Hawaii Service

for 9th-12th graders

For three weeks, we'll reach out to the people and land of Hawaii, volunteering with local organizations, as we explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes imaginable while enjoying the fun and camaraderie of our Overland group.

Hawaii Service is based on the island of Oahu, where, in a small, spirited group (no more than 12 students or fewer than 2 leaders), we will work closely with the people of Honolulu and help to protect beach and tropical ecosystems. We'll start by reaching out to Oahu's Boys and Girls Clubs, assisting with summer programs for underserved youth around the island.  This service--as simple as playing games, leading a hike or reading aloud--brings us into direct contact with Hawaiians.  In Honolulu, we'll continue this work at a university children's center.  We'll also reach out to Honolulu's homeless through preparing and serving meals at a shelter and by lending our efforts to help maintain the shelter facilities.  In addition to our work with children and the homeless, we'll step out of the city to help preserve and maintain the beautiful Waimea Valley.  Here, our service projects focus on trail maintenance and the protection of native habitats through removing non-native plants.  At the end of each day, we'll find ourselves tired and dirty but at the same time quietly satisfied, knowing that our efforts to preserve this spectacular land--however small--are worthwhile.

When our work is done, we'll take time to enjoy some of the activiities for which Hawaii is best known, like swimming on the beaches of the famous North Shore, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay and whale and dolphin watching near Waiamae Bay.  At the end of our three weeks, we'll sit on the beach under the Hawaiian sunset and reflect on all that we have accomplished in this beautiful but fragile land on Hawaii Service; it's a life experience with value and resonance that extends far beyond the boundaries of a single summer.

“Sam loved the group, the range of responsibilities and Hawaii—a fabulous experience.” Patricia McPherson, Kensington, Maryland

HIGHLIGHTS

• Reach out to the people of Honolulu
• Work with children from local communities
• Help protect Hawaii's fragile ecosystem
• Snorkel Hanauma Bay

GRADE

For students who will finish grades 9-12 in June 2008.  We plan on 1 group with 9th & 10th graders and 1 group with 10th-12th graders.  Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

CHALLENGE LEVEL

Service programs require selflessness and hard work.

START & END LOCATIONS

Starts and ends in Honolulu.

2008 SERVICE CREDIT, DATES & FEES

3 Weeks

80 hours of community service credit

Sunday, June 22 to Friday, July 11
Sunday, July 13 to Friday, August 1

$4395 (airfare not included)

APPLY TODAY

Most groups fill in January & February. To download an application, click here.

“The most fun I've ever had, and we got to do some great service work!” Leah Garman, Summit, New Jersey

 

Students: Is this the right trip for you?

Hawaii Service requires a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard as volunteers. The trail work  makes this program physically challenging, as we’ll work hard to build and restore trails. Participants should be eager to take part in a variety of service projects and be ready for both the challenges and rewards that service work in Hawaii has to offer.

Keep in mind that your enjoyment of this trip will hinge on certain factors:

1. Your motivation. It’s not always easy—you must be motivated!
2. Your desire to hike and do trail work. We’ll spend some time working hard on trails and other outdoor projects.
3. Your commitment to teamwork. Overland trips require compromise, patience and selflessness. Support your trip leaders and your trip mates and you’ll find that you will have a great experience!

Please note that some of the service opportunities your group pursues will depend on the needs of the community and available service opportunities. We ask for students’ flexibility in the service projects we pursue in Hawaii.

“I liked how my group was very diverse with kids from all over the country. It made learning about everyone’s background very interesting. Even though we were all so different, we got along great!” Rachel Grauer, Wilmette, Illinois

Trip Itinerary

Program Start

Hawaii Service is based in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, where Overland's leaders will be on-hand at the airport to meet students and help collect baggage. From here we’ll head to our accommodations in Honolulu to get to know one another before we begin our service work in the city.

Service Projects

While in Honolulu, we will work with several service organizations to serve both the people and the land of Oahu. We will be coordinating with local service organizations throughout the year to prepare to best serve the needs of the island when we arrive in the summer. Here are a few examples of the types of service projects we expect to do in 2008:

Day Care Center

We will spend most of our mornings volunteering at the University of Hawaii Child Care Center. Here we will work with preschool aged children, assisting with their summer school program. Some of our responsibilities may include assisting teachers with class room preparations, running art projects, reading to children, serving lunch and snacks and participating in and supervising play time.

Trail Work

We will team up with local and state conservation organizations to restore and maintain systems of trails throughout Oahu. We'll spend most of our afternoons outside, soaking up the Hawaiian sun, while preserving the island's natural beauty.

