Keala Foundation Youth Camps

At the Keala Foundation, we provide two free youth camps designed to support growth, resilience, and healthy decision-making. Whether your child would benefit from a short, prevention-focused experience or a more immersive, holistic program, we have a camp that fits their needs.

Which Camp Is Right for Your Child?

Youth Mentorship and Engagement Camp (YMEC)

  • 10-day overnight camp

  • Ages 11-18

  • Youth who want mentorship, confidence, and positive routines

    • Learn to handle challenges and avoid risky behaviors

    • Feel more confident and positive

    • Understand risks of substance use

    • Stay active and play sports

    • Keep practicing healthy habits

  • Participants are expected to:

    • Participate in the intake process

    • Participant in the program and be engaged in learning with peers

    • Attend and actively participate in all 10 days at camp

    • Adhere to program & facility rules and guidelines

    Parents/Caregivers are expected to:

    • Participate in the intake process

    Parents/Caregivers are also invited to attend the Parent/Caregiver Support Group Discussions, if desired.

    • Coaches and Mentors from the community

    • Prevention Educator

    • Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner

  • Free

  • YMEC usually takes place during a school week, and we know balancing academics with personal growth is important. Many schools across Kauai support approved absences for youth attending the camp. Some schools, however, may ask parents or guardians to notify teachers or administration directly to ensure all accommodations are arranged.

Keala to Success, Empowerment, and Initiative Program (KSEIP)

  • 4-week program in two phases.
    Phase 1: 10-day camp
    Phase 2: (remaining 18 days), Monday-Thursday: after school workouts and mentorship for 3 weeks; Friday-Sunday: weekend camps for two additional weekends

  • Ages 12-18

  • Youth facing challenges at home or early signs of substance use who need extra support

    • Help kids stop or prevent risky behaviors early

    • Get families involved and supported

    • Learn about Hawaiian culture and values

    • Stay active and play sports

    • Support mental, emotional, and spiritual growth

  • Participants are expected to:

    • Participate in the intake process and be engaged and interested in changing their past patterns

    • Attend and actively participate in both Phase I (10-day camp) and Phase II (weekday activities and two weekends back at the camp)

    • Adhere to program rules and guidelines

    Parents/Caregivers are expected to:

    • Participate in the intake process

    • Attend and participate in the weekly Parent/Caregiver Support Group for the duration of the program

    • Prevention Educator

    • Peer Recovery Coaches and Mentors

    • Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner

    • Clinical Mental Health Professional

  • Free

  • Parts of KSEIP may take place during a school week, and we know balancing academics with personal growth is important. Many schools across Kauai support approved absences for youth attending the camp. Some schools, however, may ask parents or guardians to notify teachers or administration directly to ensure all accommodations are arranged.

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Upcoming Camps

  • Boys YMEC

    10-Day Camp

    January 16-25, 2025

    Enroll

  • Boys KSEIP

    30-Day Camp

    Phase I: March 13-22, 2026
    Phase II: March 23-April 8, 2026
    Graduation: TBD

    Enroll

  • Girls YMEC

    Dates TBD

  • Girls KSEIP

    Dates TBD

“The Keala Foundation and their team have given me the best chance to make a change. Having this experience was eye-opening and showed me the choices I have to make."

– Lauae, Age 17, KSEIP