Description

The Passage programs, in either the British Virgin Islands or Montana, have the same components and basic framework as VISIONS programs for teens: service, cross-cultural learning and adventurous exploration in a supportive, inter-dependent small group setting. Participants will be fully engaged and appropriately challenged, members of a family-like team that lives and works together to achieve shared goals. Both Passage programs aim to give participants a wider perspective, increased self-confidence, greater self-awareness and respect for others, rewards that will help pave the way for the high school years just around the corner.

Virgin Gorda is a small, quiet, closely knit island community. Our home base is St. Mary's School, long familiar to VISIONS. The roomy space sits atop a hill on the north coast, and boasts the best breezes on Virgin Gorda. From our back door we can see the ocean below and hear the waves. Projects will include renovating a few playgrounds, constructing playground equipment for the Little Rainbow preschool in Bregado Flax and a few dog houses for the humane society. We'll assist Virgin Islands Search and Rescue in simple swimming lessons for children, visit the elders' home nearby, do small projects for the BVI National Parks, and most likely a few odds-and-ends repairs at St. Mary's.

Excursions will include a boat trip to neighboring Anegada, an even more remote island and coral atoll where pink flamingoes forage the salt water ponds. We will hike, snorkel, enjoy mini-golfing, always the exquisite beaches, ferry to the main island of Tortola to shop and see the sights, and spend an evening watching the Mokko Jumbies (stilt walkers) perform. We'll meet and mingle with many island friends, enjoy dancing and listening to steel drums, and learn about British Virgin Islands culture up close, every day.

Highlights

Boat trips, snorkeling, hiking, music and dancing

Travel Types

• Snorkeling
• Tours
• Hiking
• Volunteering

Qualifications

11 to 14 years old

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please see site for details

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Community Development
• Community Organizing

Typical Volunteer

Middle schooler

Age Range

11-14

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Physical Exam/Health Records

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