Adventure Summer Camp in Hawaii: A Guide for Teens and Parents
As we approach the end of January, the thought of jetting off for two weeks of sun-drenched adventure in Hawaii this summer sounds like a pretty tantalizing prospect–for teens and parents alike. There are quite a few options if you’re considering teen adventure summer camps in Hawaii. On the surface, they might all look relatively similar. Most feature descriptions of warm waters, sandy beaches, and the chance to explore a unique and beautiful part of the world, while hanging out with a group of adventurous teens. At first glance, the itineraries show a similar combination of ocean and land-based adventures, from snorkeling to hiking. So what makes a Bold Earth summer in Hawaii unique? We’ve put together this guide to help explain how we operate in Hawaii and what makes our trips special.
Putting the "Camp" Back in Summer Camp
We choose to camp on our Hawaii programs instead of staying in hostels or eco-lodges. We love the opportunity this gives our students to immerse themselves in the outdoors. All of our summer camp programs are focused on spending time in nature, detaching from screens, and connecting with the place we’re traveling in. Hawaii is a magical place to camp out, with warm nighttime temperatures, lively insect and birdsong, and the nearby sound of the ocean. Part of the adventure on a Bold Earth program is developing outdoor skills that will stick with teens when they go home and plan their own trips. We want our students to return feeling empowered, not just to do another Bold Earth camp, but to take what they’ve learned and apply it to the future. Camping in Hawaii also allows us to enjoy a simple tropical delight–epic sunrises and sunsets. Whether you’re cooking dinner over the camp stove or waking up early before a surf session, getting to bask for a moment in the natural splendor is what a Hawaii adventure is all about.
Experience-based judgement is what keeps us safe
Local Relationships and Reciprocity
As a major vacation destination and well-known tropical paradise, tourism in the islands has become something that not all local Hawaiians are thrilled about. Traveling in Hawaii comes with an additional responsibility on the traveler to be considerate of these dynamics. This means understanding and respecting local tradition and establishing a relationship with the people who are so generously hosting you on their land. We work hard to maintain the relationships we have with local Hawaiian families who allow our students to camp on their farms and participate in service learning projects, including volunteering at the market and rehabilitating banana and macadamia nut trees. We’re proud of these relationships and our continued presence as guests on their land deepens our connection. Our students and trip leaders participate as Bold Earth ambassadors to our local Hawaiian partners. Through their interactions, kindness, and respect, we’re able to keep running this incredible program.
Reef Etiquette
Experience-based judgement is what keeps us safe
Coral reefs are one of Hawaii’s most famous natural wonder. The brilliant hues and abundant diversity are a major attraction for snorkelers and divers from around the world. Getting the chance to snorkel in Hawaii is a great activity for teens, but learning about the ecosystem while doing it deepens and enriches the experience. Coral reefs are in decline around the world due to warming sea temperatures and ocean acidification. Bleaching leaves once-brilliant coral a ghostly white, a poignant reminder of our human impact on the earth. Both bleached and non-bleached coral are important for our students to see and learn about. That’s why we snorkel with guides in Kahalu’u Bay who are able to teach us about these fragile ecosystems. We also talk about reef etiquette–what we can do as visitors to reduce our own impact on coral reefs and how we can be excellent stewards for the future. We’re able to implement concrete changes, like using reef-safe sunscreen. This helps us show respect for the ecosystem while we enjoy its beauty.
Combining History, Culture, and Legend
Hawaii is steeped in a rich and complicated history, from the time of the great kingdoms to colonization and Western influence. The context of the place we travel in is just as important as taking in the major sights and participating in the local activities. Without taking time to talk about culture, history, and mythology, we would lose the opportunity to give our students an authentic experience. In our Ultimate Hawaii itinerary, we visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hike to the Halema’uma’u Crater. According to Hawaiian legend, the goddess Pele makes her home there. Immersed in the lava-charred landscape, the local mythology comes to life. It becomes easy to appreciate the vast and awesome power of the volcanoes and the role they play in Hawaiian culture.
Gracious Guests and Unforgettable Adventure
Our Hawaii program itineraries are designed with conscientious travel in mind. We believe in epic adventures with intentional structure that allows our students to immerse themselves authentically and appropriately. We don’t take our local partnerships for granted. Every group that travels to Hawaii caries the banner of Bold Earth. Every group leaves our company’s impression behind wherever they go. That’s why we know how important is it to travel as gracious guests in the hopes of always being invited back for another unforgettable adventure.
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