VISIONS inspires young people to develop their own sense of purpose and meaning through adventurous service and cross-cultural exploration.
DEVELOP YOUR OWN VISION THROUGH:
- Engaging with different people in novel contexts
- Sharing joy and laughter with adventurous travel
- Participating in significant and meaningful service projects
- Forming genuine relationships with new friends
___________________
PROGRAM LOCATIONS
Long-standing connections with our host communities translates into an experience where teens are brought in like family. Service is our way of thanking local people for sharing their lives with us. Completed projects are one way you leave part of yourself in a place of importance, just as you take part of that place and its life lessons with you.
Montana Blackfeet Indian Reservation: 33 years of projects ranging from carpentry to serving meals to children, environmental initiatives and setting up ceremonial tipi lodges with local partners, all while living in the dramatic landscape of the Northern Rockies on an 1100 acre conservation ranch. You'll experience Plains Indian indigenous culture with community members who welcome you like an old friend. Time is also spent in the great outdoors, at the foothills of Glacier National Park, connecting with the land in the same way that you'll be connecting with new friends and new experiences.
Dominican Republic: More than 3500 Dominican children attend classes every year in schools that VISIONS teens and local partners have constructed over our 33 years working in this most vibrant of countries. You also lead a popular summer camp and shed any inhibitions while living in the heart of a joyful neighborhood where kids and elders alike help you with Spanish skills and bring you in for games, meals, dance lessons, and more. Time connecting with the natural world finds us at a mountainous lake, the beach, and short hikes.
Peru: Our homebase in the Sacred Valley of the Inca has welcomed VISIONS groups for 25 years. You help Quechua indigenous communities on a lifeblood project: water. Add your name to the legacy of miles of water canals constructed with humble farmers whose crops and livelihoods would otherwise be in peril from the increasing drought conditions. The days are joyful and fun working together, and there's also plenty of time for exploration: Machu Picchu, ancient ruins, sprawling markets, chocolate-making workshops, and more.
Teen Summer Programs: $3190 to $6190 and 8 to 19 days
My experience with the Visions Montana 3rd Session trip was truly unforgettable. During my time there, I learned so many valuable problem-solving skills and got to see firsthand how my volunteer work made a real difference in the community. Whether it was helping with local projects like a local food initiative, weeding at a national park or connecting with the people we were serving, I could actually see the impact of what we were doing, and that meant a lot to me.
The leaders felt like family from the very start - supportive, fun, and always there when we needed guidance. My peers were incredible too; everyone brought something unique to the group, and we built genuine friendships that I'll always remember. Visions pushed me to step out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I got to explore breathtaking natural places, experience life without my phone, and realize how much fun and connection you can have with others when you're truly present in the moment.
One of the most meaningful parts was bonding with people from different cultural backgrounds and learning from their perspectives. It opened my eyes and made me appreciate the world in a deeper way.
Overall, Visions Montana was an amazing journey of growth, connection, and adventure something I'll carry with me for a lifetime