hawaii€¦ · a series of programs that deepen our understanding of hawaii’s sensitive marine...
TRANSCRIPT
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Witness Ancient Volcanic Lava Flows and Work Alongside
Rangers in Volcanoes National Park
• Surf Perfect Breaks of and Take to the Ocean in Outrigger Canoe
• Build a Sustainable Hawaii through Farm-to-School Initiatives and
Embrace Hawaiian Culture
• Explore Waterfalls, Pristine Beaches, and Stunning Vistas
• Mentor and Inspire Students at the Boys and Girls Club
• Cruise Alongside Dolphins on the Stunning Napali Coast
• Snorkel and Explore Kahalu’u Bay Learning Reef Ecology to
Protect Sensitive Marine Life
• 30 Hours of Community Service
Spotlight Marine project: preServing paradiSe
Take action for the ocean by growing and transplanting living coral, cleaning beaches and helping to restore vital
habitat for marine mammals, fish and sea turtles. As the number of visitors to Hawaii steadily increases, educating
newcomers on reef etiquette and the rich ecosystems surrounding the island is critical to the survival of sensitive
ocean-dwelling animals. Work alongside scientists and educators to become a certified “ReefTeacher,” collecting
water-quality and environmental data to monitor the bay’s health. Through volunteer-driven educational projects,
partner with a local grassroots organization to ensure the bay remains a healthy and welcoming place for residents,
visitors, and sea creatures alike.
HAWAIIPRESERVING PARADISEA 14-Day Environmental Conservation Program
SAMPLE ITINERARY
arrival
Participants are met by their leaders at the Kona AIrport on the Island of Hawaii (or in Los Angeles
International Airport if on the escorted flight). After a quick welcome and introduction to ARCC,
we head to our campsite in the quiet coastal town of Hilo on the East side and spend our first night
under the Hawaiian stars.
Accommodations: Campground South Point, Hawaii
day 1
iSland orientation and Stargazing
This morning we head back to the airport and take a quick flight to the Big Island of Hawaii. Once
there, we cover program basics such as how to set up tents and use camp stoves. Through games,
team-building activities and cooking our first meal together, the adventure truly begins. We also
introduce the role of “Leader of the Day,” discuss expectations and learn more about our new
island home. This evening, we have a chance to visit the highest point of the island as we take
the winding journey up to the summit of the dormant volcano Mauna Kea. This vantage point not
only has one of the best sunsets on the island, but it is also one of the best places to view stars
in the world! Once the sun sets into a sea of clouds, we take turns gazing through telescopes and
learning from the visitor center staff about the millions of stars and planets surrounding us.
Accommodations: Campground South Point, Hawaii
day 2
Spotlight project: Kahalu’u Bay SnorKel Service
Over the next two days, we have the incredible opportunity to take action for the ocean through
a series of programs that deepen our understanding of Hawaii’s sensitive marine ecosystem. By
overviewing the importance of coral reefs, the relationship between fish, corals and other reef animals
we learn and how to take care of the reef and behave responsibly while navigating it. Dawning
snorkel gear, we jump into Kahalu’u Bay collecting data on species abundance and diversity while
exploring the reef. The information we gather will help inform local scientists about the reefs current
state of health and help advance conservation efforts in the area.
Accommodations: Campground South Point, Hawaii
day 3
volcanoeS national parK
Partnering with a local non-profit whose mission is to support the National Park Service in the
protection, preservation, and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources, we get a behind the
scenes look into the incredible forces that built these unique islands. Working alongside Rangers we
explore the landscape learning about the varied volcanic features that shape the environment here.
Giving back to the park, we work alongside volunteers restoring trails, removing invasive species and
protecting this unique ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.
Accommodations: Campground South Point, Hawaii
day 6
Waipi’o valley hiKe and Manta ray SnorKel
With countless waterfalls, lush jungles, and pristine beaches, no trip to Hawaii is complete without
a little exploration. Taking the road to its end, we pause overlooking this majestic valley before
venturing down in search of wild horses and a black-sand beach beckoning explorers. If we are lucky
we can view the Kaluahine Falls cascading off the edge of the island while taking a well-earned dip
in the Pacific.
This evening we have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with Hawaii’s coastal manta rays.
Taking a sunset cruise along the Kona coast, we dawn our snorkel gear and jump into the warm
waters equipped with dive lights, and gather around the “underwater campfire” to enjoy the show.
This is the only place in the world where manta’s associate bright dive lights with food, and we
take full advantage of this opportunity to witness some of the oceans most peaceful and majestic
creatures. Come face-to-face with these gentle giants as they gracefully feast on plankton swirling
around the lights!
