Urban Surf 4 Kids Fall 2018 Magazine

fall edition

Surf with C p Day

WESLEY STEWART • URBAN SURF 4 KIDS

FOUNDER’S NOTES

Aloha,

As summer comes to an end, the days that were once stretched out before us, slowly have shortened without us noticing. In this edition, we will reflect back, not only on the first of half of 2018, but on our program as a whole.

Our goals and objectives remain clear, and our central focus is the youth in which we serve. It is the calling of Urban Surf 4 Kids to show up and care for those who need us.

Each chapter that we have, SanDiego and Dayton Beach, have the same purpose and calling, but each will accomplish the goals at differing times, with differing results, always with the same genuine care and love for those youth entrusted to us as mentors. One thing is for certain: the impact is being felt in both locations, as others join the cause, guiding these young individuals on their journey to a successful and fulfilling life. Below are a few highlights of the program thus far: • Thursday Club “Ohana Gala” helped raise over $88,000 for our San Diego chapter • San Diego and Daytona Beach are establishing our Hanai Mentoring Program • Our “Camp Ohana’s” shared the Aloha with youth, most of whom had never seen the ocean; Daytona Beach hosted youth from Buffalo, New York; San Diego hosted youth from Arizona.

• Daytona Beach secured its first Camp Ohana facility in Crescent City with Tiny House & Dorm Warehouse on the shores of Lake Broward (opening in 2019) Sharing the ocean and water based therapy with these youth from across the country has been phenomenal, and this year has been no exception. We are excited, as an organization and individuals, to continue, with support from the communities, to engage these youth who may otherwise be lost in the shuffle. Mentoring and showing these kids we care has touched each of our lives in a real way,

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changing who we are and how we view the world. We owe the youth much more than one can imagine for the rich, valuable lessons they are teaching us, as well as what we are teaching them.

As we continue to pursue our mission of empowering foster youth through water based activities, we are excited to announce Mindy Morris has joined our cause as the Water Based Therapy Director for Urban Surf 4 Kids. As a valuable member of the team, she will assist us in pushing the envelope within foster care circles; helping these groups to embrace water therapy as a central part of a child’s treatment plan. We have seen the benefits numerous times over our 9 year journey. Helping these communities see the link between the reduction in behaviors and patterns with children when they experience the positive stress release that the youth finds in water based programs and recreation, is our goal with the Water Based Therapy Director position.She will also help us in raising awareness for the advantages of introducing the youth to a positive way to deal with stress and other triggers. Looking ahead, we are excited and optimistic of the impact being made in the lives of our foster youth.

Mahalo

As always, thank you for being apart of our Ohana; we hope to see you in the water soon!

Wesley Stewart, Founder Urban Surf 4 Kids

Edition fall 2018

A LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Urban Surf 4 Kids Magazine | Fall 2018

63 Page 8

Grom Report: Fawn Jones by Jake Broderick

page 10

US4K Events

page 44

Dreaming of Puerto Rico

by Nadia Zimmerman

Page 46

Friends of US4K Spotlight: Captain Health Slivko-Boathurst

page 48

Hanai Mentoring Program

page 54

Friends of US4K Spotlight: Annie Van Aller

page 56

Helping Hands

page 58

Volunteer Spotlight: Jonathan Shimasaki

page 60

Ohana Cards

page 63

Upcoming US4K Events

page 64

Dreamng of Aloha 2017

by Charles “Chaka” Webb

58 56

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8 46 44

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4

5

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Fawn Jones

g grom report

by Jake Broderick

Outside of surfing what are some of your other hobbies?

Some of my hobbies are gymnastics on the beach, hiking, bicycle riding, swimming, and Playing instruments.

What is your best memory of surfing?

One of my best memories of surfing is when I went on the dreaming of aloha trip, in Hawaii at the North Shore, I got to surf a pro surfers (Aaron Gold) big wave long board, I surfed all day and caught some memorable waves.

Do you have a favorite surf spot?

I have a few favorite surf spots, well right in front of my house in in Baja La Mision beach the waves can get really good, other places that i love to surf is Raúl’s, k-38, Campo Lopez and other spots that would take me to long to write.

Can you talk about your success in contests?

I have entered a few surfing contests when I lived in Florida, altogether I got 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place.

You’ve been on Dreaming of aloha trip and to many surf camps do you have a best us4k moment?

One of the best Us4k moments I had was about a year ago in San Diego I volunteered to take kids surfing and I remember this little girl was a bit shy at first, but when I pushed her into a wave the smile that was on her face and how she didn’t want to leave but just keep on catching waves all day made me happy to know that a bright young girl had so much passion.

