Immersion • Service • Community
Tech-Free: Disconnect So You Can Really Connect
The
VISIONS
Blog
Dig deeper into stories of friendships, community and projects.
VISIONS is PVSA Certified!
VISIONS Service Adventures is now a PVSA-certified organization, offering certified hours to teens volunteering on their summer programs.
Looking Back on Service Projects of Significant Impact
Looking back on projects of significant impact: In the Dominican Republic, VISIONS teen volunteers, their leaders and community members start construction on a new home… just in time.
Your Impact Lives On
Since our inception in 1988, VISIONS continues to offer some of the best volunteer opportunities for high school students there are. Projects are ambitious and real, and have an impact that lasts on the community. And you—our alum—are part of that legacy.
100% Tech-Free Volunteer Opportunities for High Schoolers
VISIONS offers 100% tech-free summer volunteer opportunities for high schoolers. Tech-free programs for kids are an essential counterpoint to the barrage of screens—and an opportunity to reset—and the best part is that teens are on board.
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.
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.
VISIONS Service Adventures Named Top Community Service Program by TeenLife for 2024
Explore VISIONS Service Adventures, recognized as a Top Community Service Program for 2024 by TeenLife. Join our legacy of positive impact!
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
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
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
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
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
VISIONS partners with PAW BVI (Promoting Animal Welfare) , an organization 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
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 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!