P2P: Hawaiian Island Discovery

Tuesday, July 11th: Kapunas and the Volcano!

2006-08-12T08:43:00.000-04:00

Tuesday July 11, 8:21 p.m.: by Wesley Peng

The kapunas were so fun. Today we went to Ken’s for breakfast, again. I had the same thing as the day before. When we all finished eating, we went back to the hotel for room checks because we checking our of Uncle Billy’s. After nick did our room checks, we went onto the school bus that was waiting for us outside. On the bus the lady told us that being able to meet the kapunas was very special because she said that in the 1700’s almost all of Hawaiian culture was lost, but today it is being brought back by the kapunas. [Photo: Koti shows off her woven bracelet she made, while wearing her lei, both gifts from the Kapunas.]

When we arrived, we split up into four groups. My group did the weaving first. Weaving the bracelets was sometimes challenging, but I managed to finish mine. The bracelets were made out of wood in a crosshatching shape.

Next, we did the hula. I thought that it was really fun. [Photo below: Jordan H. gets some assistance with his sarong before learning the hula.]

After that, we went to the ukulele class. The first thing we learned was how to play a C chord. To do so you would put your third or ring finger on the last string. Next we learned how to do the G7 Chord. This one was more complicated. To do it you would put your third finger in between the first and second fret on the first string. Then you would put your first or index finger right before the first fret on the second string and last you would put your second or middle finger in between the first and second fret on the third string. After that, we learned the C7 Chord. To do that you would put your first finger right before the first fret on the first string. The last thing we learned was the F Chord. To do it you would put your second finger on the last string in between the first and second fret. Then you would put your first finger right before the first fret on the second string. When we were done, we played God Bless America a few times.

The next class we went to was making the lei. I thought that this one was the hardest. The lady had to help me a lot.

When we all finished, it was time for lunch. The lunch was delicious. After lunch the kapunas showed us a male and female version of the hula. Then we showed them our dance. It brought me lots of joy to be able to put a smile on their faces. I was also honored because they said that we were the best group yet.

When we left we went back to the hotel to get our luggage. When we all got our luggage, we got onto the bus that would drive us to our campsite. When we got to our campsite, we played a game called Birdie on the Perch. When we were done playing that, we watched a tent demonstration. Then we had to set up our own. After that, I played some finger pool outside while some others were playing camouflage. Later, it was time for dinner and we had burritos. They were good. When we all finished eating I played a little Frisbee.

After a little bit, it was time to have our evening meeting. There we played two games, one was Wigglo and the other was Electric Pulse. The fastest time we had for Electric Pulse was 27-seconds. Today was a lot of fun!

-Wesley Peng

July 11: by Susan Hanna

4:55 pm – I am at Volcano National Park. The kids just set up their tents and . . .

8:54 pm – The kids were so excited to be here, I couldn’t find a moment to write! What a day! We walked to Ken’s House of Pancakes again where I ordered the “2 x 4”, two eggs and four pancakes. I could only eat 2 pancakes. Too much food! Yummy! As we left, it began to rain! “Oh, no!” I thought. I was so nice and dry with NO RAINCOAT! “I don’t want to be wet now! I’m wearing my last nice outfit to meet the Kapunas!” It only ended up being a light drizzle, so I’m able to remain happy. I could see the blue sky over the cove coming toward us.

I led the group back to the hotel where we did room checks and boarded a school but with our guide, Lorraine, who told us about the garden we passed in a park established by Queen Liliokulani.

We rode about 5 miles to a tiny gathering hall at a Catholic church where we met the Kapunas (elders). We were greeted with a song and given crocheted leis as we entered the hall. We stood in a circle with the Kapunas and were blessed with a Christian prayer by Tata George.

From there, we were split up into 4 groups to do four activities. First I made a brooch lei. Girls could wear it in their hair, and boys could wear it on their wrists. It was made from a folded leaf tied with raffia about 7 inches long. You wrapped a long thin cord of raffia around the top of the leaf twice, and then one at a time you added 2 greens and 2 flowers and just wrapped the raffia tightly around it. “Auntie Beth” helped be because I was wrapping the raffia too tight, then she pinned the brooch into my hair.

Next we made woven bracelets and Tata John, who was helping me didn’t seem too sure of what he was doing. He started laughing and said, “I need to get the expert!” Then he helped me finish the bracelet. I’m wearing it now. A work of art! Actually, 2/3 of the bracelet was done for us as we began so we could finish it on time.

Next was the hula! All of us got a skirt or sarong to wear around our waists. We did the hula and I was surprised to know that there were different movements fro arm gestures for men and women on the same step. The woman who led us was so graceful.

Last activity was ukulele, which means “jumping flea”. We sat on a bench outside while we learned C, G7 and F and were finally able to play “God Bless America”. The ukulele was brought to the islands by the Portuguese workers and the strings are the same as the bottom 4 of the guitar. This was fun and I had to laugh with the smiling Kapuna lady who I could tell was getting tired of listening to “God Bless America” 8,000 times today. Ha!

We ate lunch next which was fruit cocktail and milk (so cold!) and salisbury steak with white rice. Cole Francetic and I sat with Rebecca and three other Kapuna ladies. The woman beside me spoke of her mixed family tree and her German father, whose surname was “Bader”, married a Hawaiian girl and was disowned from this family. She said that she was one of 9 children. When her father’s parents became old and ill, her Hawaiian mother cared for them even though the German family had disowned her long ago. She said that was the Hawaiian tradition and her mother had the integrity to honor that and love the grandparents despite their past. I enjoyed hearing her story.

Next the kids performed their song and dance they made up last night. They did a great job with this! When they finished, the Kapuna ladies did an awesome hula for us. They were so graceful. I loved their dresses and leis. Three of the men danced for us next. One of them, who they call “Grampa”, was 98 years old! He danced while his wife watched with us. I had spoken with him earlier. He said they were married in 1942.

Tata George was dancing on the left and he had the most beautiful smile. His eyes were squinted he was smiling so hard as he danced for the kids to the ukulele song sung by one of the ladies. He danced right up to the kids in the front row! He was having a great time!

As we left, we received gifts of crochets toboggan caps and drawstring pouches, seed bracelets, and key chains, and fish scale scrapers. FISH SCALE SCRAPERS!!!

We got hugs and kisses from everyone as we left on our little school bus back to Uncle Billy’s. From there, we boarded the charter bus for maybe 2 hours. I’m not sure. I slept most of the way to Volcano National Park. We hung out at the gift shop while the field instructors registered our campsite.

Behind the building I spotted a view of the Kilauea’s caldera crater! So I got the kids who were still on the bus and brought them out to see it. It was all fogged over with clouds, but as the clouds lifted, they revealed the most unusual landscape! It took our breath away! A black pit with high steep rock walls and a flat floor with steam rising from various crevasses in the earth. Marvelous!

We took off from there and headed to the campground. The kids put up their own tents, and then we ate burritos which were really good. The cook crew of kids had cut up the vegetables. There was Spanish rice, refried beans, cheese, chopped bell peppers and onions and salsa and sour cream. Yum!

We killed time after dinner with kids playing on the hill behind the shelter or playing Frisbee. I got hit in the head with a Frisbee while watching from the sidelines! Thank goodness for Rena who yelled “incoming!” to save my life! That was a close one!

The kids cleaned up after dinner and it got dark the evening meeting began and we sang some songs and then to bed.

Hey Ryan!
Hey what?
Hey Ryan!
Hey what?
Let us see you wiggle-o!
Let us see you wiggle-o!

My hands up high,
My feet down low,
And this is how I wiggle-o!
Wig-a-lo-o!
Wig-wig-a-lo-o!

(Repeat.)

We sang 39 versed of this song. Lord help me! –Goodnight.

Monday, July 10th! Marna's Birthday with Capt. Kiko:

2006-08-02T20:09:00.000-04:00

Monday, July 10:by Ryan Wilber
Hilo, Day 7

Today we woke up at 5:00 and got packed for today. We went to Ken’s and ate pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage. Then half of us went swimming and exploring a small island in a cove. Then I went canoeing in a single hull canoe. It was soooo cool. Then my group went to the hotel to do laundry and call home. [Photo: Marna and her delicious chocolate "Nemo" cake!]

We finally did our laundry. I got my dirty clothes and got the dry clothes out of the dryer. I also got the wet clothes in the dryer. Then I put my dirty clothes in the washer. I tried to call my parents on a pay phone but they didn’t answer. [Photo: Jordan, Nolan and Cole search the laundry piles for their clothes. Thanks to Jill and her laundry helpers for cleaning up the delegation and making us presentable!]

We headed down to a beach and met Captain Kiko. We went sailing in his double hull canoe. We got close to another beach and swam to it. It was hard and fun to get back on the boat. The water was freezing. We ate chicken and apples. Then we played King and Conqueror. We ate cake in honor of Marna's B-day. We got back to the hotel and it started to rain.