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JOIN US AT DUKE’S LA JOLLA FOR DINNER EVERY EVENING from 5pm-close

FEATURING OUR ROASTED DUKE’S FISH Basil lemon glaze, pomegranate vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, herbed jasmine farro rice

We had a great time volunteering at the Urban Surf surf camp at La Jolla Shores on July 21st!

Huge thanks to COOLA for sponsoring us with sunscreen!

1216 Prospect Street | La Jolla, CA 92037

858.454.5888 9

The Orlando Magic let a few of our Urban Surf 4 Kids youth sit courtside for an hour before tonight’s game!

Now that’s Pure Magic!

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jan

24th

EXPERIENCE LEUCADIA BEACH INN

To serve visitors traveling along Coast Highway 101 between Los Angeles and Mexico, the Leucadia Inn was constructed in the classic California “horseshoe� design in the late 1920s, and completely renovated in 2005.

Rooms face a friendly central courtyard that is flower and sun filled.

The exterior design of the stucco buildings are of a timeless Southern California hacienda style.

Within walking distance are the fabled Southern California beaches of Leucadia on the spectacular North Coast of San Diego County.

Go back in time, before the arrival of the freeways, and relive the quiet beach-inspired elegance that drew Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante, Charlie Chaplin and Spencer Tracy to the picturesque North Coastal area of San Diego County~~ Experience the Leucadia Beach Inn.

Phone: 1-800-706-7461 | 1322 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 www.LeucadiaBeachInn.org | leucadiabeachinn@gmail.com

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Beach ‘N Bo mARCH

10th

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Our youth got an experience of a lifetime at Beach ‘n Boards Fest in Cocoa Beach. It was their first time seeing a professional competition, wakeboarding, kiteboarding and volleyball tournament all at the beach. A huge thank you to Reef and their team for coming out to take the kids surfing, providing lunch and souvenirs for them.

oards Fest

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april

14th

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On April 14th in Orlando, our youth got to experience something we have NEVER done before! Our SUP Day at the Orlando Watersports Complex (OWC) who sponsored everything we needed for paddle boarding but also let our youth and volunteers experience playing and messing around on their brand new Aqua Park. Our youth got to paddle around on their lake then got to wreak havoc of fun and excitement on the Aqua Park.

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april

21st

Grateful for amazing community partners like Sky Zone Daytona Beach that provide opportunities for youth within Urban Surf 4 Kids Florida!

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may

Surf

5th Camp

On May 5th our youth got to come out to Daytona Beach for a Surf Camp. We had a beach clean up, a service project, guest speaker and of course surfing. The warm water in Florida inspired just about everyone who came out to get in the water for some fun. The day was capped off by everyone in the water splashing around having a blast!

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may

12th la jolla On May 12th the San Diego Chapter also kicked off our season of surf with a surf camp at La Jolla Shores focusing on health and wellness. Many of our volunteers and participants did yoga for the first time, participated in some crossfire exercises and wonderful activities. Don’t forget the surf though! We had nearly 75 kids experience the transformative power of the ocean through surfing. What an amazing day. The rest of our summer looks to be an amazing adventure.

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book online at www.villajuanitajamaica.com 23 or call 1-876-982-3978 or 1-876-883-1307

may

june

30th-4th

Camp Ohana: Buffalo, New York: A day of many first for our kids from Buffalo, New York! First time seeing the ocean, first time surfing (with pro surfer Jesse Heilman) and first time getting that feeling of stoke! Fun day planned today-Private Tour at Marine Science Center and then later jump time @ Sky Zone Daytona Beach

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june

Cops Kids & 2nd Kayak Day Crescent City, FL

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june

3rd

American Idol Finalist Elliott Yamin perform @ the new Streamline Hotel: Sky Lounge!

Benefit Concert Night with American Idol Finalist Elliott Yamin

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The Truth of Foster Care: A Statistical Analysis

Death (326) Runaway (1,138) Transfer to Another Agency

- 415,129 children were in foster care on September 30th, 2014,

Living with Relative

a 4% increase from 2012

- 264,746 children entered care - that translates to a child entering

Guardianship

care every two minutes in the United States

- 238,230 children exited foster care - 107,918 children waiting to be adopted on September 30th, 2014 - 60,898 children waiting to be adopted whose parental rights (for all

Emancipation Emancip Adoption

living parents) were terminated

Reunited with Parent or Primary Caretaker

- 50,644 children adopted with public child welfare agency involvement 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

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june

16th

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So Cal Surf Dogs Event and International Surf Day with Surfrider

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june

21st

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SWIM LESSON DAY Daytona Beach, FL: The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson in Daytona Beach, thanks to the generosity of the Daytona Lagoon. 50 local youth from our Urban Surf 4 Kids Florida program learned new swimming skills thanks to the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA.

