Annually the Osaka Scouts visit Hawaii where they have to navigate through Honolulu solely with the help of their guides. The purpose is to give them the opportunity to practice speaking English and to apply their survival tips to real-life scenarios.

The Kamehameha Lions sponsors a dinner with the Osaka Scouts and invites Leo club members from around the island to join them. The event is held at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Memorial Hall. The Academy’s Leo club has been participating and hosting the event for three years.

Leo club members currently studying Japanese were encouraged to communicate with the scouts in order to improve their skills. Leo club members also improved their own language skills.

Junior Kassandra Kitigawa said, “I think that speaking to people who are native to the language helps me to be less awkward and more conversational. Although I was embarrassed at first for always making small grammatical errors, I was able to gain more courage because the scouts encouraged me to keep speaking even though I was making mistakes.”

Sophomores Angela Hesch and Sarah Naai performed two hula numbers.

Leo club members also performed and taught the scouts a simple hula, “Hukilau” as part of the entertainment.

Sophomore Pamela Nishida said, “I always enjoy doing special events like this one. It was especially fun for me because I got to perform and teach people a new dance.”

Academy graduate and a proud Lion of the Leo club, Sherry Wong, donated homemade cupcakes while alumna and Lion Mai Shiomi donated time to help set up the dinner.