Maui Youth & Family Services’ Kids Enjoy Ocean Activities Day

Fourteen middle school students from the Maui Youth & Family Services’ Project Venture after school program enjoyed a fun-filled Ocean Activities Day at Launiupoko Beach Park yesterday, March 22.

The students were able to experience canoe surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, surf lessons and mermaid swimming lessons thanks to Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Maui Kayak Adventures and Hawaiʻi Mermaid Adventures.

Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Maui Kayak Adventures and Hawaii Mermaid Adventures, provided an opportunity for fourteen students to experience the thrill of the ocean at Launiupoko Beach Park yesterday. Photo Courtesy Hawaiian Paddle Sports

Maui Youth & Family Services was established in 1978 by Maui County as the Maunaolu Youth Residential Shelter to provide a safe place for Maui’s homeless, abused and runaway children.

“We’re stoked to do a small part in helping these kids stay positive, confident and inspired, and hope other companies can do the same,” said Timothy Lara, owner of Hawaiian Paddle Sports. “Not surprisingly, our guides enjoy these days as much as the kids do.”

“Many of our families cannot afford, nor have time, to do these types of activities, so days like these are wonderful for our after school program,” said Kristlyn Ambrose, program coordinator for Maui Youth & Family Services. “Our kids had so much fun last year and were excited to go out and play with Hawaiian Paddle Sports again.”

Ambrose says that the Maui Youth & Family Services’ Project Venture is encouraging more students to join its after school program and become a part of a mentor-ship.

Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Maui Kayak Adventures and Hawaii Mermaid Adventures organized the Maui Youth & Family Services’ Ocean Activities Day as part of its Mālama Maui community give back program. Each month, they support a local charity, community group, or nonprofit to help raise awareness for its cause.

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