Immersion • Service • Community
Tech-Free: Disconnect So You Can Really Connect
British Virgin Islands
High School Service Program
Carpentry & Social Service
in the Caribbean
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1
JULY 02 to JULY 10 | 9 DAYS
30 HRS SERVICE | TUITION $3,290
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 2
JULY 15 to JULY 23 | 9 DAYS
30 HRS SERVICE | TUITION $3,290
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 3
JULY 28 to AUGUST 03 | 7 DAYS
25 HRS SERVICE | TUITION $2,590
CHECK OUT: PROGRAM AVAILABILITY
“I felt great about the projects I participated in this summer. It was fulfilling to watch the progress we made over the course of a month. From this trip I gained incredible fulfillment. Not only did the work projects make me feel immensely proud but also learning about the beautiful island around me was life-changing.”
Embracing Projects That Matter
Communities in the British Virgin Islands have welcomed our summer service programs for more than 30 years. While climate-related issues facing the Caribbean are larger than any one group can address, VISIONS teen service trips are appreciated by the local community now more than ever. A few years ago, we helped after Cat-5 Hurricane Irma leveled much of the islands’ infrastructure, and students continue to work on projects that address immediate needs while simultaneously building heartfelt connections with community members.
This summer our teen service trips will volunteer with the Animal Rescue Council by constructing dog houses that help pets get relief from the hot sun. We also help with puppy care when opportunities arise. Other service projects in the BVI include volunteering with the tourism board on building park and public facilities needed for the critical tourism industry, doing small carpentry projects at local schools, teaching swimming lessons to island kids and helping at a day camp.
“I have done other summer programs, but VISIONS was so much better for me. I’ve never encountered the feeling… and working so closely with local people. I feel it caused a major change in my views.”
Making Meaningful Connections
Within its 8.5 square miles, the charming island of Virgin Gorda bounds with lively friends and vibrant landscapes. The proud Afro-Caribbean heritage energizes every day of the teen summer programs. VISIONS has worked in the BVI since 1992 and we are deeply immersed in island culture. You will be welcomed like an old friend—hanging out with project partners, shopping at local markets,, and relaxing into island time. We host guest speakers who open up about the experience of living through a Category 5 hurricane and play with local kids at the beach. Your connections with the community will open your eyes to a special way of life.
Our
Home:
Virgin Gorda,
British Virgin Islands
“By the end of the program, I felt at home in the BVI. This trip has helped me realize that the world is a massive place and there is so much to see and so much to learn out there from other people.”
SETTING OUT TO GO BEYOND
The service work will be demanding, but time off to explore will restore you and reinvigorate your purpose. We end work most days around 2 pm and often take a break at the beach! We swim and snorkel at Savannah Bay, Devil’s Bay and other exquisite beaches; hike up Gorda Peak, a high point from which you can see almost the entire length of the Virgin Islands archipelago; explore small markets and traditional foods of the island’s main village known as Spanish Town. And our full-day excursions allow time to SCUBA dive at stellar coral reefs, participate in our own BVI Olympics, and swim at the island’s famous batholiths, which are giant boulders created by ancient volcanic eruptions and known as “The Baths.” Throw in a lovely sunset, and you’ll never take nature for granted again.
ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS
- One-day SCUBA dive at incredible reefs
- Guided tour & snorkeling at mangroves*
- Invertebrates educational session & collection
- Swim at the volcanic rock pools known as The Baths
- Explore the abandoned coastal Copper Mine
- Listen to local friend’s stories about island life
- Hike to scenic island outlooks, including Gorda Peak & 99 Steps
- Journey to a nearby nature island*
- Take part in VISIONS “Beach Olympics” & Talent Show
*Long session only
BVI Blog Posts
Growing Up With VISIONS: A Multi-Generation Alum Family
Maya Mastin’s dad has been a long-time VISIONS leader. She is following in his footsteps by not only completing 3 summers as a teen volunteer (during his time as a leader), but is now a leader herself in one of our Spanish immersion programs in the Dominican Republic!
VISIONS summer volunteer leader Armeno looks forward to Peru
As Armeno recalls past programs, he looks back on what he’s learned from each location and looks forward to his next, back in VISIONS Spanish immersion program in Peru this summer!
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.