Explorations Series applications available now

December 28, 2012

Contributed by Shaun Chillingworth

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 kupuna within specific moku (districts). Ho'olauna is a boarding program which takes place at nine sites statewide. 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. 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 http://apps.ksbe.edu/enrichment or 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.