WELCOME TO FAMILY CAMP
The Unshakeable Family
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
-Psalm 62: 1-2
We are excited that you will be joining us for Family Camp this summer! Our program is designed to engage every member of your family in discovering what it means to follow Jesus. We want to support you in building a legacy of lasting faith. At Campus by the Sea, you’ll experience a relaxed, “unplugged” environment—free from mainland distractions. Our private island cove provides one-of-a-kind opportunities for faith, fellowship, and family fun!
Below, you’ll find essential details about where and when to catch the boat, what to expect during your stay, and what to pack. We’ve included answers to many common questions so you can arrive confident and “camp-ready.” Please also feel free to email us with additional questions at office@campusbythesea.org.
BOAT INFORMATION
The scenic, one-hour ferry ride to our camp on Catalina Island is part of the fun and adventure of Family Camp and is a great transition from the mainland to Campus by the Sea. Since this is a private Catalina Express charter, everyone on the boat is headed to CBS Family Camp giving you an opportunity to get to know other families.
The Catalina Express will have sodas and snacks for sale, but you may also bring your own snacks. The voyage across the channel is typically smooth. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, you may want to take Dramamine or a similar medication. Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt for the ride, and be on the lookout for dolphins!
BOAT DEPARTURE
Please arrive at the Catalina Express Terminal in San Pedro on the day of your departure (Monday) by 2 p.m. for check-in. The boat leaves at 3:15 pm sharp.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE BOAT
The Catalina Express San Pedro Terminal is located at 95 Berth, San Pedro, CA 90731. The cross streets at the entrance of this Catalina Express Terminal (95 Berth) are Swinford and Harbor Blvd.
Please Note: Allow extra travel time as this terminal is located within the larger Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in North America, and you will likely experience traffic due to the number of trucks traveling to and from the port.
RETURN TRIP
The boat will depart camp on Saturday at 1pm and arrive at the San Pedro Catalina Express Terminal around 2:15 p.m.
PARKING
Plan to pay $22 per day for parking. They accept credit and debit cards.
UNLOADING LUGGAGE
When arriving at the Catalina Express Terminal, pull up to the terminal gate entrance to unload your luggage (see photo above). One adult can then park the car while the other adult and the kids take the luggage to check in. CBS staff will be available to help those of you with young kids who cannot manage luggage (we’ve all been there!). Plan to carry your luggage onto the boat when it’s time to embark. CBS staff will be available to help families that need extra help loading luggage.
PACKING
CLOTHING
Our private island cove offers a relaxed setting. Casual clothes such as t-shirts, jeans, shorts, and sweatshirts are ideal. Keep in mind that it is cool in the morning and evening and can be breezy during the day. You will want a sweatshirt and/or jacket. On the last evening of camp, there will be an opportunity to dress up a bit and celebrate together at our “banquet” with a photographer available to take family photos beforehand. See our recommended Packing List for more details.
BEDDING
You will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow (or bedding) for each family member. Each cabin has one full-size mattress and twin bunks. Port-a-cribs are available for babies, but you will need to bring your own bedding for the port-a-crib.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will assign your cabin or tent cabin prior to your arrival in camp based on the size of your family. We will consider requests made during registration on a first-come, first-served basis. All cabins and tent cabins have one full-size memory foam mattress and quality foam twin mattresses on the bunks. We suggest you do not bring food into your cabin. Critters are very good at finding snacks! We have camper food storage in the Lighthouse Dining Hall. Please note that there is no electricity in the cabins or tent cabins, so feel free to bring a battery-powered lantern. All cabins are supplied with a fire extinguisher.
BATH PAVILION
The Bath Pavilion is centrally located and offers separate men's and women’s restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, and electrical outlets. Please bring your own washcloth, towel, toiletries, and a hair dryer if needed. You may leave your towels and toiletries in the Bath Pavilion during the week.
FOOD SERVICES
Meals are served buffet-style in the Lighthouse Dining Hall and enjoyed on our ocean-view dining veranda. We care about our guests and want to know your food allergies and dietary restrictions in advance so we can provide tasty food options that meet your needs. Please notify us immediately if you did not share these with us when you registered. We can easily accommodate vegetarians and those with nuts, gluten, and dairy allergies. Other issues? Call or email camp, and we will try to assist you in any way we can. Those with complex dietary issues may want to bring foods to supplement what we serve. A camper fridge and microwave are available for those with specific needs.
