VISIONS Service Adventures

I would just like to start this review with the most important message in this writing. If you are on the fence about doing this program, please do it. One of my main concerns about this trip was my Spanish speaking ability. Once you get settled in you soon realize that if you are having trouble with a language barrier, there are many kind people around you that can help you translate. Words can’t describe how much of a blessing this trip was for me. I enjoyed every second of every minute of my time in the D.R . I adored every moment from hanging out with the locals, to getting to know the councilors, to even helping out clean the house with my peers. This trip helped me out tremendously mentally as well as physically and socially. I personally made special connections with a bunch of the little kids as well as the older kids in the local town that I will cherish forever. It really made a difference to me that the same local kids I would be hanging out with and joking amongst with, were the same kids we were helping to build the school for. All in all, the special memories we all created with each other, will be memories that will last a life time and I would do this trip over and over again if I could. I also want to leave a special thanks to Georgia, Luis, Sammy, Meg, Leyri and Larry for keeping all of us safe and taken care of during our time on the trip! Thank you all.

I had the absolute best time on the Montana farm and ranch program this summer in July! We went white water rafting, rock climbing, and did a number of service projects at non-profits and farms in the area. I came home with a deep knowledge of agriculture, the talks were amazing. The leaders were absolutely fantastic and the farm was incredible. I met some of the coolest people from all over, and was able to spend time with animals too. I loved going to Rocky Creek and working there, we harvested and planted and met some amazing young people. I loved working on the chicken coop and greenhouse at the VISIONS Farm, and hanging out in the loafing shed and playing cards. Dave was a fantastic head of program, and all of the leaders were such cool people. While I loved the amazing backpacking trip in the Crazy Mountains and all of the other cool hikes we did, being able to shop in downtown Bozeman was also awesome. The one critique I have is that I wish we could have visited Yellowstone which was so close, and done all of the things advertised on the website, like the bison harvest and more talks with local farmers. We went to a hot springs and went swimming, along with Bozeman beach. I loved visiting the horticulture garden at MSU and all of the other farms in the area, like Barney Creek Livestock and Farm 51. We had a textile workshop, and also went to a wool mill. I am so grateful for this amazing experience from VISIONS, thanks a million!! Definitely recommend if you are looking for an amazing time in the summer!

I went into the Montana Roots Gap Program hoping to learn about the world around me and ways that I can contribute to give back. As it turned out, I ended up learning about sustainable practices and we focused a lot of time learning about ecosystems. It was all very interesting and inspired me to want to live better! We met a lot of guest speakers who shared their knowledge with us and we got to partake in unique activities that I otherwise would not have had the chance to! One of the best parts of the program became apparent by the end - I had met so many awesome people and became friends with the other students. We were like our own little family.

I really enjoyed the outdoor adventure components, like the backpacking trip and other hikes. Getting out to enjoy nature in responsible ways was really a highlight. We also took a course to get Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications, which is never a bad thing to have under your belt.

This program gave me the opportunity to live life for a while in a manner that I had never experienced before. It was a challenge at first, but soon became part of my everyday routine. It was an eye opener and I couldn't be more thankful for all that I'd learned and experienced.

I had a great time in Alaska last summer thanks to VISIONS. Not only did I have the chance to get familiar with building and meet amazing people, both locals and volunteers, but I also grew as a person. Meeting with the local population and getting to know their culture/lifestyle was definitely a highlight of my trip. I still remember the ice climbing, canoeing, and camping trip, and now have many amazing memories to look back on. Would definitely recommend it to any high schooler looking for a summer camp/program.

I spent a summer with VISIONS on the British Virgin Islands. I had the chance to spend time hanging out with the locals, trying new things, and most importantly help out the community. Till today I still have the contact of the friends i made on the island. Food was great i get to try the food made by a local lady everyday that I have never tried any else where. Besides the cultural experiences I also scuba dived for the first time in my life with them. The staffs are very helpful and open-minded, they are people that you can count on. Honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had.