Applications for Kamehameha Schools’ Summer Explorations Series Available January 2, 2013

REPORT FROM KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS – Students in grades 5 through 8 are eligible to apply for Kamehameha Schools’ 2013 Explorations Series programs. Applications for the series’ three summer programs (Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, Ho‘olauna and Kūlia I Ka Pono) will be available starting on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.  The Explorations Series invites Hawaiian learners to participate in a week-long experience designed to build foundations of Hawaiian cultural knowledge, connectedness and responsibility through place-based programs.

Since 1968, Explorations has connected students to their Hawaiian culture and traditions through the guiding concept of “Ma ka hana ka ‘ike” (in doing, there is knowledge). The program has a rich history, spanning 45 years and over 50,000 participants since its inception.  Today, Explorations has evolved into a series of three week-long summer boarding programs, each targeted at specific grade levels.

Students are encourage to participate in the Explorations Series beginning with Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, but they may enter the series at any of the three programs and will be matriculated from program to program along the series track. Each program’s descriptions along with the applicable dates for 2013 are included below:

• Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i  (six one-week sessions from June 9 – July 19, 2013)
  Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i sets the course in embracing Hawaiian culture and identity by introducing keiki to foundational values and practices through a study of ahupua‘a. Through learning experiences that include work in a lo‘i, fishpond restoration, canoe paddling, mele, hula and more, keiki learn about interdependence in the ahupua‘a and how it sustains the Hawaiian people. Students entering grade 6 in Fall 2013 are eligible to apply.
• Ho‘olauna (six one-week sessions from June 2 – July 12, 2013)

Ho‘olauna builds upon Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i by immersing students in learning experience designed to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between honua(earth) and kanaka(people). Students engage in hands-on cultural practices, visit wahi pana (significant places) and work with various community members and kūpuna within specific moku (districts). Ho‘olauna is a boarding program which takes place at nine sites statewide:

• Puna, Hawai‘i
• Kona, Hawai‘i
• Maui Island
• Moloka‘i Island (Only available in weeks 1-5)
• Ko‘olaupoko, O‘ahu
• Ko‘olauloa, O‘ahu
• Kona, O‘ahu (Honolulu)
• Wai‘anae, O‘ahu
• Kaua‘i Island

Students are encouraged to attend their first Ho‘olauna session in their home community, and then may attend additional sessions if available, up to two per summer. Students entering grades 7 & 8 in Fall 2013 are eligible to apply.

• Kūlia I Ka Pono (six one-week sessions from June 2 – July 12, 2013)

Kūlia I Ka Pono reinforces the importance of one’s cultural identity and sense of belonging to the Hawaiian community. As emerging leaders, Kūlia students are challenged to recognize and build upon their personal strengths as they examine traditional and modern leadership qualities and hone their skills in kalo farming or sailing and navigation. Students can choose from four sites, each with specific projects:

• Puna, East Hawai‘i (Week 2 is Hawaiian immersion conducted primarily in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i)
• Kona, West Hawai‘i
• Hāna, Maui
• Ko‘olauloa, O‘ahu

Students entering grade 9 in Fall 2013 are eligible to apply.

Families are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible to have the best chance of securing their preference of program dates and locations. The programs are open to all grade-level eligible students from across the state and continental U.S., who are not currently enrolled in a Kamehameha Schools’ K-12 campus program. The deadline to submit an application is February 28, 2013.

After participating in an Explorations Series program, students will be invited to take advantage of the Ipukukui program, which takes place during the Department of Education’s two intercession breaks in Fall and Spring. Ipukukui is a regional program which builds upon the Explorations Series experiences, and focuses on the rich resources within each student’s home district.

For additional program details, including a full list of program descriptions, dates and session fees/fee waivers, visit https://apps.ksbe.edu/enrichmentor call (808) 534-8272 or toll free at 1-(800)-842-4682. Kamehameha Schools’ policy on admissions is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. Applications can be picked up at campus admissions offices or Kamehameha Schools Resource Centers, downloaded via the KS admissions web page at www.ksbe.edu/admissions or parents can call 808-842-8800 to request an application be mailed.

Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. The year 2012 marks the 125^th anniversary of the opening of Kamehameha Schools, which today operates a statewide educational system enrolling over 6,900 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O`ahu, Maui and Hawai`i and 31 preschool sites statewide. Over 40,000 additional Hawaiian learners and caregivers are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools’ outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai‘i and across the continental United States.

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