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Cooper Keyes '20 Joins Service Movement with Surfing the Nations
  • Alumni
Cooper Keyes '20 Joins Service Movement with Surfing the Nations

Cooper Keyes '20 Joins Service Movement with Surfing the Nations

GAC alumni are no strangers to making an impact, and Cooper Keyes, class of 2020 is no exception. Through his recent internship with Surfing the Nations (STN), Cooper found a powerful way to blend his passion for action sports with a desire to make a difference in the world. Surfing the Nations is a humanitarian non-profit that works to bring positive change to communities worldwide through service, leadership development, and the sport of surfing.

Founded in Wahiawa, Hawaii, STN’s mission focuses on transforming neighborhoods in need. The organization began by purchasing dilapidated properties on the North Shore. These properties have since been transformed into thriving local businesses like Surfers Coffee, Santa Loco Surf Shop, and the Surfers Church, as well as affordable housing for staff and community members. In the 15 years since this initiative began, Wahiawa has been transformed from a gang-violence-ridden area into a vibrant community full of light, opportunity, and hope.

Cooper’s internship with STN offered a hands-on opportunity to be part of this transformation. “I joined the program just two days before it started, not knowing exactly what to expect, but I left completely changed,” Cooper said. The internship, which lasts three months, is designed to provide young leaders with practical experience in leadership, service, and adventure. Cooper was one of 28 interns from around the world, including Sweden, Canada, Finland, and Venezuela.

Community Living and Leadership Development

The core of Cooper’s experience at STN was the strong sense of community developed among the interns and staff members. “My roommates became like brothers to me. I know they’ll be a part of my life forever,” Cooper recalled. Living alongside full-time staff members provided him with valuable mentorship from experienced leaders.

Throughout the internship, Cooper and his peers participated in leadership development sessions led by a variety of speakers. These lessons included topics such as identity, adventure, generosity, and service.

“The balance between classroom teaching and real-world application gave me the confidence to see myself as a leader of leaders,” he said. The program instilled him with a new sense of purpose and confidence, helping him discover his potential to drive change both locally and globally.

Outreach and Service

A significant part of the internship involved outreach programs, where interns served the local community and worked on various service projects. Cooper’s team helped renovate homes on the North Shore, cleaned up streets, and even spent time working on local farms. One of his favorite outreach experiences was working on an exotic flower farm owned by Bill and Heidi, a local couple. Cooper quickly developed a friendship with 72-year-old Bill and worked alongside him to build a greenhouse and till land for new crops.

Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of the internship was the 10-day inter-island outreach trip. Each class is sent to an island in Hawaii, where they serve in the community while also being required to leave their phones behind. This digital detox allowed Cooper and his peers to immerse themselves fully in the experience and connect deeply with one another. His team was sent to Kauai, where they served at Camp Hale Koa, clearing land for a zipline installation and working on various service projects.

Adventure and Personal Growth

The adventure aspect of STN’s internship also left a lasting impression on Cooper. Hawaii’s stunning natural beauty provided the backdrop for many unforgettable experiences, from surfing world-class waves to hiking treacherous mountains.

“I learned to dream bigger and live fully,” Cooper shared. He recalled his most exciting moments, like jumping from a 95-foot waterfall on Kauai, summiting a peak on the Three Peaks hike, and surfing some of the biggest waves of his life. These adventures brought him back to a childlike sense of wonder and freedom.

Reflecting on his time at STN, Cooper said, “I was empowered by the sense of community, developed as a leader, and inspired to chase adventure and make a difference in the world.”

Cooper’s journey with Surfing the Nations has only just begun. His internship not only reshaped his perspective on life but also ignited a passion for service and leadership that he plans to carry forward.

 

 

 

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