ARCC Gap: Hawaii - O'ahu, Maui & the Big Island

I want future participants to know that the trip changes quite a bit depending on the group you are with. If your group is not particularly adventurous and you are adventurous, it can get pretty tedious. It is also quite annoying when the packing list makes it sound like you will be going on 3 to 4 day backpacking trips so you buy a very expensive backpack, which you didn't really need at all. So make sure you talk with your counselors or chaperones beforehand and make sure you aren't wasting your money.

The packing list isn’t exactly what you need. It should be revised. The travelling was amazing, and it’s Hawaii so it was stunning. The leaders were great, and very understanding. But some people in the group wouldn’t contribute and it felt like the leaders sometimes gave up on making them contribute. So sometimes it felt like some people didn’t have to do group chores, and there were different rules for different people. I really wish the instructors would have paid more attention to that. I didn’t like having to do things solo because others wouldn’t do them and the instructors wouldn’t step in and make them help. I felt like I had to do a lot of things solo.

Future participants should know you only need to use your tent for three weeks and that there is much less hiking and physical activity then stated so pack for town. Also this trip is focused on learning about the locals and the history of Hawaii. People should be willing to listen to other because you’re not going to get what you want all the time especially during student planned module. Also be prepared to eat so many carbs and the same thing over so don’t eat too many sandwiches before you come.

Really had a great time felt like I was miss lead by the brochure felt like there wasn’t as many activities done that we could have and also felt like there was barely any hiking. Leaders were absolutely awsome. But felt like the arcc program itself could of had us do so much more then we did. Should make it more clear that there we be a lot of filler time. Or maybe find more things for us to do so we’re not scrambling to find things to do. Really did love Kyle and Kat they were awsome down to earth people.

With ARCC programs, I believe a lot of information was left out. For instance the description of the program wasn’t completely accurate. We didn’t hike as much, the program was more of a hostel/bunk bed situation instead of camping, and certain experiences like coral reef studies (that the program listed) were excluded. I also believe that the packing list could be updated, as well as the overall information packet given. I did enjoy my experience, and I would 100% recommend the program. Whoever changes do need to be made.

Its fun but a lot of rules that don’t need to be inplace, also the itinerary left things put like how there was less camping than advertised. I also think that the instructors should be paid better. Being an adult I felt like I should've been able to take more risks than jumping off something less than five feet high. Also doing service for 6 out of our last seven days isn’t fun, I wish it was more spread out. Also try and get kat and kyle back they are incredible leaders but need better pay than they get.

I can’t recomend this program enough. If you are reading this and wondering if you should take a gap year with arcc, do it! I have done some of the coolest things in my life this year. This is my second gap semester with ARCC and I’m so happy I chose to do my full year with them. I have met some of my best friends on this program, and amazing people along the way. You become so close with everyone within days, and you are a family by the end of the program. I got super lucky and had a great group this semester (may not always be the case though). Arcc has some great partnerships with amazing organizations. I felt there was a great balence of doing service work and fun stuff. I wasn’t expecting to have as much free time to explore nearby towns and beach days, but I was so happy we did. I would say that I’d you are looking for a ton of freedom to do your own thing and explore, this might not be the program for you. Although there is room for independence, there isn’t a ton and many students struggle with that (myself included at times). In adoration, the program was a little misleading in terms of general overview of program (way less camping then stated) but I still loved the program. BUT I believe the pros of arcc out way the cons 100%.

My leaders were wonderful at executing a well planned trip. Kat and Kyle were always there to support me in any and every way. They also kept a positive attitude. I met great people and had awesome experiences. The service was rewarding, and I met some really cool people. I had a lot of fun at the activities such as surfing, scuba diving, and hiking. The free time we had was also great. It gave me time to refuel and get to know everyone. This was a great opportunity that I am so glad I got to be a part of.