Echoes of laughter muffled towards the backdrop of a speeding river, excited exclamations of newfound discoveries, the comfortable pitter patter of small toes alongside earthen trails as keiki realized in nature for the day. For 30 years, this scene might be present in ‘Tao Valley because the Hawai’i Nature Heart (HNC) partnered with native faculties to convey keiki outdoor for hands-on science subject journeys and through faculty intercessions, for its well-liked Nature Journey Camps (NAC). Aside from third grade applications which have been held in collaboration with our long-time companions at Kealia Pond NWR, HNC’s faculty and NAC applications have been primarily held in ‘Tao Valley. Since 1992, HNC has had the dignity of working with roughly 100 faculties, 60% of which have been Title 1, and connecting 3,500 keiki to nature every year.
Following the sale of its ‘Tao property in 2022, the Hawai’i Nature Heart is worked up to announce that we’re relaunching each our College and NAC applications in 2025 in a “cellular” mannequin. With the purpose of constructing applications extra accessible island-wide, HNC has been forming partnerships with varied websites and landowners to attach keiki to a range of habitats. College applications are resuming in February and whereas applications will carefully observe previous curricula, academics can select from a wide range of websites that greatest match their wants.
HNC can be excited to collaborate with the superb workers at Kealia Pond Nationwide Wildlife Refuge to relaunch our Nature Journey Camps in June. Keālia Pond will function a house base the place campers arrive and depart every day. Someday will probably be spent on-site on the Refuge and 4 days will contain subject journeys throughout the island to be taught and discover totally different microclimates, ahupua’a, and ecosystems.
Rachael Taylor, HNC’s Maui Program Supervisor, who was born and raised on Maui and is a Seabury Corridor alumna, has been spearheading HNC’s relaunch. Taylor beforehand helped handle an environmental training non-profit in Colorado that adopted a really comparable “cellular” mannequin, and he or she is humbled to have the chance to convey this work again dwelling to Maui.
The relaunch of HNC’s applications on Maui wouldn’t be doable with out the beneficiant assist of our companion organizations, faculties, households, former workers, and the nice and cozy welcome from the group as our applications return. Mahalo nui loa.
To be taught extra about HNC’s College Packages and Nature Journey Camps, please go to: HawaiiNatureCenter.org.
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