The
VISIONS
Blog
Program Updates and Notes from the Field
Dig deeper into stories of friendships, community and projects.
Spotlight: Emma Friedman (Participant)
Read and watch a heartfelt interview with 2019 Montana Blackfeet participant, Emma Friedman, about her teen volunteer experience.
Spotlight: Arielle Ortega (Participant)
Interview with 2019 Montana Blackfeet participant, Arielle Ortega, on what she is up to now, what she took away from the teen service trip, and where she is headed.
Spotlight: Leyri Garcia (Leader Photographer)
Leyri Garcia hails from the Dominican Republic and joined the VISIONS family in 2010. Back then, he was a young community member looking to help out and practice his English. He grew with VISIONS into a leadership role and has been a terrific member of our summer staff since 2015. Check out some of his amazing photography!
Spotlight: Summer Search (Partner Organization)
For the past 25 years individual students from Summer Search have joined our programs, but last year this relationship grew in a special way. We are proud of this connection. Here's why . . .
Earthquake rocks Alaskan village but VISIONS-built center endures
In November 2002, a massive earthquake rocked a small Alaskan community, damaging nearly every structure—except for the community center built just 3 months prior by VISIONS Alaska volunteers.
Middle School Students to Volunteer and Experience Life on the Blackfeet Reservation
The Yellow Bird Woman Sanctuary is named in honor of the life and legacy of Elouise Cobell. Middle school participants this summer will learn how to care for the land and engage in local traditions from members of the Blackfeet Reservation community.
Wes Hedden Returns to VISIONS as Dominican Republic Program Director
“We are seeing generational shifts as young people step into their potential as leaders… We have a lot to learn from young people. I look forward to learning from the participants in our DR programs in the summer of 2020, and I hope to help them recognize leadership qualities within themselves.”
Reviews Contest 2020
Participate in our Reviews Contest before February 14th! Share a bit about your VISIONS experience and be entered to win a 2020 hoodie.
Building Miss Ivy’s Home | Origin of VISIONS BVI Video
In 1992, VISIONS started working on meaningful community service projects in the British Virgin Islands.
Where We Live
While service work is at the root of each teen service program, it’s in equal measure with cultural immersion that transcends the experience of an average tourist. In all of our homes away from home, we live very much as local people do, and we are part of the fabric of daily life.
How to take a Holiday Digital Detox
Traditionally, the holidays are a time to gather, give thanks, reflect on the past and plan for the future. But what if it was also a time to unplug from technology?
My Dream Job in the Dominican Republic
Stacey Neve was a seasoned traveler and overseas educator in search of a community that shared her passions for meaningful service and cultural immersion. Living abroad had positively impacted her life, but her desire to help others find this type of life-changing experience needed a path forward. Stacey found what she was looking for when she joined VISIONS as a leader in the Dominican Republic this past summer. Read Stacey’s story to find out how this adventure changed her life and motivated her to move to Montana to join the VISIONS office full time.
Teen Community Service Programs in the United States
Teens open their eyes to the lesser-known cultural and environmental diversity of the United States. Engagement in the history and daily life of underrepresented communities expand the world views of high school and middle school students.
Sustainable Tourism in Galapagos
VISIONS launches a new program specific to the Galapagos Islands, aiming to involve teens in important sustainability projects on a local permaculture farm.
2019 Photo Contest Winners!
Winning photos from our 2019 VISIONS Photo Contest! Participants submitted photos from their summers around the globe and the VISIONS community voted for their favorite shots... See who won!