Youth Development

Camp Lokahi is sponsored by Island Breeze Ministries at the Makapala Retreat Center. Camp Lokahi was founded in 2006 with a mission to create a fun and loving atmosphere where the youth of Kohala and the Big Island can feel safe and

Camp Mana offers a weekend day camp each spring, inviting youth to cultivate their innate wisdom, creativity, and awareness. The project fosters authentic expression, healing, growth, connection, respect, and love. Heather Brovsky, 808-896-7748, campmanaohana@gmail.com

E Ulu Pu Ana Educational Co-Operative offers programs to our community that honor the natural rhythms of human development while providing a rich curriculum that is inspired by the ancestral wisdom of our islands and the pedagogy practices of Waldorf Education.  We provide academic

This program allows high school students to travel to other countries with their classmates. Students visit historical and cultural sites around the world, participating in unforgettable experiences. Kristen Friedrich (503) 673-2523 krfriedrich@gmail.com

Designed for the children of North Kohala, we provide an outdoor educational program that offers children opportunities to discover their unique gifts through nature-based practices, community service, and skill building. Established in July 2020 to meet the changing climate of schooling during

This project’s mission is to provide a creative and inspiring place from which to teach, coordinate, facilitate, experience, and perform music and art for the children and adults of North Hawaii. Adrienne Cherry, 808 494 2699 singingtwosongs@gmail.com

Since 1980, Kohala Community Athletic Association has offered free after-school sports programs for Kohala youth ages 5-14, including baseball, softball, basketball, T-ball, volleyball, and flag football. Players play for free. Duncan Anderson 808-889-0405

Combining yoga poses, games, art, and breathing techniques, this program helps Kohala Elementary School students develop physical fitness, self-care strategies, and greater focus and attention. Jamie Eversweet Belmarez, 808-756-3919, jeversweet@gmail.com, KeikiYogaKohala.com.

Kohala Elementary School Tennis Program provides in-school tennis lessons for elementary and middle school students to train and engage youth as a feeder program for the high school tennis team. Melissa Virtue, 808-936-8206

Our mission is to provide students grades 2-10 with a foundation in Hawaiian culture through the oral histories of our kupuna, using the Hawaiian language, and hands-on experience with traditional Hawaiian skills in relationship with the land. Johnelle Amoo Kainoa, 808-895-2545, jkching64@yahoo.com. facebook

Established in 1992 to support the Varsity football program through fundraising activities and solicitation. This organization was established by parents and guardians of student athletes.

The Kohala Oral History Project collects oral histories of the Kohala community. The project engages the community, illuminates history, and promotes the notion that every person makes history. The videos will serve as a living history of Kohala through the lens of

Kohala Ride Wild Club engages children ages 4 and up in the care and riding of horses through a free, ongoing weekly program. They also run an animal rescue program for neglected horses and other large animals in Kohala. Shay Van Zandt,

This therapeutic service provides opportunities for horseback riding and interactions with horses that support healthy lifestyles, traditional paniolo values, and increased mental and muscle wellness. Fern White, 808-896-0316, fernwhite@gmail.com / www.liolapaau.com.

Mālama Pono Garden cultivates young people who love, respect, and care for themselves, their community, and the earth while increasing food security and improving health outcomes in our school and the wider community. The garden is a sanctuary for learning and discovery,

Providing a safe and encouraging place for youth in the community to be a part of and learn the skill and form of archery. Once established, a Junior Olympic Archery Club is planned with the goal of keiki being afforded the chance

This program is designed to expose Kohala students to many cultural and educational programs that have previously been prohibitive due to costs. Dixie Adams, 808-889-5730, dixieja@gmail.com; Laura Burkhart, 808-884-5833, laura@lauraburkhart.com; Rose Mae Watterson, 808-889-6342, rmmwatterson@gmail.com

This youth football organization teaches the values of teamwork, self-discipline, respect, self-confidence, and good sportsmanship. They are raising funds to pay for bus transportation to out-of-town games and to replace or upgrade equipment for quality and safety. Kamon Kupuka’a, 808-238-6747

RMD Okinawan Taiko has been active in Kohala for over four years with 23 drummers performing at community events and providing free classes in Kohala. Funding is needed for uniforms, drums, and transportation. Kathy Matsuda, 808-889-5801, kathy@hialoha.net. facebook

Team NSP aims to provide school-age children (5-18) in Kohala with year-round basketball training. Kohala is historically known as a basketball-oriented community but lacks training outside of the Countyʻs minimal offering. Youth currently travel to Kona, Hilo, and Kāʻū for training. Training

Ulu Va’a was established in 2020 by North Kohala community members to engage Hawai’i youth and community in wa’a culture and ahupua’a habitat restoration practices. The intention is to build navigational skills that are transferable to life skills. Many programs relate to