Experience the Real Sint Maarten Culture as of November 2025!
Hey future volunteer!
One of the most incredible parts about joining us at Vicky's Keys isn't just the volunteer work – it's becoming part of our vibrant Sint Maarten community. Let me paint you a picture of what you'll experience:
- Language & Communication: You'll hear a beautiful mix of English, Dutch, French, Spanish and our local Creole languages. Don't worry though – English is widely spoken, but we love teaching volunteers some local phrases! Try saying "Bon bini" (welcome) or "Danki" (thank you) to instantly connect with locals.
- Food Culture: Get ready for a culinary adventure! You'll discover:
- Johnny cakes (our beloved breakfast staple)
- Fresh-caught fish from local fishermen
- Tropical fruits right from our community gardens
- Local specialties like callaloo soup and BBQ on the weekends
Plus, you'll learn to cook some of these dishes yourself in our community kitchen!
- Island Rhythm: Life here moves at what we call "island time." It's more relaxed and community-focused than you might be used to. Expect impromptu music sessions, spontaneous community gatherings, and lots of storytelling from our local elders.
- Festivals & Traditions: Depending on when you visit, you might experience:
- Carnival (our biggest cultural celebration)
- Monthly Full Moon Market nights
- Local harvest festivals
- Community fish fries
What to Bring & What to Expect
Let's get practical!
Here's your essential guide to preparing for your Vicky's Keys experience:
Must-Pack Items:
- Work clothes that can get dirty (lightweight, breathable fabrics, linnen clothing works as a charm against mosquitoes, so bring at least a long sleeve shirt and trousers)
- Closed-toe shoes for project work
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Insect repellent (eco-friendly preferred)
- Reusable water bottle
- Quick-dry towels
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Basic first aid supplies
- Biodegradable toiletries
- Laptop/tablet if you need to stay connected
Weather & Climate Tips:
- We're tropical! Expect temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Pack light, breathable clothing
- Bring a light raincoat for occasional showers
- Don't forget your swimwear – you're on an island after all!
Daily Life Expectations:
- Early starts (we usually begin at 7 AM to beat the heat)
- Shared accommodation with other volunteers
- Community-style meals
- Limited WiFi (perfect for digital detox!)
- Basic but comfortable living conditions
- Rotation of community chores
- Scheduled free time for exploration
Health & Safety:
- Bring any prescription medications you need
- Health insurance is mandatory
- We recommend being up-to-date on standard vaccinations
- Bring your own reef-safe sunscreen
- Stay hydrated! (We'll remind you constantly 😉)
Mental Preparation:
- Be ready for physical work in heat
- Come with an open mind and flexible attitude
- Prepare for cultural differences
- Expect to disconnect from constant social media
- Be ready to step out of your comfort zone
Pro Tips from Past Volunteers:
- Bring some comfort snacks from home
- Pack a journal to document your experience
- Bring some photos from home to share
- Download offline maps and translation apps
- Bring a portable battery pack
- Pack some games or cards for community evenings
And oh yes, if you can manage to bring some seeds of your favorite vegetable, herb and fruit we would be delightful!!!
Remember: You're not just coming for a vacation – you're coming to be part of our community and make a real difference. That said, you'll still have plenty of time to enjoy our beautiful beaches, hike our trails, and explore the island!
💡 Special Note: Our community meals are Vegan / Vegetarian and Pescatarian oriented. If you have any specific dietary requirements or medical conditions, please let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly. We want to make sure your stay is comfortable and safe!
Want to know more? Have questions? Excited to join us? Head over to our website or drop us a line. We can't wait to welcome you to our little piece of paradise where purpose meets passion! 🌴✨
P.S. - Don't forget to check out our holiday volunteer packages at https://www.vickyskeys.com/packages-list/.
You can also volunteer for a longer term through WWOOF, Worldpackers, WorkAway or you've stumbled upon us as an individual then contact us directly.
Your Caribbean adventure with purpose is just a click away!
