As a teen mentor at the summer camp, I can say that this program rocks. It is an awesome experience and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I love my camp buddies and know that I helped to change their lives. Don't miss out on Project Hawai'i Summer Camp!! My mom said that I needed to do more community service to build my resume for college. I choose to visit Hawai'i and have a blast, little did I know my life would be changed forever. My friends said I was crazy, after all what is a teen boy going to do with all those children? I said, surf, hike, who knows, who cares, I will be in Hawai'i. Well, life is full of surprises and not only did I get the hours I needed, but I had a once in a lifetime experience thanks to my homeless camp buddies!!

Well I wasn't expecting this. I had a wonderful experience with Project Hawai'i Summer camp and didn't know that every year we would have to do a survey to tell our story. I had to think about all the fun I had all over again.
This survey is about healthy living. How the camp helps the children live healthy.
As a teen mentor I was able to help them with basic daily care of their hygiene. I taught them skills that I guess they don't have because they are homeless? I was able to help them learn to wash their hands before eating, and brush their teeth after. I was able to help them understand that it is important to take care of their bodies inside and out.
We played lots of sports that keep them fit, and taught them to exercise every day. I was able to help teach them lots of outdoor games and sports. Over all my experience was great. I feel that the opportunity I was given by this program was great and wonderful.
The children were hard work but worth every minute. I loved my camp buddies and my experience.
Thank you for the opportunity and the lessons I learned.

My experience is some what different from what one might think. I wasn't a volunteer or a donor, or even a client. I was actually just someone who was interested in what was going on in a local park. One afternoon while walking through the park downtown, I saw a woman setting up a make shift service area and putting out tables with clothing, toys, books, all kinds of things. I asked if it was yard sale or something? She replied no, I just come down on Sundays and give away stuff and feed the homeless children. I was surprised about the calm in her voice and the excitement she felt to be there. I asked if she needed help, she just said if I wanted to help fold the outfits together. I kind of just wanted to know what was going on. I didn't know there were homeless children, and couldn't imagine how truck loads of items were going to be given away. Time passed, and I saw the park fill up with hungry, dirty children. Some had no shoes, or even shirts. They just kept coming over and getting food, taking clothing, and books. It was amazing. These children went home with arms full of stuff, and their bellies full. About one hour went by, and everything was gone, the families started leaving, and this wonderful lady (still smiling) started packing up the remaining items and tables. She seemed very content and happy. I was talking with her about why she did this, how she knew to do this. She just replied "Its my Kuleana. (In Hawaiian that means responsibility). She stated she was born to do this and wouldn't know what else to do with her life. I was amazed., and wanted to share my experience. This program is incredible and to think it is run by one lady with a huge heart.