Wa'a Keiki Kamp

This summer our kamali'i were fortunate enough to have not one, but TWO different Keiki Kamp Sessions!!! The first being our Mo'olelo Keiki Kamp at the Hawaiian Cultural Center, and the second being the Wa'a Keiki Kamp down at the Lindon Harbor. Needless to say it was epic. With it being down at the harbor, it definitely took us out of our comfort zone of being here at the Center. However, it gave us the opportunity to give our children a hands on learning experience with na wa'a.

The sessions were stretched over a period of 3 days. The first group coming in on Thursday, the second on Friday, and both groups came together on Saturday. Those who came learned was given a brief yet in depth introduction to everything there is to know about na wa'a. From the different types of canoes used and the function of each, the different parts of the canoe, the materials needed to build na wa'a, the different types of navigational tools our ancestors used to explore the South Pacific.

After everyone familiarized themselves with everything na wa'a, it was time to paddle. After being split up into different groups, everyone took a turn paddling out on the lake with the help of our amazing volunteers David Carden and Chris Valle.  Those who waited patiently for their turn were kept busy making dry boxes to take home where they could dry out various fruits or meats. A method similar to what our ancestors would use when preparing food for their long expeditions out at sea.

Since Thursday and Friday were days full of learning, all families were invited to come on Saturday and join us in a potluck so everyone could get another chance to paddle. Overall, Na Wa'a Keiki Kamp was a huge success. Mahalo nui to our hard working staff, and also to our many, many volunteers who continually come out to support us in our efforts. 

Here are a few pictures from last weeks activities:

Mo'olelo Keki Kamp 2012

Each summer as we prepare for Keiki Kamp, the ever so popular question arises, how can we keep our keiki connected to their culture? This year we thought, what better way to teach them about their ancestors than through the ever so popular practice of sharing mo'olelo or story telling. Therefore bringing to light the theme for this year's Mo'olelo Keiki Kamp.

This year those who attended were split up into 4 different groups where they were each presented with a mo'olelo or story about a particular Hawaiian island. After familiarizing themselves with their story, they were given the task to think of a creative way on how they could "retell" the story to everyone else. They had the choice to either reenact the story through role play, puppet shows or simple illustrations. Their group leaders then helped with the production and completion of each project through film.

Each group did an excellent job in fulfilling their assignment. So much so, it didn't even feel like an "assignment" for them anymore. They each got caught up having fun coming up with creative ways to share their mo'olelo with everyone, that their projects were truly their own.  Mahalo to all the participants, parents and volunteers who helped in making Keiki Kamp a tremendous success this year.

How's Your Reading???

Hope you are all up to date with your reading!!! Come join us this Thursday at our next Summer Reading Program Activity if you need that midsummer boost to get those kids reading again!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Keiki Kamp 2012

Aloha Mai! It's that time of the year again! Registration is now open, so sign your keiki up for this FREE camp. Limited space so sign up soon!

Summer Reading Program Kickoff

This past Friday we kicked off the summer with the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana Summer Reading Program. What better way to stimulate the minds of our keiki by opening them up to the world of reading??? In an effort to increase literacy and exposure to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island stories and legends, we invited the families in our communities to register for this FREE program.

Performance by members of the Kehaulani Hula Studio

With the amount of people that showed up, it was evident that our families heeded our call, and were all on board the reading train! We were fortunate enough to experience stories of our King Kamehameha the Great through 'oli and hula performed by members of the Kehaulani Hula Studio. Also, we were serenaded by the beautiful voices of members of the Samoan dance school Tausala. The children were also introduced to a new story "Daddy, What Is Love?' through a puppet show put on by our very own Nohea Hanohano. It was a great way to entice na keiki and na `opio to explore the stories of our heritage..

Everyone who came received a free book bag

Also, a reading program would not be complete without a library right? After the performances we invited everyone who came to check out our new and improved Hawaiian library. Many who came left with a few books to keep them occupied over the next few weeks before our next activity.  All in all it was a great turnout and we are excited to continue to strengthen and enlighten our Native Hawaiian/Pacific Island community through the written word. Mahalo to all those who came and a big mahalo to all those who volunteered and helped in making the kickoff event a HUGE success!