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june

30th

SUP DAY Orlando, FL: Spreading the Aloha of Urban Surf 4 Kids Florida and water therapy for the Annual Foster Parents Conference in Orlando this last Saturday! 47 Amazing Kids, less than 5 had been paddle boarding before! Keep in mind, so many times these kids are prevented from water based activities (which may be their very best source of healing) , simply due to the liability. Urban Surf 4 Kids assume that liability so we can share the the power of the water and of Ohana! Oh, the smiles.....it keeps us Fired Up! Much Mahalo to all of our Amazing volunteers, Paradise Cove & Buena Vista Watersports for hosting us!

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for that afternoon siesta. Water is supplied by a fresh water spring that is used for drinking and showering. There are left breaks, and right breaks. Beginner breaks, experienced breaks, and advanced surfer breaks.

If your looking for adventure, fun, and SURF, this is the place to visit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CALL 760.632.8014

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Photos by Marion Cunningham and Team Rider Luke Pelbath

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july

Daytona 7th Surf Day

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july

15th

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SUP DAY Ft Pierce, FL: we had the privilege to serve an AMAZING group of kiddo’s in Ft Pierce! Special thanks to Lisas Kayaks and our star studded volunteers!

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july

21st Thank you Reef, Board & Brew, Surfrider Foundation San Diego, and all of our incredible volunteers for coming out to support Urban Surf 4 Kids on Saturday!!

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Dreaming of

puerto rico

By Nadia Zimmerman

March 22nd-27th

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Ever since US4K opened its Florida Chapter we had a dream to begin our own Achievement Program for our participants. Hosting the surfing capital of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a beautiful and inspiring place that we dreamed to share with a group of kids that earn the opportunity to participate in this unique program through community service, good behavior in their programs, maintaining good grades, and more.

We were thrilled at the success of our first year abroad! Many thanks to everyone who helped us make our dream a reality and to all who supported and encouraged us in Puerto Rico: Yasmin & Leslie, Cafe 413, Moku Surf Shop, Umas, La Vista Smokehouse, and The Isabela Church of Christ we couldn’t have done it without you! Until next time we will be Dreaming of Puerto Rico.

This March we sent our inaugural team to Isabela, Puerto Rico where for five days our Legacy House girls and Support Staff had the chance of a lifetime to explore new places, an opportunity to volunteer with Moku Surf Shop for a day, facilitate a local beach clean-up, and assist the Isabela Church of Christ in fixing the damaged ceiling post Hurricane Maria. Throughout this adventure participants helped spread our philosophy of Ohana “family” and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Our participants grew in so many inspiring ways during this experience. Having barely been in the water before and having taken surf lessons in preparation for Puerto Rico our girls’ faces were beaming with joy, as they got to swim in the gorgeous multi-toned blue waters of Jobos Beach for the first time. We are so proud of the girls drive to get involved with the service projects and trying new things, like scraping the paint off the ceiling with scrapers and sticks. Girls who at the beginning of the trip were shy and likely to keep to themselves were excited and merry by the end of the trip when giving out Thank You cards and shirts to all those who helped us grow our outreach and Ohana.

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Friends of Urban Surf 4 Kids

spot

Captain

H eather Slivko-Bathurst

Hobbies outside of sailing?

Not really, sailing is on obsession. Enjoy reading, binge watching Netflix, close knit friends and simply connecting to nature.

Do you Surf?

No, but going to surf. Gotta work some more on balance, ha! Going to practice some more in New Jersey, so keep an eye out!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Married (Heather just got married, CONGRATS!) Desires to be working on the water and sharing the passion with people. Have a strong interest in activism/social justice and recently have been working with awesome program called “Discovering Amistad” http://discoveringamistad.org/ Heather, thanks for sharing a little bit about you with our US4K Ohana, we think you’re a rock star and we’ll let our friends know in New Jersey to keep an eye out for you while surfing!

Heather, who being 29 years old, is one of the youngest female captains in the industry, with her first boat being an astonishing 105 ft long. I’m mean like that is kinda crazy to think about moving that ship around!

How did you get into sailing?

Sailing was our family hobby, we had a fun 30 foot boat we would jam around on, often we would spent 3 or 4 weeks during summer months and cruise Martha Vineyards and various islands. It was a magical experiences that shaped my passions. Also, typically spent time in summer sailing camps growing up.

First J O B? Funny, got the chance to help summer sailing program for urban inner city kids, always been a hustler and looking for opportunities that would align with my passions. (Heather shared that this background gave her deep admiration for what Urban Surf 4 Kids is doing with water therapy) These experiences provided me an amazing opportunity to travel to Australia for an epic international sailing race, it was a total of 8 stops, which included Singapore up to China and then over to San Francisco. (Ummmm this is like totally amazing Heather!)

Any issues with being a young Female Captain?

