Paradise Partnership

Travel with us to American Samoa to see how Hawaii OMK and Project YES!

collaborated to bring an amazing summer camp to the island. See how the integration of culture, youth development and personal contact led not only to a meaningful week of learning but also to an enduring project!

Presenters: KiKi Yoshimoto (HI OMK) & Theresa Mejia-Melton (Project YES!)

It’s all Geography…United States

Hawaii

American Samoa

Military Ties To Hawaii9th Mission Support

Command

The 9th MSC is a U.S. Army Reserve Command under the operational control of the U.S. Army Pacific.

Headquartered in Honolulu, the command is comprised of approximately 3,500 Army Reserve soldiers and 160 civilians throughout the Pacific to include Hawaii, Alaska, American Samoa, Japan, Korea, Guam and Saipan.

Out of the 3,500 Army Reserve soldiers, approximately 364 of them are based in American Samoa

There are approximately 400 military connected youth in AS, roughly 92% of them are Army Reserve youth.

It’s A Cultural Thing

Meet-and-Greet&

Pre-Camp Training (OSD/OMK Camp)

Unsung Heroes Youth CampAmerican Samoa – Veteran’s Memorial Stadium

June 18-22, 2012

What is Project Y.E.S!?

Project Youth Extension Services!

DOD/USDA funded National Service Program

Expands resources of the Yellow Ribbon Program

Meets critical needs of communities with high rates of families impacted by deployment

Professional Development Internship for college students

What Does Project Y.E.S! Do?

Lead discussion that allows youth to teach themselves

Teach important life skills while having fun

Strengthen networks for youth with family members affected by deployment

Project Y.E.S! Mentor Project

Project Y.E.S! supports interns to work with a mentor

Establish more professional skills

Obtain more information about prospective careers

Provide resources and networks to move forward with career goals

Mentor Project with American Samoa

Current mentor project:

Obtaining a better understanding of the Cooperative Extension and relationship with 4-H

Utilizing networks and resources at National 4-H Council

Sharing information with American Samoa to encourage growth and show support

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words!