Another view of our library

New and Improved Library

Summer Reading Program 2012

Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana Summer Reading Program 2012

Open House Friday, June 8th at 6:30 pm at the Hawaiian Cultural Center

Bring the whole family to this FREE event with fun activities and prizes for all ages

This program is designed to increase literacy and exposure to our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander stories. We have Although we have three categories,

Na Pepe: Ages 1-5

Na Kamali'i: Ages 5-13

Na 'Opio: Ages 14-18

we encourage the whole 'ohana to participate so everyone can enjoy these traditional stories together. There will also be weekly gatherings where families can exchange books and participate in fun activities where you have a chance to win some great prizes.

Check out the Summer Reading Program Corner on the right hand side every week for updates on all the latest and greatest!

Feel free to download the registration form here. If you have any questions feel free to call us (801) 562-5642.

Happy Reading!

Live For You, Live For Us

This year's 'Ohana Saturday was yet another success! The weather was a perfect cool yet comfortable 80 degrees outside. Which was perfect for our many vendors posted outside.  Since we partnered with the Queen's Center, many of our information booths were targeted to help build a healthier Pacific Islander Community. Those who came were able to get more information on how they could transition to a healthier lifestyle, and also participate in free screenings to help get them jump started in the right direction.

We had a variety of food booths serving island favorites like BBQ chicken, Kalua Pig, Fried Rice, Samoan Chop Suey, Patele's and even some delicious Shaved Ice to keep everyone cool and refreshed. We also had great entertainment provided by Tausala and Leone Saaga's halau. Our keiki were kept busy with fun activities hosted by the Queen's Center and a local face painter and balloon artist. Big mahalo to our planning committee Aunty Joyce and Uncle Sale Ah You, Jacob Fitisemanu and Fui Taukei'aho for their contributions in making this year's 'Ohana Saturday a huge success. Also a big mahalo to all of our family and friends who volunteered their time to help with the set up and break down. We truly couldn't do it without you. Mahalo.

'Ohana Saturday

It's that time of the year again!!! Bring the whole family down to the Hawaiian Cultural Center for the 3rd Annual 'Ohana Saturday! This year we are combining our event with the Utah Pacific Islander Health Summit, with the theme "Live For You, Live For Us." Not only will there be great food and entertainment but this year we will have free health screenings, to encourage a healthier Pacific Islander Community. Feel free to stop on by if you're free. Hope to see you all there!

Poke Challenge

It was that time of the year again...the much anticipated 3rd Annual Poke Challenge. This year, like clockwork, our tickets were sold out way in advance. Our six families came ready to test out their Poke making skills to see who would come out in the end as the reigning victor.

The rules were the same as the past two years. Each team was provided with the necessary ingredients for the most basic Poke recipe which included:

- 10 lbs of Ahi
- Shoyu
- Sesame Oil
- Oyster Sauce
- Pa'a Kai
- Chili Pepper Flakes
- Yellow and Red Onions
- Green Onion
- Garlic

Along with these ingredients, each family was invited to bring two secret ingredients that would distinguish their recipe from the rest. Everyone had ONE HOUR to cut, prepare, and present their creations for the judges and the 100+ taste-testers in attendance that night.

While the families got to chopping and mixing, the crowd was entertained by our very first Musubi Challenge. We had 6 contestants participate in who could be the first to eat 3 musubi's. It was quite entertaining to see all six scarf down the island favorite snack. It definitely helped the time go by a lot quicker.

After the hour was over, it was judgement time. The judges, Sale Ah You of Queen Center, Omai Chricton of Sweet's Island Grill in Provo, and local celebrity Big Buddha, had the honor (some may even think it as a curse) to decided who would be this year's overall winner. Aside from the overall score, the families were critiqued on the following:

Best Presentation
Best Tasting
Most Original

The crowd was then given the honor to vote on their own personal favorite. Needless to say it was a tough decision. After the scores were tallied, everyone awaited the much anticipated answer to the burning question....who was this year's Poke Challenge Champion?!?!?!? And this year it went to Ka 'Ohana Watanabe, with their winning secret ingredient...the Kava in a can drink, Bula. It was a close call, but the judges deemed theirs as the BEST.


Mahalo to all the other families who participated, and we look forward to another successful challenge next year!

SOLD OUT!

Our Pre-Sale tickets for this year's Poke Challenge are officially SOLD OUT!!!! We have reserved a LIMITED amount of tickets for sale at the door, but they are single purchase only. So first come first serve! Excited to see you all there!!!