Welcome to VISIONS
VISIONS is a woman-owned organization dedicated to creating life-changing teen service programs that make a positive difference for the individual, community, living creatures and the earth. This is not your average teen summer program. Our long-standing program model built on the pillars of meaningful service, authentic cultural immersion, and open-minded exploration has created a global community that will change lives for years to come.
Welcome to VISIONS
VISIONS is a woman-owned organization dedicated to creating life-changing teen service programs that make a positive difference for the individual, community, living creatures and the earth. This is not your average teen summer program. Our long-standing program model built on the pillars of meaningful service, authentic cultural immersion, and open-minded exploration has created a global community that will change lives for years to come.
WHERE WE GROW:
What Distinguishes VISIONS
Strong Community Ties
Average history with our host communities is 22 years. Live as a group within the community and experience authentic cultural immersion. Share stories, worksites, traditions, meals and ideas.
Community-Driven Service
Service projects address community needs as defined by community members. VISIONS values the ability of community service to build relationships on trust and respect.
Tech Free
Unplug from tech devices and the internet to be fully present. Time is carved out once a week for students to call home.
Circle Meetings
Gather as a group a few times a week for genuine reflection, sharing and listening. Acknowledge and address issues that arise naturally within a group. Circle meetings unite us, help new insights stick and bind all of the other program elements together.
Inclusive Group Dynamics
An almost unheard of average ratio of one leader to every four teens ensures that students receive clear communication and guidance, as well as the opportunity to bond with a mentor. Inclusion is further promoted by our policy that no more than two friends may attend the same program together, which encourages students to forge new friendships.
Since 1988, VISIONS has emboldened teens from around the world with 9,000 cross-cultural experiences. Join our global community.
The most
physically
and mentally
rewarding
summer I’ve
experienced.
—Alexandra Tatarski
Lasting Impact
When our students engage whole-heartedly in our program activities, they gain:
- Knowledge of the culture, history and society of the host community
- Communication and community-living skills required in order to successfully live in a group
- Hard skills required on the worksite, including tool use
- Understanding of and respect for diversity, in the broadest sense
- Confidence in yourself as an engaged member of a community and as an agent of change
- Positive attitude towards interacting, learning and exploring across cultures
This is a time to step outside of yourself, to do more and be more.
“It is where kids learn their adulthood is full of opportunities. It is an experience that pushes you to be your honest self. It is exhausting in all the best ways. VISIONS is NOT a summer camp; it is a life altering gift.”
–Gretchen Bade, VISIONS Leader since 2000
“VISIONS taught me how important it is to have confidence in myself, and that taking risks can
lead to beautiful experiences and growth.”
–Sylvan Lebrun, 2017 alum