Camper safety is a top priority. Our staff have training in First Aid, CPR, AED use, and Wilderness First Aid.
Science Camp is located less than one half-mile from the Ka'u Hospital Emergency Department and from the Kaʻu Fire Station. The camp nurse and overseeing physician are on call while camp is in session.
Part of the camp's curriculum includes hiking through various terrains including rain forests, desert, cooled lava flows, and rocky terrain of varying types. While some risk is unavoidable, all practical precautions are taken to ensure camper safety at all times. Campers are required to wear appropriate safety attire where necessary. For example, when hiking over old lava flows, campers may be required to wear long pants, boots, and gloves.
Daily Life at Camp
On most days, we will get into our vans after breakfast to drive somewhere for a field trip. Destinations include Volcanoes National Park, museums, observatories, alternate energy facilities, beaches, forests, nature preserves and more. Field trips typically take up most of the day. During these field trips we will at times conduct field labs and exercises, hear from instructors, docents, and scientists, visit unique places, encounter new plants and animals, collect samples, and make and discuss our observations. We will usually return to camp in the mid-afternoon. Prior to dinner, there is a combination of planned activities and free time, opportunities for recreation, work on science projects, and art and photography activities.
After dinner, there is usually a talk about the day’s field trip and the field trip for the next day, followed by the evening program. Evening programs might be stories told around a campfire, talks about science or science careers, a movie, and, of course, star-gazing and sharing stories about Polynesion Voyaging.
Cell Phone / Electronics Policy
Our goal is to create a safe, focused and engaging environment with a minimum of distractions. For this reason, all devices such as laptops, music players, TVs, iPads, etc, should be left at home. We expect most campers will travel with their cell phone, so cell phones are collected from campers upon arrival at camp and returned at the end of camp. While at camp, campers may use their phones to call home upon request and as our schedule allows. Cameras are provided to the campers to use during camp so there are many photos; some of which are usually posted online daily.
Packing for Camp
Essential: daypack, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, underclothes, pajamas, lightweight jacket, sweatshirt, hiking shoes, sneakers, flip flops or sandals, toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.), bug repellent, sunscreen (see below), light work gloves, beach towel, bathing suit, sunglasses, hat, rain gear, jacket, medications (supervised by staff), flashlight, laundry bag, and two water bottles.
Optional: water shoes, inexpensive camera, snorkel, mask and fins, inexpensive musical instrument.
Click here for the complete packing list
Sunscreen
We recommend a quality sunscreen of at least 30 SPF as well as face and lip protection. To avoid harming Hawaiʻi's coral reefs, be sure your sunscreen does not contain the following harmful substances: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, PABA, Parabens, Triclosan, any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium and any form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads”. Opt for non-nano mineral based sunscreens, instead.
What should campers NOT bring?
Campers may NOT bring any of these items to camp: extra cell phones, computers, laptops, tablets, pagers, radios, TVs, gaming systems, CD/MP3 players, any electronic devices, gum, knives, cigarettes/tobacco, e-cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, fireworks, or firearms. Camp staff reserves the right to confiscate any inappropriate items; if possible, they will be returned to the camper’s parents upon departure.
Spending Accounts
To avoid the need for campers to carry cash or credit cards, Spending Accounts are setup up for each camper and purchases are deducted from those accounts. Spending accounts are funded online prior to camp using a credit card. Spending account funds may be used at designated stores and times where campers may purchase souvenirs, snacks, drinks, hygiene items, etc. Camp staff will make the purchases with camp funds and then deduct them from the campers spending account. Unused funds will be refunded within one month.
"Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed the Science Camps of America’s Land & Sea program! It was a wonderful introduction to the Big Island of Hawaii, and she was able to explore vastly different habitats and environments. From stargazing at Mauna Kea and hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to snorkeling in Punalu’u (black sand) Beach and visiting Green Sands Beach, every day offered a new learning opportunity, and each activity was well-organized. Our daughter bonded with fellow campers, and she was excited to participate in community service projects that directly related to her interests in marine ecology and land conservation.
