Summer Youth Academy
June 16 - 27, 2025Kindergarten – 1st
Completing Kindergarten or 1st grade in AY 24-25

Mini Disney Chefs (K-1)
Instructor: Nanea Fukuda
8:00AM – 9:50AM
Course Description
Step into a world of magic, movies, and mouthwatering treats! Disney isn’t just about unforgettable adventures—it’s also home to some of the most enchanting snacks. From buttery popcorn and sweet cookies to movie-themed gummies and other delicious delights, we’ll bring the flavors of Disney to life! Join me as we watch some of my all-time favorite Disney films and recreate the iconic snacks that make every Disney moment extra special. Get ready to mix, bake, and taste the magic—because in this class, dreams (and desserts) come true!
Course Code: ENR1520-001
Materials Fee: $40
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A pencil box of leftover school supplies to include crayons and pencils. A composition tablet/notebook and water bottle.

Master Builder Academy: Create, Innovate, and Build with LEGO! (K-1)
Instructor: Nanea Fukuda
10:20AM – 12:10PM
Course Description
Get ready to unleash your inner master builder! In this hands-on LEGO adventure, you’ll take on daily creative challenges that put your imagination and problem-solving skills to the test. We’ll start by designing your name in LEGO, then level up to inventing your own amazing creations—maybe even a futuristic gadget or a brand-new form of transportation! There are no limits to what you can build when creativity and innovation collide.
Are you up for the challenge? Let’s get building! 🚀🧱
Course Code: ENR1524-001
Materials Fee: $40 (student will have their own LEGO Creator Box Set)
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A pencil box of leftover school supplies to include crayons and pencils. A composition tablet/notebook and water bottle.

STEAming Through a good book (K-1)
Instructor: Deanna Spain
10:20AM -12:10AM
Course Description
Get fired up with some great kid books and STEAM on through them. Find out about nature’s perfect package (i.e., the egg!) and see if you drop it without breaking it! What light and shadows emerge from The Night World? See the spectrum of colors bursting out of The Rainbow Book. Connect to great kids’ books like these and pull out fun and challenging projects and activities that span science, technology and engineering. Add in the art and math and you’ll be STEAMing along!
Course Code: ENR1130-002
Materials Fee: $20
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A pencil box of leftover school supplies to include scissors, glue, crayons/markers.

The World of Music (K-1)
Instructor: Jenifer Tsuji
1:00PM -2:50PM
Course Description
Music connects us to the world around us. This musical experience will introduce you to the FUNdamentals of music! You’ll get into the rhythm by listening to musical selections and singing along. Try out different instruments and start learning how to read music. Discover all the wonderful ways music can be enjoyed in our lives and how important it is to us all.
Course Code: ENR1030-004
Materials Fee: $10
Materials requested for
students to bring:
N/A
Grades 2 – 3
Completing 2nd or 3rd grade in AY 24-25

Cookin' Books - A Culinary Adventure (2-3)
Instructor: Deanna Spain
8:00AM – 9:50AM
Course Description
Join us as we embark on a delightful journey where stories come to life through hands-on cooking activities! Children will learn to read, cook, and create, all while enjoying delicious food inspired by their favorite stories! We’ll explore a beloved children’s book and create a simple, themed recipe inspired by the story. Students will develop early literacy skills, practice basic math and science concepts, gain confidence in the kitchen, and foster a love for reading. From If You Give a Mouse a Cookie to Green Eggs and Ham, children will stir, mix, and taste their way through stories while learning teamwork, following directions, and exploring new foods in a safe and engaging environment. Young learners will explore the delightful world of cooking through stories!
Course Code: ENR1521-001
Materials Fee: $20
Materials requested for
students to bring:
Dish towel and container for leftovers.

Sprout Scouts: Exploring the Magic of Seeds! (2-3)
Instructor: Brooke Camero
8:00AM – 9:50AM
Course Description
Come along for a hands-on adventure as we dig into the fascinating world of plants! In Sprout Scouts, young explorers will discover what seeds need to grow, investigate different types of seeds, and get their hands dirty with fun gardening activities. From planting their own seeds to creating a compost jar and going on a nature walk, students will become real-life plant scientists! Through exciting experiments and interactive lessons, they’ll uncover the secrets hidden inside seeds and learn how to care for growing plants. Get ready to plant, observe, and watch nature come to life! 🌱✨
Course Code: ENR1522-001
Materials Fee: $20
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A pencil box of leftover school supplies.

