Description

Our program starts on the island of Oahu, where the wonders of Hawai'i come to life. We will be staying at the Queen's hotel just steps from the white sands of Waikiki. This ocean side hotel also features a roof top swimming pool, and other amenities to help teens relax after a well rounded day (if they still have the energy to relax). This island provides for the best surf of all the islands, so we will be taking our lessons here. I almost forgot to say who we will be taking lesson from. The world famous Quicksilver pipeline champion and number one celebrity requested surfer of our islands. Yes, Kevin Okimoto from the Opi'i Pickers. He will be our surf and sand guide for a fun filled afternoon. That is only the beginning of this Oahu adventure. We will take part in an authentic Hawaiian Lu'au and experience the traditions behind this wonderful feast. Our teens will also be able to experience the fun and exciting nightlife of our "Rodeo Drive" with street performers, world class shopping and of course dancing to the live bands at our favorite place in Waikiki. Did I forget to mention the food? All teens love to eat. We will see who can actually finish their plates when the order of Volcano Nachos arrive, or the best burgers in the world are presented to them.

Oh did you think I forgot how the teens will earn their service hours? Or where the homeless children are. This is just the beginning. The teens will be able to meet the children in a very unique opportunity. They will see how the children live and the poverty situations they face first hand. Teens will then interact with the children at a carnival type setting with games, face painting and have lunch on the beach with their new found friends.

Well enough of this island, now we are off to the Big Island of Hawai'i. There we will explore the volcanoes, beaches, wonderful waterfalls and spend most of our tour. Teens will be introduced to the heart and soul of the islanders and explore the sacred grounds and valleys not open to the public. Explore hot spots that only local can go, and learn where their roots are from.

Our day camp and sleepover camp are also located on the island of Hawai'i. Here teens will spend their day interacting and working hands on with their camp buddies. They will have the opportunity to share their wonders and help them grow with healthy habits. Teens will be paired with a camp buddy or two to mentor and work with while we go on our Adventures Abound field trips to the zoo, planetarium, observatory, even explore tide pools and learn to paddle board. Then the sleepover camp begins and the teens will have a new experience with their buddies. This is truly a once in a life time experience that allows both the teens and camp buddies to explore their own ideas and grow so much. Many teens actually find out what they truly wish to be when they grow up. It is a truly life changing experience for everyone involved.

The teens will also have their weekends without their buddies to explore the islands from the volcanoes, ocean bottoms, and high waterfalls. Teens will travel to all sides of the island for a full impact of the true Hawai'i. We will go on the snorkel cruises, body board, and sunbathe at the world famous beaches.

Didn't forget about the culture. Teens will have lessons in the art of Hula, Mele, and even making authentic lua lau. We will learn from start to finish how to present an authentic lu'au complete with our own ti'leaf lei and hula skirt. Teens will perform their new found art of Hula to their homeless camp buddy at graduation and present this on stage with our islands award winning Hawaiian Style Band. Meet the band members and even receive a signed c.d. of HI TOWN!

Upon graduation, teens will be presented with their certificate of service for 200 hours that will include mentoring, leadership building, marketing and fundraising. Teens will also present their camp buddies with all their needed supplies to go back to school prepared from a new backpack filled with supplies to new outfits and shoes.

Wow...I hope you have the energy for all this excitement. We have 9 spots open. Are you up for a life changing experience?

Highlights

* Travel the islands with Native Hawaiians.
* Learn the Culture while making an impact on a homeless child's life.
* Explore the wonders of Hawai'i by land, sea and mountain.
* Learn to Surf with famous pipeline champions.
* Make friends to last a life-time.
* 9 course Zip Line
* Dolphin Cruise
* Leadership Workshop with certificate of completion
* Work hands on with your camp buddy and help change their world forever.
* Earn 200 hours of community service learning hours for college resumes.
* Experience the true life of Hawaiians.
* The opportunity to Make Your Own Foot Prints in the Hawaiian Sands Worth Following"
* This Tuition is Tax Deductible

Travel Types

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

Qualifications

Our volunteer program provides the opportunity for teens to make a difference in the world around them and change lives for ever. Our qualifications include teens be enrolled or just graduating high school in 2012. Teens must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and have at least one recommendation letter from a community leader, or teacher. Other qualifications include being adventurous, open minded and the willingness to meet new teens from all over.

Our teens will show dedication to the projects at hand, and the willingness to try new things. Because this is a Cultural adventure, teens will be introduced to new foods, language, customs and people. The teens will immerse in the Hawaiian culture while learning ancient Hawaiian traditions. Most of our camp buddies (homeless children) are local, being they have Hawaiian or other pacific island heritage. They are accustom to a different lifestyle than the typical "mainland" child, and even have their own language. Teens will have the responsibility to mentor their camp buddy and work hands on throughout the camp session to help them grow stronger and improve their self-esteem.

Other qualifications include being fit and in well shape. Teens will need a basic "school sports" physical on record to attend. We will take part in all sorts of adventures that will require teens to be at their best. These tours include hiking the volcano and tropical jungles to waterfalls, swimming in the ocean and learning to surf. Other adventures include hikes through valleys and sacred places of the islands.

Our teens will need to be open minded to the wonders they will be introduced from foods to language and new traditions.

We have an application process to be filled out and completed. Then the teens application will be put up to the review panel. We only accept 24 teens and have 9 openings left.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 7,800.00 (USD 500.00 discount before Dec. 31)

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

This is an all inclusive tour once you arrive on our islands. We provide inter-island transportation as well. Your teen will be provided will their needs from the basics of hygiene to admissions, excursions, transportation, meals, hotel, snacks, teen nights, etc.

The only thing your teen needs to provide is spending money for souvenirs, and if they choose during their "free time" at shops, or extras, they can choose to purchase Starbucks, or other teen favorites.

We suggest bringing about USD 150.00 spending money.
Teens also receive a welcome package with many different items of the islands, a beach towel and camp t-shirts.

Tour does not include: Health, Dental, or trip insurance, round-trip airfare from your home.

Experience Required

yes

We do require that the teen has done any type of community service in the past. This can be anything from being involved in a group, club, school event. Something that will prepare them for the meaning of volunteering and working as a team to meet the goals of the program. Teens will also need to enjoy being with and around small children. While baby sitting skills is not required, teens must enjoy children. Their camp buddies are between 4-7 years of age.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

We make provisions for dietary needs.

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

Scholarships are Available

We have two scholarships still available. We also have on line fundrasing program to allow your teens to get others involved with their wonderful adventures. This is Tax-Deductible tuition.

Application Process Involves

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