I packed my bags and we went to dinner. The chicken was O.K. The band played Happy Birthday to Marna. After the meeting we played cards, watched poker, got packed, and went to bed. The day was awesome.

Monday, July 10: by Robbie DiPaola

We woke up and went to Ken's Pancake House and had pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs. After that we walked back and got into our swimsuits and walked to a cove, with little islands all over the cove. We saw a ton of fish and crabs. We swam there for 45 minutes and then walked back to the beach and said ALOHA to Captain Kiko.

We helped him get the double-hull canoe (Wa'akaulua) into the water and then 8 people at a time went canoeing. It was awesome! It was easy to paddle because Captain Kiko was helping with his huge paddle. Captain Kiko told us about a sailboat that sunk in the ocean and he described how to make a canoe. We got back and played in the sand for awhile and then walked back and had to do laundry.

[Photo: The cove after breakfast where we swam, ate, and met Capt. Kiko.] We met back at the cove for lunch, which was chicken wings, vegetables and potato chips and we had birthday cake for Marna. We went back to our rooms to get ready to go to a museum, but it started raining so we shopped at Uncle Billy's General Store. We chilled in our rooms until supper at 5:30. We went to Uncle Billy's Fish and Steak House for dinner. We had steak, rice and corn and a singer got up on stage and sang Happy Birthday to Marna.

We went back to the poolside and we had our nightly meeting, but had to go inside when it started raining again. We learned a dance for the Kapuna's to thank them for what they taught us. We went to our rooms until lights out and now the seventh day is over.

Monday July 10, 7:39 p.m.: by Wesley Peng

Today has been so awesome. This morning we went to Ken’s House of Pancakes for breakfast. There I had number 18. In it were eggs, some sausage, bacon, and scrumptious pancakes. After breakfast, we split up into two groups. One group was numbers 1-20 and the other group was number 21-39. Since I was number 24, I went with the second group.

Our group went with Jill, Tony, and Jessica. We were the shopping group. The walk to the shopping place was about a mile long. In the middle of the walk, we stopped by a statue of King Kamehemehe. After a few photos, we got back into walking. When we got to the shopping place, most of the stores were not open yet. Since that happened, we decided to first go to the Singing Bridge. After that we found a Tsunami Museum we could go to. In the museum there was an assortment of activities you could do from computers to watching short videos. Then we decided to have a tour.

The tour started out by telling us more about the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis. I learned that tsunamis usually had up to 10 waves and that the second to the fifth wave are the strongest. After, we went into the vault theater to watch 23-minute video. In the video we saw real life footage and heard stories of the survivors. When the video was over, we went outside to look around. Most of the time I was playing the tsunami radar. In it, you could control where the earthquake happened and its magnitude. You could also chose to evacuate Hawaii of not.

Later, we all went shopping. Since Doug, Sean, and I didn’t buy anything, we were at the meeting spot 40-minutes early. When all of us were at the meeting spot we all went back to the hotel to put on sunscreen and our water shoes. Once we were done, we headed for the harbor. There we had lunch.

For lunch we had some chicken wings, chips, and some soda. Today was also Marna’s birthday so we had some birthday cake. After we all finished eating, we split up into our groups again. This time we stayed at the harbor. We went to the Wa’akaulua (the double hull canoe) first. We however didn’t get to paddle very much because the wind from the rain was usually pulling us into the right direction. When we got back to the harbor, it started to rain, but good thing we were doing laundry now. After we were done with our laundry, we made some phone calls home. Later, we went back out to go swimming.

At that time it was pouring rain. We were the only group still outside. Eventually Tony’s group came out again because the rain had stopped. When our swimming time was over, we went back in to get ready for dinner. Today has been a productive day. [Photo: Sean (L), Eddie (R) enjoy dinner at Uncle Billy's while Taylor REALLY enjoys dinner!]

Sunday, July 9th: Travel to the Big Island!

2006-08-01T11:10:00.000-04:00

Akaka Falls by Clayton Trainor

Aloha, This morning I woke up at 4:30 got dressed, brushed my teeth, finished up the last part of my journal, and did my final packing. Then we headed of to breakfast at Denny's. After breakfast we went back to the hotel to pack our stuff on the bus and go to the airport. The reason we took an airplane was we were jumping from Oahu to the Big Island to finish of the back end of our trip.

After we landed we got back on the bus and we went to a food court for a good lunch. When we got done eating we headed of to Akaka Falls. When we waited for the other groups to get ahead so we were spaced apart we talked about the clouds since we were on the wet side of the island. We learned all about the clouds and what they all mean. Then we started to hike down the falls as the clouds just opened up and it just poured and at the end I was dripping wet. My orange Texas Longhorns hat was now burnt red. [Photo: Rebecca talks to her trail group about the history and geography of Akaka Falls before the group heads down the rain forest path for a view.]

Then we boarded the bus soaked and went to Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel. This time my room partners were; Jordan & Eric. Today we had our evening meeting early and then went to eat dinner. Then we came back and went to bed and work on our journals.

Sunday, July 9, 5:28 a.m.- 4:34 p.m. by Wes Peng

At Oahu
Today, we are saying ALOHA to Oahu and ALOHA to Hawaii. It was kind of hard to believe how fast time had passed! I hope that Hawaii would be even more fun than Oahu has been. I also hope that Hawaii has some of those amazing beaches like Oahu. Although I couldn’t wait to go to a beach, I especially want to go to the Volcanoes Nat’l Park. Seeing all of the waterfalls would also be really exciting. I want to be able to see the volcanic rocks that form in Hawaii, too. Also, I heard that the hotel will be surrounded by extravagant banyan trees and beautiful Japanese gardens.

At the airport
Now we are headed for the Big Island. I heard that the flight will only take about half an hour or so. Anyway, when I first got onto the plane, I was seated with Alex M. I was so excited that I was sitting on the left side of the plane and the field guides said that if you sat on the left side of the plane, you would get an awesome view. They were right!!! Anyway, on the plane we got some juice, it was orange-guava-passion nectar. I loved it so much. Well, it’s time to land now!

At Hawaii
After we landed, we went to get our luggage. At first I couldn’t find any of mine, but I eventually got them both. After everyone had their luggage we waited for the bus to come. The bus finally came at 12:15. When we all boarded the bus, the driver started to talk about the history of Hilo. I have to say, he sure knew a lot. He first told us about the two biggest tsunamis to hit the Big Island. The first one was in 1946 and the second one was in 1960. He said that once the tsunamis hit, nearly 90% of Hilo was destroyed. He also told us how unpopulated Hawaii was. He said that almost 900,000 people live in Oahu, but only 167,000 people live in Hawaii. When he was done talking, it was time to eat lunch at the food court. At the food court there was an assortment of places to eat. From Chinese to Hawaiian. I went to a Chinese place. There I got some lemon chicken. The place I went to was called the Chopsticks Express. The lemon chicken came with some rice and some pasta salad. When we finished eating lunch, we got back to the bus and the driver told us more history on Hilo. This time I learned that Hilo was on the wet side or windward side of Hawaii. That’s why they got so much rain. Next he told us a brief history of the sugar cane in Hawaii. He said that today people don’t grow sugarcane commercially, but instead they grow it privately. When we arrived at Akaka Falls Nat’l Park, we split up into our field groups. There we talked more about the falls. Jessica told us a story about a god named Akaka. She said that one day Akaka’s wife found out that he was cheating on her. After she found out, she started to chase him away. While she was chasing him, he fell down a 420 foot cliff. Jessica said that they named the falls after Akaka. When she finished, we decided to go hike. First, we went down into Kahuna Falls. I learned that kahuna meant priest. Half way down the trail, it started to pour, but you couldn’t really blame anything because it was the rainforest!!! Anyway, when we got to Kahuna Falls it was so foggy that you could barely even see the waterfall. After we took a few pictures, we went back up to follow the trail to Akaka falls. On our way there Jessica told us about the ferns and the banyan trees there. I learned that the roots of banyan trees grow outside the ground. She also told us that ferns have spores that are red. After that, we saw Akaka Falls. It was so tall! Jessica said that it was the strongest she had ever seen it. Now we were all so wet and we headed back to the bus. When we got on the bus everyone was so relieved. The air-conditioning would dry us up, but it would make us super cold. When we got to our hotel, I found out that my roommates were Nolan, Josh, and J.T. What a day!!!

Saturday, July 8th; by Nick Lade . . .

2006-07-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

July 8, 2006

This morning we got up and had a good meal at Denny's. There was good service. After breakfast, we got on the bus and headed to Pearl Harbor. My ticket had a guy named Kenneth Marlar Taylor. He shot down two Japanese dive bombers. He served in the U. S. Army Air Corps. and born in Hominy, Oklahoma.We watched a sad movie, and then got on a boat to the USS Arizona Memorial. I took some interesting pictures of the sunken ship, and of some of the names on the memorial. We got back on the boat and took a little break.