Disney Snacktastic (2-3)
Instructor: Chelsea Yagi
10:20AM -12:10PM
Course Description
Step into a world of magic and munchies! In our magical kitchen you’ll recreate famous Disney-inspired snacks, watch movies while enjoying delicious creations, and even dream up your own Disney-worthy treat! Through hands-on snack-making and a creativity challenge, use your imagination to design a brand-new snack fit for the Disney parks. This fun-filled course encourages creativity, teamwork, and the joy of making (and eating!) simple, tasty snacks. Get ready for a delicious adventure where food and fun come together! 🍿✨
Course Code: ENR1525-001
Materials Fee: $20
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A pencil box with leftover school supplies and a container daily for any leftovers.

Young Inventor's Lab: Creating the future (2-3)
Instructor: Wenona Correa
10:20AM -12:10PM
Course Description
Calling all curious creators and problem-solvers! In this exciting hands-on class, you’ll explore the world of engineering and invention through fun challenges like building wacky Rube Goldberg machines, designing the best-flying paper airplane, constructing towering spaghetti structures, and testing the strength of penny bridges! Each lesson begins with an engaging read-aloud to spark ideas, followed by time to build, test, and improve your designs.
At the end of our journey, you’ll get to show off your amazing creations in a special Inventor Showcase! Are you ready to think big, build smart, and have tons of fun? Let’s get inventing! 🚀🔧✨
Course Code: ENR1526-001
Materials Fee: $20
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A pencil box of leftover
school supplies to include crayons, white glue, and scissors.

Paint, Play, And Create! A Fun Acrylic Adventure with Ms. Ting! (2-3)
Instructor: Ting Lee
1:00PM – 2:50PM
Course Description
Get ready to dive into a world of color and creativity! In this fun-filled painting class, you’ll explore how to bring your ideas to life using acrylic paint. With simple guidelines and exciting techniques, you’ll create unique paintings while learning important principles of art. Each session, you’ll take on a new challenge, making creative choices to make your artwork truly your own. At the end of the two-week journey, you’ll proudly display your masterpiece in a special class exhibition—complete with your very own artist statement!
Course Code: ENR1529-001
Materials Fee: $25
Materials requested for
students to bring:
Large brown bag and soda box to store supplies and paintings daily.
Grades 4 – 6
Completing 4th, 5th or 6th grade in AY 24-25

Scientific Art: Exploring the Connections (4-6)
Instructor: Santana Tmakiung
8:00AM – 9:50AM
Course Description
Join us for a summer of discovery! In ‘Scientific Art: Exploring the Connections,’ kids will learn how scientific concepts inspire artistic creation, and how art can illuminate the wonders of science. Expect hands-on experiments, creative projects, and a whole lot of fun.
Course Code: ENR1523-001
Materials Fee: $10
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A pencil box with leftover school supplies to include crayons, white glue, and scissors.

La Fiesta de la Pinata (4-6)
Instructor: Santana Tmakiung
10:20AM – 12:10PM
Course Description
Join us for a hands-on, creative journey into the vibrant world of piñatas! In this course, we’ll explore the history and cultural significance of this festive tradition while learning the step-by-step process of crafting our very own piñatas. From building the base with cardboard and tape to decorating with colorful paper and filling them with treats, students will develop their artistic skills and learn practical techniques. Get ready to design, build, and break your way to a fun-filled celebration!
Course Code: ENR1527-001
Materials Fee: $6
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A pencil box of leftover school supplies to include crayons, white glue, and scissors.

Mo' Fun Play Ukulele (4-6)
Instructor: Calvin Enoki
10:20AM -12:10PM
Course Description
Ready to make music and have a blast? In just 10 fun-filled sessions, you’ll learn to play the ukulele—no experience needed! Strum along to your favorite tunes, master basic chords, and even sing while you play. Whether you’re a total beginner or have strummed before, this class will have you making music in no time. Grab a ukulele and get ready to jam! 🎶🎸
Course Code: ENR1528-001
Materials Fee: $0
Materials requested for
students to bring:
Students are required to bring their own ukulele.

Chop, Drop and Roll: Kids Cooking Club (4-6)
Instructor: Whitney Sugimoto
1:00PM -2:50PM
Course Description
Get ready to slice, dice, and spice up your kitchen skills! In this hands-on cooking club, young chefs will learn how to create delicious dishes from scratch — no oven needed! From breakfast favorites and international flavors to no-bake treats and stovetop sensations, each class is packed with tasty recipes, kitchen tips, and a whole lot of fun. Join us for a culinary adventure where creativity meets confidence — one chop at a time!
Course Code: ENR1530-001
Materials Fee: $30
Materials requested for
students to bring:
Students should wear covered shoes. Please bring one or two dish towels that are labeled or easily identifiable and two containers to take your food home in, just in case you have leftovers. Apron is optional.