Yes and No, typically deal with 5,000 people a year, people will tend to think I’m too young. There have been times where I was reduced to tears by people who have small worldview. The flip side is that being in Key West there is hub of women captains who provide a network of support!

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Wanna hop on a sail with Captain Heather or the awesome crew at Classic Harbor Lines?

Check them out below, they offer first class seasonal sailing in: Boston, New York City, Key West and Newport, RI. https://www.classicharborline.com/

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HANAI MENTORING PROGRAM

Hānai a Hawaiian term that refers to the informal adoption of one person by another, regardless of the age(s) involved.

Purpose: To provide recreational and leisure activities for youth to become Hanai with a Urban Surf 4 Kids trained Mentor(s). Activities will be led by trained volunteers through Urban Surf 4 Kids.

Youth who desire to participate in our Hani program sign and agreement to uphold the purpose and values of the program. Urban Surf 4 Kids Hanai mentor(s) will agree to set up activities twice a month, which will/can be supervised by current care provider of youth. Our program is designed to have at all times two Hanai mentors in any given setting.

The program emphasizes the following: 1. Youth in our Hanai program are encouraged to take positive steps towards the goal of a college degree or viable vocations.

2. Water based activities are provided on a regular basis as a means of developing self confidence and a place to establish peace from everyday life.

3. Youth will learn to create the habits so it habits: simple goal setting and celebrate accomplishments.

4. To instill purpose, passion and value through acts of service to others.

5. Provide water safety and swimming, and leadership training giving them a chance to one day be a Hanai Mentor to another individual.

Program Overview The program runs for 6 months, youth who have satisfactorily completed pre-determined goals and personalized objective(s) will be invited to participate and celebrate together as an Ohana (family) in one of the following Ohana Adventures: • San Diego: Dreaming of Aloha Trip (early December) • Central Florida: Puerto Rico Trip (mid January) US4K Training Volunteers will be selected thru an application process, interview, background check and approval by the board of US4K. Once selected, volunteers will receive a volunteer training manual and attend a volunteer orientation. Training materials will include information on fingerprinting/DMV printout, proof of insurance, foster youth assignment, contacts with foster parents(s), supervision/safety, boundaries, incident reporting, frequently asked questions, trauma informed care, approval/setting up/managing activities, managing foster youth/parent contacts outside of activities, shadowing on outings, suggestions on outings, and how to introduce yourself and terminate relationships with foster youth/parent(s). All volunteers are subject to any group home/foster care provider’s training and background procedures as well.

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“Our Hanai program is designed for youth who are willing to make a commitment.”

“developing self confidence ” Ohana means family and family means no one gets left behind!

Big Wave Surfer- Makua Rothman

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“create the habits so it HABITS: simple goal setting and celebrate accomplishments. �

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d

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“participate and celebrate together as an Ohana. �

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Friends of Urban Surf 4 Kids

remember nothing but crying the whole way back. We once again were very fortunate and reopened Halloween weekend with lots of support from people coming down in November and December.

spot

A nnie

Backcountry Boat Rentals Florida Keys Owner:

Van Aller

Annie, owner 38; Kids: Anne Claire 13, Quinn 8, Ellen 5

Where ya from and how did you end up in the Keys?

Originally from Mobile, Alabama- Ever since I was 5 years old we would spend our summers in the Keys, lobster season was always a big deal for our family!

Just over 6 years ago with a strong desire and love of the island lifestyle, we took the “leap of faith” and moved to Keys. Also with our kids being 13, 8 and 5 our hope was for them to grow up without the hustle and bustle of “Big City Life”.

What do love about the move and what’s been the hardest?

There has just been something about the peace and tranquility of the lower Keys.

There honestly has not been a hard part, it’s literally been everything we dreamed and hoped for!

How do the kids like it?

They absolutely love it.

Why Backcountry Boat Rentals?

We defintely felt like we wanted to open a business around something we are passionate about, which is the water. So, we started with one boat, next year bought another one and it grew from there. So currently we have 3 slide boat and 4 center console boats.

Talk a little bit about Hurricane Irma and the impact?

It was tough as the hurricane was a direct hit, we were very fortunate, all of our boats survived! What we did was have them crane lifted and sunk into styrofoam blocks. After this was done we evacuated to Mobile and came back a few weeks later.

Upon arriving back, it was the most gut awful thing I has ever seen. It was surreal, I

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Talk a little bit about giving back?

We absolutely love to give back.We were so glad Urban Surf 4 Kids called us and provided us a way to be involved in helping foster youth through water therapy. Whenever we can, we are always happy to help. We try to say YES, YES and YES! That’s rad! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Same place, do the same thing, we would just love to keep serving more people and adding a few more boats!

Wanna visit Annie and Backcountry Boat Rentals on your next Florida Keys adventure?

