1999 The initial vision
When Annamari received her SCUBA certification she felt freedom and peace and the desire to share it with others was birthed. Annamari especially felt to share the experience with people with physical disabilities, as a way for them to expand their abilities and explore new territories free from gravity.
1999 – 2008 Vision lying dormant
During these 10 years, the vision was lying dormant, as many people discouraged Annamari from pursuing the dream, as there seemed to be too much liability risk involved. However, during this period she developed a curriculum for environmental education on basic ecosystems in New Zealand when she worked for Gideon’s Fields in Tauranga.
2008 Aug Resurrection of the vision
In August of 2008 there was a staff training seminar called Uniquip hosted at the University of the Nations, Kona Hawai’i campus. Annamari was full-time staff of the UofN, Kona base during this time and attended the seminar. As an elective she did the Destiny by Design course presented by Gwen Burguist. It was during this course that Annamari realized that this vision that was planted in her heart 10 years ago, is part of her design and needs to be put into action. Right after the course she started developing the program that is now known as Deep & Beyond. The next 9 months was filled with developing the dream and putting the first event together.
2009 May 23 1st Snorkel Day for people with disabilities
On May 23, 2009 the first snorkel day was hosted at Kahalu’u Beach Park, Kona Hawai’i. This particular snorkel day was called: “day at the bay” and was hosted in partnership with Voyages Unbound with Jack Oppenhuizen. It was during this event that Annamari realized that the ministry has to expand its horizons to include all levels of disabilities, and not only focus on high-functioning or only physical special needs. No-one should be left behind. Since the first Snorkel Day, there has been many more events for people with special needs, and Snorkel Day is not a once-a-month event all year round.
2009 June Deep & Beyond and the University of the Nations
Deep & Beyond was officially launched as a program of the the University of the Nations, Kona Hawai’i. This program continues to be supported by the UofN, Kona.
2009 July Partnership established with KCCEF
In July 2009 Pat Cunningham contacted the ministry to see if we would be interested in a partnership with the Kona Community and Cultural Education Foundation (KCCEF). KCCEF could provide us with the opportunity to take various groups out on educational open ocean boat excursions. This partnership has been ongoing through the past few years.
2009 Oct – Dec Start of the Marine Biology Program
The first Marine Biology Program was a 3-month program following a fixed curriculum for home schooling. This 3-month program continued for about another year but eventually this program was replaced with the 3-day adventure camp that Deep & Beyond now offers.
2010 March Department of Parks and Recreation gets involved
An application was submitted to and granted by the Department of Parks and Recreation for co-sponsorship for this season’s snorkel day events. This co-sponsorship includes availability of safety equipment and recreation specialist staff to assist during the events. This co-sponsorship is ongoing.
2010 July – Aug Deep & Beyond and World Changers Youth Camp
During the summer Deep & Beyond assisted staff training as well as with activities during the World Changers Youth Camp. We continue to provide WCYC with adventure activities when these camps are running in Kona Hawai’i.
2011 Feb 4 Deep & Beyond and Body Glove
Our special needs participants enjoyed a whale watch boat trip sponsored by Body Glove. Since then, Body Glove has sponsored a number of other trips.
2011 Feb 8 Start of Freedom Adventure with Domestic Violence Shelter
Freedom adventures started with the women from the Domestic violence Shelter and is now an ongoing program that takes place twice a month.
2011 March Start of the Adventure Camps
Deep & Beyond adjusted the 3-month Marine biology program to a 3 day camp to better serve the local kids during their Spring break. Since then Deep & Beyond have hosted many adventure camps, including Marine Biology Adventure camp, Volcanoes and Lava tubes adventure camp and Stars and Mountaintops adventure camp.
2011 May 21 Deep & Beyond and Dolphin Quest Hilton Waikoloa
Dolphin Quest Hilton Waikoloa sponsored a number of dolphin encounter trips for special needs participants. They have since sponsored more trips.
2011 Dec 17 Deep & Beyond and Atlantis Submarine
Atlantis Submarine donated an entire trip to Deep & Beyond’s special needs participants to enjoy seeing the ocean from a different perspective.
2012 Aug 30 Snorkel Day multiplies in another location
Deep & Beyond help the first Snorkel Day for people with disabilities on the East side of the Big Island, at Richardson’s Beach Park in Hilo.
Today… Deep & Beyond continues to serve the marginalized and underprivileged through providing our programs: Snorkel Day and Adventure Camps.