The qualities of an 'Io; vigilant, strong and having a birds-eye view are examples of what we want to see in young men. Our program is designed to provide the boys room to grow through balancing the physical, mental and spiritual strengths. This summer, the kids will trace water in the ecosystems using technology and their physical senses, and learn to apply that data to understand the natural world.

 

The name of the program was inspired by the Hawaiian Hawk that visited us as we began our very first program. As it observed us from the Jacaranda branch, we felt confident we were on the right path. The wind, the vehicle of its flight is also a strength not visible to the eye, but present and necessary for life to continue. It is our hope to instill such qualities in our young men.  

 

Our daily routine is designed to engage our body, mind and spirit. We believe that all human beings possess a balance of all three, and only by being able to navigate all three components of the self are we able to realize our full potential. Each day will begin with a spiritual uplift by sending words of gratitude to all the elements in the natural world. Participants will then have a short workout before heading out into the garden for lesson in permaculture. During the heat of the day, our trained staff will lead lesson in life skills, such as self awareness, listening skills, values workshop and futures workshop.

 

In addition to our daily routines, we offer a uniquely designed place based science course. The goal of the science course is to understand how water finds its way and is retained in these permaculture gardens and ecosystems thriving on the edge of a dryland forest. Through quantitative measurements and qualitative observations, students will investigate and seek sources and sinks of water on the land and test the effectiveness of permaculture at creating an environment that captures water, fosters soil development, and increases the sustainability of the soil.