British Virgin Islands
CUSTOM PROGRAMS FOR GROUPS
High-Impact Projects
& Community Building
Welcome!
Your interest in a Custom Program with VISIONS indicates a commitment to the profound learning that happens when groups of people undertake meaningful projects in another culture.
VISIONS has worked in the British Virgin Islands for more than three decades. We have seen that these long-term relationships are the foundation for creating mutual understanding and real change.
We invite you to be an extension of the relationships that we have forged, to have fun and make a difference!
“I had a blast! I believe that community service builds character. I would do this all again in a heartbeat. Throughout this program I learned values that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I also learned not to take anything for granted.”
Custom Programs contain elements of a VISIONS summer program along with ingredients tailored to meet the goals of your group
When the objectives of the program are met, participants will:
- Increase their knowledge of the culture, history and society of the host community
- Gain the community living skills required to thrive as a group
- Develop the hard skills required on a worksite, including tool use
- Develop a respect for diversity, in the broadest sense
- Increase confidence as contributing members of society
- Increase positive attitudes towards interacting, learning and exploring across cultures
Experiences:
- Meaningful Service Work: Choose from multiple projects each day
- Cultural Exchange: Live and work as part of the community
- Adventurous Exploration: See some of the area's best sights
- Reflection & Community Building: Group meetings to reflect on the experience
SERVICE & IMMERSION
The work involves ambitious projects that may be a combination of construction work and social service. Projects are done with community members and participants get to choose from two or three different worksites each day. In one to two weeks in the BVI, we are able to help with community gardens, construct playground equipment, build dog houses for the animal rescue group, do environmental projects and social service.
ADVENTUROUS EXPLORATION
After work ends around 2 pm, the rest of the day includes cultural exchanges, recreation and other activities anchored in the community. We typically set aside one or two full-day activities or excursions for every five work days. Your group will experience the “must-see” sights along with activities that come from long-standing relationships in the community.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
In addition to the spontaneous and ongoing community building we do with our local hosts, we meet as a group a few evenings a week in order to reflect on the volunteer and cultural experiences, and to listen to what others have to share.
“My VISIONS trip was the most life-changing experience of my life. Living in the local community immersed us in a culture where family is the number one priority. By the end of the trip I feel like our group truly replicated this concept.”
Making Meaningful Connections
Within its 8.5 square miles, the charming island of Virgin Gorda bounds with lively friends and vibrant landscapes. The proud Afro-Caribbean heritage energizes every day of the teen summer programs. VISIONS has worked in the BVI since 1992 and we are deeply immersed in island culture. You will be welcomed like an old friend—hanging out with project partners, shopping at local markets,, and relaxing into island time. We host guest speakers who open up about the experience of living through a Category 5 hurricane and play with local kids at the beach. Your connections with the community will open your eyes to a special way of life.
Our
Home:
Virgin Gorda,
British Virgin Islands
“I wanted you to know that things could not have been better with the trip. VISIONS leaders were attentive, energetic, intuitive, and kindly firm, just as I would have hoped. We worked well as a team and the students rose to the challenges facing them.”
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD
Our time will be service-focused, and in the cross-cultural context of working and spending time with our local friends. Our after-work activities will be a blend of cultural immersion and adventure. The following gives an overview of a typical 8-day program. Custom Programs may be as long as two months or more.
Day One
- Flight arrival to Beef Island (BVI) or St. Thomas (USVI)
- Ferry ride to our homebase on Virgin Gorda
- Settle in / unpack / orientation
- Welcome Dinner!
Days Two – Six
- Breakfasts at homebase
- Rotating worksites and homebase crews
- End work ~ 2 pm
- Afternoon activities*
- Dinners at homebase
- Evening activities*
Days Seven
- Beach excursion day & outing
Day Eight
- Travel to departure airport & see you next time!
Accommodations: We live together in a community center in a hillside neighborhood that has incredible ocean views and breezes. Accommodations are basic, but clean and comfortable. There are bathrooms and showers, running water, and an outdoor patio for gathering. A full packing list is provided before the program.
Food: Meals and snacks are varied and healthy. Members of the group take turns preparing breakfasts and lunches, and a local cook prepares our dinners. Vegetarian options are available and participants with special food requirements provide that information before the program begins.
ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS
- One-day SCUBA dive at incredible reefs
- Guided tour & snorkeling at mangroves
- Invertebrates educational session & collection
- Swim at the volcanic rock pools known as The Baths
- Explore the abandoned coastal Copper Mine
- Listen to local friend’s stories about island life
- Hike to scenic island outlooks, including Gorda Peak & 99 Steps
- Journey to a nearby nature island
- Take part in VISIONS “Beach Olympics” & Talent Show
BVI Blog Posts
Growing Up With VISIONS: A Multi-Generation Alum Family
Maya Mastin’s dad has been a long-time VISIONS leader. She is following in his footsteps by not only completing 3 summers as a teen volunteer (during his time as a leader), but is now a leader herself in one of our Spanish immersion programs in the Dominican Republic!
VISIONS summer volunteer leader Armeno looks forward to Peru
As Armeno recalls past programs, he looks back on what he’s learned from each location and looks forward to his next, back in VISIONS Spanish immersion program in Peru this summer!
Top 10 Ways to Survive Without Technology
Traveling, volunteering abroad, or simply being in our own home environments are vastly enriched experiences for both teens and adults when we disconnect from technology.
Celebrating 35 Years