When the break was over, we took a trolley to Ford Island, where the USS Missouri was. We took a long tour through the Missouri. It was fun. We had lunch in the mess hall. After lunch, we went shopping and I bought some interesting things. After Pearl Harbor we got on the bus and drove through the Punchbowl. We saw [Challenger Astronaut] Ellisom S. Onizuka's grave. I learned that the graveyard used to be a volcano.

After we went to the Punchbowl, we went to Diamondhead. The hike was short. The view at the top was spectacular. The hike down was even better! We got back on the bus and went back to the hotel.

We got to go to the pool. After the pool, we went shopping. I bought shells for my sister, Ashley. After shopping, we had dinner. I had pizza. Then we had our meeting. Then I went to bed.

Friday, July 7th: by Alex Miller

2006-07-25T14:32:00.000-04:00

First we went to breakfast. I had French toast. Next we went to Kualoa Ranch. There we walked around the place saw and tasted some fruits and nuts. [Photo R: Bobby checking out a "jack fruit" at the ranch. The fruit can grow up to 12 inches in diameter! L: The delegation follows Jarma, our guide, through the orchards.]

Then we took a boat from the ranch to Secret Island. You could swim, kayak, play volleyball, ping pong and badminton. I didn't want to swim so I helped Jarma find Jobe's Tears. Also we found some little seashells. She told me that she collects them. I got quite a few of them for her and some for me.

Oh ya, I forgot before the Island we found Apple Snails and their eggs and squished them. [Below: Ambassadors work with Jarma to scrape snail eggs off the stalks of the tarot plant. The snails are an invasive species and many delegations have taken turns this summer ridding this pond of the snails.]

Ok, back to where I was. We looked for the Jobe's tears so she could play Hawaiian checkers. She gave me a brief description of how to play. Next, we rode the boat back to the ranch then left.

On the bus ride back to the hotel we watched some of the Fantastic Four. The movie kept skipping and we didn't get to see the end.

Well, we arrived at the hotel, we got settled in for about an hour. Then we walked to the international food court. I had Italian food. Next we walked back and that brings us to now. I'm going to sleep!

Thursday, July 6: Polynesian Cultural Center Day!

2006-07-24T22:15:00.000-04:00

July 6: by Cole Francetic

I woke up today to find out it was 2:00am and my journal entry was unfinished. So, I started to furiously work on it, remembering all of the things I did. While I was doing that, my roommate woke up and we started talking about the trip. After I finished writing, I started getting ready for the day. We went to breakfast late because I couldn't get a hold for of my parents for a while.

After eating breakfast we performed our plays on the Hawiian history and how it evolved. Shortly after, it was fun in the sun at the beach where we caught waves, dug in the sand and found coral. But there was a big AWWWWW when left to get ready for the Polynesian Cultural Center. After we were ready we walked to the center for about 10 minutes and before you know it we were there. After we got in and were in our groups we went on the flat canoes. It was the guides first day using the boats and they were pretty funny. We learned about coconuts and boy was there a lot to learn. We got to see the games the Poynesians played like bowling and spinning tops. We also got to see medicines, dances and people hurling spears. We all got tattooes.

But nothing compared to the Luau and the show. At the luau people did the hula dances and a lot of other things. The food was spectacular. We even got to see them bring out the pig. What a day!!!!!!!!!!!!

July 6: Alex Miller

Today we got to sleep in for once. Then we went to breakfast. From there we walked to the beach. This ocean wasn't like the first one. The waves were a lot bigger, there were lots of jellyfish and coral and the water wasn't very clear. [Photo: Devon finds the first of many coconuts at the beach.] After that we walked back to the University and rinsed off in the showers. Next we went to lunch it was really crowded.

Then we walked to the Polynesian Culteral Center. It was outdoors and you could just walk from like Hawaii to Samoa. I got a temporary tatoo in one of the places. Also, we learned how to make milk and get the juice from a coconut. Next, we did some shopping.

After the shopping we went to a Lu'au. There were some interesting foods. I had purple bread. The desserts were very delicious. There was hula dancing and it was fun to watch. After that we did some shopping for a few minutes.

Next, we went to a show called "Horizons, Where the Sea Meets the Sky". It showed different cultures and a dance. My favorite part was with the fire, when dance and sit with it, and even ate it. After the show we walked back then packed. That's it for today.

July 6: by Abbey Laber

Today we woke up at 7 am and went to breakfast at 7:50 am. Then we went to the beach. The sand was fine out of the water but when you got in the water it was very rocky. Then we went back to our dorms to take showers. We had lunch in our cafeteria and then we headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center. At the PCC we got to learn about Tonga, Tahiti, Figi, New Zealand, and more about Hawaii.

Then we went to a luau. They did dances including the hula. I loved the luau. After that we went to a night show at the PCC. There we got to watch people from every culture do dances for us. Also, there were some men who sat on fire. Another man lit his tongue on fire and juggled a stick on fire. At the end of the night we walked to our dorm rooms where we had a quick meeting that was over at 9:45 pm. Then we went upstairs and packed our stuff. I loved this day at the PCC.

July 6: by Amanda Lauer

Today my morning started at 4:00 am, 10:00 am Ohio time. I got up and got ready. We went to breakfast and it wasn't that good. We went to the ocean. The water was warm and we made sand motes. This was fun. Koti got stung by a jelly fish. I felt bad for her. We went back and ate lunch and it was ok.

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center after lunch. We went to Tonga, Tahiti and Fiji and got stamps in our passports which was neat. If you got four or more stamps you got a free prize. We went to dinner and people danced and the host played the ukalaly behind his head. It sounds pretty. We went shopping and that was fun too. After that we got to see each island war dance and another dance too. We got to see a fire dancer and a fire twirler. We couldn't take pictures but it was really neat to watch. We saw some other different types of dances. Then our day ended and we had to pack up and go to bed. I had to stay up because my room mate had to pack and Susan was standing right in our door way making sure she was actually packing it all up. After she was done packing I finally got to go to bed.

July 6: by Stazi Fitzroy

Today we went to the beach and found a giant rock! Wes, Koti, Emily Eddie, Taylor
Demetria, and I stood it up and built tunnels, waterways, and resivoirs around it.
I only went in the water a few times but I still saw two jellyfish alive and burried.

After lunch we went to the Polynesion Cutural Center. We walked around after
spliting each of our three small groups in half to make six small groups. The small
groups each walked through different cities/culture areas where we could see some
of the early polenesian cultures in action. We first went to the I-Max on Great Barriar Reef. Right after we got out we went shopping and watched a parade. Then we browsed around
the cultures and watched a guy teach us to open a coconut and in that same area
we got to make fire and juggle batons that would normally have fire on the ends of it.

After that we got tatoos and took a picture with our tatoos. From there we had to hurry to the luau which was where we would eat diner we had poi, and purple bread and other stuff. While we were eating we watced a few dancs performed by hula dancers.

From there we went to a theater like place where we would do nothing but watch hula dancers. We watched tons of shows and that’s when people started falling asleep.
The last show was my favorite three men each had a fire in front of them and tried
to put them out but all they seeded in doing was burnig there butts since they tried
to sit on them in order to get them out. When it was over we walked back to the
campus to get ready for bed and then go to bed it was a great day!

THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2006: by Bobby Kirchner

HONOLULU - POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER (PCC) I woke up today, got dressed, and went down to breakfast. After breakfast, our group walked to a beach a mile away. At the beach, I dug holes in the sand and played in the water. The tide was high and it was strong when it pushed you ashore. When we left, it was lunch time so we went back to the University and ate lunch. The food was great. They had hamburgers and fries.

Then after lunch, we went to the PCC.At the PCC, we learned the culture of Polynesia. First, we took a canoe ride to Fiji. There we got tattoos and saw a boat. Then we went to Hawaii where later in the day we would see a canoe rally. We went to Tonga where we learned how to fish out of grass. They also showed us how to throw spears. They had a game where you throw a spear into a circle far away. After that we went to a place to watch a man show his people's culture. We went back and saw the canoe rally. There we saw the dances of the islands today and yesterday. Then we went to the I-max theatre to watch a special on coral reefs. It showed all the different things that could harm a coral reef.

We went to a festival called a Luau. At the Luau, we saw more types of dances and we got a lei. They had great food there. It ended before I thought it would because I didn't see any fire dancers. It turned out that the fire dancers were in a show later that night. They were awesome. When we went back to the University, we were very tired.

The First Full Day . . .

2006-07-21T19:38:00.000-04:00

July 5th, 2006: A long plane ride through Chicago and on to Honolulu, Hawaii to our accommodations at Brigham Young University. What a day we had!