Accommodations: Campground South Point, Hawaii
day 7
inter-iSland exploration and Beach day
After a week of adventure in this amazing place, it is time to pack up and begin our journey to Kauai!
Hopping on our short flight, we arrive at Lihue Airport and make our way to our home for the rest
of our adventure. After we settle into our new camp just steps from the ocean, we take the day to
explore the island, visit hidden beaches and relax in the shade. We also do laundry, touch base with
our families back home and plan for our upcoming service.
Accommodations: Campground Hanalei, Kauai
day 8
inter-iSland exploration and Beach day After a week of adventure in this amazing place, it is time to pack up and begin our journey to Kauai!
Hopping on our short flight, we arrive at Lihue Airport and make our way to our home for the rest
of our adventure. After we settle into our new camp just steps from the ocean, we take the day to
explore the island, visit hidden beaches and relax in the shade. We also do laundry, touch base with
our families back home and plan for our upcoming service.
Accommodations: Campground Hanalei, Kauai
day 8
ocean Service and Surfing
Today we work with a large non-profit grassroots organization whose goals are aimed at improving
the ocean and beaches of Kauai which have become damaged by the influx of tourism in recent
years. We are educated on their mission statement of C.A.R.E. (Conservation, Activism, Research,
and Education) and, with the help of professionals, we assist in conservation and research projects
on the beach and in the ocean. Accommodations: Campground Hanalei, Kauai
This afternoon, we experience the world-famous break of Kauai’s South Shore. We learn the
fundamentals of the exhilarating sport of surfing with the help of professional surf instructors. After
a lesson on land, we head into the water. Under the care of our instructors, we learn proper stance,
ocean safety and how to maximize our paddling strokes. With a little determination and luck, we
soon find ourselves coasting towards the beach atop cresting waves!
Accommodations: Campground Hanalei, Kauai
day 10
BoyS and girlS cluB of haWaii
Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the BGCH’s clubhouses provide guidance-oriented character
development programs six days a week for Hawaiian children aged 7-17 years old. Working alongside
the awesome people involved with the BGCH, we organize and implement an “Olympic Sports Day”
or “Fear Factor Day” with rotating events, stations, and prizes for elementary school Boys and Girls
Club members. Through our interactions with locals, we not only build stronger bonds between the
Islanders and the mainland but also build lasting friendships with the amazing kids and volunteers
of the organization.
Accommodations: Campground Hanalei, Kauai
day 9
Want to learn More? contact the regional director:
eBen coenen | regional director: haWaii
[email protected] Ext. 227
SuStainaBle food Service and outrigger canoeing
Hawaii is one of the most isolated island chains in the world and if supplies were to stop, the island
would only have about 5 days’ worth of food to feed its population. Partnering with a community-
based nonprofit organization that focuses on advocating, educating, and driving action towards a
sustainable Kauai, we work to complete a number of food-related outreach projects designed to
stimulate the community towards agricultural self-reliance. Utilizing their community food forest,
fruits and vegetables are donated to local food banks. We work together to complete farm-to-school
projects and advance Kauai towards a more sustainable future.
Outrigger canoes first arrived in Hawaii around 200 AD, some large enough to hold up to 80 people,
and were filled with essential items like edible plants, water, and animals to ensure a safer voyage
for the brave explorers who took off in search of land. Rowing has always been an important part of
Hawaiian Culture, and we have a chance to practice and learn this ancient form of exploration!
Accommodations: Campground Hanalei, Kauai
day 11
group led outing and final activitieS
On our last full day in Hawaii, we have a chance to choose our own adventure. Working together with
some guidance from our leaders, we have the opportunity to plan an adventure of our own. Whether
it be visiting “Secret Beach” or the Kilauea Lighthouse, it is bound to be an unforgettable final day
on the Garden Isle.
After an amazing two weeks full of service and activities, we head back to our camp for one last night
together and have our Final Feast to celebrate all that we have accomplished together!
Campground Hanalei, Kauai
day 14
zodiaK raft tour and SnorKeling
Today we celebrate all of the service we have completed during our time on Kauai with a day of
ocean exploration and snorkeling. We board a Zodiak raft and experience the dramatic Na Pali coast
from the ocean as we discover enchanting sea caves, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. We have the
opportunity to snorkel the astounding reef in search of sea turtles and colorful fish while we soak in
the sun surrounded by new friends in this stunning paradise.
Campground Hanalei, Kauai
day 13
departure
After two amazing weeks embracing the spirit of Aloha, we wave goodbye to Kauai as we head back
to Kona and catch our connecting flights back home. The memories of the experience and the group
will carry us through to next summer!
day 15