VISIONS Service Adventures

My Visions trip was a genuinely life-changing experience that never wanders far from my mind. My school afforded me the incredible privilege of multiple service trips over my four years, and although each were significant, Visions impacted me in a way that is difficult to put into words. I cannot recommend this program highly enough.

I attended VISION’s Dominican Republic trip in the summer of 2021 as a rising junior in high school. Now, three years later, and as a sophomore in college, it is with great certainty that I would not be even close to the person I am today without that trip. The Dominican Republic was my first time leaving the United States and flying alone! This taught me so much about navigating traveling alone and learning about international travel. Something that I have a great intention of filling my life with to this day. VISIONS does a wonderful job of keeping kids in the loop while traveling– travel agents keep in direct touch with their participants and family members, and even connect them with other kids who may be on the same flight! This helps ease the nervousness of international travel at a younger age. One of the most important things that VISIONS offers is a technology-free summer. Your phone is taken away after connecting with the VISIONS employees at the arrival airport, and after a call home assuring everyone made it there safely. The phones are given out at the departing airport at the end of the trip. This completely changes the way I view my well-being and how I gain a sense of place when traveling– being present. Inconsequentially, always being around fellow participants gives a greater sense of community and intentionality. Learning how to live closely with people, make meals, clean, and work together for times closer to a month, brought me an immeasurable amount of joy. The worksites are a very authentic experience of working without large machinery and get you in touch with your body and what you’re creating. In the DR, it is very hot, humid, and sunny. This is what gives your kid a chance to challenge themselves physically and to learn how to work alongside others. Depending on the duration of the trip (and I always recommend going on the longest trip!) most work days will be Monday-Friday and usually 5 or 6 hours (also depending on allocated volunteer hours). VISIONS makes sure that every day is jam-packed with work, good food, good sleep, activities, and community-bonding opportunities. In the Dominican Republic, every morning we would eat breakfast together, go to the worksite shortly thereafter, eat lunch at the worksite, and come back to “home base”. From there on, we would have an early afternoon activity that is usually paired with language immersion with the vecinos (neighbors). While dinner was getting ready, we usually had a later afternoon activity that also included community involvement like arts and crafts with the local kids! After dinner, we would either have circle, which provided a center for discussion and group growth. Overall, I couldn’t recommend this experience more!

My time with VISIONS in Peru was unforgettable! From the moment I arrived, I felt immersed in the culture, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and a welcoming local community. The service projects were both challenging and rewarding—I worked on projects that directly benefited the community, and it was amazing to see the impact of our efforts firsthand. Beyond the service work, I formed deep friendships with other participants and leaders. We shared laughs, conversations, and adventures—whether it was hiking, exploring local markets, or learning traditional customs. The experience pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I never expected. I left Peru with a new perspective on the world, a stronger sense of purpose, and memories that will stay with me forever.