1. Paradise Partnership Travel with us to American Samoa to see how Hawaii OMK and Project YES! collaborated to bring an amazing summer camp to the island. See how the integration of culture, youth development and personal contact led not only to a meaningful week of learning but also to an enduring project! Presenters: KiKi Yoshimoto (HI OMK) & Theresa Mejia-Melton (Project YES!)

2. It’s all Geography… United States Hawaii American Samoa

3. Military Ties To Hawaii 9 th Mission Support Command  The 9 th MSC is a U.S. Army Reserve Command under the operational control of the U.S. Army Pacific.  Headquartered in Honolulu, the command is comprised of approximately 3,500 Army Reserve soldiers and 160 civilians throughout the Pacific to include Hawaii, Alaska, American Samoa, Japan, Korea, Guam and Saipan.

4.  Out of the 3,500 Army Reserve soldiers, approximately 364 of them are based in American Samoa  There are approximately 400 military connected youth in AS, roughly 92% of them are Army Reserve youth.

5. It’s A Cultural Thing

6. Meet-and-Greet & Pre-Camp Training (OSD/OMK Camp)

7. Unsung Heroes Youth Camp American Samoa – Veteran’s Memorial Stadium June 18-22, 2012

14. What is Project Y.E.S!? Project Youth Extension Services!  DOD/USDA funded National Service Program  Expands resources of the Yellow Ribbon Program  Meets critical needs of communities with high rates of families impacted by deployment  Professional Development Internship for college students

15. What Does Project Y.E.S! Do?  Lead discussion that allows youth to teach themselves  Teach important life skills while having fun  Strengthen networks for youth with family members affected by deployment

18. Project Y.E.S! Mentor Project Project Y.E.S! supports interns to work with a mentor  Establish more professional skills  Obtain more information about prospective careers  Provide resources and networks to move forward with career goals

19. Mentor Project with American Samoa  Current mentor project:  Obtaining a better understanding of the Cooperative Extension and relationship with 4-H  Utilizing networks and resources at National 4-H Council  Sharing information with American Samoa to encourage growth and show support

20. A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words!