Hawaii Agrarian Community Volunteer Village

  Hawaii (USA)

Pahoa

  United States

Hawaii

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: All year round

Description: Program Summary. Volunteers support the day-to-day activities of running Kalani retreat village. With over 80 volunteers and staff, as well as up to a hundred guests at any one time, much help is needed to maintain and operate this nonprofit, educational, agrarian, facility.

Volunteers commit to a one, two or three month period and assist 30 hours per week in an assigned department. A week of free time (for personal relaxation, explorations or intensive study) is scheduled in the three month period and two days for two month volunteers. Each volunteer may opt to participate in some of our workshops during their stay. Please ask for additional information if you are interested.

Volunteer Responsibilities. Volunteers provide basic, routine assistance to our maintenance, kitchen or housekeeping or Agriculture department.

Some of the positions are physically strenuous, and sometimes lifting of 50lbs. or more. All positions require that participants be of sound physical and mental health. Satisfaction depends on your attitude and intention, and growth comes from carrying out these tasks with a spirit of willing service. Past volunteers have found their assignments rewarding and a source of personal growth.

Departmental tasks: Maintenance requires collecting and hauling trash, compost and recycling; assisting with general facilities maintenance and repair as well as new construction; grounds keeping. Kitchen requires salad bar preparation and prep. cooking for up to 120 people; making salad dressings; cleaning the kitchen and stocking food. Housekeeping requires cleaning and upkeep of all the lodge rooms, cottages, tree houses and the office; laundering the bedding and towels. Agriculture department includes planting, trimming, and weeding, and some harvesting of tropical fruits and fresh herbs.

Reduced Tuition: We can sometimes offer a reduced tuition for those people who are proficient in construction, kitchen and IT computers

Highlights: living in Hawaii, Free Yoga Classes, Living in a thriving gay friendly community accepting people with a variety of life experiences, clothing optional pool area, the ability to quiet your mind and relax into life.

Qualifications: This program is also open to singles as well as couples.

Cost in US$: one month camping:1000 USD; 2 months lodging:1600 USD; 2 months camping:1200 USD; 3 months lodging:1800 USD lodging; 3 months camping 1500 USD.

Natural Environment. Your housing is located on twenty acres, surrounded by a lush, tropical forest on three sides and the Pacific ocean on the fourth. Kalani truly is "heaven on earth" as its name suggests. A beautiful black sand beach is located a mile down the road, and the "point" across the road offers incredible vistas of the ocean and sunrise.

Daily Classes and Activities. Kalani offers an array of activities that directly relate to Hawaiian cultural heritage. You can participate in daily Yoga classes, Hula, Lauhala weaving, Ecstatic Dance and much more. Volunteers may participate in some Kalani sponsored workshops when their schedule allows.

Facilities. Volunteers have full use of Kalani's clothing optional swimming pool, sauna, hot tubs, and weight room.

Volunteers have access to a communal lounge that includes a VCR for watching movies, a shared phone, and a couple shared computers with Internet access (limited time is available for each volunteer).

Accommodations. Volunteers have the option of staying in a shared room or an A-frame. Upon arrival, volunteers are usually placed in a shared room and then go on a waiting list for an A-frame (if desired). The Kalani campgroud is 5 acres of landscaped jungle. Each volunteer gets a platform and a tarp tent to cover her or his tent space.

Shared rooms are located above the kitchen and above the office. Each room accommodates two volunteers, and several residents share a bathroom.

Each A-frame accommodates one volunteer. These unique housing units allow our residents to live in a community while enjoying nature. The A-frames are small (about 8 feet by 8 feet), but comfortable. The roof and two walls are made of corrugated metal, while the other two walls are screen. Each A-frame has an electrical outlet. Each inhabitant personalizes their A-frame (with fabric, lights, etc.), making this part of our property an artistic haven. The bathroom and showers are nearby.

Currently, the accommodation for One month Volunteer is camping, with the tents being supplied by the volunteers themselves. When available, tents or alternative accommodations may be arranged for an additional fee. Accommodations for volunteers include sheets, pillows, and towels.

Salary / Pay: Kalani's volunteers get a free town run every Sunday and one monthly adventure (full day). Ohana Night is a gathering occurring every Sunday night and geared towards volunteers only. Also, due to the amount and diversity of workshops offered year round at Kalani, our volunteers get to participate to a lot of classes (yoga, tarot, dance, etc.) mostly for free. Some donations/fee apply depending on the workshop.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Kalani is a nonprofit educational organization that also becomes a community through our daily interactions with one another. Kalani's community is comprised of guests, students, staff, and volunteers. We form a group of like-minded individuals who value interdependence, mutual respect, integrity and responsibility in living together in a community. Living together and working together is no longer common in our culture. It often takes getting used to. Personal boundaries are sometimes tested, and patience and tolerance are daily ingredients. We will provide you with the basics to live in your assigned housing and will replace and upgrade items when needed. Kalani volunteers have the opportunity to live in our internationally diverse community. In your personal relationships and interactions with others in the community - guests, visitors, and staff - we ask you to treat everyone with respect, starting with yourself. When living with others, resolving conflicts is an art that we can all practice. Most volunteers comment that living and assisting within the community was the most powerful and rewarding aspect of their Kalani experience. Allow yourself to be amazed by others and grow with your community. Community Rules As with any communal situation, there are set boundaries that volunteers, as well as guests and staff, are expected to follow. These boundaries, while broad enough to allow for personal expression, are set. We expect participants to demonstrate a positive attitude and to act with integrity and honesty. In addition, there is a set of rules that we ask all volunteers to follow: No hard liquor and drunkenness allowed on property No drugs and illegal substance allowed on property Quiet time: 10pm-8am No smoking (only in designated areas) Punctuality at work No music without headphones We are seeking strong, self-motivated participants in our volunteer programs. Individuals with serious health challenges should contact us and discuss possible volunteer placement.

Age Range: At least 18 years old

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-10

Scholarships are Available. Partial tuition reductions are considered for qualified applicants with experience in construction, plumbing, woodworking, electrical, food prep, chef, or information technology.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Kalani Oceanside Retreat's Mission Statement: For 30 years, Kalani's 120 coastal acres of botanical splendor have offered a unique opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in Hawaii's largest conservation area. We celebrate Hawaii, culture, nature and wellness year round through a variety of workshops (yoga, dance, healing, etc.), retreats and adventure weeks for individuals and groups. Further into the future, it is hoped that Kalani will continue to grow as a compassionate, diverse community, cherishing and celebrating life in ways that embrace nature, culture and wellness.

Year Founded: 1978