Reach out to them @ (720) 480-0557 https://www.facebook.com/backcountryboatrentals/

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helping This year the San Diego Chapter was chosen by a local fundraising group, The Thursday Club Juniors, to be the recipient of their big annual Luau Gala. The funds raised for the dinner, silent auction, live auction and item purchases went directly to Urban Surf 4 Kids and our programs. This year’s gala raised nearly $90,000 that set up a runway for our program to be able to reach local foster youth and at-risk kids well into the future.

We received a check from the Blossom Valley Elementary kids for $1,200!!!! These kids raised this money by creating small businesses and selling goods to fund local charities! They fundraised $4,800, which they shared with four local El Cajon Charities!! We are so honored to be chosen as one of their charities to donate to!

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For a more personal experience on Hawaii’s Big Island, you might consider staying at Kona Hawaii Guest House. Choose from luxurious, romantic hideaways or secluded bungalows with

an old Hawaii feel. If you enjoy traveling off the beaten path, private residences and inns can add a whole new dimension to your vacation experience on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Specializing in Vinyasa flow classes.

Presenting a well-balanced yoga practice that develops strength, balance, and flexibility.

Tap into this form of power yoga in our lightly heated studio. Classes available for all levels.

Looking for a challenge or to enhance your surfing performance? Try our surfer’s flow classes.

VISIT US 910 GRAND AVENUE #206, SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 CHAT 858.539.5742 EMAIL HEATHER@BIRDROCKYOGA.COM

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Volunteer spotlight

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your surfing background?

My name is Jonathan Shimasaki most but most call me Jon now. I have been surfing for about five years and have been helping with urban surf for about 6-7ish years. Surfing is my passion and I love sharing my passion for the ocean with all. I want people to be able to be healed by the ocean as I have. It has always been there for me and I want it to be there for others. Teach a man to fish you know?

Do you have a favorite or best US4K memory?

My favorite urban surf moment was when I realized why I was going to urban surf. I was teaching this little girl how to surf and she was having to much fun. And

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the entire day her smile never left her face. I will never forget that day.

What does US4K mean to you?

Urban surf is family. It is friends and when I am there I feel as if I am at home. Everyone is there to be with everyone else and to have a great time.

The Long Run Sportfishing

(858) 336-6594

www.thelongrunsportfishing.com

The Long Run Sportfishing is the premier 4 and 6-pack Sportfishing charter business running out of Mission and San Diego Bays. The owner, Nathan, has been passionately fishing in local waters for 34 years and running charters for 23 years. Because we are so “hands on” we are certain that we will be able to show you and your friends and/or family the best time possible on the water. The Long Run is now offering 4 different vessels for charter: • 24’ 30 knot (4-pack) for your group at $125/hr • 34’ and 40’ six pack vessels at $150/hr • 52’ Hatteras is $250/hr 1880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

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Ohana Cards

The Ohana Cards is a unique way for the youth to get outside and help the community. The cards are created from recycled material collected by the youth on their beach clean ups. This allows us to keep doing what we are doing, empowering youth through water therapy.

For as little as $25 you can join us and impact the lives of these children giving them the opportunity to enjoy the water through swim lessons, surfing or paddleboarding with our Hanni Mentors always by their side.

With your partnership our youth are learning life changing skills as well as the value of serving others in their local community. One way they are serving is by doing community cleanups and utilizing the materials found to make handmade cards with pieces of recycled material to help support the efforts of Urban Surf 4 Kids! That where you come in, would you

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consider making a monthly donation of at least $25.00 and sending these cards made by love to someone you love?

OHANA CARD CAMPAIGN FUNDS THESE PROGRAMS 1. Camp Ohana Daytona US4K is bringing out of state foster youth/children in need, to Daytona Beach for surf & serve experience! Most of the youth have never seen the ocean.

2. Camp Ohana Puerto Rico US4K will host an achivement program for youth to earn a life changing trip to serve (and surf!) in Puerto Rico. Oct 11-15th 3. Dolphin Therapy Experience Through a partnership with Island Dolphin Care in Key

Largo, Fl, our youth will have the chance to spend 2 days working side by side with dolphins and the chance to learn about reef restoration projects.

4. Endless Summer Swim & Surf Daytona Beach Program: Swim & Surf lessons targeting foster youth & children in need who do not know how to swim or cannot afford the opportunity.

Type in this link https://www.classy.org/campaign/ohana-cards-saving-lives-of-foster-kids-and-children-in-needthrough-swim-and-surf-therapy/c181853 or Google Urban Surf 4 Kids Ohana Cards

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upcoming e v ents

Urban Surf 4 Kids is excited to be growing! Now operating in Florida and California, makes plans to get involved.Visit our website to sign up and volunteers for any of the upcoming events below!