First, a trip to the Byodo In Buddhist Temple, at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. The temple was established in 1968 to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. Byodo-In tranlates to "temple of equality - not to discriminate". The golden Buddha inside the temple is the largest carved wooden Buddha in the world.

Next onto the Dole Pineapple Plantation! "Can I get a toot-toot?!" Founded by James Dole, we had a chance to learn how to choose and slice the perfect pineapple, then onto the Pineapple Express for a train ride through the plantation. We saw how and where the pineapples were grown. When we arrived back at the "station" we ran through the largest maze in the world to collect stencil characters at the different maze stations. A little shopping, then off to the North Shore.

Our first trip to the beach! Waimea Beach on Oahu's North Shore. The sand was smooth underneath the calm waves as many students ran into the ocean for their first time. The sand was warm and clean as the students splashed and built dams and fortresses out of sand. A refreshing end to an exciting first day.

Back at BYU, most of us slept with the windows and doors open in our dorm rooms to keep cool. As we slept the first night, we could hear the songs and drums of the Polynesian Cultural Center next door.

Hawaii, Here We Come!

2006-06-29T20:09:00.000-04:00

Departure Day Info:

Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Time: 5:30 AM
Location: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Group Meeting Location: Meet in BAGGAGE CLAIM area in lower level. Look for your leaders who will be wearing navy blue polos, and khaki slacks.

Details: Make sure all bags are clearly labeled. You should have everything you will need during your flight and your first day in your carry-on. (We will not unload our luggage from the bus until we get to the hotel Tuesday at bedtime.) This includes all medicine, toothbrush/paste, hairbrush, book, journal, one change of clothes, water bottle. Your luggage will be checked until we reach Honolulu, so you will not be able to access suitcase or gear bag items once they are checked at Cleveland Hopkins.

Return Day Info:

Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Time: 4:16 PM
Location: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Group Meeting Location: United Airlines Baggage Claim area in lower level.

Details: We leaders MUST verify that every child is accounted for. Please know that returning home at the airport is very chaotic with Ambassadors and Families excitedly reuniting. Throughout this event, please make sure that you check in with your Travel Group Delegation Leader BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE AIRPORT to identify yourself as the child’s parent and that you are leaving, and to retrieve your child’s ID.

Flight Details:
Flight
DDate
From
To
Dep
Arr
ADate

UA 0337
4JUL TU
CLE
ORD
7:22A
7:45A
4JUL TU

UA 0001
4JUL TU
ORD
HNL
10:10A
2:01P
4JUL TU

HA 0382
9JUL SU
HNL
ITO
9:45A
10:36A
9JUL SU

UA 0003
17JUL MO
KOA
ORD
4:56P
5:50A
18JUL TU

UA 0570
18JUL TU
ORD
CLE
2:00P
4:16P
18JUL TU

Make Your Flight More Comfortable

2006-06-16T19:40:00.000-04:00

For those of you who have trouble with ears popping and/or nausea from flying, try these on for size: Found at your local drug store, both for under $10. Make sure you read directions and know how to use them correctly!

Ear Planes relieve ear discomfort, popping & pain while flying. The uncomfortable effects of cabin pressure are negated with the exclusive pressure regulating Ceramx™ filter. Developed by the House Ear Institute and tested by U.S. Navy Pilots. These really work! Specify adult or child size.

The Sea-Band has been clinically tested against nausea and vomiting in travel, pregnancy, anaesthesia, chemotherapy and all conditions which induce nausea.

The Sea-Band is a knitted elasticated wrist band, which operates by applying pressure on the Nei Kuan acupressure point on each wrist by means of a plastic stud. Because the bands do not use drugs, they do not cause any of the side effects associated with anti-nausea drugs and can be worn on each wrist whenever you feel nauseous. They are suitable for adults and children.
The Sea-Band may be washed up to five times with a mild detergent in warm water without losing its elasticity.

The Sea-Band is sold in drug chains and pharmacies across the world. Some of our customers include:

In USA :K-Mart, Brooks, Meijers, Kerr Drug, Happy Harry's, Stop&Shop, Eckerd, Longs, Osco, Rite Aid, Savon, CVS

Things I Think I Don't Need, But I Really Do . . .

2006-06-05T21:12:00.000-04:00

Pages 6 & 7 of your Explore Guide say it all: "Pack the following items as indicated".

What does this mean? It means that eventhough you might see something on the list you think you don't need, you do! Please ponder these items, won't you?

anti-diarrhea medication - now just because you've never had this problem before . . . with the flight, curvy mountain roads on a bus, strange food and nerves, you'll want this stuff if you "have an episode" so pack it! You may be sick when we are nowhere near a store. If you already have it with you, that's half the battle!
empty gallon/qt sized resealable bags - you can organize your souvenirs orut wet clothes in your bag if they aren't dry enough to pack. If you get sick at your stomach, you have one ready to go.
heavy-weight synthetic athletic socks for hiking - take care of your feet on this program, keep them happy and we'll all be happy
change of clothing in your carry-on - we don't anticipate lost baggage, but wouldn't you rather be prepared?
sunglasses - hello!
blister kit
cold/flu medication - even if you're not sick when you leave, you may catch something while you're there
hand sanitizer
two water bottles - we will take part in an incredibly beautiful and spectacular all-day hike. You'll need to have enough water to last the entire day. Two water bottles are a necessity.
Sleeping pad for under your sleeping bag - you'll need to protect yourself from hypothermia from laying directly on the ground. Plus, it's a lot more comfortable!
Label my name on EVERYTHING - Please use your first name and last initial. The other students probably will only know you by your first name, so using your last name is not helpful. Things not always labeled that should be . . . cameras, backpacks, beach towels, jackets and sweatshirts, water bottles, ball caps. Bring along a Sharpie marker!

Trinket Ideas?

2006-05-27T21:18:00.000-04:00

Here are some things our Delegation has shared with us that they are taking as trinkets. What are you taking?

They should be cheap (free or under $5), small enough to fit in your day pack, and you only need 12!

Ohio postcards of famous Ohio spots (Football HoF, Rock & Roll HoF, OSU, Ohio map, black squirrels, Amish country, Lake Erie, Goodyear Blimp)
Pencils (Cleveland Browns, and Caveliers, etc.)
yo-yo's
Ohio quarters
Note cards with Cardinal on them to write "thank you" notes
Photo of ambassador making a snowman (12 copies)
Handmade bookmarks
Recipe cards for "buckeye candy"
Buckeye seeds (may not be permitted through security, but we'll see!)

What will you take as a Unique Ohio Trinket?

Got Mail? How do I send a postcard home?

2006-05-24T20:43:00.001-04:00

Hello fellow pen-pals! A few super tips from your travel-savvy Delegation Leaders on how to write home when on vacation in Hawaii.

First: Before you even think about packing for Hawaii, make a list of names and addresses of people you want to write home to. You know, friends, family, sponsors, and others you want to make jealous!

Second: Type or write these names and addresses onto self-adhesive mailing labels. Make more than one for people you'll write home to more than once, of course!

Third: Fold this label sheet up carefully and place it in a Ziplock along with postcard stamps that you buy here in Ohio before you leave! (Postcard stamps cost $.24 ea.) Put this Ziplock in your carry-on and forget about it until you get to Hawaii.

Fourth: Get to Hawaii.

Fifth: When in Hawaii, buy yourself some postcards of places that you actually visit so that the picture tells half the story for you. (You could also buy some postcards to keep for yourself since the pictures are so nice and usually say something about what the picture is about.)

Sixth: Place the appropriate pre-made address sticker on the RIGHT side of the postcard along with the pre-bought postcard stamp.

Seventh: NEATLY write a friendly note on the LEFT side of your card to your pen-pal to say what you've seen, done, eaten, etc. See example below . . .

"Dear Friend,
The weather is great, but it rains every afternoon for one hour at exactly 4 pm! I met some cool friends who let me borrow a hula skirt and taught me how to hula this afternoon. My roommate snores a lot, but is a good friend to laugh with. Our delegation leader, Nick, is afraid of the water and will only go in with those orange "floaties" on his arms, but we went swimming with him and he felt much safer. I can't wait until tomorrow when we go to Secret Island where they filmed Jurrasic Park! I'll let you know if I see any veloceraptors!
Your friend,
Me"

Eighth: Ask your Delegation Leader or Manager where and when you can mail your postcards. Most hotels will mail your cards for you at the front desk if you ask politely.

Ninth: Mail your postcard.

BONUS:

For those of you who feel up to the challenge: Practice writing a postcard. Log on to the "On Board" site and look up the addresses of your Delegation Leaders. Mail a postcard to each of us telling us what you're up to now that school is/is almost out! See if it gets to us! We'll let you know at the picnic and put the postcards in a drawing for a prize. You have four chances to win! One for each leader who receives your postcard before the picnic!

We'll be waiting!

