HANAPEPE — Kids shouldn’t be inside during summer vacation, especially in Hawaii, said Dillon Davis, minister of King’s Cathedral on Maui. “For kids, what will happen is they’ll lack the social capacity they need if they’re not hanging out with
HANAPEPE — Kids shouldn’t be inside during summer vacation, especially in Hawaii, said Dillon Davis, minister of King’s Cathedral on Maui.
“For kids, what will happen is they’ll lack the social capacity they need if they’re not hanging out with kids,” Davis said during Monday morning’s Splash Adventure at Salt Pond Beach Park. “It’s important from a physical aspect, too, getting them to move and run around instead of eating junk food at home, that’s what I did as a kid.”
With about 50 kids playing in the sun, participating in team-building activities, Splash Adventure doesn’t just help educate youth ministries on Maui and Kauai about the importance of church, it highlights the importance of having fun.
“It’s a fun time for kids, another way to bless the community,” said the Rev. Victoria Franks of King’s Chapel in Eleele.
Franks says the church works with other organizations, such as Summer Passport and King’s Cathedral, to make as many enjoyable and uplifting events as possible for youth.
The first step, however, is getting the kids interested.
“Most kids will stay inside and play their video games and not get outside, so this gives them a chance to meet new kids, get to know new people and a chance for us to raise up our youth and young people as servant leaders,” Franks said.
Splash Adventure has been a hit with local kids for the past four years, said Franks, and the kids continue to show up for service and a good time.
For Angela Wigger, who helped Splash Adventure with Summer Passport, these type of summer activities are a necessity for today’s keiki.
“We just came to be a blessing for Kauai. We’re here to do our part. The motivation behind this is to tell people about Jesus. He’s the best superhero that kids could ever have,” Wigger said.
Bobie-Li Orsatelli, a youth leader for the past three years, used to go to Splash Adventure when she was in elementary school and gives back to those younger than herself.
“It’s for the kids,” Orsatelli said. “This shows them that they don’t have to always be alone during the summer. There’s fun things to do, and that’s why we’re here.”
“It’s cool seeing (the kids) come out of their shells and play,” she said. “It’s fun seeing them grow with the Lord and learn about God. It’s really encouraging because even though there’s a lot of bad happening in the world, there’s still good and fun things to do.”
Despite being a day of celebration and fun, there is still a competitive spirit among the kids, who were separated into teams to compete and earn points for prizes.
“Discipleship, reaching out, providing a blessing the community is really why we like to do this,” Davis said. “You got to go out there and make memories.”
