Description

This is the Ultimate Teen Adventure Community Service Tour. Designed with TEENS in mind, the entire summer experience will blow you away. You will be exposed to true Hawai'i, learning the language, the culture, meeting the people, and of course exploring the islands like no one else can offer.

Your tour begins on O'ahu (Waikiki Beach) where teens will be introduced to the culture and experience the highlights of the ocean and city life. During this time teens will enjoy water sports, including surf lessons with pipeline pros. Teens will have the opportunity to learn about each other during these fun activities before heading out to the other island to meet their camp buddies.

During our first camp session, teens will be working with their camp buddies in a day camp setting, and in the late afternoon will have the opportunity to learn the cultural heritage with Hawaiian Kumus (teachers, professionals). During this week we make our lei, ti' leaf hula skirts, laulau and learn to make a traditional Luau from start to finish. Even learn Ukulele by the local band members from High Town. You will learn a hula dance and song in order to perform for your homeless child and their family for our grand finale.
Teens will also experience weekend adventures traveling to different parts of the island, such as the volcano, beautiful beaches.

Now, back to the island of Oahu to learn the art of surfing by pro surfers (the ones who won the pipeline competitions on tv, etc). Oahu on the white sand beaches, hike the beautiful waterfalls, and the hidden beaches only the locals can find. We will participate in the night life entertainment on the tiki-torch lite Waikiki beach, and visit the tree house where people get married. So much to explore and we will be part of it all. Teens will also have the opportunity to participate in their leadership workshop. This is a hands on learning experience and teens will earn a certificate of completion for this as well.

Now off to the Big Island of Hawai'i where you will meet your camp buddies, (a homeless child) and work along side with them throughout their sleepover camp experience. Our camp is located in the beautiful mountains of the Honoka'a. This secluded tropical retreat is like no where else on earth. Following this 6 day camp, we will head off to the other side of the island to explore the beaches, waterfalls, and entertainment for the weekend.

Graduation isn't complete without presenting camp buddies with all their back to school supplies, a luau and their graduation certificates. Teens will present their newfound skills of hula and mele (song) on stage with the famous Brown Boys and Ko'ele for their camp buddies. You and your new teen friends will work alongside each other demonstrating true teamwork skills to make all this happen. What a wonderful experience and way to earn your 200 hours of community service projects.

Teens also help their camp buddies present the camp play and other fun stuff during this wonderful evening.

Highlights

So many highlights!
* Travel to the secluded parts of 2 islands of Hawai'i with native Hawaiians
* Surfing with pro award winning surfers
* 9 course Zip Line through tropical gardens and waterfalls
* Learning Hula & Song with Famous Bands
* Explore the hidden beaches, waterfalls, and tropical jungles, not to mention the Volcano!
* Enhance the lives of homeless children and help them go back to school prepared.
* Earn 200 community service hours in mentoring, leadership, team building, and marketing skills.
* The food, the culture, the experience can NOT be matched! Living Aloha is not just what we do, it is who we are.
* Almost forgot...this tuition is tax deductible

Travel Types

• Camping
• Dancing
• Heritage Tourism
• Horseback Riding
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Nature Tours
• Snorkeling
• Sports
• Student Tours
• Surfing
• Volunteering

Qualifications

We are seeking teens who wish to spend their summer helping to make a difference in the world around them. Working hands on with homeless children on the Big Island of Hawai'i while learning the culture of the Hawaiian lifestyle are the main goals of this tour. Teens must be physically fit and be able to volunteer and explore 8-10 hour days. Our program is open to those between the ages of 14 years and 19 years. All teens must be enrolled in High School between grades 10-12 or graduating 2012. Have at least a 3.0 GPA and reference letters. The teens who come with open minds and hearts are those who will greatly benefit from this experience.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• High School Study Abroad
• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 7,400 after Jan. 1 will be USD7,800 (Scholarships avail)

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

* All accommodations at camp or in hotels, or homestays.
* All meals and snacks while on tour. We eat 3 home-cooked USDA certified meals during camp sessions, and eat at various restaurants during the excursions. We also learn the culture by having local Hawaiian dishes prepared by Hawaiian families.
* All excursion, entrance fees, lessons, supplies.
* Inter-island flights, transportation to and from activities.
* 24 hour staff and supervision
* Welcome package to help you with the islands climate.
* This tuition is tax deductible as well

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

yes

Teens must be in good physical condition. Must like working with children and have patients to work alongside their buddy for the full day.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Our teens are open-minded individuals who have a love for adventure and helping others. Like to try new things, and enjoy exploring new places. Our teens have a big heart and want to make a difference in the world around them while building life-long friendships with other teens who share the same values. Sharing the experience of a new culture together while helping to make a brighter world for those around them. Full of energy and ready for new daily adventures.

Age Range

14-19

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of upto 25

Scholarships are Available

We do have a few scholarships for those who qualify. You will need to apply before May 31st.

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