Are there enrollment deadlines? 

Enrollment is on-going, if families would like to be added to our waitlist they are welcome to do so at no cost.

 

Do we have to re-enroll each year or will our space be saved?

Our current members will have first choice in placement for yearly enrollment as well as all camps. 

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When does my child need to have turned 5?

As soon as your child celebrates their 5th trip around the sun, they are eligible to join our tribe.

 

Can I add my four year old to the waitlist? 

Yes, you are welcome to get on our radar with younger children, many families with up-and-coming siblings, have done the same. 

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Will Pono extend past age 12?

If in the future we have Pono students who are growing with us, our Council may choose to raise the top end of our age bracket to continue to include them in their journey, if this is their wish. 

 

Is Parent Participation expected?

While there is no requirement or expectation for participation, many families join regularly and we are happy to have them! There are certain day trips where additional chaperones are requested, all of which is relayed in our newsletters.

 

Are Parents/Siblings allowed to join?

Parents are welcome to join and bring siblings outside of the 5-12 age range any time they like, extended/visiting family members also welcome! Many hands make light work, so come and join us! There are certain day trips where there may be additional entrance fees for guests, all of which is relayed in our weekly newsletters.

 

What medical documentation is needed? 

We do not request any medical information from our members or their children. 

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Are there additional financial requests outside of the monthly contribution?

The monthly member contribution covers your child's all inclusive access to Pono’s Private Educational Association, this includes all field trip admissions & program materials through out the year. 

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Is there a yearly contract?

Pono operates on a member basis, there are no contracts outside of 30-days written notice requested to conclude participation.

 

How do you handle bathrooms?

All students need to be self sufficient in using the bathroom on their own, we do not send children into public restrooms at parks or beaches and rather bring our Pono Potty, which is a camp toilet in a private tent that we personally tend to, this includes a handwashing station.  We will use onsite restrooms when it is not appropriate to bring our Pono Potty, i.e. Sea Life Park, Bishop Museum, Zoo, etc. in which case an instructor previews the restroom and will standby as the children utilize & hand wash, with the children always in groups.

 

What is your adult to child ratio?

Typically between regular staff, spotlight instructors, visiting family members and volunteers, our adult to child ratio is 5:1, with that said our consistent staff will always include a 10:1 ratio or less.

 

Do you really operate rain or shine?

Yes, we do! There is no bad weather, just unpreparedness. Our ‘bad’ weather days end up being some of the most memorable for the children. Having to experience the rain and the winds power first hand, instead of being tucked away indoors, creates a knowledge of natures ways all while creating lasting bonds between children. 

 

How do you handle a mixed age range of students?

Many teaching models have studied the benefits of older children teaching younger children, our older students naturally migrate and form bonds with our younger students, pairing up to assist in crafts, learning activities and help at snack/lunch times. 

 

Will there be a home base in the future?

Pono currently has several Angel Investors/Non-profits and Farming Partners interested in land acquisition for the Pono tribe. Even with a home base, our Pono keiki will still be a nomadic tribe to serve community projects and go where the wind takes us! 

 

Is this a homeschool supplement?

Pono Outdoor Adventures is not a homeschool supplement. Operating as a Private Member Association, Pono is an alternative educational option.  All of the children in our association are registered with the DOE as ‘Homeschooled’ as there is no other option to choose, however, our children are not home nor being schooled.

 

What is the enrollment process?

Please fill out our ‘join us’ form and we will be in touch within 48-hours to set up an introductory call if we have a space available, otherwise we will let you know that we have added you to our waitlist and will be in touch once a space becomes available. 

 

Do you offer part-time?

We do not offer part-time enrollment. We currently provide our educational cohort from Monday through Thursday, between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM, with member families free to attend at their will. 

We’ve observed that children exhibit greater group cohesion when they attend 3 to 4 days a week compared to just 1 or 2 days. The primary goal is for the children to bond with each other, establish new relationships, and form a sense of community as a tribe. 

 

What does student led really mean?

A truly sovereign education means that each day and every moment, the student makes their own choices without being measured against any curriculum or timeline, these systems create general comparisons in an attempt to measure aptitudes that cannot truly be captured by any testing and more importantly create stress and tension which block our ability to assimilate and absorb new information.

 

So our child will just play all day? Is this a day camp?

It is a societal belief that education must be taught and carefully planned. The reality is that you cannot teach play or experience. Therefore, what your child learns during play is not something you could have imparted.

 

The most crucial tool for child development is interaction with their peers. While a natural attraction to the outdoors is important, what truly captures every child's interest is being around other children, even the most amazing playground would be of little interest with no playmates. 

 

Children’s play is structured; although it is freely chosen, it is not random. It is designed around an activity they envision for themselves, with no ulterior motives. There are no exams to pass, teachers to please, awards to win, or contests to enter—they are intrinsically motivated in the present moment.

 

This state of being is often referred to as “flow or mana," where one becomes in-tune with their surroundings, unencumbered by timelines, captivated by the wonders of the world. This is where imagination thrives, where minds evolve, and where the vibrations of humanity can be elevated. A child connected to their source is more powerful than millions who are divided.

 

Book recommendations:

Gray, P. (2013). Free to learn: Why unleashing the instinct to play will make our children happier, more self-reliant, and better students of life. Basic Books.

Arment, A. (2019). The call of the wild and free: Reclaiming wonder in your child’s education. Wild and Free.