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Values & Philosophies

Our Mission: To live in harmony with ourselves, each other and the natural world.

VISIONS programs are built on the foundation of three fundamental values:

    • Connection. Forge connections with the self, others and that natural world in ways that build empathy and make us whole.
    • Communication. Foster clear and honest communication that becomes the bedrock for meaningful relationships.
    • Engagement. Actively and fearlessly strive to make a positive difference for other people, living creatures and the earth.

Read the following stories to see how our programs embody these values.

My Dream Job in the Dominican Republic

My Dream Job in the Dominican Republic

November 25,2019

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.

VISIONS Leaders From Around the World

VISIONS Leaders From Around the World

July 29,2019

VISIONS leaders from around the world trained together in preparation for teen summer service trips. In the process, they forged deep connections.

How to Choose a Summer Program

How to Choose a Summer Program

June 5,2019

When making plans for summer, there is no shortage of options for you or your teen. There are sleepaway camps, teen tours, sports camps, international programs, and the list goes on. You can easily get lost in a sea of alluring catalogs promising life-changing summers. To help you navigate your options, below are 7 questions to ask when choosing summer programs.

VISIONS Family Tree, a Multigenerational Community

VISIONS Family Tree, a Multigenerational Community

May 2,2019

Lauren Maguire joined VISIONS in 1992 and 1993 as a leader for the British Virgin Islands Program. She said that back then, “the idea of my own child attending a Visions program never crossed my mind!” . . . 26 years later, her son heads out on his second VISIONS program. A number of participants from the first years of VISIONS now have children volunteering with us this summer. The VISIONS Family Tree grows . . .

A Closer Look at VISIONS Foundation

A Closer Look at VISIONS Foundation

April 30,2019

VISIONS Foundation expands upon the work already done by its sister organization, VISIONS Service Adventures, which was one of the first international community service programs for teenagers…

Spotlight: Nico Jara (Peru Project Coordinator)

Spotlight: Nico Jara (Peru Project Coordinator)

April 16,2019

In 1999, the world population exceeded six billion, Y2K hysteria stoked fears of societal collapse, popular music was dominated by Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys, and VISIONS established one of our deepest community connections with the Peru Summer Program. Nico Jara…