Snorkel Hanauma Bay

We'll take a short break from our service projects to visit what has been called one of the most beautiful beaches in America. In Hanauma Bay, we'll rent snorkel gear and be able to wade from white sand beaches into crystal clear waters to view tropical reefs and schools of colorful and exotic fish.

 

“Our group fit together perfectly. We were all so different but we just meshed; there wasn’t a single person I didn’t get to know well or have fun with. I have been on trips in the past with other outdoor groups, but my experience with Overland was a million times better than any other trip I’ve ever been on. It was awesome!” Caroline Wool, Montgomery, Alabama

Supervision & Safety

Overland’s two leaders, a man and a woman, provide 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week supervision of the highest standard. Our leaders are dedicated, first and foremost, to making each student's experience with us a safe and enjoyable one. By creating a supportive and wholesome environment, our leaders help each student to feel comfortable and at home. In this kind of setting, friendships flourish and teamwork grows; challenges are welcomed and accomplishments are celebrated. For nearly 25 years, Overland's students have felt safe and secure in our talented and conscientious leaders’ hands.

On an Overland service program the group stays together all day: working hard on our service projects, exploring the beautiful surroundings and enjoying our evenings together as we prepare dinner and dessert and talk about the day's adventures. We get up early (usually before 7:00 a.m.), have full, active days, and head to bed soon after dark (typically between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m.).

We set high expectations for each student’s behavior—we expect respect and consideration for others, a positive attitude, and an eagerness to help make the program a success in every way possible.

In every decision we make, safety comes first. We plan our programs carefully choosing well-established organizations for whom we can provide meaningful service. Since our first trips in 1985 our safety record has been superlative; it's no wonder, then, that Overland is one of the few organizations of its kind to earn accreditation by the American Camp Association.

For nearly 25 years our caring and competent leaders, our superlative supervision, our high expectations, and our commonsense approach to safety have made Overland the number one choice for summer programs.

Overland Leaders

In a world where strong leadership skills make the difference between the average and the exceptional, Overland recruits and trains only the best to be our leaders. Not only do these remarkable people capably lead our groups, they also offer our students the kind of role modeling for which Overland has long been recognized.  Bright, charismatic and accomplished, our leaders ensure the safety and well-being of every Overland student, and then they provide much, much more, inspiring our students to reach for their potential in every way. 

You won’t find a more dynamic and talented group of people than Overland’s leaders. Most Overland leaders have played varsity sports and many have captained their teams; they have served as student government officers, volunteered as peer counselors and directed campus organizations. They are high achievers who come to Overland with a lifetime of leadership experience—but just as importantly, they are warm, wonderful people who are eager to work with Overland’s students.

Overland’s leaders prepare carefully for the summer. We know of no other program that requires certification in First Aid, CPR and lifesaving—every Overland leader has all of these plus our own 10-day training program that focuses on safety, supervision and leadership. All of our efforts prepare Overland’s caring and committed leaders to create safe, supportive and valuable programs where each of our students can flourish.

Meet some of our spectacular returning leaders.

How We Put Our Groups Together

We have a number of important criteria for every group:

Size: Every Overland group is limited to 12 students.
Gender: Groups are coed; the male/female ratio is always carefully balanced (6:6, 7:5 or 8:4).
Friends: We allow two pairs of friends in a group (we never allow three or more friends to travel together). With a maximum of two pairs of friends there will always be space available for at least eight students to come on their own without a friend. Furthermore, if we enroll two pairs of friends in a group and both pairs are of one gender, we generally try to: (1) enroll three or four more students of that gender in that group, or (2) close the group to additional students of that gender.

Getting To & From The Program

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from the Honolulu International Airport on the island of Oahu. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at program start and end.

Additional Costs

Transportation to and from Honolulu, spending money and personal gear are not included in the fee.

“Clara believes this was the best experience she has ever had. For Clara (and her parents) this trip was a tremendous growth experience. She had not previously done something so ‘out of her comfort zone’ and the fact that she did this (and we let her!) and that it was such a positive experience, will provide her with confidence and foundation as she undertakes new life adventures.” Lori Lutz, Gloomfield Hills, Michigan

 

Leader Quotes

“Hawaii Service offers students the opportunity to perform a diverse array of service projects, helping both the ecosystems and people of Hawaii. Students combat invasive plant species in an unparalleled setting of tropical mountains and beaches, and work with a population that has an amazing cultural heritage. While time spent in the Islands is certainly productive, students also have the opportunity to learn about Hawaii's natural and cultural history from the many Hawaiians they meet along the way. Performing meaningful service in a tropical paradise is an experience you won't soon forget.”

“This was my second Overland trip, and I loved it! I recommend it to all of my friends.” Kenneth Coe, Charlotte, North Carolina

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