While program sites differ distinctly from each other, all share core ingredients which form the foundation and the framework for every VISIONS summer. Keep reading for a run-down of program elements and characteristics of our staff leaders.

The Program

• A coed summer service program for teens ages 14-18 blending ambitious service, cross-cultural living and learning, adventurous exploration.
• Group is gender-balanced. Maximum group size is 24-25 with 5-6 leaders including the program director. STAFF / STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 4
• Service work comprises 55% to 60% of the course of the program. Intercultural activities and exploration integrated throughout every week.
• Each program offers a central construction project as well as several other service options such as environmental or agricultural work, work with young children and the elderly, internships with local artisans, farmers, fishermen, vendors and more.
• French- or Spanish-language immersion in some locations - minimum 2 years high school foreign language required for language immersion sites.
• In addition to group living, there also is a home stay component in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Peru, and Vietnam
• Participants learn construction skills from carpenters on staff, local masons and maestros.
• Home base residence is a community building such as a school, community center, church hall or large hostel. We work alongside and socialize with community residents and long-time friends on site.
• VISIONS emphasizes community living and teamwork. Regular weekly meetings encourage open communication. Participants and staff share insights and reflect on events in an informal setting through voluntary disclosure.
• All programs offer sight seeing, visits to cities, markets, places of cultural, historic, geographic interest.
• All programs incorporate recreation and recreational trips weekly.

The Staff

• VISIONS leaders are returned Peace Corps volunteers, Ph.D. candidates and graduate students, educators, professionals, local community members at some program sites.
• Average age mid- to late 20s.
• Return rate 43% - 55% depending on the season.
• Each program has minimum one Wilderness First Aid or Responder, EMT or Wilderness EMT. All leaders are First Aid, CPR and Water Safety certified minimum. [Minimum certification Wilderness First Aid in more remote locations.]
• Program directors, with rare exceptions, are veterans of at least one full summer season.