Spring Break in US Virgin Islands National Park
Sunday. March 21, 2027 - Saturday, March 27, 2027
Escape the ordinary this Spring Break.
Join a once-in-a-lifetime Outdoor Adventure in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where turquoise waters, tropical trails, and unforgettable sunsets set the stage for your next great story. From camping under the stars on St. John to snorkeling vibrant coral reefs and sailing at sunset, this all-in experience is built for adventure, connection, and personal growth—no prior experience required.
Spots are limited. Step outside your comfort zone, discover what you’re capable of, and make memories that last long after the week ends.
Ready to go? Sign up now and claim your spot in paradise.
Click here to Register now!
Trip Details and Logistics
Eligibility
To attend the UIC Spring Break Trip to USVI, all participants must meet the following criteria,
- 2NLF fee-paying student
- No prior camping or outdoor experience is requried
- Must attend both pre-trip meetings
- Exact date to be shared with those registered
- Completion of waivers, medical information, and media release forms.
- Pass American Red Cross Level 6 swim assessment
- Can be completed for free at the SRF
Registerion Cost
The cost for this trip is $2,000.00. Included in this cost is
- Round-trip flights to and from Chicago and the USVI
- All food at camp and on trail (not including airport/ going out to eat)
- Ferries to and from St. Thomas and St. John
- Campsites
- A sunset sailing excursion
- A guided snorkel with coral reefs, sea turtles, and other sea life
- Equipment (tents, sleeping bags, etc)
- Access to photos taken by UIC staff after the trip returns
- Adventure Guides
Timeline
Below is the timeline leading up to and through the Spring Break trip to the USVI.
- Registration opens August 24th, 2026
- At the time of registration, a deposit is required
- Registration closes November 29th, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- Fall pre-trip meeting to occur between November 30th and December 12th, 2026
- Exact details will be sent out to all registered participants at least a week prior.
- During the fall pre-trip meeting, all participants will be enrolled in a payment plan that will have the full balance paid before the start of the trip on March 19th, 2027
- After the conclusion of this meeting, refunds will no longer be issued.
- Complete the second pre-trip meeting before March 12th, 2027
- Before this meeting, all participants must have completed their American Red Cross swim assessment level 6 and sent proof of completion to the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator.
- Failure to complete this assessment will result in ineligibility to attend the trip and will not be issued a refund.
- Before this meeting, all participants must have completed their American Red Cross swim assessment level 6 and sent proof of completion to the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator.
- On March 19th, 2027, all participants will pack and bring all luggage to SRF to store until we depart for the airport
- March 21st, 2027, first day of trip
- Fly from Chicago, ORD to USVI
- Last day of trip
- Fly from USVI to Chicago, ORD
- Return to UIC
Pre-Trip Meetings
All participants are required to attend two structured pre-trip meetings designed to prepare the group for travel, build community, and ensure a safe and successful experience. These meetings are a critical part of the program and provide all necessary information before departure.
The first (fall) pre-trip meeting focuses on foundational logistics and participant readiness. During this session, staff will review the overall trip structure, expectations, and required documentation. Participants will submit essential travel information (full name, date of birth, and ID details), complete any outstanding forms and waivers, and review key requirements, including medical information, emergency contacts, and dietary needs. Additional topics include an itinerary overview, packing guidance, Leave No Trace principles, and program expectations. Participants will also be introduced to group communication tools and assigned light research to help shape trip activities.
The second (spring) pre-trip meeting builds on this foundation and finalizes all trip details. Staff will confirm logistics, such as flight times, transportation plans, menus, and packing lists, while revisiting expectations and safety considerations. At this stage, a more detailed and finalized itinerary will be presented, incorporating participant input where possible. This session ensures that all participants are fully prepared, aligned, and confident as they head into departure.
Together, these meetings provide the structure, information, and preparation needed for a smooth travel experience while also fostering a sense of group cohesion before the trip begins. Attendance at both sessions is required to participate in the program.
Travel Logistics
All major travel is pre-arranged and coordinated to ensure a smooth, group-based experience from departure through return. Participants will travel together from Chicago to the U.S. Virgin Islands on round-trip flights booked through the university’s travel partner. Upon arrival in St. Thomas, the group will travel approximately 4.3 miles to the ferry terminal before taking a scheduled ferry to St. John, where the trip is based. Return travel follows the same coordinated route in reverse, including ferry transfer, flights, and shared transit back to campus.
On St. John, transportation will primarily be by foot and on established trails, with supplemental use of pre-arranged local transit (such as buses) when needed to access campsites, trailheads, and excursion locations. All required transportation, including flights, ferries, and on-island travel, is included and managed by program staff. Participants will travel together throughout the program under staff supervision to ensure coordination, safety, and support.
Required Documents & Participant Information
To participate in the program and confirm travel arrangements, all participants must complete the following requirements before departure:
- Valid government-issued ID (REAL ID) or passport meeting TSA/travel requirements
- The US Virgin Islands are classified as a territory of the United States of America. No additional visas or transit documents are required other than those required for your enrollemnt at UIC
- Identification that does not expire within 6 months of the travel dates
- Completed registration forms, waivers, and media release
Participants will provide all necessary travel information (full name, date of birth, ID details, etc.) during the fall pre-trip meeting to ensure accurate airline booking and coordination. Additional logistics, including flight times, packing expectations, and final itineraries—will be reviewed in detail during the spring required pre-trip meeting leading up to departure.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
The Cancellation and Refund policies for the Spring Break trip to USVI are in line with the full refund polices lised here.
Refunds will not be issued after the first pre-trip meeting occurring in the Fall Semester 2026. The exact date of the first pre-trip meeting will be shared with those registered.
Learning Outcomes
In alignment with the Student Learning Goals (SLO) and Outcomes set by UIC Student Affairs, the following learning outcomes will be set for this trip,
- During this trip, students will be able to recognize their needs and be able to advocate for themselves.
- Self-Awareness
- During this trip, students will engage in real-time decision-making that will affect the whole group.
- Transformational Leadership
- During this trip, students will create meaningful connections with other students in addition to university staff.
- Belonging