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.