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Location
  • United States of America
Length
2 - 4 weeks
Program Categories
Adventure Travel Cultural Immersion Service Learning Volunteer Abroad
Need-based funding
Health & Safety
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Program Details

Timeframe
Summer
Language
English
Age Min.
14
Age Max
18

Pricing

Starting Price
5950
Price Details
Price does not include airfare or travel insurance. VISIONS can provide some financial aid to those in need.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Nov 15, 2022
Feb 14, 2020
Wish List
4 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

This program is your unique opportunity to live in an Athabascan Native village at the base of the Wrangell Mountains and work with the locals during your summer. Here, you'll learn carpentry and other skills for construction projects, from simple sheds to household repair. You'll experience off the land, catching fish and preparing wild games. Weave birch bark with native elders, ice climb, canoe and backpack in the spectacular Alaskan wilderness.

You don’t need to leave the U.S. to experience a culture that feels worlds away. Native Athabascans have been hunting, gathering and fishing along the Tetlin river in Alaska for generations. Join our longtime partners in this remote corner of the united states and get to know people living a unique way of life.

This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with VISIONS Service Adventures for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.

Video and Photos

VISIONS participants take a break from service projects to get out in the Alaskan Wilderness
VISIONS group pauses for a moment to take a picture with some of our favorite community members
VISIONS Participant ice climbing on the Root Glacier
VISIONS Alaska project construction site
VISIONS Alaska project construction site in Tetlin Village
VISIONS Alaska project construction site in Tetlin Village
Exploring the Root Glacier
SE Alaska sunset
VISIONS Alaska participants backpacking
Ice climbing on the the Root Glacier

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Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

VISIONS has always sought to facilitate respect for the commonalities and differences between people. We do this by working together on shared goals (engagement), group “Circle” meetings (communication), and community-building (connection). At all levels of our organization—from administration to summer leaders, local partners and teen volunteers— we seek diversity of backgrounds, lifestyles, LGBTQIA+ identities, heritage and interests.
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LGBTQIA+ Support

VISIONS has always sought to facilitate respect for the commonalities and differences between people. We do this by working together on shared goals (engagement), group “Circle” meetings (communication), and community-building (connection). At all levels of our organization—from administration to summer leaders, local partners and teen volunteers— we seek diversity of backgrounds, lifestyles, LGBTQIA+ identities, heritage and interests.
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Neurodivergent Support

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Accessibility Support

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Impact

Sustainability

VISIONS mission is To live in harmony with ourselves, each other and the natural world. We believe that a connection to the natural world is fundamental if we are going to live in balance with it. Materialism, excess, and self-focus are not the VISIONS way. We live simply, we pack simply, we are cognizant of the resources we use, and we strive to bring as much as we can into greater harmony with the natural world.
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Ethical Impact

While divisiveness often makes headlines, a more subtle story is that many people are working hard to build bridges and find common ground. VISIONS does not push an agenda and we are regularly reminded that people from diverse political backgrounds are inspired by our mission and our work.
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Program Highlights

  • Community Service.
  • Ice Climbing.
  • Native Alaskan Culture and History.
  • Lifelong Friendships.
  • Backpacking.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 3 reviews
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  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.7
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4
  • Safety 4.7
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Default avatar
Charles
21
France
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing trip!

Feb 14, 2020

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.

58 people found this review helpful.
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Default avatar
Max
21
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thank You Visions

Feb 4, 2020

I had the most amazing summer last year thanks to Visions which helped me become a more empathetic and compassionate person. Visions combines making its groups help others and themselves through both community service, and sessions in which the group reflects on the program and themselves. I truly believe that this program can help improve all teenager's lives around the world and I fully recommend it to anyone looking for both an amazing experience, and community service hours. Thank you Visions.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would be open and social from the very start and let myself enjoy the program for it's full time span.
63 people found this review helpful.
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Default avatar
Karen
59
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent experience for my daughter

Mar 31, 2016

I am writing this review from the parent perspective. My daughter, age 17 at the time, participated in the Alaska program with VISIONS. I was of course a bit nervous to have her go off as she had never done anything similar and went by herself, not with friends. She just really really wanted to do some genuine service work in an exotic (for her) location, with opportunities to see a bit of the world and have outdoor adventures. She had a *fabulous* time, and came back happier than I've ever seen her, excited about new friends, ice climbing on Glacier, her new carpentry skills, and just thrilled with the whole thing, which she called "the best experience of her life". Highly highly recommended! Staff was helpful and personal despite my worries before we signed up about safety, etc, and they always called immediately and did what they said they'd do to reassure. Staff is highly trained and really committed to this program, many veterans. You will not be disappointed!

53 people found this review helpful.
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Questions & Answers

About VISIONS Service Adventures

We believe that stepping outside of ourselves and encountering new perspectives fosters profound and positive change. We know that students who engage in meaningful service work in new environments gain exceptional insight—it’s been our program model for more than three decades. Our teen participants settle into the daily life of the host community...
  • Go Overseas Award

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