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE (OTS)
OTS provides an atmosphere of service and family teamwork for kids and adults. Your family will be assigned to a meal, along with other families, to assist with wiping tables and chairs, sweeping floors, and resetting tables. It’s a great opportunity to serve together and to get to know other families in the process.
THE BOAT HOUSE CAMP STORE
Our Boat House Camp Store is open throughout the day and evening. We have a lot of new merchandise for 2025! We also have drinks (including cold brew coffee), snacks, and ice cream bars. We now take ApplePay so you can pay with your phone and/or watch.
PHONE SERVICES
There is no cell service or internet in camp. There is a courtesy landline phone located on the backside of the Main Deck and one near the Lighthouse Seminar Room for complimentary calls. You may provide family members with our camp phone number if you need to be reached in an emergency: (310) 510-0015. Our office staff will take a message and deliver it to you.
WATERFRONT
When lifeguards are on duty, and ONLY when lifeguards are on duty, we offer swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, float tubes, and boogie boards at the waterfront. Equipment for these activities is included at no additional cost (masks, snorkels, fins, kayaks, paddle boards, boogie boards, float tubes, short wetsuits, and life vests). Morning ocean tubing is available depending on sea conditions. Parents are expected to assist in the supervision of minor children in and around the water. All children under 18 years of age are required to pass the swim test in order to swim without a life jacket. We offer life vests for all ages, including adults, children, toddlers, and infants.
FISHING
Fishing is a favorite pastime for many here at camp. We have great options for those of you who love fishing and for those who have never fished before but want to try. You can sign up for morning boat fishing with rods, reels, and tackle provided. We also provide bait and fishing equipment so you can fish off our pier independently during your free time. A valid California fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older.
LAND RECREATION
We offer basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, gaga ball, disc golf, pickleball, nine-square, corn hole, and more. Skateboards, rollerblades, and mountain bikes are not permitted at CBS, or on trails. Please do not bring these items with you.
HIKING
There are hiking trails within our canyon and a more strenuous trail that goes beyond the camp property. Hiking outside of camp requires checking out at the camp office and hiking with a partner.
MID WEEK OPEN DAY
A DAY IN AVALON
Mid-week (Thursday), you have the opportunity to hike or boat into Catalina’s iconic town of Avalon, a charming Mediterranean-style town with restaurants, shops, and a beach town vibe that is unmatched.
Avalon offers an array of different activities and adventures that you and your family can experience together. You can parasail, zipline, jet ski, take a helicopter tour, tour the island interior, shop, or experience a host of other options. When booking an activity, plan on arriving in Avalon at 11 am and departing at 3 pm. Select the “Adventures in Avalon” link to explore fun island opportunities for your family.
Families will also have the option of staying in camp and enjoying unstructured time together. Childcare will be offered in the morning.
SERVING YOUNG FAMILIES
BABY EQUIPMENT
We try to simplify packing for families with young children by providing:
Port-a-cribs in your cabin (you need to bring the bedding)
Highchairs on the dining veranda
Baby wipes and a changing table in the nursery
Infant bathing sinks in the Bath Pavilion
Infant life vests at the beach
Baby pool at the beach
CHILDCARE
We want to give parents of young families more time together as a couple. In addition to our kids’ program during adult sessions, we are offering:
Childcare before breakfast so mom and dad can grab a cup of coffee or a quick shower.
Evening roving babysitters so mom and dad can participate in evening activities.
“Date Night” childcare so mom and dad can have one evening to chill out together.
Childcare opportunity for families with young kids who stay in camp on Hike Day.
ADDITIONAL INFO
FIRE HAZARDS
No fire or open flame is allowed except for at the designated campfire ring at the beach. Absolutely no smoking is allowed in camp except at the campfire ring at the beach due to the fire danger and the isolation of camp. Due to fire danger, only battery-operated lanterns are permitted at CBS. No gas lanterns are allowed on Catalina Island. All cabins are supplied with a fire extinguisher.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
We are a dry camp. No alcohol or drugs are allowed in camp. Use of alcohol, marijuana, or any non-prescription drug will be cause for automatic dismissal from camp.
The camp address is:
Your Name
Campus by the Sea
1 Gallagher’s Cove, Box 466
Avalon, CA 90704.
The phone number is (310) 510-0015. The phone is answered from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We check messages frequently.
WATER
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.