Description

This cultural adventure tour is a great way to perform community service and earn 200 hours while exploring the islands of Hawai'i. There is no better way then to do this with your best friend!! And we understand how it feels to be able to share new experiences with your BFF!! So, we have designed a discount package for the two off you. This program will even make your very own memory book with "mostly" the two off you featured throughout your experience.

Now back to the tour details.

Teens will start their tour off on the island of O'ahu on the Waikiki beach. This will allow for the teens to beach exploration while getting to know all the other teens they will work with throughout the program. Our tour will also sample the local culture and get the teens use to the different climate and other changes. During the opening week, teens will also attend a world class leadership workshop and participate in the awareness campaigns for their homeless children. Off to the island of Hawai'i also known as the "Big Island."

Once on the Big Island, our adventures will start off with the Adventures Abound Day Camp with the homeless children. Teens will work side by side by their camp buddy helping them throughout the daily activities. Typically we are with the children Mon.-Fri. from 9A-3:30P. Teens will guide the children through the field trip activities. Some of our trips include the pana'ewa zoo, 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, Tide Pool Exploration, and more...to introduce our keiki (children) to the wonders of their island.

In the evenings, teens will participate in Cultural Activities, tour the island, and have time for shopping, or other planned activities.

During the weekends teens will be "overwhelmed" with all the activities they will participate in, from Volcano Hiking, Snorkel Cruises, Dolphin Swims, Beach Exploration, Waterfall Hiking/swimming, Zip Line Adventures, and so much more.

Now, time to hop the islands again and back to O'ahu for our surf lessons and more cultural activities. Teens will have their well earned rest and fun before heading back to Hawai'i for the sleepover camp adventures...more fun than anyone can imagine.

Our sleepover camp is nestled in the majestic mountains of Honoka'a at a retreat type camp. Teens and their camp buddies will spend 5 days at the 100 acre tropical jungle. During this time the children will rotate through many different activities and educational projects. Teens will of course help them through the activities, but also help them to learn healthy life skills and help build their self-esteem. During this camp, since it is 24/7 with the children, teens do have plenty activities away from camp. They will explore the Waipio Valley Sacred Lands (which is not open to the general public, or tourists). The teens will also be attending the Hula Classes in a near by town, and even shop at the famous Paniolo town. There is even teen movie night to help break up the camp life.

While at camp, the teens will be in cabins that feature full amenities, hot/cold running water, showers, their private restroom, electricity, etc. Our camp facilities also feature a huge multipurpose room that we will enjoy movies, play games, eat meals, etc. There are also outdoor pavilions that we host our activities and barbeques. This is a very peaceful and serene retreat style setting that provides days and nights of fun and relaxation.

After the sleepover camp, teens will venture to the other side of the island for even more exploration and fun activities before they get ready for the graduation ceremony. The teens will work on presenting an Authentic Hawaiian Lu'au from start to finish. They will learn to make the traditional dishes, use their talents to decorate the stage, and even perform a Hula for their camp buddies and the family.

The grand finale of the graduation will put all their new found skills to the test. Then off to the island of O'ahu for the teens farewell party and departures. This allows for the teens to say their last good byes as they dance the night away on the Waikiki Beach Comber hotel...well til curfew.

Highlights

There are so many Highlights of this program:
The one's not Mentioned above:

* This is Tax Deductible!! Yes, it truly is!
* Allows for the teens to earn 200 hours in volunteering, mentoring, marketing, outreach and leadership.
* Ability to earn recommendation letters to use towards future employment and University entrance applications.

Recap of above adventures:
* Snorkel Cruises/Dolphin Swim
* Volcano Hiking
* Waterfall Hiking/Swimming
* Cultural Events
* Cultural Lessons/Authentic Programs
* Zip Line through Tropical Jungles
* Ocean Sports
* Island Hopping
* Working Hands on with Homeless Children
* Once in a Life Time Experiences
* Meeting Local celebrities
* Ocean Front Hotels
* Exclusive Tours and Opportunities
* Memory Photo book PLUS THE second one with mostly just the TWO Best Friends

Because our tour is based in Hawai'i, we are Native Hawaiian and Locals...that is what makes us authentic and different from all the rest. Our program offers exclusive tours, hidden area of the island and first class tours all the way.

Qualifications

What a way to spend your summer vacation but with your best friend making an impact in the lives of homeless children while exploring the wonders of the Hawaiian Islands.

To be qualified for this program teens must be enrolled in High School or class of 2012. Teens must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and reference letters from a teacher, or other community leader.

Teens will need to be open minded, ready for new experiences and adventurous. Our program offers many adventure tours from ocean snorkeling, to volcano hiking...so must be well fit and up for the challenges of the daily activities.

Because this program works hands on with young children during summer camp activities, teens will need to have experience working with children, and enjoy children in general. Our teens will need to have compassion towards the homeless children and be open to learning about another culture, as the Hawaiians are a different culture in themselves.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• Student Tours

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Our BFF Special Price: USD7,200 each teen

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Our Cost Includes: This is an all exclusive tour. Once your teen arrives to the island of O'ahu we take care of the expenses from travel, food, exploration, hotel, cabins, entrances, memory books, camp t-shirts, airport transfers, and itinerary plans. We provide the daily needs for our excursions, such as the beach towels, sunscreen, etc. for all the tours.

The Tour Does not Include: Roundtrip airfare from your state to ours. Medical, Dental, Travel or emergency Insurances. Any souvenirs the teens wish to purchase, or extras they may choose to buy.

This is a USD1,200.00 off the regular tuition. This is offered for teens traveling with a sibling, family member or best friend. This is NOT available with any other discount, offer, or special...this is an extremely high discount

Experience Required

yes

Yes, we require that teens have experience with young children. Must enjoy young children. Our camp buddies are between the ages of 4-7 years.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Our typical volunteers are open minded and ready for adventure. They love to meet new people and learn about different cultures. Since this is a volunteer based program, our volunteers are very passionate and have compassion for others. Love working with children and sharing their experiences with others. Our teens typically are energetic and ready for anything. Being open minded is a good quality to have when being immersed into a new culture and different environment. Our teens are typically very interested in their future and have goals of attending University or other higher education and look to excel by adding this volunteer service to their resume. But most of all, our volunteers are teens who love to have fun!!

Age Range

14-19

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4-24

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days after application rec.

Project Hawai'i with Cultural Institute of America's Mission Statement

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 aspects from true Hawaiians and Fostering Cultural Exchange, awareness and acceptance.

Year Founded

1990