Description

Visions offers teenagers opportunities for ambitious service work and cross-cultural immersion in the United States and abroad. We work with and for intercultural communities that lack financial and other development resources. Through service, authentic experience, and active exploration, we encourage new perspectives and dynamic learning.

Like the US Virgin Islands, the BVI are paradises of white sand beaches and turquoise-blue waters. Unlike the US Virgins, the BVI remain relatively undeveloped. Until the 1960s there were few paved roads, fewer tourists, and only a dirt landing strip for airplanes. Wisely, the BVI planned carefully for tourism, avoiding high rise casinos and endless duty-free shopping so that cruise ships do not dominate the harbor views.

Strong governmental autonomy and relative self-sufficiency create a feeling of well being in the BVI unusual in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, because a significant portion of the population does not benefit from tourism or the yachting industry, pockets of real and visible need do exist. Homes for the elderly are few and overcrowded, often with people who still can and wish to live independently. Others cannot afford alternative housing or crucial repairs to their own deteriorating homes. Many families live in cramped one- or two-room houses with no electricity or running water. Social service organizations are under-funded and under-supported; resources are few for the disabled and handicapped.

Highlights

Our work in the BVI always incorporates construction. Through partnerships with the Ministries of Education, Health and Welfare, and the National Parks Trust past building projects include houses, playgrounds, park gazebos and pavilions, tables, benches and shelters. We renovate schools, hurricane shelters, training centers, re-build facades, design and paint murals. We have undertaken environmental projects, created new trails and walking paths in protected lands such as the walking paths participants built in The Baths, ancient building-sized boulders and geological wonders on Virgin Gorda. We volunteer in public school summer camps. A special annual project is the assistance we lend to our friend Michael Penn, a subsistence farmer, harvesting his fruits and vegetables for market.

VISIONS groups live and work mainly on Tortola, the commercial center and largest island of the BVI. Some seasons we are home-based on Virgin Gorda as well, a neighboring island that is smaller and less populous about six miles east of Tortola. On both islands we reside in large church halls or community centers that serve as practical centers for community life. Our friendships in the BVI have been forged through years of close collaboration. The surrounding neighborhoods know and trust us. Upon our arrival every season we are recognized on the streets and greeted warmly.

We are never far from a beach, so mid-afternoon after work we usually head for the water to wash off the day's grime and just relax. We play sports with local youth groups, listen and learn to play steel drums, go dancing, hike to high places with dazzling views, and enjoy a day of resort diving in the waters offshore.

Meaningful service in a beautiful setting and the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle combine to create a rewarding summer in the BVI.

Travel Types

• Volunteering

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

5,050 or 4,050

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

Everything except airfare to and from the program location and spending money (usually USD50-60 per week).

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

14 - 18

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 25

Scholarships are Available

Application Process Involves

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week or less

Visions Service Adventures's Mission Statement

Through service work and dynamic experience, Visions offers new perspectives and deep learning while working for and with under-resourced communities. Through construction-based and other service and on-site living, Visions introduces teens to cultures very different from their own. Participants are challenged to grow thoughtfully and intentionally within a community of peers and adult leaders. The service work accomplished is a gift to local hosts who welcome Visions participants into their homes and lives. Visions assists organizations that serve under-resourced communities. We provide labor and raw materials for projects designated by communities. Depending on the duration and size of a program, Visions provides USD 3,000 to USD 7,000 for each location's projects, which we fund in full or by adding funds to local funding sources for projects.

Year Founded

1989