Hawaii Service

Overview

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

On Hawaii Service, we’ll work together to connect with the people of Oahu and preserve the natural beauty of the landscape. In Honolulu, we’ll learn about the challenges facing the homeless, elderly and hungry and partner with local organizations to make a difference for these populations. We’ll work with elementary school students by assisting with summer programs for underserved children. In addition to our work with the people of Hawaii, we’ll step out of Honolulu to help preserve and maintain the beautiful Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore. Here, our service projects will focus on trail maintenance and the protection of native habitats.

We’ll celebrate the beauty of Oahu by taking time to enjoy some of the activities for which Hawaii is best known—relaxing at spectacular beaches, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay and swimming with dolphins in Oahu’s coastal waters. 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 during our summer adventure.

“My leaders were wonderful, and all of the kids got along really well. I would not have changed one thing.” Peter Gandal, Bethesda, Maryland

Highlights

• Reach out to the people of Honolulu
• Help protect Hawaii’s fragile ecosystems
• Snorkel Hanauma Bay & swim with dolphins
• Visit USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
• Hike Diamond Head volcanic crater

Grade

For students who will finish grades 9-12 in June 2010.

Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

3 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Honolulu, Hawaii

Dates and Fees

3 Weeks

Sunday, June 27 to Friday, July 16
Sunday, July 18 to Friday, August 6

$4595 (airfare not included)

“I will never forget this experience; every moment was amazing!” Maddie Nissen, Winnetka, Illinois

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 the next day.

Service Projects

While in Honolulu, we will work with several service organizations to serve both the people and the land of Oahu. We will coordinate with local service organizations throughout the year 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 2010:

Children's Center

We will spend our first mornings volunteering at the Children's Center at the University of Hawaii. 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.

Waimea Valley

We'll work together at Waimea Valley, a nature preserve on Oahu's North Shore for a land stewardship project where we'll restore sensitive island habitats. We'll spend three mornings outside working in the Waimea Valley gardens, amongst endangered plants, soaking up the Hawaiian sun, while preserving the fragile island ecosystems of the land and caring for the botanical gardens of Oahu.

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.

“Elisabeth had an amazing transition in her perspectives and in her appreciation of her world. The program did an excellent job of combining service work, interpersonal teamwork and an enjoyment of the location—Hawaii!” Dianne Thompson, Seattle, Washington

Trip Details

Service Hours

40 hours of service.

Students: Is this the right trip for you?

Hawaii Service requires a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard as teen volunteers. One-on-one mentoring of children and a variety of outdoor service work will challenge students emotionally and physically. Participants should be eager to take part in a range of summer 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, in botanical gardens 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 had a great time on my Overland program.  The service work was very rewarding, and the time spent at the beach and exploring Oahu was lots of fun.” Aaron Taylor, Williamstown, Massachusetts

What's it like?

Here's how a recent leader described the Hawaii Service experience:

“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.”

“It's such a great experience in every way! Morgan has enjoyed every program, every place and every leader!” Barbara Stamm, River Forest, Illinois

Photos

Click thumbnails below to enlarge

Print View

Before You Go

• Enrollment Forms
• Prepare & Pack
• Travel Information
• Mail Stops
• Helpful Reminders

Apply Now

We welcome your interest in joining Overland this summer!

To apply, please complete and sign the application on page 47 of the Overland catalog or download an application. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application).

Please refer to page 46 of our catalog for important information you should know before signing the application.

Send your application and $795 deposit to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Sorry, we are unable to accept applications by fax, and we do not take credit cards. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

To learn about our admissions process, please click here.