Help your keiki learn all about the ocean — from water safety to environmental awareness — at a free two-hour clinic Feb. 10 at Publics Beach in Waikiki.
“We encourage children to experience the ocean through our hands-on approach with our passionate and experienced volunteers,” said Duane DeSoto, CEO and founder of Na Kama Kai, a nonprofit that empowers youth by creating, conducting and supporting ocean-based programs.
Na Kama Kai’s ocean clinics, all held in a safe and positive environment, take place monthly around Oahu to increase access for all keiki, DeSoto said. Upcoming locations include Pokai Bay Beach Park, Ewa Beach Park and Waimanalo Beach Park.
Activities at the clinics include participating in ocean sports, learning Hawaiian stories related to the event location and learning about traditional Hawaiian ocean culture through the contemporary perspective of ocean professionals.
“The ocean can be intimidating and first impressions are very important for little ones,” DeSoto said. “Ocean knowledge from our kupuna are spread out through five stations that connect children to the ocean and nurture a deeper sense of love and responsibility for the natural environment and themselves.”
NA KAMA KAI OCEAN CLINIC
>> Where: Publics Beach, Waikiki
>> When: 9, 9:30, 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m. Feb. 10
>> Cost: Free; donations appreciated (for ages 2-17)
>> Preregistration: Begins 7 p.m. Jan. 27 (for the Feb. 10 event only); 10-15 pre-registered keiki and five walk-ons can be accommodated for each time slot
>> For details or to preregister: nakamakai.org/ocean-programs
