Damien Summer Academy Checkout Page

(Credit/No Credit), M-F 8:00-12pm at DMS

Open to grades 7 and 8

Course overview
All About ʻĀina (Land) is an interdisciplinary summer course that explores the deep connection between people, culture, and land in Hawaiʻi. Through a blend of literacy, mathematics, Hawaiian culture-based learning, hula, and introductory artificial intelligence and coding, students will discover how ʻāina sustains life and shapes identity.

Students will read stories and informational texts about Hawaiʻi’s landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural practices, while strengthening their writing skills through reflection, storytelling, and creative projects. Math concepts will be applied through real-world activities such as measuring land areas, mapping ahupuaʻa systems, analyzing environmental data, and solving practical problems related to land stewardship.

(Credit/No Credit), M-F 8:00-12pm at DMS

Open to grades 5 and 6

Course overview
All About Wai is an interdisciplinary summer course designed for students in grades 5 and 6 that explores the cultural, scientific, mathematical, and creative significance of water in Hawaiʻi. Rooted in Hawaiian culture-based learning, this course integrates reading, writing, mathematics, hula, and introductory AI and coding to help students understand why water—wai—is central to life, history, and sustainability in Hawaiʻi.

Students will explore traditional Hawaiian knowledge and stories connected to water while also investigating modern challenges related to water conservation, climate, and technology. Through hands-on projects, collaborative learning, and cultural practice, students will develop academic skills while deepening their connection to place and community.

Week 1 (June 8-10, 12)

M-F 1pm-3pm at DMS

Open to grades 3-8. No prerequisite. 

Course overview
This clinic is designed for students in grades 3–8 who want to improve their speed, agility, and overall athletic performance. Participants will learn proper running form, quick footwork, and movement techniques through fun and challenging drills. This clinic helps young athletes build confidence, improve coordination, and develop the quickness needed for success in any sport.

Week 3 June 22nd - 26th

M-F 1pm-3pm at DMS

Open to grades 3-8. No prerequisite. 

Course overview
This soccer clinic is a fun, high-energy week designed for students in Grades 3–8 to build skills, confidence, and teamwork. Led by Damien coaches, students will learn and practice core fundamentals—dribbling, passing, shooting, defending, and positioning—through age-appropriate drills, small-sided games, and friendly scrimmages.

Players of all experience levels are welcome. The clinic emphasizes sportsmanship, fitness, and a positive team environment, helping students grow as athletes while having a great time on the field.

Week 2 (June 15-18)

M-F 1pm-3pm at DMS

Open to grades 3-8. No prerequisite. 

Course overview
This basketball clinic is a fun, skill-building week for students in Grades 3–8 to learn fundamentals, improve confidence, and enjoy the game in a supportive environment. Led by Damien coaches, students will practice key skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, layups, footwork, defense, and game positioning through age-appropriate drills, stations, and mini-games.

All skill levels are welcome. The clinic emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and fitness, ending the week with friendly scrimmages so students can apply what they’ve learned.

Week 4 (June 29-July 2)

M-F 1pm-3pm at DMS

Open to grades 3-8. No prerequisite. 

Course overview
This wrestling clinic helps students in Grades 3–8 build strong fundamentals through structured instruction and fun, age-appropriate training. Led by Damien coaches, students will learn basic stance and movement, takedown fundamentals, escapes, control positions, and mat awareness, while improving strength, agility, and conditioning. The clinic includes drills, partner work, and light live practice designed to match experience levels.

All skill levels are welcome. The focus is on technique, safety, sportsmanship, and confidence.

Week 5 (July 6-10)

M-F 1pm-3pm at DMS

Open to grades 3-8. No prerequisite. 

Course overview
This volleyball clinic is a fun, skills-focused week for students in Grades 3–8 to learn the fundamentals and build confidence on the court. Led by Damien coaches, students will practice key skills such as serving, passing, setting, hitting, footwork, and court positioning through age-appropriate drills, stations, and game-style activities.

All experience levels are welcome. The clinic emphasizes teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, and fitness, and ends with friendly scrimmages so students can apply what they’ve learned in a supportive environment.

.5 elective credit (A-F), M-F 8am-10am at DMS

Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite. 

Course overview
Learn the basic steps of hula.  Students will learn simple oli, hula (ancient and contemporary) as well as the Hawaiian language.  No experience is necessary.  This course is open to both boys and girls.

.5 elective credit (A-F), M-F 10am-12pm at DMS

Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite. 

