Who We Are

The Youth Enrichment Project is a collaborative community initiative which seeks to awaken youth to the world within and around them through expedition based experiential education. Through a fusion of wilderness expedition and community outreach, we have created a unique opportunity for youth to explore the Hawaiian Islands. The momentum of the learning forged in the valleys and mountains of these diverse lands is further enriched through the service projects completed by each team.

Our Goals
  • - Provide youth with a safe opportunity to explore the world within and around them.
  • - Empower the youth with a sense of purpose.
  • - Reconnect youth and families with the natural world.
  • - Perpetuate the skills and knowledge of the people of Hawai'i.
  • - Raise awareness of environmental issues facing our planet.
Our Staff

The Youth Enrichment Project assembles and trains talented professionals, who have a passion for education and the natural world. Our field instructors consist of college graduates who have dedicated themselves to environmental education and must pass an extensive interview process & background check. We build upon the skills our team brings to the table by providing regular in house training and requiring additional instruction in wilderness medicine techniques. All staff are First Aid and CPR certified and each expedition is facilitated be at least one Wilderness First Responder and Lifeguard.

The Expeditions

Our dynamic and fluid approach allows us to meet the needs of a variety of students by offering an array of expedition experiences. For 2012 we will be offering four expeditions for youth ranging in age from 14 - 17, two expeditions for young adults ranging in age from 18 - 23, and one family expedition. Our small group sizes, eight to ten students, allow for a student to staff ratio that never exceeds 3:1. We are happy to be offering a family expedition in July of 2012 and have directly experienced the value in a shared expedition experience. A detailed description of each trip can be found in our Expeditions section.

Our Students

Our program is intended for students who are open to the experience and who have made a conscious choice to participate. As mentioned above, our youth expeditions consist of students ranging in age from 14 -17 and our young adult expeditions are comprised of individuals from 18 - 23 years old. Students/families who may be considering one of our Hawaiian Expeditions, but are unsure of whether or not it is right for them are encouraged to speak with an instructor -- via info@youthenrichmentproject.org or by calling 808-937-2707 -- and openly discuss all their questions.

Expedition Schedule

Our Expeditions follow the cycle of the moon, running from new moon to new moon. This serves as a metaphor for the growth and discovery youth experience while on expedition with us and allows them to return home with a fresh beginning.

July - December

July 18th - August 17th
(With students flying home on the 18th of August)

September 15th - October 15th
(With students flying home on the 16th of October)

November 13th - December 13th
(With students flying home on the 14th of December)