USA for Older Teens: Hawaii Big Island Service and Adventure

Travel for Teens gave me experiences that will last me a lifetime and new friendships. This past summer, I visited Hawaii’s Big Island with TFT, and I genuinely feel like my life has changed for the better. Whether surfing at Kahalu’u Beach Park, experiencing a native luau, watching the sunset from 14,000 feet altitude at Mauna Kea, or even hanging out by the pool with my friends, I enjoyed every moment of it. We got to partake in a perfect blend of service in the community, learning about the natives and the fantastic island they live on, and thrilling experiences. Everyone on my trip, including the counselors, came from different backgrounds and areas of the world, giving many perspectives on the activities we did each day. My fantastic trip leader Maria helped all of us become comfortable with each other so that none of us had to experience any anxiety that we worried about being so far from home. By the end of the trip, I had many new friends. I talked to them regularly and learned so much about the Big Island that I was not ready to leave. Honestly, this was the most amazing trip I have ever been on, and I am so excited to go on another one this upcoming summer.

I went on a service trip to the Big Island in Hawaii and it was the most fun I have ever had traveling. I was quite stressed going into it, but TFT made the trip an enjoyable and non stressful experience. The activities that we did on the trip are beyond what I would ever do with my family. ATV riding in a coffee farm, snorkeling in a beautiful reef, and going to one of the highest telescopes in the world, is something that I would have never done without TFT. My counselors were absolutely amazing and really did care about what us, the teens wanted to do. They made sure that all our needs were fulfilled and that everyone was getting along and having a great time. They allowed us to really take in the culture and environment surrounding us, and made the trip both fun and educational. I created many friendships on the trip and I still keep in touch with them daily. Without TFT, I would have never had this life-changing experience. If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend a trip with TFT.