Reef Guardians nonprofit receives statewide award for Reef Camps on Kaua‘i beaches

Reef Guardians Hawai’i has received a statewide award that recognizes the Kaua‘i-based nonprofit’s contributions to the lives of keiki outside of school hours.

The Aloha Award was announced at the 2024 ʻAha Lokahi Conference, an event sponsored jointly by the Hawai’i Afterschool Alliance and the Hawai‘i Statewide Family Engagement Center, in September.

Under Executive Director Robin Mazor’s leadership, Reef Guardians on Kaua‘i hosts weekly ocean-based Reef Camps for keiki ages 8 to 13, during school breaks and summer months.

The camp meets daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at ‘Anini Beach on the North Shore, and Poʻipū Beach Park on the South Shore during winter break. At Reef Camp, children snorkel, play games, make art and record field notes as young scientists, studying, enjoying and exploring the coral reef ecosystem.

The program is taught from ecological, Hawaiian and scientific perspectives, and promotes stewardship and activities to malama i ke kai (take care of the ocean).

The in-person program has inspired the creation of two online educational experiences that are available to families.

Ke Kula Kai Online Sea School, produced by Reef Guardians, includes videos, e-books, PDFs and interactive games to educate keiki on marine critters, community values, stewardship and conservation.

The Hawai’i SeaLife App, created by Reef Guardians Hawai’i, is available free on the Apple and
Google Play stores. It is a marine life discovery and identification tool, providing information about the habitat, behaviors and appearance of marine life, as well as common, scientific and Hawaiian names. The app also includes tips and information on how to be a good visitor to the reef.

“Our Keiki to Career Kaua‘i program works to increase access to afterschool programs on Kaua‘i, and is proud to partner with Reef Guardians and other providers to support their work,” said Alice Luck, president and CEO of Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance.

“Quality after-school programs reduce risky behaviors, promote physical and mental health, boost academic and social-emotional skills, keep kids safe and provide peace of mind for working families,” Luck continued.

To sign up for Reef Camp, access the digital education resources, or learn more about Reef
Guardians Hawai’i, visit reefguardians.org or @reef.guardians on Instagram.