Life at BELL: Hawaii
Environmental Ecology and Hawaiian Culture for High School Students
Life Outdoors
We spend the majority of our time outdoors in this program, including the four nights we spend camping on the shoreline. Several of our activities involve full days outside in the direct sun when we will be hiking, participating in service work, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Environmental conditions on the Big Island of Hawai’i can be varied and extreme. It is imperative that you outfit yourself properly, wear sun block daily and stay hydrated at all times. Doing so will allow you to have an amazing experience in this unique environment!
You can expect a moderate level of physical activity every day, and should come prepared to be active and at times, get dirty!
Accommodations
We will spend the first three nights at Kilauea Military Camp located in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. http://www.kmc-volcano.com/ Program participants will be staying in dormitory-style lodging in same-sex rooms. From this location we will have easy access to the Park. We will spend the remaining four nights camping near the Ka’upulehu Interpretive Center. http://www.discoverybuildershawaii.com/interpretive.html
Camp set-up.
Tentative Schedule Overview
- Hillo arrival, travel to Hawai’i Volcano National park in the evening, orientation, and overview of the week.
- Note: all students must arrive in Hilo, HI no later than 6:00 PM
- Sunrise opening protocol at the Crater rim
- Volcano film, lava tube hike, and museum tour
- Leadership skills
- Susan & Rob McGovern of the Volcano Art Center and retired Hawai’i Volcano National Park Rangers
- Kilauea Iki hike
- Sustainable Farm Tour
- Viewing of Lava flow, if conditions allow
- Lynn and Geoff Howe, Owner and Operators of Organic Eco-Farming
- Drive to Kalaemano
- Introduction to Kalaemano Interpretive Center – Ku’ulei Keakealani
- Camp set-up and orientation to marine camp
- Swim Evaluations
- Leadership Activities
- Explore Ka‘ūpūlehu Dry Land Forest
- Visit local cultural and salt-making sites
- Introduction to Coral Reef Ecology
- Leadership Activities
- Yvonne Carter, Outreach Coordinator at the Ka‘ūpūlehu Dryland Forest
- Ku‘ulei Keakealani, curator at the Ka‘ūpūlehu Interpretive Center at Kalaemano
- Keoki Carter
- Wilds Brawner, On-site Coordinator
- Ocean kayak and Snorkeling
- Marine Science Activities, Tide Pool Investigation and Fish Counts
- Hula and Basket-weaving
- Leadership Activities
- Sian Olsen, owner and operator of Kohala Kayak
- Jamie and Bo Pardou
- Ocean kayak and snorkeling
- Marine Science Activities - Tide Pool Investigation and Fish Counts
- Camp Clean-Up
- Closing Activities
- Students depart
- Note: Students should plan to depart Kona airport by 4 PM
Friday, March 22: Introduction
Saturday, March 23: Exploring Hawai'i Volcano National Park, Introduction to Hawaiian Culture, Exploration of Volcano and Island Geography
Resource People:
Sunday, March 24: Kilauea Iki Hike and the Challenges of Island Sustainability
Resource People:
Monday, March 25: From the Mountain to the Sea
Tuesday March 26: Dry Land Forest and Marine Ecology, Traditional Hawaiian Culture
Resource People:
Wednesday, March 27: Marine Science Management, Traditional Hawaiian Culture
Resource People:
Thursday, March 28: Marine Science and Student Leadership Presentations
Friday, March 29: Conclusion
Weather
The Big Island of Hawai’i has 8 of the 13 types of the world’s sub-climates. Be prepared for weather ranging from the mid-80s in the day down to the 50s in the evenings.
Meals
Our meals will come from a variety of sources--some will be catered and others will be eaten at restaurants or while on the road. Vegetarian options will always be available, and we will work closely with our vendors to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies. Drinking water will be available throughout the day. Students must communicate their dietary needs on the Medical Authorization form before the trip.
Staying safe and comfortable in the field
Our goal is to get to know the environments we visit through formal study and hands-on activities and experiments. We believe strongly in experiential education and learning-by-doing.
Students should bring several pieces of warm clothing that can be layered for cool mornings and evenings and clothing appropriate for a hot, tropical climate. Clothes should be comfortable and students should be prepared to get dirty. Jeans and close-toed shoes are mandatory for our hikes in the Volcano National Park. Students should also be prepared to be outside during light mist or heavy rain by bringing a raincoat. A full packing list will be provided.
Our staff lives on site and is available to the students 24-hours-a-day for support and supervision.