Break Thru Adventures

What is BTA? • Mission Statement •Contact

Over the past 9 years, University of Hawai'i at Hilo Service Learning office has sponsored a program called Break Thru Adventures where groups of students travel to different islands in the State and serve the local communities in various ways. Typically each site comprises of 12 students including two student coordinators.

The entire group leaves on the first Saturday of Spring Break and returns one week later.

Spring Break will be March 19 - 26, 2011.

(Picture: Kauai Mahaulepuhu Taro Fields)

What is BTA?

Break Thru Adventures (BTA) is an eco-service program that supports students, staff, and faculty volunteering throughout the Hawaiian Islands in a drug and alcohol-free setting. Students get the opportunity to experience another island's unique environment and culture through volunteer work. The program runs through the entire UH Hilo Spring Break.

While on the neighboring islands, BTA members volunteer with agencies and organizations such as: The Nature Conservancy, The National and State Park Systems, National Wildlife Refuges, and other environmental non-profit organizations.

BTA is a great way for students to learn about Hawai'i's unique environment and community while at the same time, working to preserve and protect it.

BTA's Mission Statement

The mission of BTA is to offer a drug and alcohol-free Service Learning project to the diverse population of UH Hilo. To promote empowered citizenship, environmental sustainability, and an appreciation for the Hawaiian culture.

Think You Can Hack It?

BTA recruits student volunteers who are interested in working hard, getting dirty and having fun. Students are expected to work for four of the seven days they are on the island. Days are long and the work is physical. Accommodations are often rustic. BTA is not your traditional sit on the beach and drink Mai-Tais Spring Break. For those who are committed to a non-traditional Spring Break, the rewards are numerous.

Last Year's Site Locations - Spring Break 2010

Click here to view a PDF version.

Site assignment is first come, first served!

• Lāna'i - BTA has been working at Kanepu'u Native Dry Land Forest during spring break four of the past five assisting with reforestation, installing fences to protect conservation land, and the removal of invasive species.
• Hawai'i Island - Lo'i restoration and removal of invasive species in Waipi'o Valley, working with a Native Hawaiian fishery, and the restoration of the Ali'i path throughout the Kona district.
• Moloka'i - Working to help protect the endangered nene goose. This includes tasks like catching and tagging birds, counting nests, and more.
• Kaho'olawe - Reforestation of Native Hawaiian plants to rebuild the watershed.

Interested in becoming a BTA leader or Participant

Application will be available soon!

Contact Us:

BTA Coordinator: Kaipo Dye & Keahi Tajon
Office: Campus Center 316
Phone: (808) 974-7381
Email: break@hawaii.edu