SAN DIEGO CHAPTER Event: Place: Date:

Event: Place: Date:

Event: Place: Date:

Cops and Kids Skyzone Day Skyzone, Sarasota October 24, 2018

FLORIDA CHAPTER

Event:

Place: Date:

Law Enforcement Appreciation dinner with Mark Wills Daytona Beach November 2, 2018

Ohana SUP Day Ohana Center, FL October 13, 2018

Event: Place: Date:

Surf With A Cop Day Hard Rock Hotel, Daytona Beach Novemver 3, 2018

Surf Camp at La Jolla Shores La Jolla Shores October 27, 2018

Please keep a look out on our web site under event page to follow-up with any changes or cancellations. Please take a moment and like us on FaceBook (FB) if you have not done so already.

Thank you to all those that have been such a great support to our program.

Wanna Volunteer? Contact us TODAY! volunteer@us4k.org

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2017

By Charles “Chaka” Webb In the four-plus year, I have been involved with Urban Surf 4 Kids, and their programs, I have had defining moments with them that have changed my life in a significant way. From Paddle Fest in 2013, and the first paddle camp where I met Destiny, to trips to orphanages in Mexico and the surf camps in La Jolla, Urban Surf 4 Kids programs are structured to have a major impact on the foster youth and the volunteers alike. Perhaps the most impactful program Urban Surf has is the Dreaming of Aloha trip where every year US4K takes 8-10 foster youth to Hawaii for 7 days on a life-changing adventure. I have been invited to go on the trip in previous years, but because of conflicting events, I had been unable to attend until 2017. This would be another defining moment with Urban Surf 4 Kids for myself, the foster youth, and every volunteer on the trip.

I met up with Craig Jenkins, Matthew Goodrich, Jordan Nero, Denae Thrasher and a group of foster youth and volunteers at the airport in San Diego. We boarded a plane headed to Oahu, and that’s where the adventure would begin. We landed on Oahu five hours later to meet up with US4K ohana and alumni Anna Anderson then headed to Duke’s restaurant in Waikiki. That’s where we would meet up with Wesley Stewart and his family along with Sal Zavala, his family, and other US4K ohana. At Duke’s the food and conversations were flowing, introductions not made at the airport or on the plane were made there, and the plans for the upcoming days were revealed. I got a chance to meet up with US4K

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ohana Sasha Leitner and hear about the adventures she had in store for us in the coming days. After meeting everyone and hearing about the upcoming activities, it was now time to drive to Camp Homelani where we would be staying for the next week.

Camp Homelani is a ministry of the Salvation Army and is stationed in Waialua on beautiful North Shore of Oahu. There are cottages, cabins, and a four-bedroom two-bathroom house for visitors. Camp Homelani’s backyard is the Pacific Ocean; it has a few great surf breaks right out the back. Camp Homelani has hosted Urban Surf 4 Kids and Dreaming of Aloha for the past few years and has been a great place to call home while on the island.

After a great night of storytelling and greetings at Camp Homelani, we woke up the next morning and set out for the University of Hawaii to take the youth on a tour of the campus and receive great information on programs and opportunities for them. Touring the campus was excellent for the youth since a number of them were seniors in high schools and preparing for college. You could see that many of the youth were getting enough information to help them see that college would be achievable for them.

Many of the youth already had plans and were working hard and looking forward to attending college.

That was the first part of an incredible day After an awesome tour of the University of Hawaii campus, the group headed over to

Waimea Bay to meet local legend Clyde Aikau, brother to the legendary waterman Eddie Aikau. When we got to Waimea, the waves were 18-25 feet; the beach was shaking from the impact of the surf. Clyde Aikau showed up and greeted the youth with a great story; he let the youth know that it had been one year since he was able to surf due to a severe injury to his shoulder.

He told the youth he would be paddling out and catching waves for the first time in honor of them. Clyde headed to the water’s edge with Wesley and Craig in tow. Wesley and Craig were honored with the task of carrying Uncle Clyde’s board to the water’s edge; they were like two kids in a candy store with a look of astonishment in their eyes. Clyde headed out and caught five big sets, and he had all the youth in awe of his ability to paddle into giant walls of water like it was nothing at the age of seventy. Clyde caught a ride into the beach and spoke to the kids in-depth, Clyde spoke of Ohana (family), Kuleana (responsibility), and Aloha (love) and this touched all the youth deeply and even

brought some to tears. Clyde told stories of his brother Eddie Aikau and his stellar life as a surfer, lifeguard, and ambassador for aloha. Clyde then shared a few private moments with some of the youth and volunteers. Afterwards, he said his goodbyes to everyone. It was still the first day of the trip, and this set the tone and let everyone know that the emotions would run high- that this trip would invoke positive change. After an emotional and stellar day, we headed back to camp Homelani for a great family style dinner and to turn in early-the next day was packed full of activities. Huge thanks to the University of Hawaii for extending themselves to the program and love and gratitude to Clyde Aikau for giving a piece of himself to the youth.

