wholesome things for teenagers new to the island to do around Hilo / Puna? (homes, school)

[CyberCity]

Off topic comment: .... this thread illustrates how an answer can be taken different ways. If you agree with an answer, then it it "telling it like it is". If you disagree (or don't like the message), then it is a mean, discouraging, unhelpful, kill-joy, unfriendly, don't-move-here-attitude answer.

Hawaii, like everywhere, has both good and bad. That is a reality.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

ha, ha, CyberCity, you are SO right. How many times have we frequent posters here been chastised for being negative when we're trying to tell them about reality?

[CyberCity]

Often. [Granted that it is nice to include some helpful alternatives or ways around the problems, but even including help hints does not change the underlying facts.]

[terracore]

To clarify, she is 15. To be honest back in Alaska she didn't have a lot of activities other than just "hanging out" and the occassional snowboarding (well that's come to an end, hasn't it?). What she is really looking for is a way to meet other girls her age without waiting for school to start, and some sort of activity is probably the best way to do that.

[CyberCity]

Another idea: If she likes animals, there is a great rescue organization, Rainbow Friends in Kurtistown. Perhaps spending time helping there would bring some fun into her day, as well as give her that warm & fuzzy feeling from helping warm and fuzzy animals. She might have to just "wait out" the meeting of other teens until school starts, or just let it happens as it comes about, but in the meanwhile she could find a spot to share her heart and time through volunteering.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by terracore

To clarify, she is 15. To be honest back in Alaska she didn't have a lot of activities other than just "hanging out" and the occassional snowboarding (well that's come to an end, hasn't it?). What she is really looking for is a way to meet other girls her age without waiting for school to start, and some sort of activity is probably the best way to do that.

She'll probably gravitate towards 'just hanging out' again....

But, might as well take her around the island together, and get to know your new home better. Take advantage of the new surroundings...either that, or try to help her find some interesting interests.

[OpenD]

It's uphill from you, but as I mentioned earlier when you were contemplating the move, check the Volcano Art Center and Cooper Center and Volcanoes National Park for activities like art workshops and hula classes, etc.

[hotzcatz]

Usually children and younger teenagers hang out with the neighbor kids. Are there any of them around? Look to as close to home as possible so the commuting time will be short.

[Ford Beebe]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

ha, ha, CyberCity, you are SO right. How many times have we frequent posters here been chastised for being negative when we're trying to tell them about reality?

"Telling it like it is" is far different than the implicit questioning of a basic parental decision that has already been made. That is the issue here.

[constantcuriosity]

Hilo YMCA has teen summer day camp. Rates are excellent and they have fun excursions.