Pickleball Power 101: Game ON! (4-6)
Instructors: C. Wagatsuma, E. Yoshiyama, A. Mitsuyoshi
1:00PM – 2:50PM
Course Description
Jump into the fun and excitement of pickleball, where you’ll serve, smash, and score your way to victory! Whether you’re a first-time player or a rising star, this class is all about fun, friendly competition, and fast-paced rallies. Learn the basics of pickleball, from perfecting your paddle skills to mastering teamwork and strategy. Through exciting drills, creative challenges, and mini-tournaments, you’ll build confidence, stay active, and most importantly—have a blast! Grab a paddle, bring your energy, and let’s hit the court!
Course Code: ENR1531-001
Materials Fee: $0
Materials requested for
students to bring:
Athletic Shoes and comfortable clothing to play outdoors.
Water bottle, Sunscreen, hat/visor, towel and, sunglasses (optional).
Pickleball paddle, if one is available
UAV Drone Academy: Beginning Drone Program

For Students Completing Grades 6-8 (ay 24-25)
Instructor: Paul Agamata
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Course Description
Drones are captivating the world with their usefulness from aerial imaging, performing life saving missions, inspecting large agricultural and forest landscapes, scientific research, delivering packages and more. Our drone expert and Pilot will cover laws and regulations, flight checklists, and ethical operation in this engaging course. We will build a drone, practice flight simulation before going full hands-on as we end the course with actual flight time!
Course Code: ENR1400-011
Tuition: $240 (Early Bird) $265 after May 30, 2025

For Students completing grades 9-12 (ay 24-25)
Instructor: Paul Agamata
1:00PM – 3:00PM
Course Description
Drones are captivating the world with their usefulness from aerial imaging, performing life saving missions, inspecting large agricultural and forest landscapes, scientific research, delivering packages and more. Our drone expert and Pilot will cover laws and regulations, flight checklists, and ethical operation in this engaging course. We will build a drone, practice flight simulation before going full hands-on as we end the course with actual flight time!
Course Code: ENR1400-012
Tuition: $240 (Early Bird) $265 after May 30, 2025
Testimonials
“SYA met our expectations once again. The enrichment classes that are offered are unmatched! My daughter loves taking classes year after year because they are classes that meet her interests and they’re absolutely fun! Thank you, SYA for putting together a fun enrichment program year after year for our keiki!” ~ Anonymous
“My child had a lot of fun everyday, she learned something new and got to try new foods and enriched her summer.” ~ R. Day
“One of the better programs that I sent my child to. I am very impressed with the creativity and what my child did in that short amount of time.” ~ Anonymous
How To Register
Online
hawaii.hawaii.edu/edvance
**Preferred Browsers – Google Chrome or Firefox to avoid registration errors**
Phone
Phone: (808) 934-2700
Fax: (808) 934-2701
FAMILY CHECKOUT OPTION AVAILABLE
Our online registration system has a new Family Login option where you can create or add your child(rens) profile(s) under a Family Account. This allows you to enroll multiple children in one transaction. Get started by going to https://ce.uhcc.hawaii.edu/index.jsp and select Family Login in the upper right corner. You will need to Create a New Family Account. PLEASE NOTE: if using an iPhone you will get an error if using Safari as your browser. Please use Chrome or Firefox for best results.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Reduced tuition rates until May 30
Early Bird discount ($215) available until May 30, 2025.
AVOID REGISTRATION ERRORS
We recommend using Chrome or Firefox
If you’re registering from an iPhone or using Safari as your browser you will receive an error at checkout. We highly recommend using Firefox or Google Chrome browsers to register and make payment online. Please feel free to call our office at (808) 934-2700 to pay with a credit card over the phone during business hours (M-F, 8:00AM – 4:00PM). You may also submit a follow up request with us to assist you with your registration during business hours.
Mail-in (Check only)
Hawaii Community College
EDvance
1175 Manono St.
Hilo, HI 96720
FILLED COURSES
Space is limited – early registration is advised. If a course is filled when we receive your registration, we will contact you; you may cancel your registration at no charge, select an alternate course or place your name on a wait list. There is no fee to be placed on a waiting list.
CANCELED COURSES
We don’t like to cancel courses, but each one must meet its minimum enrollment. Don’t be disappointed – register early and bring a friend! If a course is canceled, registrants will be contacted immediately and offered to transfer to an available course or issued a full refund.
Walk-in
Hawaii Community College
EDvance
1175 Manono St.
Bldg. 381A, Rm. 1
Hilo, HI 96720
8:00 am – 4:00 pm (M-F)
SIGN-IN & SIGN-OUT PROCESS
Parent, guardian or authorized person must sign K-6 students in & out each day. Written authorization must be provided if a student leaves early.
REFUNDS
You are entitled to a full refund for complete withdrawal if made on or before June 6, 2025. Thereafter refunds will not be allowed and tuition will be forfeit.
2025 SYA Instructors

