Dear Tonia,

They say it takes a village--here on St. John, it takes an island with an incredible community and a whole lot of friends.

The power of the collective is core to the success of the annual Joe Kessler's Beach to Beach Power Swim that takes place every Memorial Day weekend. The only way our small, hard working team hosts this event is thanks to a whole lot of help. The swim was a wonderful success thanks to 341 participants, 125 volunteers, and nearly 100 sponsors and donors. Please visit the photo gallery and revel in the many faces full of sheer joy and happiness.

The Power Swim marks a shift in our programming as the tourist season winds down and we focus on summer programming for our youth. We believe that getting kids outdoors and fostering the next generation of conservationists is important.

Among the programs that start next week is our popular Summer Youth Trail Crew. A professional job opportunity for Virgin Islands high schoolers, the program aims to help participants gain an appreciation for the natural world and it is common for crew members to return for consecutive years.

Unfortunately, this year expected funding for this awesome opportunity became unavailable at the eleventh hour. Some of our fabulous donors have stepped up to the plate and contributed generously but we still need to raise at least $10,000! Your contribution of any value will make a huge impact on this vital program's success. 

If you are on island, we look forward to seeing you at one of the events we are hosting to celebrate Sea Turtle Week. Thank you for being a Friend!

Warmly,

Tonia Lovejoy

Executive Director

Summer Trail Crew Funding Campaign

Summer Trail Crew is a professional job opportunity for Virgin Islands high school students to gain professional experience, develop leadership skills, work outdoors as part of a team, and learn about Virgin Islands National Park. The eight week program runs from June 9 to August 1, 2025 and is open to students ages 15 to 18. The Summer 2024 crew is pictured at Ram Head.

Expected funding for this awesome opportunity for island youth became unavailable at the eleventh hour. Some of our fabulous donors have stepped up to the plate and contributed generously but we still need to raise at least $10,000! Thank you for supporting our youth!

Explore. Learn. Volunteer.

June Events.

Experience the gifts of Virgin Islands National Park through a series of hikes, seminars, demonstrations, boat trips, and more. Friends hosts hundreds of education and outreach events from October to June.

JOIN US FOR SEA TURTLE WEEK

Sea Turtle Week is Sunday, June 8 (World Ocean Day) to Monday, June 16 (World Sea Turtle Day) and Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will be celebrating the beautiful endangered species in our waters with a number of events.

• Turtle Trivia | Thurs June 12 | 7:30pm | The Tap Room in Mongoose Junction.
• Toast To Turtles Fundraiser | Mon June 16 | 4-6pm | St. John Brewers donating a percentage of draft beer sales to the Sea Turtle Protection Program. At the same time, a Turtle Table will be set up outside of North Shore Deli.

OTHER JUNE HAPPENINGS:

• Annaberg Cultural Demonstrations | Mon to Wed
• Cinnamon Campground Chats | Mon to Fri
• Francis Bay Bird Walk | Friday am
• Learn To Swim | every Sat

Power Swim Results & Photos

The 22nd Joe Kessler’s Beach To Beach Power Swim on Sunday, May 25, 2025 was a wonderful success thanks to 341 participants, 125 volunteers, and nearly 100 sponsors and donors.

Congratulations to Teague Gleason from St. Croix who was the winner of the unassisted long course to Hawksnest and Sabina Csak of Old Greenwich, Conn who was the first female swimmer.

All the fabulous results are available on our website and be sure to take a look at the fun photos that perfectly capture the joy of the day.

The swim raises critical funds to support programs like Learn To Swim and Sea Turtle Protection. There is still time to add your support to the swimmers crowdfunding pages here.

Thank You For Being A Member

And the winners of our May Membership Drive Raffle are Tiffany Boyd of Ganet Valley, PA. and Robert Koch from Indianapolis! Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all our members for your support and Friendship.

Tiffany wins a beautiful silver turtle pendant on an 18” chain and generously donated by Vibe Jewelry and Robert receives a cool goodie bag valued at $250 from the Friends store.

Business Spotlight

Community engagement is key to our ability to protect and preserve our park today and tomorrow. We would not be able to do the important work that keeps our Virgin Islands National Park thriving for visitors and residents alike without the generous support of local businesses.

THANK YOU POWER SWIM SUPPORTERS!

This event is made possible thanks to the local business community and sponsors. This year’s sponsors are Guardian Insurance Group, St. John Insurance, USVI Tourism, 340 Real Estate Co., First Bank, Friends of Joe & Christina, Paradise Lumber, Vibe Jewelry, Mongoose Junction II, Salty Daze Charters, Islandia Real Estate, Merchants Bank, Antares Properties, St. John Hardware, Heavy Materials, Rapier Med, Lime Inn, Lime Out, Baker Magras & Associates, High Tide Restaurant, Windspree Vacation Homes, Seaside Properties at Grand Bay, Designs, Elevate Island, Gallows Point, St. John Physical Therapy, Chelsea Drugstore, Prosolar Systems, Holiday Homes, Alfredo’s Landscaping, St. John Dinghy Rental, Rotary Club of St. John, The Longboard, Synergy Fitness & Wellness Center, Go North Management LLC, Femme Royale, Muilenburg Law LLC, Cruz Bay Watersports, The Little Things, Stream 2 Sea, St. John Brewers, Reef2Peak, T-Shirt One, Love City Ice, St. John Coastal, Race Impressions, Cinnamon Bay Campground, St. John Rescue, Landlubber Logistics, Dave & Jerry’s Steakhouse, NBC, Sam and Jack’s Deli, Irie Pops, LCCN, Trunk Bay Snack Shack, Little Olive, Island Media, Sun Dog Café, Swim Capz, Hunter Foods and Shambles Bar & Grill.



Every year, a creative member of our community designs the event logo. The 2025 event logo was designed by avid swimmer and Friends’ supporter, Kate Nesbitt of Salty Daze Charters and Dazey Drive In.  

Beach To Beach 2025 Cap $20

Hikers Map $5

Petroglyph Tee $32

Park Stickers $5

Eagle Ray Womens Tee $32

Youth Turtle Tee $25

Useful Numbers