Holding Hands

Hui Mālama O Ke Kai: 2010 ‘Opio Leadership Camp September 1, 2010

Hui Mālama O Ke Kai: 2010 ‘Opio Leadership Camp September 1, 2010

The ‘Opio Leadership Camp was created to kick-off our 2010-2011 program year. ‘Opio that are alumni of the keiki program and are now in the 7th-12th grades have returned to kokua (assist) with the incoming 5th-6th graders of this year’s keiki program. This in turn is helping to build their own leadership skills.

The camp was held at the Kamehameha Schools property in Punalu’u, which is located right on the ocean. So there was ample time to spend in the water, fishing, snorkeling, and just playing.

Uncle Kawika taught the ‘opio how to prepare he’e (octopus) by pounding them to tenderize it… Then we got to eat the catch for dinner.

We also took the time to practice oli and mele and did all kinds of trust building exercises. There was even a quick introduction to meditation.

On one of the days we went inland, walking up Punalu’u valley with Hiapo Cashman to work in a taro lo’i, pulling weeds and hehihei (tamping) one lo’i to get it ready for planting.

All in all it was a successful camp of fun with a great group of kids.