The following morning, we had a superb breakfast, then we set out to meet Roger Michaels from West Oahu SUP, and his crew, to do a beach clean up and then a surf session at Pokai Bay. We drove to an incredibly beautiful valley that let out right on the beach, the youth and volunteers spent about an hour cleaning up the beach and we got to meet a local boy Sam who told stories about the valley and what it meant to his culture and to the island.

Sam then sang us a few songs that were written by himself and his family about the history of the people and the land. After some cleanup and hearing some history of the island, we set out to West Oahu SUP to grab boards

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tivities and lunch, we got to talk story with Kala and Jimmy aka “Uluboi” and hear how both of them have overcome hardship to achieve goals and dreams. Jimmy shared deep stories with the youth that connected with them in an emotional way: this would prove to be another exceptionally memorable moment for myself and the youth on this trip. As Jimmy and Kala opened themselves up to the youth, you could see the trust, healing, and aloha growing in the youth from this experience. These are the defining moments that Urban Surf 4 Kids provides for these youths.

After a. intensely emotional and inspiring day, we headed back to Camp Homelani for another fabulous dinner Sasha Leitner had planned for the youth. Sasha and her phenomenal support group of friends and ohana came to Camp Homelani in full force; she had brought Chef Linda from Hawaiian Style Cooking and boy, did Linda throw it down on the grill. Chef Linda had made the group the most incredible Hawaiian style dinner we were all blown away by her food, it was the best. But that wasn’t the only and suit up, heading to Pokai Bay to catch some surf. We got to Pokai Bay to catch some fun 2-3-feet surf; Roger and his crew were skilled at getting the youth into a bunch of great waves. I also was able to take my wave ski out there and caught fun waves with Wesley, Kalani, and even some of the youth made it out to the peak at Pokai Bay and had an awesome time. After catching some amazing waves, we headed back to West Oahu SUP for barbeque lunch cooked by Roger and his crew.

Lunch was incredible, and we got a chance to talk more stories with the youth.

This is where I got to share my story with everyone over phenomenal food with even more spectacular people. It was another very emotional and awesome day on the Dreaming of Aloha trip. Much love and thanks to Roger Michaels, and his entire crew at West Oahu SUP, for showing the youth the true meaning of Aloha: you showed us an amazing time. It was another impactful day, so we went back to Camp Homelani for dinner and some much-needed rest because the next day was another one packed full of activities.

The next morning started out with a fantastic breakfast for the volunteers and youth. Then, planning out our day, it was going to start with a trip to the famed surf break Haleiwa Beach and the Mauli Ola Foundation’s Surf Experience Days event for Cystic Fibrosis. This is an amazing event Mauli Ola puts on where professional surfers and others in the community come together to get children with this disease in the water for some much-needed ocean healing. Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that attacks the lungs and causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time: there is no cure. With the help of local legends Kala Alexander, Jimmy “Uluboi” Napeahi, and many others, this event has had a meaningful impact for everyone involved but especially the kids that suffer from this terrible disease. The US4K youth jumped right in and started to help carry boards and do whatever they could do to make a difference. After ac-

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reason Sasha brought her friend; Kumu Helene also taught the youth hula and ukulele lessons. It was such a great gift that Sasha and her friends gave the entire group, there was music and laughter around the camp all evening. This was another incredible experience for all involved, and we want to say mahalo to Sasha and her incredible friends for such a gift of aloha. The youth also got the chance to meet Aaron Gold, professional surfer and big wave charger; he shared his story of near-death experience surfing only to overcome that challenge to catch the biggest wave ever paddled into at jaws, a major triumph in his life. He also spoke of his undying faith in Jesus Christ and how his faith has guided him through life.

After such an incredible evening, the next day the youth set off on a hike and kayak adventure supplied by Mahina Hawaii While they were doing that, myself and Wesley went on a private surf session with Hawaiian Surf Guru Kimo Chung at Ala Moana Bowls. Kimo who is the owner-operator of Hawaiian Surf Guru Surf School, a local at Ala Moana and offered to take the entire group of youth surfing later that week. When we got back to Camp

we heard about the incredible hike and kayak adventures the youth had, and Wesley and I shared our story of surf and how the youth would be getting the same experience in the next few days.

