Camp Imua Goes Green in 2017

Imua Family Services is currently hosting its 41st annual Camp Imua Program program, which began on Saturday, June 10th and concludes on Thursday, June 15th.

Imua Family Services, Camp Imua. Courtesy photo.

Camp Imua is week-long recreational camp that provides children with disabilities and special needs an opportunity to experience camp with the help of supportive volunteer caregivers and Imua Family Services staff.

This year, Camp Imua is partnering with the Maui Huliau Foundation for a zero waste event with the goal of building awareness of sustainability and fostering a commitment to the environment among its youth participants.

Camp Imua is providing proper disposal containers for sorting trash, composting and recyclables, in addition to using reusable utensils, certified compostable or recyclable containers and paper products.

Imua Family Services, Camp Imua. Courtesy photo.

Campers, caregivers and volunteers have been informed of the waste reduction goals, how to dispose of items properly and learn about the importance of taking care of the environment.

Imua Family Services’ waste reductions efforts will build on the recent success of its Paddle Imua event, which was attended by over 500 people and successfully diverted 85% of its event waste from our landfill.

Paddle Imua began in 2011 when Camp Imua faced the threat of closure due to lack of funding. It is an annual multi-discipline paddling race which raises a significant portion of funds for Camp Imua. Paddle Imua was started by a committed group of volunteers who engaged the ocean sports community to support this important cause. Six years later, Paddle Imua continues as a one-of-a-kind mission-based race that keeps growing each year. Last month 210 athletes crossed the finish line in various divisions, including standup paddleboard, prone paddleboard, surf ski, OC1, OC2, OC6, and hydrofoil SUP.

Imua Family Services, Camp Imua. Courtesy photo.

Since 1976, thousands of high school caregivers, community partners, ocean athletes and other behind-the-scenes volunteers have helped to create lifelong memories for hundreds of children with special needs by supporting Camp Imua.

Imua Family Services has expressed gratitude to the countless community partners who make camp possible by donating their time, money and services to keep the Camp Imua tradition alive.

A estimated 60 campers and 175 caregivers are participating in this year’s Camp Imua event, which is held each year at Camp Maluhia.