Description

Project Hawai'i Teen Mentoring Summer Camp is a 3-fold program to provide a well rounded summer learning experience for the teens attending. From learning a new culture to earning community service hours this summer camp is full of adventures.

Community Service Program Description: Teens will work along side homeless children guiding them through planned activities in a variety of environments. The first two weeks of the camp is hosted on the island of O'ahu. Teens will attend leadership workshops and Hawaiian adventures in Waikiki, and then a 5 day/night sleepover camp on the North Shore of the island. The second session is called Edu-Camp and is a sleepover camp hosted on the Big Island of Hawai'i. This camp allows the teens to work more one on one with their camp buddy and teach them life skills that will change their lives for ever. These children are homeless living in poverty stricken situations, like cars, tents and substandard housing environments. Your participation in their lives will help them gain self esteem and change the world as they know it.

Teens have the opportunity to earn
* 200 Community Service Hours Award
* The Presidential Service Award Certificate and Medal
* Recommendation Letters as needed for future en-devours
* Teen Leadership and Mentoring Completion Certificates

Hawaiian Cultural Experiences: Teens will be immersed in the Hawaiian Culture from day one. From learning the language to the foods we eat, everyone lives Aloha! Teens will be able to participate in various Hawaiian activities and once in a lifetime lessons from famous or special Native Hawaiians. In addition to attending authentic lu'au and visiting sacred lands, teens will also learn the Hawaiian traditions passed through the generations. Producing their own Hawaiian Lu'au to present to their camp buddies at graduation is a very unique and special opportunity that truly sets this apart from any other lesson ever offered.
Teens will learn the art of Hula, make their own ti'leaf Hula skirt and lei, prepare the lau lau the old Hawaiian ways.

Adventure Travels:
Teens will hop islands to explore the hidden treasures of the different high lights of the island as well as sacred lands. Beach exploration will be second nature to all who attend. From learning to surf Waikiki to swimming with dolphins and other sea creatures. Snorkel cruises, volcano hiking and waterfall swimming are just to name a few exciting places. Teens will spend their weekends exploring the island with the native Hawaiians and learning how to preserve the ocean coral reefs, indigenous plants, and our wild life.

Highlights

There are so many highlights, but really this once in a life time experience is only made possible by your participation.

I will start off saying that is tour is tax deductible!! That's right, 100% write off on your taxes.

Adventures:
* Island Hopping
* Surf Lesson
* Waterfall Exploration
* Volcano Hiking
* Swim with Dolphins, Hawaiian Turtles
* Snorkel Cruises
* Glass Bottom Boat Ride
* Beach Exploration

Cultural Lifestyle:
* Visit Sacred Lands
* Learn Hawaiian Customs
* Authentic Hawaiian Lu'au
* Learn to Make hula skirts, lau lau and other important values of the Hawaiian Culture
* Make your own Hula Skirt
* Learn the Language
* Visit and meet wonderful Hawaiian people
* Learn the music

Community Service:
* 200 hours of service working hands on with homeless children
* Leadership and Mentoring Workshops
* Marketing and Outreach Experience
* Gaining life skills, self esteem and inner awareness
* Earning the Presidential Service Award Certificate

Group Leaders or Teachers: Attend free of charge with min. 6 students
If you have the full 4 weeks to attend that is great, if not we have this tour split into two parts to allow for shorter times. See website for full details.

Travel Types

• Canoeing
• Dancing
• Eco Tours
• Heritage Tourism
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Off Road / 4X4 Driving
• RainForest Tours
• Sailing
• Snorkeling
• Sports
• Student Tours
• Summer Camp
• Surfing
• Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Project Hawai'i Teen Mentoring Summer camp is open to teens enrolled or just graduating high school. Our teens are also required to hold a 3.2 GPA and have reference letters. Those traveling with in a group with leader still need to obtain one other reference letter. Our program offers various cultural experiences, so we require teens to be open minded and curious to learn other cultures. In addition this program offers so many travel and exploration opportunities; therefore, they will need to be physically fit and have a doctor release form, or their school athletic release form.
In order to travel free with your group, their must be a min. of 6 qualifying teens.

Type of Programs

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

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 6,800.00 or 6,500.00 w/6+

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

This is an all exclusive tour. Once your teen arrives on the islands, the rest is provided. We accommodate special meal needs, medical needs, etc.
The only thing you pay for is the round trip airfare from your home to our islands.
The spending money your teen will use for souvenirs to take home and extras they may want that are not on the itinerary.

Group Leaders will be responsible for their own extras same at the teens. Group leaders also need to purchase their camp "staff" t-shirts. Group leaders will also be assigned to help with some camp duties while at the sleepover camp session.

Experience Required

yes

Teens must be open minded and have experience working with young children. Babysitting, younger siblings or relatives, working with youth in a group setting, or something like that. These children are very young (3-7 years) and some do have social or behavior disorders that can be trying at times. Other than that all are welcome to join!

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A typical volunteer is open for a once in life time experience. Ready to travel and explore while learning a new culture. Open minded and full of excitement. Many of our teens form bonds that last throughout the years. Some even states apart have gone away to the same Universities as new best friends. This is truly a life changing opportunity and our goal is to share it with those who want to make a difference in their world around them.

Age Range

14-19

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4-24

Scholarships are Available

We do have limited scholarships for those who qualify, but do offer several fundraising options that make it easier for teens to attend. Anyone helping to pay the tuition costs will receive their tax deductions as well.

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application
• 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