Immersion Service Community

Tech-Free: Disconnect So You Can Really Connect

The
VISIONS
Blog

Program Updates and Notes from the Field

Dig deeper into stories of friendships, community and projects.

Santos Ramos: The Patron Saint of VISIONS Dominican Republic

Santos Ramos: The Patron Saint of VISIONS Dominican Republic

Meet Santos Ramos, our “Saint” of VISIONS Dominican Republic. Since 1991, Santos has been an integral part of VISIONS, dedicating his life to serving communities, building schools, and providing homes. Read on to discover his remarkable story and lasting impact.

The Ultimate Guide to Volunteering Abroad: Best Countries for Teenagers

The Ultimate Guide to Volunteering Abroad: Best Countries for Teenagers

As a teenager, volunteering abroad not only broadens your horizons but also leaves a lasting impact on the lives of others. We explore some of the best countries for teens to volunteer, and highlight some fantastic opportunities for high school students seeking summer volunteer programs.

Spotlight: Rosa Maria Espino, Community Partner

Spotlight: Rosa Maria Espino, Community Partner

Meet Rosa Maria Espino, a devoted Community Partner in Cotui, Dominican Republic, whose love for her family and community shines through her work with VISIONS Service Adventures.

Learn More About Our Custom Volunteer Programs for Groups

Learn More About Our Custom Volunteer Programs for Groups

In addition to our mainstay summer programs, VISIONS also runs custom volunteer trips for groups! These customized service adventures are available year-round, for participants of all ages and at all VISIONS program sites.

Director Letter: The Greatest Gift I Could Have Received

Director Letter: The Greatest Gift I Could Have Received

Katherine, our Executive Director, rolled up her sleeves and helped lead two programs on the Blackfeet Reservation this summer. Read on for her reflections on leading programs years ago, and how it feels today.

Diversity, Inclusivity, and Equity for All

Diversity, Inclusivity, and Equity for All

VISIONS Service Adventures has always had diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of this teen service organization. Read on to see what that looks like in action, from the beginning, and how it has evolved over the years.

VISIONS Baseball Drive: Passing the Torch and Expanding Our Reach

VISIONS Baseball Drive: Passing the Torch and Expanding Our Reach

Daniel successfully organized a baseball equipment drive to collect gear for kids in the Dominican Republic, where he spent part of his summer as a teen volunteer in our Spanish immersion program. Read more to learn how it’s growing, and how you can be part of it!

Top 10 Ways to Survive Without Technology

Top 10 Ways to Survive Without Technology

Traveling, volunteering abroad, or simply being in our own home environments are vastly enriched experiences for both teens and adults when we disconnect from technology.

Paws-itive Impact: VISIONS Teens Volunteer on Animal Initiatives

Paws-itive Impact: VISIONS Teens Volunteer on Animal Initiatives

VISIONS partners with PAW BVI (Promoting Animal Welfare) and ARC Virgin Gorda (Animal Rescue Corps), two organizations dedicated to the wellbeing and care of animals. Teen volunteers have the opportunity to help with animal-centered service while on a summer program in the BVI.

Humanity’s Edge Over AI: The Power of Relationships & Nature

Humanity’s Edge Over AI: The Power of Relationships & Nature

As Artificial Intelligence takes us by storm, our shift in perspective, as beings, goes even further from an orientation to the natural world to a technology-based world. What does this mean for young people, the digital natives who now also grow up with AI as part of their formative years? We have some thoughts about this.

What Do We Mean by “Meaningful Service?”

What Do We Mean by “Meaningful Service?”

What makes service work meaningful? How does VISIONS ensure our service efforts are impactful, lasting, and an overall positive experience for both local communities and our participants? Let’s learn more!

It’s Not the Cow, It’s the How

It’s Not the Cow, It’s the How

VISIONS partner Meagan Lannan, of Barney Creek Livestock, teaches VISIONS students about the importance of regenerative agriculture. Learn more!

Why the VISIONS Dress Code?

Why the VISIONS Dress Code?

Our decisions about dress code are quite simple—we are guests in our host communities, not tourists. We work with elders, nonprofit leaders in their professional settings, indigenous communities that abide by conservative attire, members of religious and spiritual groups, and others whose cultural and professional beliefs abide by conservative and appropriate attire.

VISIONS in The New York Times