What to Expect on Departure Day:

2006-05-07T09:44:00.000-04:00

When do I have to be at the airport?
Right now, it looks like our plane will be leaving at 7:30 AM. For domestic (USA) flights, we all need to arrive at Cleveland Hopkins Intl. Airport two hours early, at 5:30 AM. This will be an early day, we know, but try your best to go to bed early the night before and drink plenty of water the four days before we leave so you don't become dehydrated in the air or the first few days of the program. (This prevents barfing! Take any motion sickness medicine at this time as well, since most medicines take a few hours to kick in. This also prevents barfing!)

Where will we meet?
When you and your family arrive at the airport, look for your leaders in the BAGGAGE CLAIM LEVEL. This is a safe place for our large group to meet and not be in the way of others at the airport. Your leaders will be wearing khaki pants and blue polos and big smiles!

How will we check in?
Your parents will be asked to wait in the baggage claim area while the leaders organize small groups of you at a time to bring your luggage to the check in desk to drop off your suitcase and your gear bag and receive your boarding pass. (Leaders will keep your boarding pass until you step through security, then you'll give the boarding pass back to your leader.) Once your bags are checked in, you may go back down to baggage claim to wait with your family. You will keep your backpack/carry-on with you.

What happens next?
Once all bags are checked in, we'll pose for a group picture downstairs. Give your family a big hug and gather with your assigned leader and travel group. (You'll know who your group is by the picnic.) You and your travel group will head upstairs to the gate.

How does security work?
Your leader will hand you your ID and boarding pass. You will line up very seriously (security does not joke around) and place your belongings in a tray to go through a conveyor belt for security to check. Belongings include your backpack, wallet/money belt, shoes, lanyard (anything metal besides jewelry) and jacket.

Walk through the metal detector with your boarding pass and ID. You may be asked by a security guard to have them pass a portable metal detector over your arms and legs. This doesn't mean you're in trouble; they give random checks to passengers and you might be next. Be polite and cooperative.

The security agents may ask to go through your bag by hand. Let them do what they need to do and you'll be on your way. Gather your things, be sure to have all of your belongings, then line up and wait quietly for the rest of the group to come through.

Immediately give your ID and boarding pass back to your leader.

Where's the plane?
We always walk through the airport in a single file line. This keeps us together and helps us to maneuver through the concourse without running into other travelers. We usually walk quickly, so stay together! We will then head to our gate waiting area and chill until they announce that it's time to board. Photo: students NOT walking single file take up the entire hallway!

By this time, the program has officially begun and you must abide by the official rules for your safety. Remember:

Take your own bag with you at all times. (Carry your own stuff!)
Travel in groups of four (even to the restroom).
Ask your leader for permission to use the restroom, or buy a snack. (We must know where you are at all times.)
Be polite.
No running.

While you are waiting, you may read a book, sleep, or get out one of your games to play with a friend. Photo: Ambassadors waiting to board. See the snacks, book and card game?

When do we take off?

As soon as the airline announces for us to board, line up with your leader and receive your boarding pass and ID again to pass through the gate. Keep your voices down.

Find your seat on the plane and give your boarding pass and ID back to your leader when they board the plane. Place your carry on under the seat in front of you, put your seatbelt on and get ready for take off. Follow instructions of the guides on the plane. Use your best manners. Photo: Keep your eyes peeled! You never know what you'll see from the air. Can you identify this famous spot?

Photo: Hoover Dam

Where are we going?

We will fly from Cleveland to Chicago and from Chicago, we'll catch a second plane to Honolulu. As we land each time, chill out and stay seated. P2P is polite and always lets all other passengers off before we get off the plane. This will give us time to make sure we have everything and gather as a group with our leaders as we arrive at the next destination. Photo: Chicago from the air. Can you locate the skyscrapers through the haze?

Money; How much will you have left after day three?

2006-04-23T11:11:00.000-04:00

What's a "budget"?

A budget is a plan to spend your money wisely so that you can get the most for your money. Unfortunately, a sad event that many a Delegation Leader has witnessed is the tragic occurance of careless purchasing by delegates. Many ambassador tears have been shed over running out of money by the third or fourth day of the program. You won't get much sympathy from us!

How much money should an ambassador take? It depends on each individual. The Explore Guide suggests $25 per day. Some families can afford that. Others can't. What we leaders have found is that whatever money the students take, they will spend it all! There is no "magic" amount of money to take on the program, but maybe these tips can help you decide a budget that fits you best . . .

Budgeting Tips:

Do not borrow or lend money to others! This can cause problems later in the program.
Decide who you plan to buy souvenirs for (parents, siblings) and stick to a limit of how much to spend on each person.
Consider souvenirs that are unique to the place you visit. A poor souvenir is one that you could buy if you were home in Ohio.
All of your meals will be provided, so you won't have to spend money on food unless it's a snack or something to eat while waiting at the airport.
Ask if the store gives discounts to People to People groups. Many do because so many of us shop there throughout the summer.
Ask youself, "How will I fit this into my luggage? Can I get it home without it breaking?"
Some stores will ship large or expensive items home for you for a fee.
Limit yourself to a given amount of money each day so that your cash will last.
Not all places take debit cards, so you always want a little cash ($15 or so) on hand just in case.
Save some money for the lay-over at the airport in Chicago on the way home.
Don't forget you'll need money to do your laundry.
You can use your debit card to get cash from a money machine, but remember most ATMs will charge a fee.

Be Prepared. Be Aware.

In the last blog entry (below) you read how to keep your money and valuables close. Someone who has no problem pick-pocketing loves to see an obvious group of "money-naive" people, and young "money-naive" people are their favorite. Our group can be a prime target because pick-pockets know we're on "tour" and probably have lots of money on us. Don't be a target:

SIGN your debit card
carry your money where others cannot easily reach it
carry little cash
use a debit card with a pin number that you can cancel if lost or stolen
write your name on your debit card with a Sharpie marker if it is not on it already
don't flash cash around so others can see how much you have
don't talk about how much money you have so others can hear

Know where your money is.

The truth is, money is rarely stolen on these programs. Students not paying attention can easily loose track of how much they have already spent, or where their money is. On last year's program, one of our delegates had his money around his waist in a fanny pack while on the plane to Ireland. Once we deplaned and went through Customs, he realized that he had left his fanny pack on the plane! We asked the airline to check his seat and bring the pack when they found it, but it was nowhere to be found. His $30 cash, debit card and phone card were gone, and our delegation was held up for 90 minutes while the search was on.

He was able to call home and have his parents cancel his debit card. He had only lost $30, and his parents were able to mail him a new debit card and phone card at our first accommodation.

Luckily he was able to replace his cards, but the process held up the entire group.

So what about those debit cards?

Talk first to your family bank and see what options they have for you. Ambassadors want a debit card with a major credit card logo on it. (Visa is most widely accepted.) The logo makes making purchases easier.

There are many different options for these debit cards depending on what kind you get. Some can be limited only to use a pre-determined amount of money each day. Some can have an over-all limit. Some can be connected to parent checking accounts so they are easily reloadable.

AAA offers Visa Travel Gift Cards ($5 members, $10 non members) with a minimum deposit of $250. They are reloadable, but the reload takes 7 days before this reloaded money is available.

Some of you may even find better options. Ask around and see.

Start Saving Now!

Ambassadors have been collecting and fundraising since last fall. Don't forget that you will want to make sure that you have spending money, too. Help around the house, and do an extra fundraiser that insures that you have that extra cash! Save, save, save so that you can bring a bit of Hawaii home with YOU!

Packing Smart: Label Everything!

2006-04-17T19:30:00.000-04:00

Pack Smart!

You will have four packing "zones" on the program; your suitcase, your gear bag, your backpack, and yourself. Ultimately, you are responsible for all of the items listed on your packing lists on p. 6-8 of your Explore Guide. Practice packing these items in your bags and see how you can best fit everything in and still have room for souvenirs. Here are a few things you may want to consider when packing your belongings . . .

Zone #1: Yourself -

Your money: have a way to keep your money on you where it is difficult to be "nabbed" by greedy fingers. Some sort of moneybelt or wallet that you wear around your neck and under your shirt is best. You don't want to leave your money in your backpack. In this "hidden wallet" should be your money/debit card, Rx perscriptions, phone card and emergency phone numbers. You will be assigned to one Delegation Leader at the Bon Voyage picnic. That leader will carry your State ID throughout the program. You will only carry it through security at the airport, then give it back to your leader.

