Description

This service project has so much to offer in such a short time. We have packed every waking hour with new experiences and fun. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for teens to be involved in making a huge difference in the lives of homeless children during the holiday. While we are not a religious organization and do not have views on the Easter Celebration, we do believe in the Easter Bunny and all the joy that the bunny will bring to the children living in poverty. This service program will involve teens working hands on with the homeless children while working as a team with their newfound friends from all over the US.

Some examples of our holiday program:
* Teens will decide what type of program they wish to provide for the homeless children, such as games, face painting, egg hunt products, and luncheon items.
* Teens will then work as a team to show awareness and raise the funds needed to provide the holiday party products.
* After that, shop for the items needed and then fill the bunny bags, eggs, and make the luncheon menu.
* Be responsible for implementing the games, and activities they created for the keiki (children) on Saturday.

This program will provide the teens with a certificate of 40 hours in community service and cultural awareness.

Teens will be learning leadership skills while building new friendships. During this tour teens are able to express their ideas and turn them into a wonderful event to help homeless children enjoy their party. Although it is a short time, we find that most teens find out so much about themselves, what they are capable of achieving, how to deal with newfound emotions of a crisis situation, and working with others who have a different cultural background. This week is packed with adventures from the sea to the mountains, from the city life to tropical jungles. All the while truly making a world of difference for homeless children in Hawai'i.

Highlights

Project Hawai'i offers a well-rounded experience to include cultural events, lessons, exploration and of course beach time. Some examples of what to expect from this tour:

Our top 10
1. Surf lessons from our local award winning surfers on Waikiki Beach.
2. Beach exploration of the famous North Shore where all the pro surfers practice.
3. Swim/snorkel with the fish and other sea life. Enjoy an ocean adventure.
4. Attend an Authentic Hawaiian Luau (Feast) and Hula presentation.
5. Learn how to make lei, ti' leaf shirts, and other Hawaiian traditional items, and food products.
6. Meet many local native Hawaiians that will share their culture and way of life with the teens.
7. Of course we have world class shopping and great places to find the perfect souvenir.
8. Teens will be introduced to a new culture and what it means to "Live Aloha"
9. Our Volcano Nachos are to die for, and our teen dance night is always a unique experience.
10. Our beach front Hotel...it is a few steps away from the beautiful Waikiki Beach, all the nightlife entertainers, great food, lots of shops and other wonders along the tiki torch lit sand path along the beach.

Of course we feel the best of our tour is helping to provide the homeless children with a sense of "normal." To see the faces of the children when the Easter Bunny arrives to take photos and hunt eggs with them, says it all. This event allows the children to feel normal for just one day. To have something that is all their own and to know they weren't left out or even forgotten again during the holidays. These children can't believe the bunny is there to see them, and then to actually be able to eat a nutritious meal, play games and get a basket filled with wonders is sometimes overwhelming to them. It will change their life, and you can be a part of that wonder.

Travel Types

• Climbing
• Dancing
• Eco Tours
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• Snorkeling
• Sports
• Student Tours
• Surfing
• Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Our nonprofit organization is comprised of volunteers to provide services to the homeless children living in poverty. Our goal for this service project is very unique. Our teens will be working hands on with the children on several occasions while preparing for their special holiday treats. Teens will be involved from start to finish, including fundraising, purchasing and assembling the Easter baskets, filling eggs for the hunt, and making their luncheon items.

This is a teen program open to those attending high school. We do have an application process, as well teens are required to submit an essay, a recommendation letter from a teacher, group leader, or the alike. Please inquire for more information.

Our program is seeking teens that are outgoing and ready for new experiences, love to help others and work well with their peers. Because this is also an adventure tour, the teens must be in good physical health and be able to participate in activities such as swimming, hiking (to waterfalls, or other small type climbs), walking the beaches, etc. Teens are also required to submit a sports release form with their application. Our cultural experiences also require teens to have an open mind and ready for new experiences outside their normal comfort zone.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,250.00 (USD100.00Early Bonus Discount)

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 your teen reaches Oahu (Hawai'i) then we take care of the rest. Teens are greeted at the airport in the traditional Hawaiian style with a lei.

The teens are provided with all meals, and daily snacks, hotel and accommodations, transportation to and from the Honolulu International airport and all transportation to and from the daily activities, etc. This also includes the 24 hour supervision by our staff and group leaders. This includes all admission fees, tax, gratuity, and other fees associated with the itinerary.

We even provide basic hygiene needs from shampoo, toothpaste and brush, sunscreens, lotions, and other items we find helpful living in the tropics. Teens will also receive a Project Hawai'i tshirt and other project items. Teen also receive their 40 hour certificate and an award ceremony dinner at the end of the tour.

This tour is also is 80% Tax Deductible! We also provide means for fundraising for tuition.

What It Does not Include:
The airfare to and from your home state. Medical/Dental Insurance, Travel Insurance. It also does not include personal spending money for souvenirs or extras the teens may wish to purchase on their own. We recommend that each teen has spending money of USD 150.

Experience Required

yes

Teens need to enjoy working with children, and experience participating in a group setting.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A typical volunteer is open to new experiences and adventures. Have a open heart to help change the lives of homeless children. Our teens are typical teens, like to meet other teens, experience the world around them, and have fun. Our teens are also focused on their own educational success and utilize this opportunity to add to their future goals. They come from all over the US and other countries to work as a team to obtain the goals of our program.

Age Range

High School Students

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

There are 3 USD 250.00 scholarships available for teens to apply. We also offer match grants for the teens who wish to do fundraising.

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• 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