CBS Youth Camp FAQ
Below are general questions about Youth camp that are frequently asked. Please do not hesitate to call the CBS Office with any other questions you might have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Things to know before you arrive -
What are your beliefs? Read our Statement of Beliefs page.
How do I contact camp? We would love for you to contact us.
What are the expected boat times? All participants of a session will come to camp together on a pre-arranged, chartered ferry, scheduled for the afternoon of the first day of camp (usually from the San Pedro port, around 3:00pm). Confirmed time and location will be announced a month before camp by email. Departure from camp on the last day is typically early afternoon returning to San Pedro usually by around 2:30pm. Any alternate transportation plans will not be compensated. Parking fees (about $20/night) at ferry terminal are not included in CBS camper fees.
How do I get there? We provide directions that will help you find the boat that will take you to CBS.
How do my students sign up for camp? Once you have registered your group, it has been confirmed, and a deposit has been made. You will then receive a confirmation with more information on Campwise. Once students and chaperones have signed up through your church, you will then give them the Campwise information and a specific to your church group hold id. This will get all your students and chaperones into the right camp/church group and all everyone to complete there forms electronically. No individual payments will be made through Campwise, it is a tool to collect forms, medication information, and allergy information. you will use your group leader link to keep up with your students and to see who has signed up.
I have signed myself or my student up for camp through my church, where do I go from here? You will receive a group hold id from your youth pastor upon sign up with your church. You will then go into the camper portal called Campwise, and start the sign up process. If you have never been to CBS then you will create a new login (make sure the initial login profile is under you, not your student), then you will be prompted to sign up your student or students for camp using the group hold. You can sign up multiple family members (including yourself) with the same login if you have signed up multiple students or you are coming as a chaperone. Returning users login to your existing account and sign up yourself or a previous student or create a new student if a new child has reached the age of coming to camp through there camper profile. Once registered you will then complete all required forms, allergies/dietary, OTC, and add any medications being brought to camp. Need help see our helpful guide here.
What type of housing will I be in? Types of structures include Enclosed Cabins, Open Air Cabins, and Tent/Shelters. The CBS registrar will assign housing based upon on size of group, gender splits, and the number of counselors per organization. Leaders If you would like to house your junior high and high school separately please let the CBS registrar know at least one month before camp. Groups will be housed within their own organization, unless two churches have chosen to house together. We do our best to accommodate your housing preference, however, this is not always possible.
Can I request specific needs for my cabin? Leaders If someone in your group has specific need (i.e., Pack ‘n Play, power for a CPAP machine, or mobility issues), please let the CBS registrar know on your group roster due one month before camp.
What else do I need to know about CBS housing? Your group will be assigned a cabin or tent upon arrival at camp. Because there is no electricity in the cabins you may want to consider bringing a battery operated lantern. Make sure to bring sleeping bags and pillows or sheets and light blankets. CBS does not provide these items. Please no food in cabins!
What do I need to pack? Here's what to bring when you visit Campus by the Sea.
What if I forget something like toiletries? The CBS Snack shop sells everyday travel toiletries such as toothpaste and soap.
What important miscellaneous Items should I bring? A flashlight, sunscreen, and water shoes (we have a rocky beach) are essential!! If you plan to fish, please bring your own equipment and valid California fishing license if over the age of 16. CBS provides bait and has drop lines available to loan out.
When is final payment due? Leaders, final payment is due 1 week from the start of your session. Final Payment can be paid via an e-check or credit card on Campwise or a physical check mailed to Campus by the Sea PO Box 466 Avalon, CA 90704. Parents check with your church about when payment for camp is due. You will only pay your church and will not pay CBS directly.
What are the requirements to be a counselor at camp? All groups must bring their own counselors to summer camp. All counselor must be 19 years old and preferably have been out of High School for at least 1 year. CBS requires a 1:6 ratio per gender for every group. If you have interest in being a counselor with your church reach out to your youth leader or church to find out the legal requirements and if they are in need of more counselors.
Can I give to your important ministry? We welcome your donations.
Things to know during your group/campers stay -
Do you accommodate my food allergy and/or dietary restriction? Our food service team is ready to serve those with special dietary needs or food allergies. We can easily accommodate those with allergies to nuts, gluten, dairy, and other common dietary restrictions. Please insert your individual campers dietary restrictions and food allergies in the medical portion on Campwise when registering and we will assist you in any way we can. Those with complex dietary issues may want to bring extra foods to supplement. A camper fridge and microwave are available for those who have particular needs.
What type of water recreation is offered? Waterfront recreation includes kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, water mat, swim float, fishing, and swimming. A swim test will be conducted at the beginning of the first waterfront for all campers (this includes all adults). Any campers that do not pass or choose not to participate in the swim test, will be required to wear a life jacket while doing any water activities. During our summer programs, we offer additional water recreation equipment. Life jackets are required for all campers on any water recreation equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards.
What type of land recreation is offered? We offer basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, gaga ball, hiking, and campfires. Skateboards, roller-blades, and mountain bikes are not permitted at CBS, or on trails. Please do not bring these items with you.
Is there cell service and/or WIFI offered at CBS? There is no cell service or WIFI at camp. There is a courtesy phone located near the lighthouse seminar room for campers to make a short complimentary call. Please inform emergency contacts to call the CBS office 310-510-0015 if something arises at home that requires attention.
What is Opportunity To Serve? At CBS we serve meals cafeteria style. Your group will be assigned to one meal to assist with washing dishes and resetting tables. OTS provides an atmosphere of service and group teamwork.
Does CBS have a camp store? Yes, the store is open in the afternoons. The camp store sells gifts, souvenirs, sundries, toiletries, plus a selection of drinks, and snacks. The store accepts payments via debit and credit card with purchases that are $5 or more and also cash.
Where is the bathroom located at camp? The bath pavilion is centrally located in camp with hot showers, sinks, toilets, and electricity. The bath pavilion is divided between men’s and women’s. Please bring your own towels. CBS is located on a desert island where water is considered a precious resource; all campers are asked to conserve water as much as possible.
Will my group or camper be housed with another group? Your camper will only be housed with other campers of the same gender from your church with counselors from your church.