Reef Guardians Hawaii announces the expansion of its youth education programs, including Reef Camp and the Ke Kula Kai Online Sea School, to provide more children and teens with hands-on experiences in marine science, Hawaiian place-based learning, and reef stewardship. The nonprofit organization is seeking donor support to make these programs more accessible through scholarships and expanded field experiences.
The science-based nonprofit has seen growing demand for its educational offerings, which combine traditional Hawaiian knowledge with modern marine science to teach young people about coral reef ecosystems and ocean conservation. The expansion comes as Hawaii's reefs face increasing environmental pressures, underscoring the critical role of youth education in long-term conservation efforts.
"Our keiki are inheriting the world we leave behind, so we train them to become leaders of a healthier, more resilient future," said Tom Woods, President of Reef Guardians Hawaii. "Reef Camp brings science alive. Kids get into the water, test water quality, identify marine life, and learn how to malama i ke kai—care for the ocean. These experiences create lasting connections between young people and the marine environment."
The organization's reef camp educational programs serve children aged 8-13 on the island of Kauai. Reef Camp provides immersive marine science experiences where participants work alongside marine biologists to conduct research, monitor reef health, and learn about coral restoration techniques. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with students spending significant time in the water observing and documenting marine life.
The Ke Kula Kai Online Sea School complements in-person programs with over 100 educational videos, making marine science education accessible to students who cannot attend physical camps. The Middle School Environmental Education Program brings ocean science directly to schools island-wide, while the free-to-download Hawaii SeaLife App transforms every snorkeling experience into a learning opportunity by helping users identify marine species.
Parents and educators report that these programs build participants' confidence, curiosity, and environmental leadership skills. Reef Camp students learn to use scientific equipment, collect and analyze data, and understand the interconnected nature of marine ecosystems. The curriculum integrates Hawaiian cultural perspectives on ocean stewardship with contemporary conservation science.
The organization provides scholarships to ensure economic barriers do not prevent interested students from participating in these transformative educational experiences. Donor support enables Reef Guardians Hawaii to purchase scientific equipment, fund transportation for field trips, provide scholarships for underserved youth, and develop new educational materials.
Those interested in supporting youth ocean education can learn more about Reef Guardians Hawaii and its programs by visiting www.reefguardians.org. The organization regularly shares updates about student activities, research findings, and conservation initiatives through its social media channels.
Reef Guardians Hawaii is a science-based 501 c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting coral reefs through research, restoration, and education. The organization conducts extensive research on reef ecosystems, implements restoration projects throughout Hawaii, and operates comprehensive educational programs that inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
To help support Reef Guardians Hawaii, visit https://www.reefguardians.org/contribute.
###
For more information about REEF GUARDIANS HAWAII, contact the company here:
REEF GUARDIANS HAWAII
Robin Mazor
808-651-0286
info@reefguardianshawaii.org
Reef Guardians Hawaii
3737 Kaweonui Road
Princeville Hi. 96722
