Housing is in a school or community building in the heart of each community. Community service work is the focus of the programs, which feature an intentional blend of cross-cultural experiences and outdoor adventure. Students and staff members live and work together as a team. Weekly circle meetings are a deliberate process for improving communication through reflection and focused listening. Under staff guidance, participants play the central role in building the trusting foundation of their program environment.
Participants learn carpentry skills from staff carpenters.
Time is always set aside for exploring surroundings. Depending on the location, outdoor activities include rock climbing, ice climbing, backpacking, rafting, snorkeling, sea kayaking, scuba diving, horseback riding, and sight seeing. Participants work and socialize with residents and attend ceremonies and cultural festivities. Relationships with local people provide the important contexts for understanding and learning about other cultures. Projects in native villages include building playgrounds and recreation facilities, renovating and upgrading community buildings, and supervising children's activity programs.