know before you go
Program Preparation Information
Participant Portal
Summer prep webinar
FAQs
Packing list
PARTICIPANT PORTAL
The login page is for parents and participants to complete required paperwork and prepare for your program.
Summer prep webinar
2025 webinars will be posted soon and you’ll receive a notice if you are signed up to receive our emails. In the meantime, book a call with our director or contact the VISIONS office at 406-551-4423, email info@visions-service.com.
You can also check out an abbreviated version of last season’s webinar on YouTube.
Previously recorded Montana Blackfeet 2024 webinar. Check out other informative & fun videos on our YouTube channel.
faqs
Program life
What's the community like?
When we refer to the community of participants and leaders in VISIONS, we mean it as best defined by M. Scott Peck in “The Different Drum”: A group of individuals who have learned how to communicate honestly with each other, whose relationships go deeper than their masks of composure, and who have developed some significant commitment to . . . delight in each other, make others’ conditions (their) own.
On a VISIONS program, we place a premium on building a sense of community and getting to know everyone in the group. Sometimes, community might mean “neighborhood.” On a deeper level, it can mean creating a kind of family out of strangers, and it is this sense of community that we strive to create among our groups.
Community also means embracing your responsibilities within the group, respecting others, communicating clearly, and living cooperatively. To encourage growth in each of those areas, your group will meet three or four nights a week for about an hour to speak and listen to each other. We reflect on the day, including the volunteer and cultural experiences, and sometimes also use the time to hash out issues and iron out differences. This is a time to communicate openly and to listen to others’ perspectives. It can also be an occasion for us to see how others perceive us, which is a valuable gift.
Through this, we stand to gain insight as well as more effective communication skills, which are as useful as the physical skills we learn each day.
“There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace — and ultimately no life — without community.”
Is there a code of ethics?
Code of Ethics
- Travel with a spirit of humility and a genuine desire to meet and talk with local people.
- Be aware of the feelings of others. Act respectfully and avoid offensive behavior, including when taking photographs.
- Cultivate the habit of actively listening and observing rather than merely hearing and seeing. Avoid the temptation to “know all the answers.”
- Realize that others may have concepts of time and attitudes that are different—not inferior—to those you inherited from your own culture.
- Instead of looking only for the exotic, discover the richness of another culture and way of life. Learn local customs and respect them.
- Spend time each day reflecting on your experiences in order to deepen your understanding. Is your enrichment beneficial for all involved?
Compiled by The North American Center for Responsible Tourism, San Anselmo, CA
Cultural Appropriateness
VISIONS places high value on respect for the community members who welcome us into their lives. We are not tourists. We are temporary community members, and as such strive to honor the standards of our host community.
The community will want to welcome you as a friend. Inappropriate language, behavior or attire may inadvertently put a personal wedge in those relationships, many of which are with elders and people who work at social service organizations where conservative apparel is the norm. Please do your part and leave at home anything that isn’t part of #VISIONSdressCODE.
Program Expectations & Zero Tolerance Rules
Participant Contract: “VISIONS expects that all participants understand that they will be asked to put the group’s needs ahead of their own. Participants are ambassadors for VISIONS while in our host communities, and are expected to uphold an ethic of service and goodwill. Appropriate, considerate conduct, and respect for program policies are essential. We live and work in the public eye, and appropriate behavior, language, and clothing are necessary. Participants assume responsibility for their conduct and their part in creating a productive group experience.”
VISIONS leaders create opportunities for participants to succeed, easily behave within our expectations, and have a healthy, fulfilling experience. We want families to be aware of some of the ingredients we view as fundamental to a successful experience for all involved.
Zero Tolerance “Airplane” Rules
VISIONS is a Zero Tolerance program regarding (1) consumption, possession, or attempted possession of alcohol or drugs/illegal substances; (2) sexual activity—meaning conduct deemed unacceptable in public places. These activities result in loss of community service hours and immediate dismissal, and thus are referred to as our Airplane Rules. Remember that VISIONS focuses on an inclusive group dynamic, so cliques and romances are out of sync with the goal of a powerful and life-changing experience..
#VISIONSdressCode
Participants need to pack according to the dress code, which is appropriate for the cultural standards in our communities. As collaborative partners, insensitivity to the dress code undermines local relationships and means that the participant will have limited access to the clothing they have brough (i.e.: will need to wear pants instead of short shorts).