Zone #2: Your backpack -

This school-size backpack will be with you at all times. You will use it as a carry-on in the airplane, but can trade things out of it into your suitcase and use it as a day-pack on the rest of the program.
Your backpack should have lots of pockets to keep you organized. When on the airplane, you should pack one extra outfit to wear in case your luggage is lost. This probably won't happen, but you want to be prepared. Put this outfit in a big ziplock bag in the bottom of your backpack. (Don't forget underwear!)
One full water bottle. You'll get thirsty on the plane and this will help you from getting dehydrated in the air. (Pack your second bottle in your gear bag.)
First aid kit and Rx prescription medicines in original containers (If Rx comes in a box, flatten the box and keep the boxes on the bottom of your kit bag.)
If you take scissors for blister kits and mole skin, pack them separately in your suitcase, you can not have them in your carry-on on the plane.
Hand sanitizer is a must. You can get mini bottles of this in keychain form and attach to the outside of your backpack.
Insect repellant. (You can get this in wet-wipe form in the WalMart camping section. You don't have to worry about it leaking!)
Camera and film: pack this all in one ziplock on the top of your backpack because you'll have to take it out and have it scanned by hand by airport security. Packing it like this will save time with TSA agents.)
Journal and something to write with. You'll officially begin journaling on the plane.
Bring something to pass the time: cards, books, snacks, etc.
Flashlight
Sharpie Marker (for labeling the unlabeled)
Batteries for cameras

Zone #3: Your suitcase -

Zip-off pants are the best because they are so versatile.
At Brigham Young U. the dress code allows shorts at mid-thigh and no shoulders revealed. Keep this in mind as you pack appropriate attire.
Pajamas must be modest
Cheap shower-shoes (flip flops) for the campground showers
Sandals must have heal strap of some sort (You may wear these in the shower instead of flip flops.)
If you are taking a beach towel consider: bring a thin one that takes up little space, bring an old one you can throw away before returning home to leave more space in your suitcase, you'll have towels in the hotels, but not camping. You may want to bring a mini camping towel or use your beach towel on those days. Bring 1-2 wash cloths.
Have a packable mesh bag to keep all of your toiletries in so you can carry them easily to the bathroom.
All "leakables" kept in ziplock bags. They will explode! Photo: Ambassadors wait in line with all their gear to check in at the airport.

Zone #4: Gear bag -

This is a small duffel that fits "Camping Only" items. This is not an overflow bag from the suitcase. The gear bags will be left on the bus when not camping and you will not have access to this bag until camping days at Volcano Nat. Park.
Mattress pad
Sleeping bag
Small pillow
extra ziplocks
mess kit and cutlery
Second water bottle
THAT'S IT!

Things you Don't Need -

Laundry detergent: will be provided, but you will need to pay for the machines.
Cell phone
Electronic games: There are Gameboys on the TV systems in the airplane as well as movies and radio stations.

A Call from Laurie at Adventures Cross Country:

2006-04-09T12:39:00.000-04:00

Adventures Cross Country is the company People to People has hired to serve as our Field Instructors in Hawaii. Last week, Laurie, from ACC called to share some specific information to share with the delegation about our program. Photo: A Happy Face Spider found on Oahu is found in the rainforest and is one of few spiders to take care of their young.

Here are some fun details . . .

Expect the field instructors to have a high level of knowledge in outdoor education! You'll be learning lots about the local flora and fauna and the history of the islands and their people.
The most important advice is to pack light. There will be many opportunities to do laundry, and we will stay at 5 different accommodations throughout the program, so there will be lots of packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and lugging your bags! Make it easy on yourself.
Expect lots of swimming! Ladies' bathing suits may be two-piece as long as bellies are covered. Be prepared with waterproof sunblock and shades!

Where will we stay?

Oahu: Brigham Young University. The Polynesian Cultural Center is across the street, and we will spend lots of time there.
Wakiki Beach. Need I say more?
Hilo: the "Green Side" of the Big Island. Expect one hour of rain daily in the afternoon.
Volcano National Park, 2 nights. Tents for all, or sleep under the stars! Be sure to have a sleeping pad!
Kona Seaside Hotel: warm, dry and sunny!

Field Instructors and Delegation Leaders will all have walkie talkies for communication.
There will be guided journal entries and freewriting journaling
The Polynesian Cultural Center offers an opportunity for a professional photo with the performers in formal dress

Gotta Love Camping!

2006-04-02T16:12:00.000-04:00

Early in the morning . . .

We'll be staying in tents, cabins and economy hotels during our program in July. Photo: Ambassadors listen to the day's itinerary after breakfast during the "morning meeting". We will have a meeting each morning and evening to prepare for and review the day's activities!

Our accommodations . . .

Photo: This is a "dorm" style building Ambassadors camped in on a trip to California. The first night of the program, students are placed in rooms by gender, in alphabetical order. After that, Delegation Leaders are able to create rooming lists for the rest of the overnight stays. Sometimes Leaders allow students with exceptional behavior choose their roommate. Expect a different set of roommates at each place we stay so that everyone gets a chance to meet you!

How about manners?

When we travel in such a large group, we are observed by more people than you think. You will be expected to use appropriate table manners. Please use utensils appropriately, try new foods, chew with your mouth closed, and use a napkin. Remember, THIS IS THE MOMENT YOUR PARENTS HAVE TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOUR WHOLE LIFE!! Ambassadors always use their best manners in public. Photo: Ambassadors make a toast with hot tea in San Francisco's Chinatown.

Take time to enjoy the details.

If you travel only with your feet, but forget to use your ears, eyes, and nose, you'll miss the details, and this can be the best part of the entire program. Ask questions, take your time, appreciate the nature around you and leave the place better than you found it. "Take only pictures. Leave only footprints." Photo below: Tree ferns of the New Zealand rainforest.

Susan's Believe It or Not!

2006-03-26T09:42:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, all of the things listed below have actually happened on our past adventures with People to People. Your Delegation Leaders are all about PREVENTION, so here are some things to consider. Can you believe that these things actually happened? What would you do if this happened to you?

An ambassador wanted to mail a postcard home, but didn't know how to address the card!
An ambassador never used a phone card before and tried to call home. Photo: Ambassadors call home from airport on payphones when they arrive at their final destination.
An ambassador used his phonecard from his hotel room phone and when he turned in his key to check out was charged more than $50. in extra hotel phone fees.
Upon check in at the airport to go home, an ambassador's suitcase exceeded the weight limit. The cost was $85. for an overweight bag and she only had $20 left on her debit card and no cash.

Some things are just unavoidable, like waiting in line, delays at the airport and long rides to get to the next destination. How will you pass the time?

Several ambassadors wore sunblock but forgot to reapply, or didn't put sunblock on their ears! Ouch! This can ruin your entire trip.
An old suitcase was taken on the program, and the zipper tore. The ambassador had to spend the rest of the trip using duct tape to keep his suitcase closed when we traveled.
A student jumped into a big puddle for some fun while wearing his tennis shoes. The shoes never dried out and he wore his soggy shoes for four days. Blisters, blisters, blisters! Your feet must be healthy when camping. Think smart so you DON'T do dumb things.

Many of the Believe It or Not items are fun . . . Will you step out of your comfort zone to try something safe and new?

Swimming with the fish as we snorkel at the reef.
Hiking a challenging mountain to say you reached the top.
Eating a food that may taste much better than it looks.
Being a team player and a good leader with new friends.

Photo: a trail guide offers fly larvae to the delegation for a treat at Mono Lake in California. These little guys were salty and crunchy. The students actually liked them! The larvae were the staple food for the Mono Indians who used to live here. The word "mono" means fly!

FAQ's Volume II: What ELSE to expect on the program . . .

2006-03-19T12:28:00.000-05:00

Travel Tip from Jill:
Take only what you absolutely need on the trip. As you are packing and you have to question whether you will ever use it on the trip, your probably won't. Remember, you will be carrying your own gear. Plus, you want to have some room left to bring home some great presents! Photo: Jill at St. Kevin's Abbey in Glendalogh, Ireland.

What is a typical day like?
Delegation Leaders will be given a detailed day by day itinerary on the first day of the trip. Each day begins around 7 am and lights out is around 9:30 pm. The Field Instructors will do their best to keep the same structure every day. This structure includes a morning meeting, an evening meeting, and frequent evening activities after dinner. During the day, Field Instructors will teach about flora, fauna, natural history, geology, and human history through short talks and activities. Most days will include some driving to the day’s destination.

Here is the schedule for a typical day, although the actual itinerary for your delegation may be different:

Wake-up: Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel

Go to sleep: Volcanoes National Park – Namakani Paio Campground

Day at a glance: This morning we will get a chance to learn Hawaiian culture from the “Kupuna” or Hawaiian elders. After lunch we will take a bus to Volcanoes National Park for our first night of camping.

Activities/Lessons: Intro to Volcanoes, Rock Cycle Game, Campfire Games/Activities

Details of day:

7:30am Breakfast: Ken’s House of Pancakes

8:30am Morning Meeting

9:00am Go to University of Hawaii Hilo for Kapuna Day

12:00pm Lunch at the University of Hawaii at Hilo

1:00pm Head back to rooms and pack up bags

2:30pm Charter Bus to Namakani Paio Campground

4:00pm Arrive at Namakani Paio
Camping at the Volcano House Cabins. Students will be divided into groups. Leaders of The Day will begin dinner preparation with one field instructor while other students are getting instruction in setting up tents.

