Week four of my LiA marked a transition into deeper leadership responsibilities and a more intentional rhythm of community engagement. While the pace of service remained steady, I began to see how many of the efforts I’ve been involved in were starting to align and build toward long-term impact.
On Monday, I continued volunteering with food box distribution, stepping into various roles to ensure the process ran smoothly and efficiently. It’s been encouraging to see how consistency in these weekly tasks has allowed me to take on more responsibility and contribute meaningfully to the team.
On Tuesday, I returned to Na Kia‘i O Maui to assist with regular food bank deliveries and helped pack snack packs for an upcoming youth event in Hana. Later that evening, I spent time with local friends and attended a planning meeting for a two-day community summer camp hosted by one of our partner organizations—an event I would be helping lead later in the week.
Wednesday and Thursday were filled with activity from morning to afternoon as we ran the camp for local children. Through games, dance, conversation, and creative activities, we were able to offer both fun and meaningful engagement. It was a powerful way to serve families in the community by providing support to parents while building relationships with the keiki. These moments reminded me of how joy and connection can be tools of healing and leadership.
On Friday morning, I partnered with a community member to do grassroots fundraising, going door-to-door in the neighborhood to sell Lau Lau plates that we had helped prepare earlier in the week. Later that evening, we held an award ceremony to close out the camp, inviting families to come celebrate their children’s growth and reflect on the lessons learned over the two days. It was deeply moving to witness how a short event could build such strong connections and create a space of affirmation and belonging.
Saturday began with an early morning hike at a local trail, followed by another afternoon of service at the Lahaina resource and recovery center. Returning to Na Kia‘i O Maui helped ground the week by connecting the energy of the summer camp with the ongoing needs of the community.
This week, I learned that leadership is often about being present, adaptable, and willing to meet the needs of the moment, whether that means stepping up to organize logistics, leading a group of kids in a game, or quietly supporting a teammate behind the scenes. Through the summer camp, I saw how leadership requires both structure and flexibility: planning ahead while also responding in real-time to the energy and needs of those you’re serving. I also learned that leading well involves creating space for others to shine, especially the children and youth we worked with, by encouraging their voices, celebrating their growth, and showing them they matter. Whether through fundraising, camp facilitation, or day-to-day tasks at the recovery center, I was reminded that servant leadership isn’t always glamorous, but it’s consistent, relational, and deeply impactful.