HILO — If Luke Lawler ever became stranded in the wilderness, he probably wouldn’t panic.
The 12-year-old could theoretically slay his own food, either by throwing a spear or shooting a bow and arrow. He‘d also know how to purify his own drinking water, with just a bowl, a cup and cling wrap.
And he‘d be capable of creating fire — using only shredded rope, sunlight and a magnifying glass.
“It’s pretty cool and fairly easy,” Luke said Wednesday, demonstrating those fire-making skills as a small flame emerged from the bundle of rope tinder he’d formed beneath his magnifying glass. “This would be useful if you accidentally drove off the road, or if something happened to you and you’re lost in the woods and need to make a signal to tell everyone where you are. Or, if you just need heat for the night.”
Luke is one of about 14 students enrolled this year in the Survivor SYA course, one of 25 enrichment courses offered through Hawaii Community College’s annual Summer Youth Academy program.
A total of 188 students are participating in the program’s courses this year, which, in addition to the survival class, include cybersecurity, music, carpentry and multiple Minecraft courses, back by popular demand from last year.
“Our classes are really enriching,” said program coordinator Estee Nathanson. “Most all are taught by former or current (state Department of Education) instructors, so they’re real teachers, and the curriculum and everything is very rich with actual content that’s applicable to their age groups. (The survivor course) is a lot of fun — it’s very hands-on, and they’re learning practical and cool skills.”
The three-week survivor course has been offered intermittently in years past and is among the most popular — this year it’s full. It gives students a thorough rundown of preparedness basics, including creating shelter, tying knots, using a compass and first aid.
Returning survivor camper Kai Hayashida, 12, said he’s most enjoyed honing his target-practice skills. Kai said he lives beside a forested area near Boiling Pots and said he believes the tools he’s gained from the course could potentially come in handy.
“It builds your confidence if you get lost in the woods,” Kai said. “Because in my backyard, there’s a forest. If I ever go back there and get lost, which I hope I don’t, I’ll at least be more prepared than I was before.”
“If you haven’t taken this class, you might not know how to survive by yourself,” added camper Zakariya Tamimi, 9. “It’s also just fun. You get to try new things you haven’t done before.”
Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
