GUEST RETREATS FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Things to know before you arrive -

1. What are your beliefs? Read our Statement of Beliefs page.

2. How do I contact the camp? We would love for you to contact us.

3. How do I get there? We provide directions to the boat terminal, where you will catch the boat to CBS.

4. What about the boat? Your organization will come to camp together on a pre-arranged, chartered ferry or ferry tickets, depending on the size of your group. Unless your organization chooses to book its own tickets, all boat travel arrangements will be made by the CBS guest coordinator. Any alternate individual transportation plans will not be compensated. Parking fees at the ferry terminal (about $22/night) are not included in CBS camper fees.

5. What boat time should I request? Your organization's group leader can request specific boat times from the guest coordinator. Typical boat times are an afternoon departure from the mainland with a return around lunch. For chartered boats, a later request from the mainland boat is possible. Mid-week group boat requests before lunch on the first day are possible, depending on camp occupancy and the boat schedule. The guest coordinator will do their best to accommodate requested boat times, but final boat times will be determined by the boat charter company.

6. What type of housing will I be in? Types of structures include enclosed cabins, open-air cabins, and canvas cottages. The CBS guest coordinator will finalize or assign housing based on the number of groups in camp, group size, gender splits, and the number of counselors (if bringing minors) per organization. If your organization is the only one in camp, the guest coordinator will give you the option to house your campers yourself, but CBS will look it over and give final approval. All housing is due 2 weeks before your event to help CBS best serve your organization. We do our best to accommodate your housing preference; however, this is not always possible.

7. Can I request specific needs for my cabin? The group leader will let guest services know if someone in your group has a specific need (i.e., Pack ‘n Play, power for a CPAP machine, or mobility issues). The group leader will note it on your group roster at least two weeks before your event.

8. What else do I need to know about CBS housing? Your group will be assigned a cabin or canvas cottage within one week of your event (housing assignments are subject to change). Because there is no electricity in the cabins, you may want to consider bringing a battery-operated lantern. Make sure to bring a sleeping bag and pillow or sheets and a light blanket. CBS does not provide these items. Please do not bring food into your cabins!

9. What do I need to pack? Here's what to bring when you visit Campus by the Sea.

10. I am bringing Minors without their parents. Do I need to collect all their medication? Any contracted organization bringing minors to an individual guest group event must bring at least 1 legally qualified nurse, doctor, or person with the correct training and qualifications to give out medication to minors. The qualified adult will collect all medications for minors and any attending adult staying with minors before arriving at camp. They will be given access to the CBS infirmary, where all the medication can be locked. They will then act as the attending health official and will give your minors their medication at the prescribed times. If your organization cannot find a qualified health official, CBS must be notified in advance to ensure a CBS staff member with those qualifications is on-site during your event.

11. Does CBS have a nurse on site? CBS does not have a nurse on site, but all CBS staff are first aid and CPR certified, and a few have upped qualifications of first aid and CPR/AED training. CBS has 2 AEDs on site for any life-threatening cardiac emergencies. For any life-threatening or major injury, 911 will be called, and Baywatch will come to camp to take over.

12. What if I forget something like toiletries? The CBS Snack shop sells everyday travel toiletries such as toothpaste and soap.

13. 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, feel free to bring your own equipment and a valid California fishing license if over the age of 16. CBS provides bait and has drop lines available for loan.

14. When is the final payment due? Leaders, the final payment is due one week before the start of your event. Final Payment can be paid via an e-check or credit card on Campwise or a physical check brought to camp or mailed to Campus by the Sea PO Box 466, Avalon, CA 90704. If there is a specific reason why payment cannot be given until after your event, please inform the guest coordinator. If your organization pays after the event, the final payment is due 2 weeks from the date of the final invoice. Individual campers should check with their organization about when camp payment is due. You will pay only your organization and not CBS directly.

15. Can I give to your important ministry? We welcome your donations.

Things to know during your group/campers’ stay -

1. 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, and dairy, as well as other common dietary restrictions. Please insert your individual camper's dietary restrictions and food allergies in the allergy section 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.

2. What are the rules of the dining hall? Swimsuits, unless fully covered, may not be worn in the dining hall. Shoes and shirts are required in the dining hall at all times. Hot water is available at all times in the dining hall at the coffee bar.

3. 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.

4. What type of water recreation is offered? Waterfront recreation is included on your organization’s full days in camp. CBS will provide the appropriate number of lifeguards for your group size. Waterfront activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, water mat, swim float, fishing, and swimming. Life jackets are required for all campers on kayaks and paddleboards. Anyone snorkeling must use the buddy system in pairs and stay within arm’s length of their buddy at all times.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. What type of emergency services are available? The CBS staff is equipped to handle minor first-aid needs and illnesses and is trained in CPR, with 2 AEDs on site. If an emergency occurs, 911 services from Avalon are available via boat. Once in Avalon, they will be taken to the hospital, and the emergency room will determine the next steps. Guest Groups bringing minors are required to bring a health professional to camp to handle medication and assist camp staff in minor emergencies.

8. My Minor is coming to camp and needs to bring medication, can they and what are the rules? Any medication brought (this includes all prescription and over-the-counter) to camp by a minor must be entered into your camper's profile on Campwise and will only be seen by your organization’s Leader/Health Official and CBS Health Supervisor. Your organization will collect all medications before arriving at camp from a qualified health official or group leader and hand them over to the CBS health supervisor upon arrival. All medication brought to camp must be in the original container (no loose pills in baggies or day’s or the week organizers). The qualified health official must be able to read what the minor is bringing and the dosage to legally distribute the medication. CBS has most OTC medications on hand, and we encourage you to leave these items at home. Please fill out the OTC portion of your camper’s profile to let the CBS Health Supervisor know what your camper can and cannot be given.

9. Does CBS have a camp store? Yes, the store is open in the afternoons during waterfront hours; available times are determined by the size of your group. The camp store sells gifts, souvenirs, sundries, toiletries, plus a selection of drinks and snacks. The store accepts debit and credit card payments for purchases of $5 or more. The store also accepts cash.

10. 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 into men’s and women’s sections. 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.

11. 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 organization, with counselors (minor groups) from your organization.