Ocean Girl Founder & Camp Coordinator: For almost 20 years I was director of a non-profit program for troubled children. We ran a 4 week-long educational adventure camping trip each year ranging from 35-100 kids and staff. I have a masters level educational background including child development, education, psychology, sociology, and child protection law. Red Cross CPR and First Aid certified for over 30 years. Focus the last 10 years has been learning, practicing and promoting sustainability.
Surf and Water Safety: My late husband Scott Kudo was with for the CC of Honolulu Water Safety for about 18 years. He passed on to me his reverence, honor and knowledge of the ocean. He taught me how to surf from my heart and let it fill up my soul. He trained me in ocean safety and respect for all children of the sea. Together we founded and ran the very first surf camp for kids in Ventura, CA. It was fun, educational and the kids had a blast!
Surf Clinic with Nancy Emerson
Currently: Founder, editor for Becauswesurf.com, manager and surf instructor Aloha Surf Clinics with Pro Surfer Nancy Emerson here in Hawaii, and with the help of many, many volunteers, launching Ocean Girl Project, a sustainable surf camp for girls (targeting girls needing financial assistance) in Hawaii.
The Beginning: Becausewesurf.com, a not for profit organization, and sponsor for the Ocean Girl Project was born from a desire to raise awareness and funds for needy sustainable and surf related organizations and individuals. My loving partner and co-founder Doug Morton has supported and inspired the dream of creating sustainable surf camps that would also be offered to financially needy girls here in Hawaii and is the reason Ocean Girl Project is now a reality.
Hope: Our main hope is that by providing the opportunity to attend a camp session, girls will be inspired and involved in ocean and sustainable opportunities, know they are not alone and find places in life and in themselves where they can feel connected.
We believe the self-confidence that the girls will achieve coupled with the community support and mentors they will be exposed to, makes a significant difference in their lives.
It is a privilege and honor to share our passion for surfing, love of Hawaii, the earth and especially ocean with others.
Create a positive wave in a child’s life today, it takes all of us working to make a difference.
Aloha,
Colleen Kudo and all our wonderful volunteers
colleen@becausewesurf.com
most photos on blog by www.donnawelchphotography.com
Favorite motto: Dare to be bold
We gratefully accept donations! click holding hands photo for options.
Your mission speaks to my heart. And I love “Dare to be Bold.” Think I’ll try to live it and see what becomes. I believe we all have within an awesome wisdom waiting for release. My personal preference is dance and play. .. Freedom to make it up as we go. Surfing seems the perfect playground.
I am 14 years old….but i am a junior lifeguard, and a surfer who would love to volunteer for this camp as a jumior leader.
You are perfect, my biggest thank you! It is the last week in July 26-30, I will keep you updatesd.
With much gratitude and love,
Aunty Colleen