The following day, the youth were to go on a shark cage adventure but because of high trade winds the trip was canceled. Luckily for us, we had Kimo Chung available to take the entire group of youth and volunteers surfing that day. We set out to Ala Moana to meet up with Kimo Chung. Sasha Leitner was supplying lunch, and Stephanie Seiko Gailey was volunteering to assist so we were set for a great day. Hawaiian Surf Guru Kimo Chung and his waterman Mooch got all the kids prepared to paddle out. There were tons of laughing, dancing, singing, surfing, and storytelling happening all day at Ala Moana. Some of the youth caught their first waves and said that this was a moment they would remember forever.

That is what this trip is all about, building confidence and hope for all the youth involved, to let them know to dream big and believe that they can make it come true. This was happening for the youth on this trip and Kimo Chung was giving that gift to them without any expectations in return-this is the gift of aloha that Kimo Chung and Hawaiian Surf Guru Surf School provide, and we want to say thank you Kimo and his crew for all the love and support. We had an amazing day with you. After a great day of surf, we headed back to Camp Homelani for another scrumptious dinner.

The following morning we set out for the day’s activities which would take us to the Bay of Dream for paddle boarding lessons with Uncle George Kalilikane and spectacular volunteers like Larissa Erven and her son Chris. Uncle George has been giving free lessons at Bay of Dreams with the hope of sharing his story of overcoming serious health issues to help others. Uncle George has given over 3000 free paddleboard lessons to date, and he is a big supporter of Urban Surf 4 Kids. We got to the Bay and Uncle George sat down with the youth and told

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out, the tears were flowing like water.

One thing I noticed as people were sharing their stories, they all started out sad with a lot of pain and suffering but as the stories continued all of them were ending with hope, happiness, and love because of the support they were receiving from Urban Surf 4 Kids and the people volunteering for the programs. The tears soon turned to laughter and hugs, and Matt Goodrich broke out the ukulele and started playing the song of aloha.

He then played his song “Dreaming of Aloha” and soon we were all singing together, sharing in the love and stoke. As many emotional and impactful moments happened on this trip, the bonfire was by far the most epic moment of the trip for me.

his story of adversity, health issues, and ultimately positive change through ocean therapy and giving back to others. After a very emotional interaction with the youth, it was time to paddle: Uncle George gave lessons, and everyone got on the water and had a great time. A few of us paddled over to Pokai Bay to catch a few waves, some of the youth had a chance to paddle with sea turtles and there was even a manta ray that had been swimming in the bay for days. It was such a memorable day, and we want to thank Uncle George and the Bay of Dreams for such a phenomenal experience. But that wasn’t all we had planned for the day, we packed up and set out for Disneyland Aulani to top off the day. We got to Aulani and everyone was swimming, laughing, and just having an amazing day. For a few moments all the pain and anxiety of it all disappeared and turned to joy, hope, and aloha and that is why this trip makes such an impact on those involved.

As the day winded down, we set out back to camp.

The next day would be our last full day of activities before leaving the next day, so the group set out for the Polynesian Cultural Center for great food and to learn all about the history of the island in a captivating show. After a long day, the plans for the evening would be a bonfire and s’mores roast, and this would prove to be the most powerful moment of the entire trip for all involved. As we sat around the fire roasting smores and recounting the moments of the trip, US4K alumni Anna Anderson started off storytime by sharing her story of how Urban Surf 4 Kids helped her overcome adversity and achieve her goals and dreams. Anna aged out of the system years ago and chose to further her education, graduating from college in December with a major in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. Her story resonated with the youth and prompted them to share their stories of adversity, how it made them feel, and as more emotional stories came

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The next morning was spent packing and getting to the airport on time; we boarded the plane and set out for San Diego where we landed 6 hours later.

When we got off the plane, we had a bunch of Craig Jenkins’ police officer friends with huge signs, waiting to greet us. It was a fantastic way to come home. After a lot of emotional goodbyes, everyone started to go their separate ways to get back to normal life but as each person hugged one another and shared a moment to say how much this trip meant to each other, you could see how powerful this trip is. You see I could write a novel about this trip and it still would not capture the true meaning and essence of what it means to all those involved. This was another life-changing experience for me as I’m sure it was for all of the youth and volunteers alike. Leaving the airport my heart was full of joy, love, and change: that is what the Dreaming of Aloha trip gave to me and so many others.

I want to thank all those that made this program possible: it is extremely important to the success of our youth for them to believe that dreams can come true; Urban Surf 4 Kids is there to deliver that dream.

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Want to support US4K?

Contact Wesley Stewart at wesley@us4k.org

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sayulita surf Retreats http://www.sayulitasurfcamps.com/ index.html 001 52 (329) 29 838-81

mexico

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Villas San Buenas

The Sandbox

Owner: Nick Halverson http://villassanbuenas.com/ 612.819.8154

Owner: Michael Halpins https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p977405

c o s t a r i ca

N e w S m y r n a B e ac h , FL .

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