The group started the outing by first visiting the black sand beach at Punaluu. The weather turned out to be cold and windy near the coastline so the students were not too enthused about going swimming. The group spent most of the day hiking around “talking story” (a Hawaiian term) about the history of the …
Spanish scientists revealed research findings today that suggest a healthy diet lowers risk of suffering from depression. The research results are aligned with a trend in recent years, associating nutrition with improved mental health. New York Times article “Nutrition: Lower Depression Risk Linked to Mediterranean Diet” highlights aspects of the Mediterranean diet that are play …
The group experienced excellent weather for snorkeling. The sun was shinning and the water was glassy and clear. The day started by heading down to the City of Refuge. All the kids were eager and excited. The snorkeling was good, however by Hawaii standards it was not ideal. The water was cloudy in places but …
The weather was a bit voggy (an island term used to describe volcanic emissions – like fog) but the sky was clear and sunny. On the drive, the group discussed volcanes, volcano formation and unique stories about previous eruptions in recent history. We first stopped at the tree molds so everyone could get an idea …
In Dr. Zimmer’s weekly wellness lesson, the group discussed digestion, nutrition- how food is digested, vitamins absorbed, what creates digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. The group shared their assignments from the previous week. They made a menu plan including healthy food with well balanced protein, fat and carbs in each meal. They …
Punalu’u Outing guided and posting authored by Martha Bouchard. Punalu’u is an area steeped in cultural significance, just minutes from Pacific Quest; some people even claim it may be the real site of the first Polynesian arrival to the island (most often thought to be Ka Lae, South Point). This area is the perfect backdrop …
I recently read Gary Ferguson’s Shouting at the Sky. While the book was originally published in 1999, I got my hands on Hilary’s 2009 copy, a signed copy replete with a new foreword and afterword. Ferguson’s insights are incredible, as his words convey his personal experience working with teens in a wilderness therapy program. His …
I am the Program Director for Pacific Quest and a founder/owner. This is one of my favorite programmatic points and the excerpt below is taken from one of our staff trainings.
This week we discussed the pillars of health and how they contribute to strong immune systems. The pillars of health are: 1.The Mind/Body Connection 2. Digestion / Nutrition / Water 3. Sleep 4. Breathing 5. Exercise / Movement At Pacific Quest all five of these pillars are reinforced daily leading to healthier and happier students. …
Photo from the Hawaii Tribune Herald PQ field staff Billy Barnett made headlines in Hawaii recently for winning the 13th annual Big Island International Marathon. Check out the article for details- it captures Billy’s humble nature and good spirit. Billy dedicates every other week of his life to the students at PQ. As a field …