SPRING 2007
"We're All In This Together"
Jeff Gourley, Youth Development Specialist
Youth DevelopmentIt began as a slightly off-key song sung by a child in our Kona Youth Service Center, and it quickly became a chorus of singing and dancing children, I began to wonder what drew them to this show…so I watched it…and I understood. It then became an obsession – the kids wanted to do High School Musical – and well, still being a kid at heart, I was going to make sure they had the chance! We partnered with Kealakehe Intermediate and High Schools to leverage resources and offer our youth an opportunity to be involved with the arts as an extension of their school day – with most earning elective credits for participating.
At the auditions we were shocked…we had expected just enough students to fill out the cast, but we got 47 students (more than double what was required) and half of them were high schoolers. It was at that moment that we realized that this phenomenon had more to it than met the eye; after all, how often do students from elementary, intermediate and high school all flock to the same fad? We cast the show and declared that we were “all in this together!” Unfortunately we weren’t yet, and some of the students who we started with didn’t stick through the entire production. Those students who did, however, learned far more than even I imagined they could about team work, group dynamics, and leadership.
What moved me most is that most of the kids who participated want to do more productions based on their experience with High School Musical. On opening night they made their director the proudest man in Kona…not only did they make it through all 14+ major production numbers, and the curtain call without incident, they did it with style! The cast of High School Musical soared to new heights, and they awed us with their ability and passion. The youth of Kona have far more talent than most people can conceive of, and it is with a thrill in my heart that I watch them prove this every time the curtain goes up.
PIKO II - Connecting with our Heritage
Jeff Gourley, Youth Development Specialist
Youth DevelopmentIn March, 2007, 21 youth and 6 adults from our Youth Development programs set out on the PIKO II expedition - funded by the John M. Ross Foundation - to get back to our origins and learn about our heritage. Youth spent three days and two nights camping at Kalopa State Park learning about various aspects of the cultures in our backgrounds.
The adventure began in Kohala, where we learned about trust, cooperation, and leadership on a ropes course in the mountains above the town. First the youth had to learn to work as a unit as they were all standing on the same 4x4 beam and had to move forward together. Then youth learned about trust when asked to close their eyes and fall, trusting that their friends behind and in front of them would catch their fall. Finally we had to use all the skills learned to climb over an 8 foot wall with no tools and no assistance from the adults. Leaders definitely emerged during these activities and the group moved forward because of this.
Day one ended at Kalopa State Park where we learned about the Filipino culture from members of the Hilo Visayan Club. They came and taught the youth how to prepare several Filipino dishes, as well as about other aspects of the culture, such as clothing and language. The presentation was completed by sharing a song in the Filipino language: “Dahil sa ‘yo.” We ended our day with scary stories just before bed…next time you feel in the mood for a good scare, ask any of the participating youth to tell the story of “Aren’t you glad you didn’t turn on the light?”
Day two was an eclectic mix of cultures, starting with learning about traditional and contemporary ways to prepare Lau Lau in a presentation led by youth. This was followed by a presentation of the Italian culture made by the youth attending from Kona’s Youth Service Center. The presentation included information on the lifestyles, fashions and history of Italy. The Italian presentation concluded with a very impressive lunch of pastas prepared by the Kona participants. After lunch, Pearly Pa, Youth Worker Donna Yoshizumi’s mom, provided lessons in Origami, and how to make Haupia. This was followed by an art lesson from Konawaena High School Graphic Art instructor, Michelle Obregon. Working with Michelle the youth learned about the difference between portraits, landscapes and still life. Then each youth was given the opportunity to lay out and paint one of those styles. Many impressive pieces of art resulted from this project. The activities of the day were completed by a presentation of the Hawaiian culture and language by Kamealoha Smith, and of course, dinner consisting of the Lau Lau that had been prepared earlier in the day.
Our adventures culminated on the third day with a hike around the Kalopa Rim Trail--a two and a half mile trail looping up the mountain and back down along the gulch. During the two hour hike youth learned about various indigenous plants, as well as endurance. Upon completion of the expedition, youth were provided with a survey asking for suggestions for improvement – half of them requested extending it to a full week next year. The staff have agreed the verdict is still out on this suggestion, but that seems to indicate a success in both educating and in having fun at the same time.
