The program's holistic approach provides participants with an opportunity to experience a sense of accomplishment and belonging, which can be transformative for young people who may otherwise feel disconnected from supportive environments. By connecting youth with positive role models and a sense of purpose, the program plays an essential role in breaking the cycle of disadvantage and helping participants envision and pursue brighter futures. Through the program, my son has gained not only the skills required to surf, but also valuable lessons about perseverance, focus, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity. I strongly believe that expanding the funding for this program would have a lasting, positive impact not only on the individuals involved but also on our broader community. By investing in programs like Surfrider, the state has the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the mental health, social development, and well-being of vulnerable youth populations. ~ Alicia
We wanted to send a short note of our sincere thanks for your amazing Surfrider Spirit program. Our daughter just completed the Fall session, and we noticed an incredibly positive improvement in her confidence and happiness after each session. She had severe social anxiety and difficulty connecting with peers. The Surfrider Spirit mentors quickly connected with her and put her at ease. Not only her assigned mentor, the incomparable Kate, but ALL mentors were knowledgeable, approachable, and caring. While our daughter is now an enthusiastic surfer, more important is her improved self-worth and confidence that she can connect with other people. We are so grateful to have found your program through word of mouth and will be enthusiastic advocates for it. Please let us know if there is ever anything we can do to help! ~ Josh & Angela
Surfrider Spirit Sessions connects our students with community members, including lawyers, nurses, and scientists. These interactions open doors to mentorship and inspiration that these young people would not normally encounter in their social circles. By building social capital, the program expands their networks and encourages them to envision a broader range of possibilities for their futures. The impact on self-esteem and self-efficacy is remarkable … Your dedication to empowering marginalized youth through connection to nature, community, and self-discovery is commendable. We are grateful for your continued support and the transformative experiences you provide. ~ Jessica Lobo, ELL Teacher
Surfrider Spirit Sessions assists the Family Court in offering youth who have taken missteps a path to staying out of trouble and moving forward in a positive direction. Over time, each of us as members of our island community can realize the tremendous benefits programs such as this make available to troubled youth, by encouraging them to respect themselves and others, pursue positive goals and have hope for the future as they become young adults. This, in turn, may decrease the odds that any of them may end up in the adult criminal justice system. ~ Christine El. Kuriyama, Deputy Chief Judge, Family Division, and Senior Judge of the Family Court of the First Division
Unique community driven programs like Spirit Sessions are rare and very much needed. And sadly, the State cannot provide these kinds of services. We, as a community, need to realize that these children belong to all of us. As a community, we owe a debt of gratitude to the wonderful Spirit Surfing volunteers who give their time to helping our kids change their lives. Without Spirit Sessions, many of these young people would continue their individual lives of crime, eventually becoming adult offenders. The mission of Spirit Surfing is one that all of us should embrace, for in doing so, we enrich the future of the State. ~ Judge R. Mark Browning, Senior Court Judge, Hawaii State Family Court
This collaboration has supported our students so they may overcome the barriers that prohibit them from being successful in school. This success has given them additional tools to be able to make healthy choices for their future. SSS is a unique youth-serving organization that is dedicated to building healthy, resilient communities through holistic, ocean-based mentoring programs. We are in full support of the work of Surfrider Spirit Sessions and their efforts to seek additional funding to ensure the continuation of their vital programs so that youth are inspired to live positive and fulfilling lives. ~ Scott Laboy, Positive Behavior Support Counselor