Brooke Camero is a third grade teacher at Chiefess Kapiʻolani Elementary School. When not in the classroom, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and cherishing quality time with friends and family. Brooke is excited for a summer of fun and learning alongside your child.
Wenona Correa has been a teacher at Hilo Union for 10 years. She goes above and beyond to create a rigorous and engaging learning environment for all of her students. Her elementary experience spans from 2nd through 4th grade. She has proven herself to embrace diversity and build strong relationships with all of her students and colleagues.
Calvin Enoki has long had music in his bones and fingertips. He is a musician, having played guitar and bass in a rock and roll band and in a church music group. Calvin has taught ukulele to elementary school children, inmates and seniors. He has taught ukulele making classes too! His love of singing and strumming local and contemporary tunes leads others to find joy in making music too.
Nanea Fukuda has been a teacher for 5 years, she has four years of experience in first grade and one year in kindergarten. Nanea has a love of integrating science into any and all other subjects. She looks forward to teacher her robotics course and share an exciting introduction into the world of roboticsfor you through storytelling, math and grammar too!
Tinghong Lee (just call her Ting!) was born in Taiwan and grew up in the US. She has worked with K-4 and primary grade special education students for 20 years. During the past 10 years, she has been working with middle school students in the Keaʻau School’s afterschool program. Ting developed a passion for painting at 5 years old and hasn’t looked back since! Painting is a way to express herself along with the three languages that she speaks. She loves sharing her work process with others and learning how to use images and colors to bring out the beauty from within. In her free time she loves to paint, cook, practice Taiji and be with her cats.
Deanna Spain has been an elementary school teacher on Oahu and the Big Island for over 25 years. She has taught Kindergarten, GT Language Arts 3-5, and is currently teaching grade 5. When not teaching, Deanna loves traveling to Alaska and various other states to watch her daughter compete in college gymnastics. She also loves to read, relax at home, and catch up on her favorite TV shows.
Whitney Sugimoto has been an elementary school teacher for 12 years. She has taught a wide range of grades from Preschool to 6th grade. She currently teaches 4th grade at Waiakea Elementary. She graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo with a Major in Natural Science and a Minor in Chemistry along with her teacher certificate. Her passion is math and science but Whitney loves to cook, bake, and especially eat delicious foods. She believes the best thing about teaching is igniting the joy of learning and showing students that you never stop learning.
Santana Tmakiung was born and raised on the Big Island, she graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in 2016. After a brief relocation to Oregon, Santana moved back in 2018 and got involved in education. She previously taught STEM and SEL at Keaʻau Elementary to grades K-5 before completing her teaching certification for secondary science. Santana currently teaches SPED at Waiakea High School and has students in grades 10-12. In her free time, she loves to bake (brownies, cookies, cupcakes, lemon bars, etc.), work in her garden (planting kalo, bell peppers, green onion, bananas, sunflowers, etc.), and crafting (specifically making piñatas!).
Jenifer Tsuji is currently a music teacher for grades pre-K to grade 6. She has taught general music and chorus at various schools throughout the Hilo area since the early 90s. Jenifer has also been playing the flute and piccolo with the Hawaii County Band for over 30 years.
Chelsea Yagi has been teaching for 6 years. She has taught Kindergarten and First grade. Chelsea earned her Master’s of Arts in Teaching degree at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. When she was in elementary school, she attended SYA for a couple of years and she’s happy to come back to this program and now teaching the littles. Chelsea is excited to meet you and have fun during summer.
Connie Yoshiyama is a tennis and pickleball player and has been involved in teaching the spreading pickleball mania for over 10 years. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the pickleball community by former Mayor Mitch Roth. Eileen Wagatsuma, a former DOE Health & PE Resource Teacher, and Audrey Mitsuyoshi are firm believers in being active to be healthy and have joined Connie in the mission to make pickleball available to all. They teach classes to any senior, adults and youth who want to pick up a paddle and have fun!

