Stewardship in Paradise
St. John, US Virgin Islands, 2025 Volunteer Vacation
St. John is a place where thousands of years of history meet vibrant Caribbean landscapes, where white-sand beaches sit beside the remnants of sugar plantations and ancient Taino petroglyphs. With two-thirds of the island protected as Virgin Islands National Park, it offered this year’s Volunteer Vacation crew the rare chance to explore a stunning place while giving back in meaningful ways.
The 9-person team jumped into a wide range of stewardship projects, from trail maintenance and clearing historic sites to planting native trees, removing invasive species, and hauling out debris. They hiked across uneven terrain with tools on their backs in hot, humid weather and still found themselves energized by what they accomplished together. One volunteer shared that their favorite part was “seeing the before and after of the trails we worked on and working together in the most beautiful place.” Ending each day with snorkeling or exploring the island made the effort even sweeter.
Free time became its own kind of adventure. Crew members spent evenings swimming, hiking, tasting fresh tropical fruits, learning from locals about traditional music played on handmade drums, and attending nightly presentations at the campground that covered everything from sea turtles and coral to local culture, plants, and birds. It created a rhythm that balanced hard work with opportunities to learn, rest, and explore.
What made the trip especially meaningful was the way the group came together. As one participant put it, “This was my first volunteer experience like this, it was great to meet and work with other people in the group from diverse backgrounds and with varying degrees of experience-and ages.” The crew navigated a few unforeseen changes with their leadership, and several seasoned volunteers stepped up to help guide the group. They divided chores, organized meal planning, and supported one another to keep everything running smoothly. “We all worked well together and were able to adapt to some unforeseen situations… It all worked out well.”
A highlight of the week was spending time with their host, Lila, whose deep connection to the island enriched the experience. As one volunteer shared, “Our host Lila was amazing and it was very enjoyable learning from her about all the history, culture and native plants!” Her enthusiasm helped the group understand the significance of the places they were working in and made the week feel both immersive and welcoming.
This week was not only an opportunity to explore a beautiful place like the Virgin Islands, but also an amazing time for volunteers to complete valuable stewardship work and learn about the local history and ecology.
—
Stay connected by joining an upcoming Volunteer Vacation and watching for our 2026 trip calendar. Sign up for our newsletter for updates and opportunities.