Volunteer Center for Self-sufficient Living

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!

2023 started out with making the decision to apply a different business strategy again at Vicky’s Keys. Reasons are the pending pandemic situation that causes an uncertain flow of tourism clientele, and the accompanied aftermath of global financial distress that will continue to linger for some time.

Vicky’s Keys hostel is closing its doors, while the Volunteer Center department will continue its purpose. We have decided for the hostel department to make way for long-term rental apartments but with the self-sufficient living concept. This new concept is called “Eco Living”. Plans for Vicky’s Keys are to make it more self-sufficient when it comes to renewable energies and recycling water.

This means future persons who live at Vicky’s Keys must adapt to a different lifestyle of making use of solar power, recycling water for garden irrigation, creating biogas for cooking and growing own food on the premises. This is all part of self-sufficient living.

We are looking for reliable tenants who will fit in our community concept. The available units will be rented as of 1 April 2023.

If you are interested in living at Vicky’s Keys, then click here for more information on tenant requirements and how to apply to live at this location.