6:30pm Dinner

7:30pm Clean up

8:30pm Evening Meeting/Activity- Camp Fire.

9:30pm Lights out

What kinds of things will the students learn each day?
Field Instructors will teach a variety of subjects each day through games, activities, and short talks. For example, on a typical day Field Instructors may teach an activity about native flowers, read a legend about Pele, and teach the students the different types of lava they may see throughout the day. Delegation Leaders will also assist in teaching.

Each student will receive a small Activity Book, which will elaborate on topics the Field Instructors are teaching and will include games and puzzles that relate to the curriculum. Students will be able to take these Activity Books home. Field Instructors will leave it up to the Delegation Leaders to decide when and where journaling time is most appropriate and appealing.

Will we do everything in a large group?
The delegation will be divided into 3 “trail groups”. Each trail group will have one Field Instructor and one or two Delegation Leader(s).

We have made these pairings for your convenience for the first day, which will remain the same for the entire trip unless Delegation Leaders choose to make changes. (This doesn’t mean the students won’t “mingle”. They do many activities together in the large group).

How hard is the hiking?
Hiking is an integral part of this trip, and probably much more so than any People to People international trip. Our longest hike is about 3 miles, down into Pololu Valley and back. There is a steep uphill climb on the way out of the valley. Please encourage the students to get out and hike before the trip, and to have a positive attitude. The better prepared students are for the hike, the more they will enjoy it!

The Field Instructors and Delegation Leaders will carry walkie-talkies to communicate among trail groups while hiking. Because of permit issues and the desire to reduce impact, trail groups hike separately on the trail. If there is any emergency, leaders can communicate via walkie-talkies.

What kind of food will we eat?
When camping, students will be cooking breakfasts and dinners under the supervision of the field instructors. They are meant to be tasty meals that are easy for the kids to prepare, such as pancakes, burritos, and spaghetti. When we are not camping, we will be eating the breakfast and dinner our lodging provides or in restaurants.

Some lunches are provided by the university where we staying. They pre-pack them for us in brown paper bags. When we are camping, we set up our lunches buffet-style at the beginning of the day, and students will pack their own lunch in a brown bag. Because we are traveling quite a bit, it is sometimes challenging to provide a wide variety of lunches. However, we make a tremendous effort to offer lunches that are nutritious that the kids will actually eat, such as hoagie sandwiches, pizza bagels, and chicken wings. Every lunch will include a fruit, fresh veggies, chips or crackers, and a sweet. We welcome Delegation Leader feedback if you know there is something your delegation either likes or dislikes. Food considerations provided on Student Health Forms will be taken into careful consideration throughout the program.

Here is a typical lunch menu:

BAGEL SANDWICHES
· Flavored bagel sandwich with choice of fillings and condiments
· Turkey, ham, cheese, lettuce, avocado, tomato, mayo and mustard OR Peanut butter and jelly

· Carrot & Celery sticks with ranch dip
· Dill pickle
· Choice of fruit- apple, orange or banana
· Chocolate chip cookies
· Fruit Punch

One student from each trail group will be chosen as Leader of the Day (LOD). The LOD will help with meal preparation (with guidance from the Field Instructor) among other duties.

How should we pack for the trip?
Follow your Explore Guide packing list precisely! All luggage must fit into the luggage compartment of the bus and it is a tight squeeze! Some suggestions for slimming down are:
· Bring a throw pillow instead of a full-size one for camping.
· Buy travel size toiletries.
· Students do not need a change of clothes for every day—they will have at least 2 opportunities to do laundry.
· This is an outdoor-oriented trip—students do not need dress shirts.

What is the lodging like?
During our stay on the island of Oahu, we will be staying at Brigham Young University in residence halls and at a Waikiki Beach Hotel. While we are visiting the eastern or “windward” side of the Big Island we will be staying at Hilo Bay Hotel. While we are visiting the western or “leeward” side of the island, we will be staying at the Kona Seaside Hotel. Keep in mind that we will be "on the road" for the day and will only be at the hotels to sleep and for only a few meals.

While we are at Brigham Young University campus (BYUH) in the town of Laie on Oahu, we will be staying in two wings of a residence hall. The rooms have 2 single beds, so we will sleep two to a room. Each “pod” has 5-8 rooms and leaders will either have their own private room or share a room with one other leader in each “pod”. There are female bathrooms and male bathrooms, (males and females will not be sharing a bathroom), each with 3 showers, sinks and toilets. BYUH has ample laundry facilities and the machines are operated by pre-paid cards. BYUH requests that while on campus we refrain from drinking tea or coffee. Please also keep in mind that BYUH has a similar dress code to that of People to People: shoulders need to be covered while on campus, and shorts above the mid-thigh are not permitted.

In Honolulu, we will be at a Waikiki hotel near the beach. The rooms are standard hotel rooms. Each room will have 3 beds and we will sleep 3 students per room. Leaders will share a room with one other leader of the same gender. There are coin-operated laundry facilities at the hotel.

In Hilo, we will be at Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel. The rooms are standard hotel rooms. Each room will have 2-4 single beds and each student will have his/her own bed. Leaders will share a room with one other leader of the same gender. There are coin-operated laundry facilities at the hotel, as well as a general store and souvenir gift shop. There is a pool that overlooks Hilo Bay at the hotel as well.

In Kona, we will be at the Kona Seaside Hotel, on the waterfront in downtown Kona. The rooms are standard hotel rooms. Each large room will have 3 beds and we will sleep 3 students per room. Leaders will share a room with another leader of the same gender. There are no laundry facilities at the hotel.

FAQ's Volume I: What to expect on the Program

2006-03-12T14:16:00.000-05:00

The following FAQ's are part of the communication received by your Hawaiian Island Discovery Delegation Leaders from Adventures Cross Country, the Delegation Managers (guides) for our program. Please review this information as a family and check the site often for the next few Volumes of FAQ info!

Who are the Field Instructors?
Field Instructors are men and women, typically aged 21-32, who are with you every day of the trip. Most of them are graduate students, naturalists, and educators. They are responsible for logistics, food, and educating students about flora, fauna, natural history and human history. They are responsible for running the morning and evening meetings, and for teaching the students about the areas in which you are traveling. They are also responsible for teaching the students how to set up tents, how to cook the camping meals, and other camping skills. They are responsible, along with the Delegation Leaders, for the safety of the children. All Field Instructors are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

When you arrive at the airport, you will be met by 3 Field Instructors. They will divide the delegation into three “trail groups”. Each Delegation Leader will be paired with one Field Instructor (If there are four Delegation Leaders, one of the three groups will have two DLs).

Adventures Cross-Country, an organization contracted by People to People, hires the Field Instructors and arranges the logistics of this trip.

How do we travel?
We all travel together on a 53-passenger charter bus. We contract Hawaiian bus companies to do all of the driving for us. Between the Big Island and Oahu we take an “inter-island” flight. The Field Instructors may or may not be booked on the same flight as the rest of the group, so the Delegation Leaders will be the sole supervisors of the students during this flight.

What is the camping like?
We camp only for two nights at Namakani Paio Campground, just outside of Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. (http://www.nps.gov/havo/visitor/camping.htm)

Students in general sleep 4 in large North Face tents, separated by gender. Sinks and hot showers are available. The bathrooms are close by and well-lit.

Field Instructors will show the students how to set up their tents, and how to help with the cooking of camping meals on the outdoor stoves. We set up a dish wash line so that students can be responsible for cleaning their own plates. Students also have the option of sleeping out under the stars.

What will the weather be?
Most days will be shorts and t-shirts weather. However, it can get cold at night while camping in the Volcanoes National Park. On most days there is the possibility of rain, sometimes downpours, especially while traveling on the windward sides of the islands, so a rain jacket is essential.

What kinds of things will the students learn each day?
Field Instructors will teach a variety of subjects each day through games, activities, and short talks. For example, on a typical day Field Instructors may teach an activity about native flowers, read a legend about Pele, and teach the students the different types of lava they may see throughout the day. Delegation Leaders are always welcome to assist in teaching!

Each student will receive a small Activity Book, which will elaborate on topics the Field Instructors are teaching and will include games and puzzles that relate to the curriculum. Students will be able to take these Activity Books home. Field Instructors will leave it up to the Delegation Leaders to decide when and where journaling time is most appropriate and appealing.

Leader's Challenge to Akron's Hawaii Delegation; Let's Start a Student Chapter!!

2006-02-19T14:12:00.000-05:00

Did you know that an easy way for our delegation to keep in touch with each other and the People to People experience after our program is to start a Student Chapter in our area?

Check it out on p 48 of your Explore Guide!

