Outdoor Education in Paradise
An unforgettable summer program for the Boy Scouts of America
June 2013-August 2015
Summer Program Director
Every year, more than 2,500 children from all over the world gather together in one of the most idyllic places on earth—Oahu, Hawaii—to earn a top-knotch, outdoor education.
A team of dedicated, hilarious, downright goofy staff members created an unforgettable experience for our Boy Scouts.
Every year, between 40 and 60 highly qualified staff members came from all over the United States to create a top-notch summer program for our participating Scouts. We spent a week together before the Scouts arrived working together to create engaging courses—curriculum, lesson plans, and formative assessments—from the Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge Books.
Scouts chose from almost 50 courses each summer
Our Scouts, ages 11-18, were able to choose from a wide range of courses each year. Students learned how to ride horses, scuba dive, and kayak; they gazed under the stars in astronomy and braved the woods overnight for their camping merit badge. Our gutsy kids learned wilderness first aid and walked a tightrope high in the sky on a COPE course. Students interested in folklore and culture could learn about Indian and Hawaiian culture. Our crafty kids tried their hand at woodworking, moviemaking, and photography; our curious kids learned oceanography, forestry, soil and water conservation. Last but not least, our kids got a real “bang for their buck,” and tried their hands at archery, rifles, and shotguns.
And they excelled.
The staff members were dedicated to each of the Scouts, even during the weeks when we had 500 kids. They meticulously tracked the Scouts’ achievements and progress. This personalized attention—in combination with the Scout’s drive to excel in their coursework—proved to be a great combination. Thanks to our exceptional staff, almost 100% of our students passed their courses with flying colors—and earned their merit badges—every year.
“You have a fantastic group. Your staff was friendly, energetic, kind, and it really made our Hawaii experience wonderful. Thanks again for a camp my troop and I will never forget.”
—Scoutmaster
What people are saying about the program
During the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council summer camp program, Hannah provided a well organized, enriched skills learning, and proactive youth program that has been one of the best I have observed in my 9 years as an adult leader in the Scouting program in the State of Hawaii.
—Stuart, Scoutmaster
My Scouts and I had a fantastic week. In the 15 years I have come to summer camp, this has been the best one yet. The camp directors are awesome. I am in awe of how much you do and how quickly you do it. Thank you for all that you do for our youth in Hawaii and around the world.
—Scoutmaster
The program was thoroughly developed and organized well. It had profound foresight on possible issues that could occur and was designed to counter them before they happened. When problems slipped past or the unexpected happened your leadership was invaluable in correcting things swiftly and in making the changes happen without a hitch. Your demonstration of professionalism, enthusiasm and work ethic made you a stupendous role model for not just me but the scouts, scoutmasters, and the entire camp staff. 11/10 would be your staff again.
–Ryan, Staff Member
In a camp swarming with a bunch of staff members and hundreds more campers, Hannah’s ability to make every single person there feel as though they were truly seen, understood, and valued by her was something I thought to be very special. I truly believe that with her outstanding leadership, organization, character, and charisma, Hannah made the camping experience the best it could have been. I know from experience that it is not under any director that the Camp Pupukea program runs as smoothly and effectively as it did under Hannah. She is simply the kind of person that you just want to have around, as her genuineness and awesome personality added such a good energy and a certain magic to the team. To this day, I am very grateful for the cherished memories I made during her program.
—Khara, Staff Member
“Hannah was instrumental in recruiting and receiving returning youth staff volunteers from my unit in 2014 and 2015 due to her leadership and the connection she was able to develop with my Scouts who were motivated to be a part of her team. One of those Scouts she had mentored during that time has been a BSA International Ambassador and currently serves on the BSA National Committee.
— Scoutmaster
Hannah is one of the most awe inspiring women I have ever met. A natural leader and a tactful motivator. When I was 18, I was on the wrong track. I was quite bad at my job. I was always late, foolish, or angry. She was very patient with me , and took the time to see the potential in me. She has left me with emotional intelligence I wouldn't have otherwise, and social skills I will be using for the rest of my life. Not to mention there were like 50 other people working for her with their own problems, and 500 boy scouts running around at all times. She did all that in one summer, honestly the woman is amazing and a true tribute to the amazons.
—Nathan, Staff Member
What people are saying about the leadership.
Hannah is one of the brightest individuals I have ever had the pleasure to work with. During my time working with her, she faced each day with great enthusiasm ready to tackle the days' challenges. She also took the time to make sure I and the rest of the staffs’ emotional needs were being looked after. Working as part of Hannah’s staff is a truly collaborative partnership, never once did I feel like I was working for her.
— Scott
Former Leadership Staff Member
Your leadership, over the three years you served as Program Director, was invaluable. Your first year on the job required you to step into a leadership role without the benefit of preparing for the position, yet you performed exceptionally. Your greatest contribution was the way you led your staff and contributed to the success of your team. During the years we served together we were able to increase the success of our programs by 135%.
—John
Camp Director
