teen service programs
This summer, VISIONS turns 30. As one of the longest-running international teen service programs around, we’re proud of our age. Over the years we’ve forged deep friendships, completed successful projects and changed lives.

VISIONS roots go back to the early 1970s, when a few New York friends and educators relocated to a Pennsylvania farm to establish an experiential summer camp for teens. The kids excelled at the construction projections and farm work, and loved the camaraderie of living and working together with a shared sense of purpose.

In 1988, we created VISIONS to carry these ideas beyond the farm into the larger world—taking experiential learning to another level and tapping into teenagers’ abilities, with the goal of helping others. Our oldest ongoing programs launched 27 years ago in Montana on the Blackfeet and Northern Cheyenne Reservations and in the Dominican Republic. Our newest addition began six years ago in Cambodia.

When we develop new programs, we do so with long-term partnerships in mind. These enduring relationships translate into exceptional opportunities for deep cultural learning. Teens interact with local people who know and care for them, and leave with a greater understanding of what life is like in other parts of the world.

Do you have a VISIONS Story?

Fill out an interview for our Spotlight Series or submit a story of your own format or creative expression.

Related blog posts

Your VIA: How Teens Turn Service Into Purpose With VISIONS

Your VIA: How Teens Turn Service Into Purpose With VISIONS

VISIONS new VIA—Vision, Impact, Action—helps teens turn summer service into lasting purpose. Through reflection, real-world projects, and a tech-free environment, students gain confidence, clarity, and direction long after the program ends.

In Their Own Words: VISIONS Summer Testimonials

In Their Own Words: VISIONS Summer Testimonials

Hear directly from VISIONS teens and parents about the impact of their summer—meaningful community service, deep friendships, tech-free connection, and moments that shaped who they’re becoming. These reflections capture the heart of the VISIONS experience.

What Teens Accomplished This Summer with VISIONS

What Teens Accomplished This Summer with VISIONS

This summer, VISIONS teens made a meaningful difference through hands-on service and deep community partnerships in Montana, the Dominican Republic, and Peru. From homebuilding to water conservation, these projects highlight the impact young people can have when they step into real-world work.