10 & 15 Day Edu-Camp (A Mentoring Summer Camp to Benefit Homeless Children of Hawaii)

  Hawaii (USA)

• Other Cities in Hawaii (USA): 
Honolulu

  United States

• Other Cities in United States: 
Hawaii

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Two Session Dates: July 5th-15th -OR- July 15th-29th

Description: This program is a one of a kind ultimate teen adventure community service project which allows the teen to select their own camp buddy or two and become mentors throughout the 7 day camps.

Camp life will include being paired with a camp buddy or two, and then sharing their experience and working hands on through the daily planned activities. Some activities include arts, nature trail exploration, swimming, team sports, educational projects, science experiences, flashlight tag, and more. Each teen mentor will be immersed with their camp buddy and spend the entire week helping them to develop better life-skills and eating habits, as well as helping them gain the self-esteem needed to succeed in this trying world.

Your camp buddies come from various poverty stricken backgrounds. Some live in tents, or cars, and some are just getting back on their feet moving into an apartment or shelter situation. Camp buddies are both male and female between the ages of 4-8. The program is specifically designed to benefit this age group, and it proves to be a once in a life time changing opportunity for the keiki who are able to attend. Many of these keiki have large families, and they don't have much one-on-one attention from anyone. This is a special time when they get to spend time away from their siblings and daily family crisis and grow in a nurturing environment designed with their needs in mind. During this short time, teens will watch their buddies blossom and become more self reliant and confident in their choices. The program is designed to work as a unit that will instill life long changes.

First Session July 5th-15th (call for confirmation of these dates) accommodations will be at the ocean front hotel in Hilo garden area (teens will need to arrive at the Hilo International Airport and depart from HILO international Airport, (call for details), dinner meals will be eaten at local style restaurants. The first camp is our Adventures Abound, which is a traveling summer camp. We will explore all types of educational places, like the zoo, the planetarium, the aquarium, and even explore the under water world of tide pools. This is also a unique experience for the children to participate in our Books on the Menu program. Every day we have a new theme, new story and new food to try.

Our summer camp session two is located on the Hamakua Coast highway in the mountains and secluded from surrounding areas. Campers will have the choice of sleeping in cabins on beds, or under the Hawaiian stars in tents. Our program is a USDA regulated program, so all meals and snacks will fit those standards, and be prepared on site. Teen mentors will be able to assist with food prep and help their buddies to enjoy a wonderful and healthy summer. (Most camp buddies will gain weight and become more healthy as they start eating more nutritious meals). Camp life is from July 18th- 23rd. All teen mentors must arrive to the Hilo International Airport on the 15th of July. (Teens will be picked up by camp staff and transferred to hotel for orientation and teen activities)

Teens will be required to bring personal items, as well as enough clothing for the entire camp, as well a a sweater and long pants for colder weather (we do not have laundry service), extra money for personal snacks or other needs. Everything else will be provided. All meals, accommodations, transportation on Big Island, and camp activities. Please remember this is summer camp, not a fashion show, so your special outfits are not needed, and you can plan on getting dirty.

After the summer camp, teens will present their camp buddies with a certificate of graduation, and enjoy a BBQ lunch with the buddies' families. This allows the teens to meet the whole 'ohana, and the buddies to show off their new mentors. Camp buddies and their siblings will also receive a backpack filled with school supplies, a new outfit and shoes to start their new school year off on the right foot and ready to learn.

Spend your summer making a difference and make new life-long friendships.

Highlights:
* Working hands on with your own camp buddy.
* Developing Leadership skills.
* Exploring a new culture and the Big Island of the Hawaiian islands.
* Building new life-long friendships between other teens.
* Sharing your culture with an underprivileged child.
* Earning 100 hours of community service certificate.

Qualifications: Teen will be paired up with their camp buddy for the entire duration of the camp. Teens must be responsible and able to assist with camp life. We will accept teens between the ages of 15-18 (sophomore to senior years). Teens primary goal is to mentor their camp buddy and work hands on with them throughout the planned activities. All applicants will be required to submit all the required paper work, camp and travel insurance, and be able to pass the physical exam to assure proper health for all activities. Teens must be in good physical and mental health to attend our camp environment.

Cost in US$: First Session: USD 2,900; Second Session USD 4,350. (early discount of USD 250.00 by Mar. 31st)

Camp Session One: This camp includes the roundtrip airport transfers, ground transportation to and from camp and activities, 24 hour supervision, all cultural activities and meals. The meals for this program will vary from USDA regulated meals served at camp to home cooked meals that will be served during the evening cultural lessons and weekends we eat at restaurants and have picnic style lunches at the beaches. All lodging and accommodations are also provided. Teens will stay at Project Hawai'i Hale, and local beach side hotels. Teens must fly in and out of Hilo International Airport located on the Big Island. Flights out must be before 4 p.m.

Camp Session Two: As well as the above, this camp also includes the camp lodging at the Hawaiian Tropical Retreat and hotel stay during the sleepover camp days. Teens must fly out of the Hilo International Airport by 12 noon, or if they have a connecting flight from Oahu, we can escort them with the larger group. (our dedicated staff can assist with this process).

If you are looking to do more than one session, please see our full 4 week program for all the benefits and full advantages. These dates are June 24th-July 22nd and have a cost of USD 7,400 with bonus and referral credits.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer will enjoy spending their time helping younger children between the ages of 4-8. Have an open mind and heart to new experiences, and be able to handle typical camping type settings. Teens will have an ambition to help others and want to work well as a team player. Being able to adjust to new cultures, foods, and opportunities are also a plus. Teens will be independent enough to care for themselves, as well as help out their camp buddy without too much help from staff members.

Age Range: 15-18

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 7-10

Scholarships are Available. Scholarships are available for those who wish to participate in the full 4 week program as part of the Cultural experiences. Please email for more details. Limited spaces available for all camp sessions

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Project Hawai'i with Cultural Institute of America's Mission Statement: A teen mentoring free summer camp for homeless children. Our mission is to empower teens to make a difference in their tomorrow while making changes in present through interactive solutions. Providing the teens leadership skills to enhance the lives of homeless children and helping to end the cycle of poverty in America. While learning about and exploring the Cultural asspects from true Hawaiians and Fostering Cultural Exchange, awareness and acceptance. "Making footsteps in the Hawaiian sands worth following"

Year Founded: 1990