Course overview
Students learn about physical, mental, emotional and social health to improve and maintain their health, prevent disease and reduce risky behaviors.

.5 elective credit (A-F), M-F 8am-10am at DMS

Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite. 

Course overview
Students participate in a comprehensive PE program consisting of skill development, lead up games, team sports, and physical fitness activities. Students receive instruction in rules, skills and strategies of different sports to promote a spirit of cooperation, leadership, fair play and friendly competition.

.5 elective credit (A-F), M-F 8am-10am at DMS

Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite. 

Course overview

This course immerses high school students in the evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), exploring its core concepts, tools, and real-world applications. Through interactive lessons and hands-on projects, students will experiment with AI-driven platforms such as ChatGPT, Magic School AI, Gemini, Canva, DALL·E, CodeHS, and code.org. They will develop practical skills in AI-generated text, image creation, video editing, and machine learning while examining AI’s impact on society and ethical considerations. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in AI and its transformative role in the modern world.

.5 elective credit (Credit/No Credit), M-F 8:30-12:30pm at Honolulu Community College

June 12-July 18, 2026

Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite. 

Includes transportation to and from HCC from DMS (Leaves DMS at 8am and leaves HCC at 12:45pm)

Course overview
Summer CTE Academy is a five week exploratory summer program that offers high school students the opportunity to experience various career and technical education programs offered at Honolulu Community College. The 2026 Summer CTE Academy is open to all high school students (Class of 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029). Through lab work, group projects, lectures and assignments, students will explore the technical fields related to trades and services from a wide range of subjects, including automotive, computer networking and support, early childhood education, music, fashion, welding, and more! 

.5 elective credit (A-F), Online & Asynchronous through Honolulu Community College

June 8 to July 31, 2026 (8-wk timeframe to complete coursework)

Open to grades 11-12. Prerequisites: Acceptance into HCC as Early Admission (form), qualifying score on EdReady assessment of 75 or SAT ERBW score of 510 or ACT score of 18. Seats are limited. Additional forms required.

Course overview
This online and asynchronous course introduces students to the basic principles of human communication. Perceptual processes, cultural awareness, verbal and nonverbal communication, and effective listening techniques are discussed. Students also receive practice in improving their competency in the areas of informative and persuasive speaking, and in interpersonal and small group communication. (3 hrs. lect. per week) Conducted online at student's own schedule within a time frame established by the instructor (ASYNC).

.5 elective credit (A-F), Online & Asynchronous through Honolulu Community College

Open to grades 11-12. Prerequisites: Acceptance into HCC as Early Admission (form), qualifying score on EdReady assessment of 75 or SAT ERBW score of 510 or ACT score of 18. Seats are limited.  Additional forms required.

Course overview

An introduction to the unique aspects of the native point of view in Hawaiʻi and in the larger Pacific with regards to origins, language, religion, land, art, history, and modern issues. (3 hrs. lect. per week). Conducted online at student's own schedule within a time frame established by the instructor (ASYNC). This section is S-Focus (SF), meaning that a significant portion of the assignments and content will concentrate on issues of sustainability. This HAP-focus course fulfills the HAP-focus graduation requirement (3 UH credits) for HCC's AA degree and UH Manoa's baccalaureate requirements.

.5 elective credit (Credit/No Credit), T/Th 8:00-11am at DMS

Open to grades high school students with a valid Hawaiʻi learner driving permit

Course overviewThis course includes classroom and Behind-the-Wheel instruction.  Wong Way Driving Academy is a State-certified driver's education course, consisting of the following requirements:

• 30 hour classroom instruction

• 6 hour Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) instruction

.5 elective credit (Credit/No Credit), M/W 8:00-10am at DMS

Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite.

Course overview
This course is designed to build strong SAT fundamentals across both Math and Verbal, with an emphasis on core concepts, test strategy, and efficient problem-solving. The goal is to help students raise their SAT scores and confidence while building the skills needed for higher score ranges. We also focus on helping students understand how the test is constructed, so they can approach questions more strategically. The course is designed to be rigorous but supportive, giving students repeated practice with the core skills that drive score growth.

.5 elective credit (Credit/No Credit), M-F 8am-12pm (variable depending on internship)

Open to grades 10-12. No prerequisite. Students must provide their own transportation to and from their internship location.

Course overview

The Internship Seminar is designed to help students maximize their summer internship experience.  Students will learn everything from professional attire and etiquette, to computer applications that may be helpful in the workplace. Through discussion-based sessions, students will engage with and learn from each other, as well as reflect on their own experiences.