The Hawai’i Ambassadors of the Environment program was launched during the summer of 2002. The program is presently being implemented on the big island of Hawai’i at Punalu’u, giving students and teachers an opportunity to learn about ecology and the environment, using the Island’s coastline as a natural, outdoor laboratory.

During the program, participants are engaged in activities such as snorkeling on coral reefs, monitoring the health of reefs, hiking the coastal trails, becoming involved in sustainable living projects, learning about Native Hawaiian culture and the wisdom it offers about sustainable management of marine resources, and discovering how an individual can make a difference in creating a better world.

Ambassadors of the Environment explore the beautiful natural marine and coastal ecosystems of Hawai’i. Program activities promote a better understanding of their ecological value and connections to humans. An important focus of the program is the coral reef and Native Hawaiian culture. The reef is an incredibly diverse city under the sea full of life and mystery that offers valuable lessons about sustainability. Likewise traditions and culture are in integral part of the region’s history. The wisdom embodied in culture is absolutely vital for the next generation’s creating a sustainable future for itself.

OUR GOALS:

• Provide a series of culture sensitive educational adventures.
• Inspire curiosity and appreciation for the underwater world through exploration and discovery.
• Advance an understanding of ecological and cultural connections: land to sea, humans to nature, people to people, past to present and present to future.
• Encourage critical thinking and informed action toward responsible and sustainable living.
• Facilitate learning about the natural world and cultural wisdom while learning about self and others.
• Develop problem solving, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

ACTIVITIES:

The Ambassadors of the Environment program uses experiential education in the marine and terrestrial environments to learn how nature works, to discover what sustainable living means, and to understand how knowledge of culture and ecology can help in the search for a better future. Participants will:

• Snorkel pristine reefs
• Hike coastal trails
• Experience and learn about Hawaiian culture
• Conquer the climbing wall
• Play team-building games
• Monitor coastal habitats
• Dig in to organic gardening and composting
• Use solar technology

LOCATION:

The program takes place /on the big island of Hawai'i. Participants are housed in tents on a beautiful coastline. Our kitchen staff provides three well-rounded and healthy meals per day. There is always a vegetarian option and we do our best to accommodate other dietary needs. We provide tents, snorkeling and other equipment. Participants are responsible for bringing their personal belongings and a sleeping bag.

Programs Offered - Summer 2007:

To be announced.

STAFF:

All of our instructors have a college degree in natural or environmental science, are over age 21, have had experience working with young people, and are first aid/CPR and lifeguard-certified. All staff are trained and qualified by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society team members who have had extensive experience conducting Ambassadors of the Environment programs. Instructor to camper ratio is a maximum of 1:10.

QUOTES ABOUT OUR PROGRAM:

“It was wonderful for my child to come home and share his experiences from camp and teach the family about conservation and protecting the environment.”

Claudia, Camper Parent, Hawai’i

“I loved it…it was awesome! Snorkeling and kayaking were brand new to me. I loved learning about solar power and composting; now I am more careful about what I throw away.”

Kelsi, Age 14, Nevada