Project Hawai'i with Cultural Institute of America

This was a life changing experience for me. I never expected it to be so much fun and so insightful to the poverty that the homeless children live in. I am glad I was able to help these children and have the interaction. It not only changed their lives, but mine. I also got to meet other great teens that share the same goals and compassion as I do to help others. Project Hawai'i was the best summer of my life!!

I attended the Project Hawai'i with Cultural Institute of America and wanted to say that is was the time of my life. I learned so much about the Hawaiian Culture and was able to make new friends from all over the US that I still chat with weekly. Plus my camp buddies were so much fun. I still give them presents at Christmas, and help with other needs. They helped to change my outlook on the poverty here in the US and helped to make me a better person. I used the community service certificate to apply for colleges and when I was interviewed the teachers were amazed at how much I learned and grew from this experience.

Magin Patrick

February 28, 2010
Response from Project Hawai'i with Cultural Institute of America

Thank you Sonia, I am glad you had a wonderful time and cared to share it with others. Our homeless children lives changed thanks to your support. I am glad that your goals are coming to play as you enter into college years. Good Luck with all your future adventures. Don't forget to continue to make foot prints worth following no matter where you go!!

This was the best summer of my life. I thought I was going to help work with homeless children to change their lives and instead it changed mine. I wasn't expecting so much adventure and tours. I figured we would work with the children and then hang out at the hotel, or around town, but no we explored so many different beaches, and awesome places. There are so many good memories from this summer that it is hard to find something that compares. The directors are so warm and inviting. They share their culture and their lives with the teens, but you can see the passion they have for the homeless children they work with all the time. It was amazing! It wasn't like just going somewhere to help out. I made a difference, I was part of the whole solution. Without the teen mentors, this camp is not the same. But without this camp, there is no reason. Hard to explain the reality that makes this so different from anything else. Because of this tour, I was able to attend my favorite college with my best friend! Hard to believe but true. The essay I wrote about my experience changed my life and opened doors. Yes, I would recommend this camp to anyone, not just to help yourself, but to be a part of something really life changing.