Getting Enough Sleep
We work hard and pack a lot of activities into many of the days. To keep everyone healthy and energized, we establish a set “lights out” time. Participants are welcome to use a headlamp to read after lights out, but we suspect that you will welcome the sleep. There are occasional exceptions to the bedtime, including staying up for a community social event.
Appropriate Language
Participants are expected to speak to each other and leaders respectfully and avoid inappropriate language. If a participant needs repeated reminders about respectful communication, it will be grounds for a Behavior Contract and/or reduced service hours.
Work Ethic
We respect the decision to be part of an ambitious service trip and we expect participants to uphold their commitment to the work at hand. Not everyone will have the same capabilities or endurance, but we look forward to seeing each person push themselves and contribute in ways that will make them proud and achieve our shared goals!
Please feel free to review the Enrollment Contact that each primary parent/guardian signs upon registering for a VISIONS program.
Health
Please note that the program is based near the town of Browning on the Blackfeet reservation. The hospital in Browning typically only serves tribal members, except in emergency situations. Most medical situations would be treated at the Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank, which is a 45 – 60 minute drive. Serious medical situations would be treated at the hospital in Great Falls or Kalispell.
To learn more about health and risk management on VISIONS programs, please refer to this FAQ link.
Being In Touch
Program Updates
While VISIONS leaders do not post constant updates from the field (their primary job being to be fully present with the program and kids), a few times a week they do post photos and updates to VISIONS Facebook and Instagram pages.
Communication
Kids make a quick call home upon being met by a VISIONS leader at the airport. (For international sites, we encourage kids and parents to download WhatsApp on your phones before the program.) After that, participants’ phones are collected for the duration of the program and families are encouraged to follow program updates through our social media.
Parents are also called if a participant is taken to a clinic or if another situation deems calling home.
For urgent matters and questions during the summer, parents may of course call the VISIONS office at 406-551-4423. During off-hours, a 24-hour number is provided on the office message system (so please don’t hang up if you get to voicemail).
Mailing Address
We don’t receive mail on the program. If you need to send something to your child, please contact the VISIONS office.
Tech-Free
Hooray! VISIONS is tech-free. Cell phones and gadgets are collected on arrival after calling home at the airport. (Remember—if you’re traveling out of country, family members can download WhatsApp pre-trip to avoid international calling fees.) Phones are returned on the final day at the airport before checking in.
We make every effort to safely secure kids’ phones, but VISIONS is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Label your phone and please don’t bring any additional devices.
Non-phone cameras are allowed, but don’t worry if you choose not to bring one, as leaders share photos at the end of the program.
Travel
Booking Flights
- The VISIONS designated travel agent is Aileen Setiawan at Discover Travel, 215.925.6174 or aileen@discovertravelinc.com
- VISIONS strongly recommends that flights are booked with Aileen since she has the arrival and departure parameters as well as an overview of all participants’ itineraries in order to facilitate travel days. It is not guaranteed that there will be more than one participant on every flight, but participants booking flights through Aileen will be placed on the same travel itineraries whenever possible.
- If families choose not to book with Aileen, the itinerary must be submitted to VISIONS for approval prior to booking. Neither VISIONS nor our travel agent will be able to assist with travel issues associated with flights booked through an alternative option.
- In cases of flight delays or changed flight dates, Aileen is a resource, but not after regular business hours. There will be instances when parents will need to call an airline to assist.
- Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Service is required by some airlines for minors who are not traveling with an adult. Aileen will inform you of the requirements, and please also check the regulations of your carrier. UM assistance is arranged directly with the airline, but you will need to share the details with VISIONS so we can pass it along to program leaders. If you are not booking with Aileen and are booking directly with the airline using miles, the airline might not advise you of the UM requirement, which can cause last minute issues at the airport. It is each family’s responsibility to take care of UM requirements well in advance of travel day.
Trip Insurance
Travel Documents
Refer to the packing list for additional details about travel documents.
If you are traveling internationally for your program and need an updated passport, don’t delay! You can do an online search for your country destination + travel requirements if you have any questions. Note that processing for youth passports can take longer than adults, so plan to get expedited processing if the trip is less than three months away.
Participants traveling internationally should also take a notarized Minor Consent to Travel Form. While it’s rarely requested by the airlines, they are at liberty to ask for this when minors are traveling out of their home country without legal guardians.
Participants ages 15-17 traveling to Montana will also need one of the following per 2025 TSA travel requirements: Driver’s License or Passport or Credit Card (in the name of the participant) or School ID or Library Card or Birth Certificate or Social Security Card.
Refer to the packing list for additional details about travel documents. Participants who are not U.S. citizens must consult with the appropriate embassy or consulate regarding travel requirements.
Spending Money
Tuition covers all activities of the program, but participants should have access to extra money ($20-50 per week) for personal items such as souvenirs, snacks beyond what the program provides, and baggage or other travel-related fees.
- Cash: VISIONS leaders encourage participants to turn in cash at the beginning of the program and check money out as needed, but we don’t want to accept more than $150. For international locations, money can be changed at the arrival airport.
- ATM/Debit Card: An ATM card will withdraw local currency and is more secure than carrying excess cash. If needed, it can be in a parent’s name since ATM machines don’t require identification. Note: Don’t rely on prepaid debit cards, which often do not work well (even if they say they will).
- Credit Card: We recommend bringing a credit card for things like baggage fees and other expenses if your ATM card doesn’t have spending abilities.
Note: Please don’t bring a bunch of snacks from home. They aren’t allowed in sleeping areas because they attract pests, our kitchen can’t accommodate the extras, and there are options to purchase locally. (Exceptions for those with documented food restrictions who need to bring specialty items.)
Pack with Intention
Remember that comfort and versatility are more important than fashion, and clothes will get dirty. We understand that you may need to purchase some new or new-thrift items in order to adhere to the dress code, and we appreciate your understanding with this. You can check out our blog about gear for suggestions.
We do laundry once a week on programs longer than 9 days, and hand washing clothes can be done at any time. The packing list may be more than what you need, so err on the side of paring down instead of bulking up. (This is also a good time to remind you that VISIONS programs take place in a no frills backdrop, with showers every other day.) Label all clothing with indelible ink and don’t bring more than what’s on the packing list, as there won’t be space.
For Montana and Peru programs we recommend a bag no larger than 115 Liters plus a book bag/day pack.
For the DR program we recommend a bag no larger that 50 Liters plus a book bag/day pack.
Travel Days
- Copy, paste & print the information below for participant to take while traveling
- Parent & participant review it together before the trip
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Keep your passport or other ID safe and accessible
- Have your money / debit card safe and accessible
- Carry your cell phone and charger in your carry-on (rather than packing in checked bags)
- Put your home address (not program address) on your luggage tags
Airport Arrival Instructions
- If you have a connection during your travels, go directly to the gate of the next flight, even if it’s a long connection. Check the flight screens for the gate number; ask for help from airport personnel as needed.
- You will then exit the secure area and into baggage claim, where your VISIONS leaders will be waiting for you. Do not leave the airport until you’re with your leaders.
- Leaders will be holding an orange umbrella and wearing VISIONS t-shirts!
- There are often a lot of people meeting friends and family here, so it’s important that you actively look for your leaders.
- Once with leaders, participants make a quick “arrival call home.” Note: This call may occur upwards of 1.5 hrs after the flight lands, due to the logistics of gathering the entire group. Kids do not make another call once they reach our homebase since they are now with leaders.
- Leaders & participants then drive together to our homebase.
- If arriving from outside of the US, provide the following info to Customs:
- The primary purpose of the trip is “tourism,” since this is not for a job
- The address you’ll be staying at is:Yellow Bird Woman Sanctuary Ranch, Browning, MT 59417
Airport Issues Help
The VISIONS office is available 24/7 while participants are traveling at (406) 551-4423.
- If there are any flight delays that will affect a participant’s arrival time (to the program), participants should contact the VISIONS office immediately.
- If bags are lost, leaders will do their best to handle it on the spot and will be in touch with parents if assistance is needed.
- If you cannot find leaders in the airport:
- Remain inside the airport
- Do not leave the secure pickup area
- If after 10 minutes you have not found a leader, call the VISIONS office
Departure Day
Leaders help participants check in to their flights, see them through security, and remain in the vicinity of the airport until each flight has departed. Parents are welcome to check their child in online (and pay for bag) beforehand and text the e-ticket to their child, but this extra step isn’t necessary. Participants should have their ATM or credit card to pay for any baggage fees, if needed.
Participants’ phones are returned to them upon arrival at the airport.
Montana blackfeet packing list
#VISIONSdressCODE (Do not pack these!)
- Short-shorts or short skirts. All shorts—for boys and girls—must be between mid thigh and knee length. Students who arrive without appropriate shorts will need to wear pants
- Crop tops (shirts need to cover midriff; clothing must overlap)
- Spaghetti straps
- Low cut shirts
- Clothing that reveals undergarments
- See-through clothing
- Spandex or yoga pants (leggings worn under shorts are permitted)
- Bikinis or Brazil-cut bathing suits (tankinis are fine)
- Low-riding pants that show boxers
- Also, please don’t bring snacks from home. They aren’t allowed in sleeping areas because they attract pests, and our kitchen can’t accommodate these extras. There are plenty of options to purchase locally. Note: If you have allergies and need to bring specialty items, that will be okay.
Forecast
The weather can be variable from season to season and daytime to nighttime, so you’ll bring layers. Daytime temperatures tend to be mid-70s to low-90s and most days will find us in t-shirts and shorts or pants.
Documents
Put these in an envelope in your carry-on to give to VISIONS leaders on-site.
I.D.
Per TSA Travel Requirements, please bring ONE of the following: Driver’s License, Passport, Credit Card, School ID, Library Card, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card.
personal items & gear
Luggage
The entire packing list fits into a 90 to 115 L bag (pillow & book bag separate).
Hand Sanitizer
Small bottle for personal use
Toiletries
Travel sizes instead of large; more can be purchased on-site if needed
Biodegradable shampoo & soap (Dr. Bronners, for example)
Leave hair dryers, makeup, etc. at home
Medication
We suggest putting prescriptions into pill boxes that cover the entire program. Also please bring the original prescription containers.
Bring prescriptions in your carry-on in case luggage is delayed
Sunscreen
Bring enough to apply multiple times a day
Bug Repellant
Non-aerosol bottles, please, and enough for the duration of program; also consider bringing a small amount of anti-itch ointment
Towel
One should be enough
Sheets
Twin-sized sheets
Pillow
Can be taken as a carry on & travel size should be just fine
Sleeping Bag
Rated to approx 25°F since nights can be chilly; and a stuff sack
Headlamp
For reading at night
Sunglasses
A strap is recommended
Water Bottle
24 oz. minimum and label with your name
Work Gloves
Durable material & label with your name
Daypack
You will use this daily to take to worksites and other activities
Laundry Bag
Stuff-sack-type bag or pillowcase will suffice (only for programs longer than 8 days)
Spending Money
Refer to the Packing Guidelines if you have questions
Attire
Shoes
1 pair of broken-in & water-resistant hiking boots with ankle support for worksites & hikes. Also bring a pair of sneakers if you’d like
Sandals
Teva- or Chaco-type sandals with straps
Optionally also bring flip-flops for showers & beach
T-Shirts
4 to 6 t-shirts with at least 1 being quick-dry, non-cotton
Important: Remember #VISIONSdressCODE
Jacket
Lightweight, waterproof shell / jacket
Work Shirt
1 button-up for sun protection, hikes & cool nights. Non-cotton, fast-drying material
Pants
1 pair jeans / work pants; 1 pair lightweight quick-dry material
Shorts
2 to 4 pairs: search for “long work shorts,” which will be good for worksites & outings (shorts must be between mid-thigh and knee-length!) Remember #VISIONSdressCODE
Socks
4 pairs of regular socks
1 polypro or silk sock liners (optional, can help prevent blisters)
2 pairs of wool or polypro hiking socks
Under-Garments
Keep in mind laundry is done weekly on programs longer than 9 days
Sleepwear
Just for sleeping—it won’t be worn around homebase or to breakfast
Bathing Suit
Remember NO Bikinis or Brazil-cut bathing suits (tankinis are fine)
Review the #VISIONSdressCODE
Hat
A baseball hat to protect from the sun & another hat to wear at night in case it’s chilly
Fleece
Non-cotton warm layer of a fleece, light down or wool sweater
Optional
Watch
Recommended since you won’t have your phone; water-proof or resistant is best
Book
Old-fashioned book with pages; no e-books
Musical Instrument
Any musicians out there?
Camera
Just as long as it’s not part of a phone
Bandana
Versatile items for protection from the sun
Journal
To remember this unique experience!
Travel Game
If you have a favorite, feel free to bring it
Eye Mask & Ear Plugs
For darker, quieter sleeping (the sun sets late & rises early!)