Every VISIONS summer tells a hundred small stories—about teens making a difference on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, about high school students addressing housing issues in the Dominican Republic, about new friendships formed on work sites in the Andes of Peru. But this season introduced a new chapter that helped tie all those stories into something lasting, something students could carry home with them long after the bags were unpacked. We call it the VIA.
In Spanish, via means “the way.” In VISIONS programs, VIA stands for Vision, Impact, Action—a simple but powerful framework that helps teens articulate who they want to be in this world, the difference they hope to make, and the steps they can take to get there.
VIA is not homework. It’s a reflection of the real growth that naturally happens in the middle of a tech-free summer program—where days are full, community is real, and the noise of the outside world fades enough for students to hear themselves clearly again. In an era when teen mental health is top of mind for families, VIA gives young people a grounded sense of self, purpose, and direction. It helps them recognize that their actions matter, their strengths are real, and their contributions—big or small—can create ripples of good in their own communities.
Why VIA, Why Now?
For more than three decades, VISIONS has seen how powerful service can be. Alumni have founded nonprofits, returned to host communities to continue working, pursued careers inspired by their time with us, and discovered a deeper understanding of gratitude and leadership.
But today’s teens are facing unprecedented levels of pressure and distraction. Many crave guidance on how to channel what they care about into meaningful action. They want to help animals, or improve conditions for community members experiencing homelessness. They want to shift their consumption habits toward sustainable fashion. They want to be leaders—not in the loud, performative sense, but in the grounded, empathetic way that makes communities stronger.
VIA is our way of supporting that desire. Throughout each program session, leaders guide students through small activities and reflective prompts. Each participant shapes their own VIA statement—a personalized blueprint that captures their purpose and the next steps that feel authentic to them.
Sometimes it’s as simple as saying “thank you” more often or promising to volunteer locally. Other times it’s a bold commitment to pursue a career path or start a long-term initiative. What matters most is that it comes from within.
Service as the Catalyst
VIA happens alongside everything VISIONS is already known for—collaborative service projects, cultural exchange, personal growth, and good, old-fashioned fun. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with community partners lays the foundation. It’s the muddy boots, the laughter during water breaks, the shared problem-solving that sparks empowerment and leadership in real time.
Teens see firsthand how classroom construction in the D.R. improves educational access. They understand how water conservation projects in Peru protect fragile agricultural systems. They learn how carpentry and food distribution support families on the Montana Blackfeet Nation. Those experiences fuel the vision behind their VIA.
And the actions they choose reflect that inspiration. This summer’s pilot season produced beautiful examples:
- Nicolas returned home determined to support the homeless community in his region. His VIA focuses on taking steps to reduce poverty and increase access to basic needs.
- Isla wants to address inequity in medicine, committing to research, internships, and continued learning as she works toward a career in healthcare.
- Grace is pursuing sustainable fashion, exploring ways to combat fast fashion through education, mending, upcycling, and building a college club focused on environmental responsibility.
- Josephine, already involved in homeless outreach, plans to grow her efforts with resource drives, fundraising, and direct support for shelters.
- Sahil hopes to blend empathy, family connection, and cultural exploration into meaningful service at home, driven by deep gratitude.
- Davidson —- NEED TO GET
These reflections aren’t just inspiring to read—they highlight how thoughtful teens can be when given the space and support to explore what matters most.
The Role of a Tech-Free Summer
Families often tell us that VISIONS feels like a reset—an antidote to the pressure cooker of constant notifications, academic stress, and social comparison. A tech-free summer program isn’t just a novelty; it’s a recalibration.
Without phones, students sleep better. They talk more openly. They laugh harder. They play again. Their mental health improves because they’re fully present, surrounded by peers who are also showing up authentically. In this environment, compassion grows naturally. Gratitude becomes second nature. Purpose becomes something they feel, not something they’re told to find.
This emotional clarity is where VIA takes root.
Support That Continues After the Summer
While VIA begins on the program, it doesn’t end there. Teens who want ongoing collaboration can stay connected with VISIONS for:
- Introductions to professionals working in fields like housing, animal welfare, conservation, or community health
- Guidance around school clubs, volunteer opportunities, or project ideas
- A simple check-in—because sometimes encouragement is the spark that keeps momentum alive
We don’t expect every student to launch a major initiative. What we do hope is that they return home feeling empowered, grounded, and inspired to take even one small step on their VIA. Those steps add up. They build confidence. They build character. They build community.
Still the VISIONS Experience You Know and Love
Even with the addition of VIA, the heart of VISIONS remains unchanged. Teens still:
- Form lifelong friendships
- Explore stunning landscapes
- Participate in hands-on service
- Experience meaningful cultural exchange
- Laugh, sing, play games, and recharge
- Return home happier, more confident, and more themselves
The joy and “youthful abandon” are still here—just with a new layer of direction and purpose woven in.
As we look toward our 36th summer, we feel deeply grateful for the young people who join us each year. Their courage, curiosity, and commitment to making the world better inspire us daily.
And we can’t wait to see where their VIA takes them next.
