Aloha Kakou ~ The February 2008 Camp was a delight. Although we all heard stories about possible cold, rainy weather; each day brought warm sunshine and balmy breezes. Even the ocean cooperated: with calm, gentle surf we could swim every day, right up until the closing ceremony. Our instructors gave from their hearts, our participants quickly became family and the staff at KaupoaBeach Village went out of their way to make everything smooth as silk. Who could want more?

Here are a few highlights that made the camp special:

• Sam's infectious good humor and vast knowledge of Hawaiian culture and ecosystems. His students wrote and performed an oli for Kaupoa, and made kama`a la`i, ti leaf sandals.
• Owana's wonderful voice could be heard joyously ringing through the breeze. Her classes were great; she found a way to give each of us exactly what we needed.
• Maile Beamer Loo talked about her important work with the Hula Preservation Society and taught us about Beamer-style hula. And then she joined the Beamer Family show. Who knew she had such a lovely soprano?
• Sonny's classes excelled, and they seemed to be laughing all the time, too. To top it off, he picked fresh opihi for us.
• Kenny Burgmaier showed a 20 minute preview of the film he's making about Auntie Nona. It is so good!
• Chef Elmer Guzman, assisted by Mike, Samantha and Grace, helped us make onolicious ahi poke, foil wrapped fish and banana lumpia. Broke da mouth!
• The Mohala Hou Foundation sponsored three students: Grayson, Cody and Darlene. I think we learned as much from them as they did from us.
• And of course the Beamer `ohana worked their usual magic.

Here are some pictures to give you a taste. I hope to see you all at Kaupoa Beach soon!