Along with all their other responsibilities, participants took on the care of our homebase at the 1,100-acre conservation ranch. From preparing meals and pitching in with chores to keeping spaces tidy, they contributed to everyday life, fostering independence, character, and self-confidence.
In partnership with local nonprofits and community organizers, our teen volunteers completed the following work over the course of our 2024 summer programs.
Child Nutrition Program
VISIONS teens prepared and served hot breakfast for approximately 150 local children each day, and then made, bagged and delivered lunches to kids around the reservation. At Blackfeet Youth Days, we barbecued, cooked and distributed meals. Finally, we cleaned a 1500 sq. ft. school supply warehouse and sorted items for donations.
Blackfeet Ceremonies
We are honored when we are asked to participate in any way with traditional ceremonies and this year we were able to help construct two Sundance lodges. VISIONS kids chopped and smoothed logs to make them into posts, dug holes, and cut aspens for the exterior of the lodge. We also helped with meals and cleanup during these sacred Blackfeet ceremonies.
We had the privilege to erect tipi lodges, cook tents and the Buffalo Women’s Society meeting tent for Sacred Horn Society’s Circle Camp. Teens moved and set up portopots, distributed water, filled holes and leveled the ground in preparation for dancers. In addition to the work, VISIONS participants were invited to attend and receive blessings. Circle Camp is traditionally known as Akao’katsin, meaning “time of all people camping together,” and is an important time of the year for Blackfeet people to renew their connections to the natural world.
Department of Housing
At a disabled elder’s home, VISIONS teen volunteers demolished an old greenhouse, removed an old deck and stairs, and rebuilt stairs and decking using power tools, decking material and 2x4s. We also painted two homes for people who rely on public housing assistance. In addition to painting two homes, VISIONS removed five 16’ x 14’ rotted decks and staircases from other homes, then rebuilt each with new lumber. In addition to hand tools, the project required circular and chop saws, drills and impact drivers.
Animal Shelter
VISIONS kids fostered, fed and cared for puppies through the summer on the ranch. Several puppies were adopted by VISIONS participants and their families.
Community Elders & Other Households
VISIONS teens helped with the construction of a garage and other home projects for elders Larry and Leigh, who are known for their support of community members who are struggling with loss, addiction or other issues. We did yard work, tipi removal and other small projects for Marie and Andrzej, and painted the home of an elder who is a bundle holder and integral to Blackfeet ceremonies.
Medicine Bear Lodge
VISIONS participants served lunches four to five days a week to 40 to 90 people who are experiencing homelessness and poverty. We also assisted with laundry and cleaning at the shelter.
Glacier Volunteers & Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation
Teen volunteers removed invasive plants and did trail work in Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. We worked with Park Rangers and trail crews, and collected more than 150 bags of invasive plants.
Operation Walking Shield
VISIONS volunteers joined U.S. service members from more than 50 units across the country, along with nonprofit Remote Area Medical (RAM) to execute the most high-impact medical and vision clinic in Blackfeet history. VISIONS teens partnered with RAM and were trained to test eyesight, fabricate glasses in the mobile lab, and document patient information. More than half a million dollars worth of optometry services were provided during this 10-day clinic.
Blackfeet Indian Land Trust & Yellow Bird Woman Sanctuary
At VISIONS home base on the ranch, we demolished an old 100’ x 30’ sheep barn—removing corrugated metal roofing and barn wood walls. The materials were carefully removed and denailed in order to be repurposed for future projects. Interior refuse was cleared.
Participants did cleanup of ten acres, clearing out old fencing and debris. Cleanup included the glacial fen wetland, which provides important habitat to wildlife.
The leaders were fantastic, the unique opportunities provided to the kids unmatched and the inclusivity among the girls that was fostered unmatched. My daughter came home with story after story, having leaned into the experience and embracing her inner fears to experience all the program had to offer. She adored her leaders and learned so many new things—whether how to paint or use a saw, to important aspects of the Blackfeet traditions and culture. Her face lights up talking about all of it.
The memories I made with the students I went with & the leaders we had will forever be in my heart. Everyday I wish I could go back because I didn’t know how much I needed an experience like this, to get away, meet new people, as-well as helping new people and all while adventuring in an unfamiliar place. The service work we did felt very meaningful to me and it made me feel proud to have helped members of the community we were in.
