Updated: October 2026. Vicky’s Keys has changed considerably since this opportunity was first published. The former hostel and volunteer centre now operates as a Heritage Agrarian Campus & Residency in Sint Maarten, with programmes focused on regenerative agricultureRegenerative agriculture is a broad set of farming approaches intended to restore or improve soil, ecosystems and ecological functions while producing food or other agricultural products., food systems, land restoration and community learning.

Important: the current programmes are not free work exchangesA work exchange is an arrangement in which a traveller contributes an agreed amount of help to a host in return for benefits such as accommodation, meals or learning opportunities. Conditions vary by host.. Vicky’s Keys charges participation or residency fees. Read the current programme conditions and costs carefully before applying.

About Vicky’s Keys

Vicky’s Keys is located in Sucker Garden, Sint Maarten, and is operated as part of Stichting Marlin Yard Foundation. The organisation describes the site as a heritage agrarian campus where participants can learn about sustainable agriculture, food security, permaculturePermaculture is a design approach that applies ecological principles to land use, food production and human settlements, aiming to create resilient and resource-efficient systems., aquaponicsAquaponics is a food-production system that combines fish farming with hydroponic plant cultivation, recycling nutrients between the two systems., land restoration and community-based projects.

Vicky’s Keys previously operated as a hostel and volunteer centre. The organisation now explicitly states that it is no longer a hostel or short-term volunteer accommodation. Older descriptions of hostel management, bartending, guest check-in and flea-market activities should therefore be considered historical.

Community Agrarian Apprentice programme 🌱

The current Community Agrarian Apprentice programme is the option most closely related to short-term volunteering. According to the organisation’s terms, participants must be at least 18 years old and can normally stay for between one and four weeks.

Participants are expected to contribute at least 20 hours per week. Activities may include:

• garden maintenance;
• composting;
• preparing for community or local market activities;
• general site upkeep;
• light construction or repair work;
• event assistance;
• other practical activities connected with the agrarian campus.

The organisation describes the programme as educational and experiential. Apprentices are not employees and do not receive wages.

Participation fee

A mandatory Community Contribution Fee applies. As of October 2026, the organisation’s published terms give a recommended range of US$200–350 per week or US$750–900 per month. A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place.

These amounts and conditions may change. Confirm the exact current fee, what accommodation is provided, what is included and the cancellation conditions directly with Vicky’s Keys before paying.

Longer Heritage Agrarian Residency

Vicky’s Keys also offers a longer Heritage Agrarian Residency. The organisation describes this as a structured educational residency rather than a casual volunteer placement.

Residents normally commit for at least one month and participate in agrarian learning sessions, field practice, heritage and community discussions, an applied project and a minimum of six hours of campus contribution per week.

This is also a paid programme. A 40% non-refundable deposit is required. The organisation does not currently publish a fixed total residency price on its FAQ, so applicants should request the current cost and exactly what is included before applying.

Accommodation and practical conditions

Accommodation is available on the Vicky’s Keys campus and may be shared or private depending on the programme and availability. The site includes gardens and agricultural facilities, and participants should expect outdoor activities in a tropical climate.

Current terms require participants to arrange appropriate health or travel insurance. Ask about room arrangements, meals, drinking water, electricity, transport, working or contribution hours and any additional personal costs before confirming your stay.

Visas and legal requirements

Do not assume that ordinary visitor entry to Sint Maarten automatically permits volunteering, apprenticeships or other regular duties. The correct immigration status can depend on nationality, duration and the nature of the activities.

Sint Maarten has separate immigration, residency and employment-permit procedures for non-nationals. Confirm your circumstances with the Immigration and Border Protection Services and ask Vicky’s Keys which status it expects international participants to use.

Publication on Voluntouring.org does not constitute confirmation that a particular visa, residency or employment status is appropriate for this programme.

Before applying

Ask Vicky’s Keys to confirm:

• which programme is currently accepting applications;
• available dates;
• the exact participation or residency fee;
• what the fee includes;
• weekly contribution hours and current activities;
• accommodation and meal arrangements;
• deposit, cancellation and refund conditions;
• insurance requirements;
• the immigration status appropriate to your stay.

Some older volunteer vacancy pages on the organisation’s website contain dates ending in June 2026. Do not assume those specific positions are still open unless Vicky’s Keys confirms them directly.

Contact and applications 🔍📧

For current information and applications, use the organisation’s official website:

Vicky’s Keys Heritage Agrarian Campus

Current application form

Current programme terms and fees

Email: info@vickyskeys.com

Information reviewed by Voluntouring.org in October 2026. Programme activities, prices and availability can change, so confirm the current terms directly with the organisation before making travel or financial commitments.

Related opportunities: Volunteer opportunities in St. Maarten · Permaculture · Gardening · Self-sufficiency