Boomers Abroad

Description

Project Hawai'i is the Ultimate Teen Mentoring Adventure Culture Tour has different aspects all packed into one great summer experience. The teens start off on the Island of O'ahu for their welcoming and Cultural introduction including surf lessons by the pipeline pros, Hawaiian lu'au and beach exploration. After the teens have had the opportunity to really get to know each other and have a feel for island life, we are off to the Big Island for more adventures and to meet our homeless keiki (children in Hawaiian).

While on the Big Island the teens will work hands on with the homeless children in a day camp environment from 9AM-4PM. This 9-day program is called Adventures Abound Day Camp created to teach the children about our islands natural wonders from the ocean to the volcano. While on our day camp adventures we will explore the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center for space exploration and learning. We will watch a movie in a 360 Doom Theater and help the keiki make plant mobiles. We will explore the Panaewa Rain Forest Zoo and even get to feed the white tiger. Another great exploration includes our tide pools. The children and teens will learn about the fragile eco system and the sea life that live along the corals in Hawai'i. Even get to hold a spider star fish. Our adventures wouldn't be complete with a live theater performance, laser tag, swimming, or music in the park. During the evenings and weekends teens will be able to explore the wonders of the islands without their camp buddies. We will hike the volcano, explore lava tubes, and swim with the honu. Our teens will explore the island beaches from Kona to Volcano and be introduced to the natives favorite hang outs. Because we are from the islands, and our assistant director is a native Hawaiian we are able to learn about the culture hands on from secrets passed down through generations.

Well, we need a break now....so off to the island of O'ahu for some earned relaxation and fun in the sun. Teens will once again be introduced to more beautiful beaches, participate in cultural activities and hike the waterfalls. We even have teen dance night and karaoke for those brave souls. After a short 4 day break, we head back to the island of Hawai'i for our sleepover camp retreat.

During this 5 day adventure we are at the state park Camp Kalopa. This is a 100 acre tropical forest reserve. It boast nature trails, tropical plants that only grow in this park and of course our cabins and rec. room. During this time teens will interact more fully with their camp buddies. We have a rotation routine throughout the day to include music, arts, theater, reading time, making camp shirts, science day, even making our own volcano. During this time teens will work along side their buddies helping them with their activities. Teens will also help to teach the children basic life skills and healthier living habits. During this camp our teens will truly see the difference and impact they make with the children, and the children will gain so much self-esteem.

Our sleepover camp of course is 24/7 and we understand the needs of teens. So, of course there are teen getaways during the camp session. Teens will be able to explore the ancient and sacred valleys of Waipio and learn about the natives who still keep to the Hawaiian traditions. They will learn the stories of the land and how to do a Hawaiian chant. Teens will also be involved with their Hula Lessons at Kumu Hula Hanou (about 30 min. from camp). They will learn the art of Hula and two dances to perform at the graduation ceremony. We even have teen movie night...so don't worry we have covered all the bases of the teens fun, enjoyment and rest away from the little guys.

WOW! I thought this camp would never end. LOL. Not really, it is so much fun, but of course there is so much more to explore on this island we can't complete our tour without the dolphin cruise. Teens will actually swim with and follow the dolphins while learning about their habitat and how to help take care of the ocean for the sake of our sea creatures. Teens will also have snorkel time to explore other fish and sea life. We visit the "Teens Voted Favorite Beach" and soak up the sun while enjoying our lunch on the beach. This camp wouldn't be adventurous without taking the 9 course zip line through the tropical jungles and waterfall courses. How fun is that?!! Okay, enough with the playing now back to business.

Teens will spend the next few days creating the Graduation Lu'au from start to finish. This is an authentic presentation from making the traditional meals, the hula skirts from ti'leaf, lei, and other Hawaiian style party favors. The teens will then present their hula presentation on stage with a famous local band while their camp buddies and family enjoy their lu'au meal. Upon completion of this ceremony the teens will present their camp buddies with all their school needs from the backpacks filled with supplies to the new outfits and shoes to start their first day of school.

Now that our journey is complete, it is teen time! Yes, back to Honolulu for our own farewell graduation ceremony. We will dance our shoes off while enjoying the massive Volcano Nachos at the locals favorite hot spot the heart of Waikiki.

What a way to end the trip? Did you remember that ALL this is tax deductible!