THE VISIONS EXPERIENCE

You will find and develop your own North Star, your own innate purpose in a global community.

Daily life
community service
immersion
EXPLORATION
GROUP DYNAMICS
CIRCLE MEETINGS
LEADERS

daily life

Let a VISIONS program rewrite the script of your everyday life.

Four days a week, you’ll choose a service project; another day is spent on homebase crew—a fun “day in the life” cooking breakfast, shopping local markets for our next meals, and keeping our shared space running. Around 2 p.m. we shift to cultural and recreation activities, and weekends are for excursions. Evenings bring dinner guests, campfires, group meetings, and time to relax with friends.

My program was absolutely amazing. I was surrounded by incredible people 24/7, and that helped to show me the kind of person I want to be.

Sierra O'Brien

The most physically and mentally rewarding summer I’ve experienced.

Alexandra Tatarski

cooperative community service

When it comes to determining community needs, local partners know best.

Projects include construction, environmental initiatives, social service with children or elders, and animal welfare. Several projects run simultaneously and you’ll experience them all. Your leaders and local professionals teach and guide you, and you’ll gain new skills and a sense of shared accomplishments.

I have never had so much fun with such amazing individuals, completing projects that will benefit so many people.

Patrick Fleming

I loved seeing how much one small group of people can accomplish.

Lizzie Friedman

Cultural immersion

True immersion builds meaningful friendships with local people. 

Decades of collaboration with our communities ensure that you’ll be welcomed as a friend. At VISIONS, relationships are authentic—we’re not tourists passing through for voluntourism. You create a home away from home, and unplugging from tech further allows you to engage with the world around you.

I learned a lot by disconnecting from screentime and connecting to everything & everyone around me.

Jory Lindekugel

 I learned a lot by disconnecting from the outside world for four weeks.

Jory Lindekugel

adventurous exploration

Connect to the world around you and see all it has to offer.

Activities range from workshops with artisans, swimming, and hiking to games with local kids. Attend unique cultural ceremonies and visit “must-see” destinations as well as hidden gems far off the beaten path. In the D.R. and Peru, you’ll also have a “day stay” with a local family.

The adventure and excursions were definitely a favorite part of the program— I have never had the opportunity to do anything like this before!
Sanelma Heinonen

It taught me that taking risks can lead to beautiful experiences and growth.

Sylvan Lebrun

 

group dynamics

Healthy community building is at the heart of the VISIONS experience.

To foster inclusive group dynamics, we have unique standards that set us apart. Most teens attend solo, with no more than two friends per program. Teamwork is central—within the group and alongside community members—cultivating sincere connections through shared living and work. Groups are large enough for diverse personalities, yet small for trust and a sense of family.

I had a wonderful experience that I know I will never forget and made friends that I will hope to keep forever.

Justin smith

The sense of camaraderie is something I will never forget.

James Robbins

Circle meetings

We “circle up” to share, reflect and grow together.

Group meetings create space to reflect on the deeper meaning of your VISIONS experience while also addressing any challenges that naturally come with working closely with others. We encourage self-awareness and communication that fosters strong community. You gain tools to influence the communities you belong to and the confidence to make thoughtful decisions that guide your life beyond the program.

I think that Circle is something that really sets VISIONS apart. It provided us with emotional outlets and got us to reflect on the work we were doing. I had the experience of a lifetime.
Adrien Rolet

Circle helped show me the person I want to be.

Paden Dvoor

Leaders

VISIONS leaders keep our programs safe, fun and dynamic.

Our conscientious, professional leaders typically include teachers, wilderness instructors and graduate students. They are selected through a competitive hiring process and approximately 50% return each season. Leaders are certified in First Aid and CPR, with some holding advanced credentials. With an exceptional ratio of 1:4 or 1:5, each participant receives personal guidance to thrive.

Leaders are certified in First Aid and CPR, with some holding advanced certifications. With an exceptional leader-to-participant ratio of 1:4 or 1:5, we ensure that everyone receives personalized support and guidance to make the most of their experience.

Our leaders provided us with wonderful guidance and acted as role models, teachers, and friends.

Katie grossman

They worked beside us as peers and gained the respect they needed as leaders.

Jessie Weiser