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.

You will get to choose your service project four days a week and another day will be on homebase crew—a fun “day in the life” including making breakfast, shopping at local markets for our next meals, and cleaning up our living spaces. Breakfasts and dinners are usually eaten at home, with lunches at the project or excursion sites. 

Around 2 pm, we break for cultural and recreation activities, and weekends are for full-day excursions. Evenings include dinner guests, campfires, games, group meetings, and time to relax with your 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 (carpentry, masonry or adobe), environmental initiatives, social service with children or elders, and animal welfare.

We have three or four projects running simultaneously and you’ll get to experience them all—perhaps even having a favorite you return to most frequently. Your leaders and local professionals will teach and guide you, and you’ll return home with 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 is driven by the desire to build friendships with community members.

Decades of collaboration with our communities ensure that you’ll be welcomed like an old friend. At VISIONS, relationships are authentic—we’re not tourists passing through for voluntourism. Here, service and immersion are inseparable, creating a deeply connected experience.

You will create a home away from home. in a culture entirely different from your own. Best of all, unplugging from tech allows you to fully engage with the world around you.

I love how VISIONS allows us to be really immersed in the community. I feel like I’ve been living there my whole life.
Grace Lee

 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 that it has to offer.

Your adventures will combine fun and exhilaration with opportunities to expand your capabilities and deepen your connection to your surroundings. You’ll have time for workshops with artisans, swimming, hiking, games with neighbor kids, and so much more. 

Weekends are for full-day excursions, cultural ceremonies, visits to “must see” destinations and hidden gems off the beaten path. In the D.R. and Peru, you’ll even experience 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 and inclusive group dynamics are at the heart of the VISIONS experience.

To foster this, we have unique standards that set us apart from most programs. Most teens attend on their own, and no more than two friends can enroll for the same program. Starting on day one, we focus on teamwork—within the group and with community members—cultivating the sincere connections that come from living and working together.

Your group will be large enough to include diverse personalities and interests, yet small enough to form trusting bonds and a sense of family. We seamlessly shift between small, rotating groups for worksites and some activities, and the full group that spends time together each day.

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

Three or four nights a week, we “circle up” to share, reflect, and grow together.

These meetings are an opportunity to reflect on the deeper meaning of your VISIONS experience. We will build community while also addressing any challenges that naturally arise when working closely with others.

Circle encourages self-awareness and thoughtful communication, helping you develop the tools to positively influence the communities you belong to. As you listen, offer genuine feedback, and embrace constructive dialogue, you will become more confident in making thoughtful, impactful life decisions.

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.

These conscientious and compassionate mentors truly enjoy working with teenagers. Mostly in their mid-20s to late-30s, our leaders include former Peace Corps volunteers, teachers, graduate students, and wilderness instructors. They understand young people and care about each participant’s successful experience.

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