or environmental organizations, micro-businesses, artisans, farmers, fishermen, health workers. Students learn construction skills from staff carpenters or local maestros.

While service work comprises nearly 60% of the program, days and weeks always include exploration and purely fun activities that vary depending on the program site. These include everything from ice or rock climbing to backpacking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, diving, sailing, hiking and more.

Our home base is a community building such as a school, community center, church hall or hostel. We work alongside and socialize with community members, participate in festivities and ceremonies, join in cultural customs, relax and enjoy time with local families with whom we have long-standing ties.

Spanish- and French-speaking sites feature ample opportunities to practice language skills with native speakers, and incorporate home visits, day and dinner stays.

Program locations are in Alaska and Montana indigenous communities, Mississippi Gulf Coast, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Peru, Ecuador/Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Vietnam.

We offer 4-week sessions in July and 3-week sessions in August. The only qualifications are a desire to participate, a flexible team-player attitude, and a willingness to push one's comfort zone by embracing new experiences.

Highlights: We offer programs in:
- Vietnam
- Peru
- Ecuador/Galapagos Islands
- Costa Rica
- Nicaragua
- Alaska native villages
- Montana Plains Indian reservations
- Mississippi Gulf Coast
- British Virgin Islands
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Guadeloupe

To focus of the program is service and cultural immersion. We spend nearly 60%of our time engaging in a variety of community service projects with and for our host community. We also actively explore where we live, the natural beauty and cultural discovery offered at the program location. We spend quality time with local people building friendships and learning from them about their culture and daily lives.

Qualifications: Participants must be aged 14 - 18. The only qualification is a desire to participate, a team-player attitude, and a willingness to push one's comfort zone by embracing new experiences.

Cost in US$: from $3450 - $5500

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Teenagers who choose Visions Service Adventures for their summer experience are typically highly motivated, energetic, curious people. Our participants care about their world, want to learn about it and contribute to its betterment. They make a real difference in the communities in which we live and work while expanding their personal horizons and growing as individuals.

Age Range: 14 - 18

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to - Multi-Country in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 16-25

Scholarships are Available. - please contact our office for information.

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