WAIPA — Elbows deep in the loi (taro fields) in Kauai’s Waipa ahupuaa, 11 young people are learning about community service and cultural connection through the 2018 Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps Summer program.
A program of the nonprofit organization Kupu, the Youth Conservation Corps is a chance for youth to get involved in service-learning programs in industries like conservation, renewable energy, agriculture and sustainability.
Hundreds of internships are offered each year through Kupu that teach about culture and community. There are 11 members in the 2018 Conservation Corps from Kauai.
The group cleaning loi at Waipa is one of many across the country. They’re currently camping in the area over the next few weeks.
“I hope to learn more about the native and invasive plants in Hawaii and how our Kauai team can leave a lasting impact on the places we visit,” said team leader Makayla Tompkins.
The 7-week summer program that runs June through July includes 300 hours for youth ages 17 and up. Those who complete the program earn a $1,222 scholarship plus $500 for volunteering and an AmeriCorps educational award.
Tompkins, who is leading a team for the first time, said she “stumbled upon” Kupu’s website. She said she felt an immediate connection with the organization and decided to join when she found out the word kupu means “to grow and prosper.”
“I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to learn about the culture, meet the incredible people, and serve the aina, alongside the community and my team,” Tompkins said.
She’s learned a lot during her first weeks as team leader in Waipa.
“My team has taken me under their wings,” she said. “It is an extremely humbling experience.”
Just before setting up camp in Waipa, Tompkins and the rest of the Kauai team joined other Kupu members at the Kupu Environmental Fair career and education expo at Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu. It was a chance for Kupu to honor standout members of the teams, and also an opportunity for members to talk story, network and learn about various careers.
“The Kupu Summer program is a doorway into the next steps of leaving the Earth cleaner and more biodiverse than when we found it,” Tompkins said.
Kupu also offers year-round programs in sustainability, conservation and community service.
“So far, this program has shown me that everyone has an opportunity to teach someone something,” Tompkins said.
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Jessica Else, environment reporter, can be reached at 245-0452 or at jelse@thegardenisland.com
