WELCOME TO YOUTH CAMP
2025 SUMMER THEME:
80s MOST EXCELLENT!
Our Summer Youth Camp is designed to engage boys and girls in grades 6th through 12th to explore what it means to follow Jesus as they grow in their faith and their relationships with youth leaders, and each other. Our program is designed around intentional faith, intentional relationships, and off-the charts intentional FUN!
Below is essential information to help prepare campers for a great week, including where and when to catch the boat, what to expect, what to pack, and how parents can view photos while their kids are at camp. Campus by the Sea fosters a relaxed and “unplugged” experience as you leave behind mainland distractions (and cell service!). We aim to address as many questions as possible upfront so campers arrive “ready.” Please also feel free to email us with additional questions at office@campusbythesea.org.
PHOTOS
VIEW PHOTOS OF YOUR CAMPERS
We use Waldo Photos to upload and share camp photos so you can get a glimpse into the camp, the activities, the worship, and your child’s overall experience. We try to capture photos of as many campers as possible, but not all campers are willing subjects.
To view photos from your child’s week at camp:
Go to: https://waldo.photos/galleries
Enter the join code: “islandfun25“ in all lowercase letters
Select your child’s camp session and browse the gallery.
We do not charge for photos. You can download photos of your child at no cost. Enjoy this glimpse into your child’s experience here at Campus by the Sea!
BOAT INFORMATION
The boat ride to Catalina Island is part of the fun and adventure of our camp and is a nice transition from the mainland to our island cove. Everyone on the private Catalina Express charter is headed to Youth Camp at Campus by the Sea, so the boat will bring your group directly to our pier. The Catalina Express has sodas, chips, and candy for sale. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks for the boat. The one-hour voyage is typically smooth, but if a camper is susceptible to motion sickness, you may want to have Dramamine or a similar medication available. 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 by 2:00 pm for check-in, boat will depart promptly at 3:15pm.
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 the last day at 1 pm and arrive at the San Pedro Catalina Express Terminal around 2:15 pm.
PARKING
Plan to pay $22/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). The youth leader should check in with the Campus by the Sea registrar. The youth campers should check in with their youth leaders. If parents have medication, they can check it in with the registrar (see labeling instructions under Medication below). Campers should carry their luggage onto the boat when it is time to embark.
PACKING
CLOTHING
Casual clothes such as t-shirts, jeans, shorts, and sweatshirts are ideal. Please keep in mind that it is cool in the morning and evening and can be breezy during the day - a sweatshirt or jacket is strongly advised. On the last evening of camp, there will be an opportunity to dress up a bit and celebrate together. See our recommended Packing List for more details.
SWIMSUITS
We have a modest swimsuit policy here at camp—modest one-piece swimsuits for girls and swim trunks for boys (no Speedos or “low-slung” shorts). Thank you for your cooperation!
BEDDING
Each camper needs to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow (or bedding). Each cabin has one full-size mattress (for the cabin chaperone) and twin bunks for youth campers.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will assign your cabin or tent cabin prior to your arrival in camp based on gender and the size of your group. All cabins and tent cabins have one double-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.
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
Most 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 extra foods to supplement what we serve. A camper fridge and microwave are available for those with specific needs.
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE (OTS)
Your group or cabin will be assigned to a meal to assist with wiping and resetting tables. OTS provides an atmosphere of service and teamwork for kids and adults.
THE BOAT HOUSE CAMP STORE
Our Boat House Camp Store is open before breakfast, in the afternoons, and in the evenings. We have new merchandise for 2025 as well as some old favorites. We also have drinks (including cold brew coffee), snacks, and ice cream bars.
We proudly accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, Cash App, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, UnionPay, and cash for in-person purchases.
RECREATION
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. We have life jackets for all ages. Our protected cover is home to abundant marine life - do not miss out on the snorkeling!
SWIM TEST
We take water safety seriously! All youth campers and leaders are required to take a swim test on the first full day before the waterfront games to demonstrate their ability to swim and their safety in the water. If/when they pass the test, they will receive a wristband indicating to lifeguards and leaders that they are capable swimmers and can swim without a life jacket during the open waterfront. However, lifejackets are still required for everyone who wants to kayak, use a stand-up paddleboard, or join in on the large waterfront play structures.
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. We 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, 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.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES TO WATCH
CHURCH YOUTH LEADERS
4 weeks before your camp arrival date: Churches, you must have your gender split roster complete for cabin housing and sent via email to the CBS Registrar.
4 weeks before your camp arrival date: Churches, the minimum Payment is due by check or the Campwise group leader portal.
2 week before your camp arrival date: Churches you must have your numbers finalized and ensure that each attendee has all of their proper information fully registered in each of their individual Campwise accounts.
3 weeks before your camp arrival date: Parents/ counselors, you need to have all of the proper info submitted/ completed forms in your child’s Campwise account or in your account as a counselor. See our How to Register Guide here.
PARENTS
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO
MEDICATION REQUIREMENT
All camper medications must be in the ORIGINAL container with pharmacy label, which includes your child’s name and dosing instructions. DO NOT write on the label.
If you have any questions, please contact our health supervisor Selita at Selita.burris@cmapusbythesea.org or 310-510-0015.
FIRE HAZARDS
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.
The camp address is:
Your Name
Campus by the Sea
1 Gallagher’s Cove
P. O. 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.
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.
PHONE SERVICES
Cell phones do not work in camp. There is a courtesy phone located on the backside of the Main Deck and one near the Lighthouse Seminar Room for campers to make complimentary 5-minute calls. Parents can call our camp office in an emergency (310) 510-0015. Our office staff will take a message and deliver it to your camper.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS?
Contact our Youth Camp Registrar Selita Burris at:
PROGRAM QUESTIONS?
Contact our Program Director Nathan Worsey at: