Learn tangible lessons about the social and environmental issues the islands face in the midst of increasingly destructive storms. And swim, snorkel, SCUBA dive and explore in one of the most beautiful and welcoming places on earth.
JULY 5 to JULY 29 | 25 DAYS
85 HRS SERVICE | TUITION $5,950
Embrace a rare opportunity to engage in crucial hurricane relief work—animal welfare, cleanup, carpentry and rebuilding—on British Virgin Islands service trips. Learn tangible lessons about the social and environmental issues the islands face in the midst of increasingly destructive storms. And swim, snorkel, SCUBA dive and explore in one of the most beautiful and welcoming places on earth.
*Note that 2021 activities will be adjusted as needed for Covid-safety protocols and interactions with community members will also be physically distanced. Read the program itinerary and Covid page for more information.
Communities in the British Virgin Islands have welcomed our summer service programs for 30 years, and in that time the greatest challenge to face our local partners has been the recent hurricane destruction. While issues facing the Caribbean are larger than any single group can address, VISIONS teen service trips are needed now more than ever. Guided by carpenters and local partners, students help on projects that address immediate needs and build heartfelt connections with a community grappling with increasingly severe storms.
This summer our teen service trips will volunteer with animal shelters that have been stretched thin with limited resources since Hurricane Irma. We will construct dozens of dog houses that help pets get relief from the hot sun. Distributing these also provides an opportunity to let community members know about spay and neuter clinics and other resources. This is an opportunity to be an animal shelter volunteer as we’ll be taking care of plenty of young pups, cats and other delightful critters along the way! Other community service projects in the BVI include volunteering with the tourism board on rebuilding park and public facilities needed to revive the critical tourism industry, teaching swimming lessons to island kids and helping at an educational 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.”
Read what others have said about their experience in this location. You also are welcome to contact the VISIONS office to request student and parent references.