Lifeplan Institute | 10 Million Teenagers in 10 Years: 4th Annual Lifeplan Youth Summit

Youth leaders working in the classrooms at Kealakehe High School were recognized at the 4th Annual Lifeplan Youth Summit. L to R: Tumama Tupuola, Taylor Donager, Sophie Balanay, Jordan Orr, Jeremy Gambing, Kasala Vailea, Kawena Case, Lei Cox, Mina Agdeppa, Sarah Barry, Tiffany Kurozawa. (Photo courtesy of Lifeplan Institute Hawaii Island)

More Than 1,000 Youth in Hawai'i Touched by Lifeplan

On July 5, 2013, a group of 39 young people and 35 adults took part in the 4th Annual Lifeplan Youth Summit, hosted by the Hualālai ‘Ohana Foundation and Four Seasons Resort Hualālai.

The Summit recognized an important milestone in Lifeplan Institute Hawai‘i Island’s accomplishments, having assisted over 1,000 youth from North Kohala to North Kona since 2010. Events of the day included training workshops, presentation of leadership, volunteers and excellence awards, career speakers and a vigorous round of laser tag.

“This was a great day of learning and connection for both mentors and youth,” Lifeplan mentor Robin Mullin, Executive Director of Five Mountains Hawai‘i, said. “The presentations from Drs. Jim and Lee Kooler, Kealakehehe Principal, Wil Murakami, and Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth inspired us to continue evolving the program.”

Lifeplan is a creative youth mentoring program, which grew from the central Lifeplan Institute, founded by Dr. Andrew Mecca. Lifeplan’s main tool is the Lifeplan itself, a kind of map or strategic plotline, referred to as “a journey of choices, decisions and consequences.”

In plotting their Lifeplan, youth and mentors engage to set goals, determine a course, gather a support group, avoid pitfalls and achieve success in stages. Goals are not strictly career-driven, but include education, relationships, health and personal growth.

Many of the youth and mentors recognized at the summit are part of an ongoing project with Kealakehe High School, wherein volunteer mentors and upper classmen youth leaders ‘adopt’ the 16 classrooms of freshmen to help facilitate the Lifeplan program. Mentors and youth leaders work closely with the teachers to help the students navigate their high school years. Several mentors have committed to staying with the classrooms all the way to graduation.

“We are very grateful to Kealakehe principal Wil Murakami and to Superintendent Art Souza for supporting the Lifeplan programs in the schools,” Kei-Lin Cerf, Executive Director of Hualālai ‘Ohana Foundation, said. “Without their guidance and support, the program would not be as successful as it is today.”

Young people enjoying a game
of laser tag at the 4th Annual
Lifeplan Youth Summit.

Hualālai ‘Ohana Foundation hosts the Annual Youth Summit and runs the program at Kealakehe High School with mentors from Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, Hualālai Resort and other members of the community.

“We believe in the power of the community to help support and educate our Hawaii Island youth. It is our shared responsibility to prepare our youth for the future and keep our community healthy, strong and ready,” Kei-Lin Cerf said.

Lifeplan Institute Hawai‘i Island continues to evolve. The sponsored program of Five Mountains Hawaii since 2010 needs a new fiscal sponsor and funding to expand the program in North Hawai‘i.

— Contribute or learn more:
Robin Mullin (808) 887-1284 (or) [email protected][email protected]

In West Hawai‘i at Kealakehe High School, more community mentors are needed to support the Lifeplan program for the next set of 300+ freshmen. No special experience is required, and training is provided by the Hualālai ‘Ohana Foundation.

— Contribute or learn more:
Kei-Lin Cerf (808) 325-4701 (or) [email protected]