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: