Our Philosophy
We’re stoked to be celebrating 25 years of teen camps! Over the past two decades, we’ve built a well-rounded program that aims to make a lasting impact on our campers. Not only do they meet lifelong friends and mentors at camp, but they gain experiences and tools to build both inner and outer strength as developing young women. Our focus is to teach adolescent girls how to surf through a sequential teaching program designed to cater to the individual skills and needs of each camper. In addition to the surfing, each camp activity is designed to build a competent and confident camper. Whether gaining skills on a surfboard or hiking through the West Maui Mountains, our campers gain confidence in their personal strengths and abilities. And through their extraordinary experiences at MSG, they will become more adept in facing the challenges of daily life back home.
Mental Health & Emotional Safety
CAMP STAFF TRAINING
All camp staff, including counselors, are required to undergo training in recognizing signs of mental health challenges and providing emotional support to campers. Training may cover areas such as active listening, crisis intervention, and promoting positive self-esteem. Maui Surfer Girls is primarily a recreational and educational program centered around surfing and adventure activities. We are not mental health experts nor do we provide therapy or licensed therapists at our camp.
TRANSPARENCY
Please let us know if your teen girl has experienced or is experiencing any severe mental, physical or emotional health issues. We understand how difficult these years can be and do not hold any judgment against situations they may be going through. Clear communication is key to us being able to help your daughter to the best of our abilities and determine if Maui Surfer Girls camp is the right fit for them.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality is crucial in maintaining the trust of our campers. Staff members are obligated to maintain the confidentiality of any disclosures made by campers unless there is a risk of harm to the camper or others. In such cases, the appropriate authorities will be notified.
ANTI-BULLYING AND HARASSMENT
Maui Surfer Girls has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and any form of discrimination. Campers and staff are expected to treat each other with respect and kindness. Any instances of bullying or harassment will be thoroughly investigated and addressed promptly.
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING SUPPORT
Campers at Maui Surfer Girls are encouraged to express their feelings and emotions in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Camp staff are available to listen and provide support when needed. We have designated quiet spaces for campers who may need a moment of solitude to process their feelings.
WELLNESS ACTIVITIES & MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
We strive to create awareness around mental health and emotional well-being. Wellness activities, such as mindfulness exercises, yoga, and group discussions that promote self-awareness and emotional intelligence, will be offered to help campers manage stress and build resilience. These activities will be tailored to suit the age and developmental stage of each camper.
Technology Policy
Not all camps are as strict as ours, but we don’t allow smart phones, tablets, smart watches or anything that connects to the internet. All devices will be collected and stored safely on Opening Day after campers have contacted family to let them know they arrived safely. We will have two afternoons during the camp session where campers are given their devices back for 1 hour to call home, take photos with their new friends or scroll to their heart’s content. All devices will be returned the morning of Closing Day. Bringing a digital camera/GoPro/Polaroid camera that doesn’t connect to the internet is the best choice for documenting the camp experience. E-readers that do not connect to the internet are allowed but good old paper books are the best reading material to bring to camp.
We view summer camp as an opportunity for kids to connect with nature, not with social media. It’s a great place to make new friends and practice IRL social skills that are invaluable in life. Giving up technology for a week or more for kids can be a very challenging adjustment. Make sure you prepare your camper by giving them a good book or journal, and review tips on making new friends without the use of social media outlets.
Our Mentorship Program
We strongly believe that with healthy role models, girls can become their best selves and achieve their goals. The mentorship element of our program provides the girls with one-on-one opportunities to bond with the staff members. Our 2:1 camper to staff ratios are the best in the industry and set us apart from our competition. Adolescent girls are impressionable. Our staff, including the surf instructors, facilitators and administration, are professional in their presentation through appropriate dress, behavior, attitudes, and words expressed to the girls. The instructor/camper relationships are our highest priority, with both physical and emotional safety held to a high standard.
Giving Back
Every camp session includes opportunities for our teen girls to give back to the Maui community through coastal cleanups or service projects working with local nonprofits. We feel it is our kuleana (privilege and responsibility) to give our guests the experience of understanding how their time and energy helps keep tourism sustainable by pitching in to care for our small island with limited resources.