More information at http://www.ptpi.org

Your leaders will share more information on this at our March 5th meeting. Ohio only has two Student Chapters in the entire state, and to start one in our area would be a rewarding experience for our delegation. We believe with as many self-motivated ambassadors and parents, this would be a very easy organization to start in Akron. We are looking for members and adult advisors! Anyone interested? We need one advisor, and 10 students to form a Student Chapter. Susan is willing to serve as an assistant advisor. The meetings are run and organized by the students and are run similarly to our Orientation Meetings.

"Chapters are the backbone of People to People international, bringing the ideal of international understanding and education to life at a local level. Thousands of students and adults are members of our worldwide chapter network. Many young members feel inspired by PTPI's mission and their experience as Student Ambassadors. They decide to stay involved with the organization. The best way to do that is to form a student chapter with interested friends and fellow Student Ambassadors.

introduce international students to American culture
organize an international Fair in your community. Introduce your friends to fook, music, and cultures from around the world.
Hold fund-raising events for your student chapter's activities, international humanitarian efforts, and Student Ambassador trips."

-Explore Guide 2006

Annual membership dues:

Students: $15 ($5 to PTPI, $10 to your chapter)
Adults: $20 ($10 to PTPI, $10 to your chapter)
- Note: Dues for Adult Advisors shall be waived.
Families: $35 ($20 to PTPI, $15 to your chapter)

Your delegation leaders challenge Ambassadors and Families to become involved to continue President Eisenhower's dream of Peace through Leadership and Understanding in Akron, Ohio!

Ambassadors Working as a Team!

2006-02-14T20:50:00.000-05:00

Delegates get together at Akron Public Library to begin plans for their group presentation. Students chose a Hawaiian topic to study and create a 10 minute group presentation with a visual aide. Photo: One of two groups of delegates create a plan for Pearl Harbor.

Will the Ambassadors work together to include everyone in their group?
Will they remember to bring data and art supplies to the March 5th meeting?
Will July 4th ever get here?!!
Tune in next month and see!

Photo: Tony talks to delegates as they organize a presentation on Hawaiian Customs.

As delegates learn about Hawaiian customs during this cold Ohio winter, how close will the information in their presentation be to the real thing? Do you think we'll hear any music from this group? Do you think we'll see any unique clothes? I wonder what they have in store for us?!

All delegates received a crop sheet of photos of each other on Sunday. There is one correction to make. Switch the following names: Hager and Miller! We got the girls mixed up! Oops! Look at this a few times and cut them up and make flash cards to study names if you want. You should be able to name at least 30 new friends by the March 5 meeting!

Ambassador Spotlight: Wes Peng at E.J. Thomas Hall

2006-02-05T20:44:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, February 5th, our very own Student Ambassador, Wes Peng gave a fantastic performance as Concert Master for the Greater Akron Youth Philharmonic! Songs performed included Simple Gifts (traditional, arr. Shapiro), The Moldau (Smetana/Meyer), and Rites of Tamburo (Smith).

The highlight was Gershwin in Concert (arr. Sayre) when Wes served as solo violinist demonstrating his talents to a crowded concert hall.

Congratulations, Wes on a job well done!

Who will be our next Ambassador to spotlight? What are you doing that's extraordinary that we can share with the rest of our delegation? Let us know! You could be next!

Fundraising Ideas, Anyone?

2006-02-05T20:01:00.000-05:00

A great source of fundraising and community activism is the book by brothers Marc and Craig Kielburger entitled Take Action! A Guide to Active Citizenship.

It's a kid-friendly book that outlines how to organize a group of friends to make a difference and includes TONS of fundraising ideas. For those ambassadors looking for such a book, this one is highly recommended. Check it out at your local bookstore in paperback! (List price is $16.95, publisher: Jossey-Bass.)

Travel Tips from Your Delegation Leaders

2006-02-01T21:09:00.000-05:00

Nick:

Here is my travel tip! Since I have camped a lot over the last few years, make sure that you only take what you need. This is so important because YOU will be carrying everything that you bring. Also be very selective in things that you purchase on the trip because you will be carrying those things as well! Photo: Nick at the Tower of London in England.

Susan:

Zip-lock bags are your friend! Get yourself a few boxes of sandwich size, one and two gallon bags. Use these to sort and pack suitcase items. Take some extra empty ones with you. They help keep clean and dirty clothes sorted, as well as make it easy to keep items organized. You never know what might get wet when you're camping, and by packing with Zip-locks, you can be sure your possessions will stay dry. Photo: Susan with ambassadors in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Orientation Schedule & Important Dates

2006-02-01T20:07:00.000-05:00

All meetings will take place on Sundays at Akron Public Library from 2-4 pm. Please sign in 15 minutes early so that meetings may start promptly.

Orientation Meetings:

January 22
February 12
March 5
April 30
May TBA (14 or 21)
June 25: Bon Voyage Picnic (location TBA)

Confirmed Program Dates: July 4-18, 2006

Delegation Reunion Picnic: TBA (August 19 or 20)

Delegate Trivia Question: Look carefully at the photo below. How many important camping items can you name from this picture? Send your list to Susan's private home email by February 11! Who has the largest most accurate list? Hmmmmmmm? :) Photo: Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Orientation Meeting #1: Success!

2006-01-23T20:59:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all Ambassadors and Families for contributing to the success of the first Orientation Meeting of Akron's own Hawaiian Island Discovery Delegation! All of the leaders were impressed with the caliber of Ambassador we have in our delegation. Your parents even stepped up to the plate to pitch in and I can tell with all of the effort you are all sharing with the group, we are going to be a delegation to set the standard for others to come!

Comments are welcome! If you have a comment to this entry, please click on "comment" at the bottom of this entry. Thank you!

Ambassadors:

Get started on your journal. EVERYONE will share their journal with others at the next meeting!
Remember to bring the items listed on your agenda to the next meeting. Leaders are going to keep track of how prepared you are. (The more responsibility you show, the more we will be able to give to you on the program!)
Thank you for being so accepting of your new friends on Sunday. You all presented yourselves as very mature delegates.

Families:

If you have an email that is not connected to the Google Group site, just send a quick request to join to Susan at her home email. She'll add you that night.
Thank you for sharing your questions after Sunday's meeting. If you have anymore, please email us and let us know.
Get on the On Board site with your delegate and play around with the information found there at www.studentambassadors.org. You can help your Ambassador make contacts with friends met at the January meeting, check your account balance, update your child's health form and lots more.

Committees:

Please remember to send Susan the contact person for your committee. As other committees make plans, I can better help them to share information with yours.
Thank you for taking on these committees! The more empowerment we leaders can share with you, the more quality time we will be able to spend with your children at our meetings.

No Passport Required!

2006-01-07T14:13:00.000-05:00

Because we are traveling to a STATE and not another country for the Hawaiian program, students need not apply for a passport.

Students will need to apply for a State of Ohio ID. This can be obtained at your local BMV. Please substitute "the Ohio ID" in place of the word "passport" in any paperwork you may read for the program.

For the BMV office nearest you: http://www.ohiobmv.com/

Orientation Meeting #1: January 22, 2-4 pm

2005-12-31T15:05:00.000-05:00

What to Expect:
Please arrive 15 min early for sign-in. Meeting will be held in Akron Public Library Auditorium. Parents and Students should each read the Parent and Student Protocol booklets prior to Jan. 22 meeting. Particularly p. 20-23 of Student Protocol Booklet.

We politely and respectfully request that younger siblings remain at home so that the focus of the orientation meeting may remain on the Ambassadors.

Welcome and introduction of leaders will be followed by Success Contract introduction and collection. During the second hour of the meeting Ambassadors will join all four leaders in the meeting room for activities, and assignments for February's meeting. Parents will divide up into committees and have the remaining hour to organize. Committees will be parent-lead and organized as all four leaders will spend remaining meetings with Ambassadors.

Student Ambassadors Bring:
1. Student Protocol Booklet
2. Explore Guide
3. Notebook Paper
4. Pen/Pencil

Parents Bring:
1. Parent Protocol Booklet
2. Completed Health Form (found on p. 43-44 of Parent Protocol Booklet)
3. Notebook Paper
4. Pen/Pencil

P2P 2005 Canton-area Delegation's Bon Voyage Picnic: The students brought all of their packed luggage to the picnic for relay races! They had to make sure they had everything AND be able to maneuver their own bags with no help from Mom and Dad!

Welcome to People to People!

2005-12-28T18:23:00.000-05:00

Meet your Delegation Leaders; Tony, Jill, Susan, their UK friend, Bibs, and Nick. 2005 P2P program to Scotland. The leaders are sitting on a wall at Stirling Castle overlooking the William Wallace Monument.

Tony, Jill, Susan and Nick will be your delegation leaders to the Hawaiian Islands in 2006. We are very excited to work with a new group of outstanding individuals who are hard working, knowlegable of their home state, and eager to try out a new culture and meet new friends. We are ready to take "Ohio's best" to meet Hawaii!