This past spring, we had the joy of hosting our very first family group volunteer trip in the Dominican Republic, and we couldn’t have asked for a better inaugural experience. Two families joined us for a week of service, connection, cultural immersion, and—let’s be honest—a whole lot of fun. The idea came from VISIONS alum Christopher Arrillaga, a former leader from our Montana Blackfeet and Peru programs in the early 2000s. Christopher reached out to say he felt the VISIONS experience would be perfect for his family and some family friends. They envisioned a meaningful Spring Break, tailored for their kids (ages 10 to 12) and the two sets of parents, and designed to reflect VISIONS core values—service, cultural exchange, and real connection.
Christopher Arrillaga (back right) with members of the two families as well as local kids
With the Dominican Republic’s welcoming community, variety of service projects, and opportunities for sincere engagement, the trip came together easily. The group spent the week doing hands-on work that included cross-cultural activities and presentations in local primary school classrooms, painting a vibrant mural at a school, and mixing and pouring concrete for a home that previously had only a dirt floor. The physicality of the work wasn’t lost on anyone—and neither was its impact.
True to all VISIONS programs, the success wasn’t just in the diversity of activities, but the intentionality behind them. Christopher Nelson, one of the parents, reflected:
The physical act of helping others with our hands and skills. The deep connection with the community. All of the amazing cross-cultural moments showed the boys the real feeling of a Dominican community in ways they will never forget.
Both families with VISIONS leader, Leyri Garcia (back right)
There was plenty of exploration and joy outside of the service work as well. The families toured an organic cacao farm, learned how to make chocolate, swam at Lago de Hatillo, took a scenic ferry ride, and wrapped up their trip with one day at a beach town on the southern coast. They also spent time with local families—playing games, sharing stories, and deepening their understanding of daily life in the DR.
Perhaps what felt most special about this week was seeing VISIONS through the eyes of a new generation—and also through the lens of a parent who had once lived the experience himself. Christopher Arrillaga shared this reflection:
Opening our hearts and minds to the DR realities and life in Couti helped our kids develop more compassion and understanding of other communities in the world.
Kids painting a mural—one of the projects at the school
He also praised the leadership of DR Site Director Leyri Garcia, who brought wisdom, warmth, and cultural context to every part of the week.
We’re thrilled to share that both families are already planning another trip with us next year—this time in Peru.
For those of you who have been part of the VISIONS community as a teen or leader, the door is still open. The values that made your summer(s) so powerful haven’t changed—and sharing that experience with your family or friends might just be one of the most rewarding things you do. We welcome you to reach out if you’d like to talk about planning a group trip!
2003 Peru when Christopher was a VISIONS leader: Former driver Bautista, leaders Rachel Schwartz, Christopher Arrillaga, Alia LeFrack, Katherine Dayton, Cook Lucy Sanchez, and Stephen Marotti
