Montana Roots Gap FAQ

Program Preparation Information

Packing

Packing Guidelines / Tech Policy
VISIONS places a high value on respect of the community members who welcome us year after year. We are not tourists. We are temporary community members, and as such must strive to honor the standards of our host community. We all need to be conscious of adapting rather than imposing our usual day-to-day conduct or dress on the places we visit.The community where we live and work will want to welcome you as a friend, and we do not want to alienate local contacts, who often include elders and community leaders who are accustomed to conservative apparel.

In addition to the cultural considerations, conservative dress protects you from the sun, heat, mosquito bites and minor cuts. Long-sleeved gauzy fabric is breathable and cool, and the body adjusts to protective clothing. You’ll be more comfortable if less of your skin is exposed. 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. 

  • Articles of clothing NOT permitted on VISIONS programs:
    • Short-shorts or short skirts. All shorts—for boys and girls—must be at least mid thigh and less will not be permitted. Students who arrive with shorts or skirts shorter will not be allowed to wear them, and will need to wear pants or go shopping on-site (at your own cost) when time allows. 
    • Crop tops (shirts need to be long enough to cover midriff)
    • Spaghetti strap shirts or dresses 
    • Low cut shirts (no deep v-necks, loose-hanging, wide cut necklines, or any shirt that revelas undergarmets )
    • Clothing that reveals undergarments
    • See-through clothing 
    • Spandex or yoga pants (under clothing such as shorts is permitted)
    • Bikinis 
    • Low riding pants that show boxers 

Note: If you bring clothing items that don’t follow the dress code above, you won’t be able to wear those items during the program. If you don’t have sufficient appropriate clothing, you may need to purchase clothes on site at your own cost. Thank you for your understanding.

COVID-19

Precautionary Measures
We are all in this together, and arriving to Montana COVID-free will set you and your group members up for a fun and successful experience!

  • Prior to acceptance to the program, participants complete a health form, which asks general questions about lifestyle and living situations.
  • All participants are required to self-isolate for two weeks prior to the program.
  • During the two week isolation, participants must avoid public places, maintain at least six feet of distance from people who do not live in their household, and wear a mask when necessary.
  • Participants will monitor their health for two weeks prior to the program and document temperatures and health conditions. VISIONS will provide a health screening form to submit daily.
  • If a participant displays any COVID-related symptoms prior to the program, they must be tested immediately and provide the test results to VISIONS. If the test is negative, they must be symptom-free for 72 hours prior to leaving for the program. If the test is positive, the participant will not be allowed to attend the VISIONS program.

LOGISTICS

Travel Logistics
  • Due to COVID precautions, we recommend driving to the program if possible. VISIONS will introduce participants who live in the same region to each other for possible carpooling.
  • Participants are required to follow CDC guidelines for car travel. VISIONS will have a place to store vehicles during the course of the program.
  • For participants who fly to the program, the VISIONS travel agent is Aileen Setiawan at Discover Travel, 215.925.6174 or aileen@discovertravelinc.com. If a participant chooses 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.
  • VISIONS leaders pickup up each participant at the Bozeman airport upon arrival.
Evacuation & Trip Insurance
If participants wish to purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance in addition to the required evacuation insurance, please read more here, and also contact RedPoint Resolutions at 415-481-0600 or clientservices@redpointresolutions.com and let them know that you are a VISIONS participant.
Program Expectations & Zero Tolerance Rules
Zero Tolerance Rules

VISIONS is a zero tolerance program regarding consumption, possession, or attempted possession of alcohol or drugs/illegal substances. Consuming, possessing, or attempting to possess alcohol or drugs/illegal substances will result in immediate dismissal from the program. Participants may not abuse over-the-counter drugs or use medications not prescribed to them. Other activities that are prohibited on the program include: (1) Sexual contact—meaning conduct deemed unacceptable in public places, and (2) use of tobacco, vape pens and e-cigarettes. Remember that VISIONS focuses on an inclusive group dynamic, making cliques and romances out of sync with the goal of a powerful and life-changing experience. Please review the Enrollment Contract for the complete Terms of Participation.

The zero tolerance rules are in place for everyone’s safety, health and welfare, common sense, group dynamic, and with local laws in mind. If a participant is sent home early from a program, the participant or parent/guardian will be responsible for booking the next available flight directly with the airline.