Teen Summer Wilderness Adventure Camp.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands while earning 40 hours of community service. Sea kayak along palm-lined coastlines, hike through rainforest valleys, sail and snorkel spectacular bays, hike around an active volcano, experience a spectacular mountainous cloud forest, learn to surf Hawaii’s famous breakers, and experience local Hawaiian culture and customs. Conclude your adventure with the satisfaction of knowing that you have given back to this paradise and to those who live here.

Hike the Island of Hawaii

After our arrival in Kona, we’ll begin our adventure as we spend our first few days acclimatizing by hiking to many spectacular sites on Hawaii’s biggest and most diverse island. We’ll begin by hiking to spectacular waterfalls in the lush rainforest environment of this island’s eastern coast which was once home of the Kings of Old Hawaii.

Sea Kayak the Kona Coast

There is no better way to explore the coastal marine environment than in an open sea kayak. For the next 2 days, we’ll explore the coastal waters of the strikingly beautiful Kona Coast where we’ll have an opportunity to paddle past magnificent lava flows and palm-lined white sandy beaches. From our boats we should be rewarded with sightings of giant sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and flying fish.

Explore Kilauea Volcano

We’ll spend a few days at Kilauea Volcano and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where we will hike across the eerie crater of a steamy volcano and explore amazing lava tubes. Closer to the coast, we’ll hike to an active lava flow where we’ll witness hot molten lava flowing into the Pacific amidst clouds of steam.

Help Build a House in Hilo

In stark contrast to the wealthy tourist areas of the Big Island, the old tropical port city of Hilo is home to many islanders in need. We’ll spend 4 days here working with a local community foundation project building much needed housing for the poor. Each evening we’ll learn about Hawaiian customs and folklore while sampling the local cuisine.

Sail and Snorkel the Hawaiian Coast

Next we’ll return to the coast where we’ll begin a 4-day snorkel and sailing adventure aboard a special catamaran. Each day, our catamaran will take us to a unique snorkeling site where we’ll have opportunities to see amazing coral reefs, tropical fish and giant sea turtles. Our evenings will be spent witnessing spectacular sunsets during dinner, and then sleeping on white sand beaches.

Build Trails in the Kona Hema Preserve

Next, our group will assist the Nature Conservancy for 3 days at the Kona Hema Preserve. Here, we will help build trails and bridges for visitor access in this 8,000-acre preserve, which serves as habitat to numerous endangered Hawaiian birds. This important preserve serves as a model for balancing economic land uses with environmental protection along the dramatically beautiful Kona Coast.

Surf the Big Island

Our final 3 days are spent learning to surf and boogie board on the white sand beaches of the Big Island. We’ll conclude our adventure with our traditional end-of-summer banquet, then board our flights to the mainland.

Earn 40 Hours of Community Service

For students completing 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grades, grouped according to age.

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