CBS YOUTH CAMP 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 camp? We would love for you to contact us.

3. 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 around 2:30pm. Any alternate transportation plans will not be compensated. Parking fees (about $22/night) at ferry terminal are not included in CBS camper fees.

4. How do I get there? We provide directions that will help you find the boat that will take you to CBS.

5. How do my students sign up for camp? Once we have confirmed your group’s registration and a deposit has been made., you will receive a confirmation from Campwise, our registration system. When students and chaperones sign up through your church, you will then give them the Campwise information with a “Group Hold ID” that is specific to your church/youth group. This will allow all your students and chaperones to omplete their forms electronically and slot them into the correct camp session. 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.

6. 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 signing up with your church. You will then go into the camper portal called Campwise, and start the sign up process. If this is your first time coming to camp at 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 use the same login to sign up multiple family members and sign up as a chaperone. Returning users can login to their existingCampwise account and sign up themselves, a returning student, or create a new student. Once registered you will then complete all required forms, allergies/dietary, OTC, and add any medications being brought to camp. Please see our helpful guide here.

7. What type of housing will I be in? Types of housing structures include Enclosed Cabins, Open Air Cabins, and Canvas Cottages. The CBS registrar will assign housing based upon the size of the 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.

8. 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.

9. What else do I need to know about CBS housing? Your group will be assigned a cabin 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 bedding. Please, no food in cabins!

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

11. What if I forget something like toiletries? The Boat House camp store sells everyday travel toiletries such as toothpaste and soap.

12. 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 a valid California fishing license if age 16 or older. CBS provides bait and has drop lines available to loan out.

13. When is final payment due? Leaders, final payment is due two weeks 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.

14. 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 one 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.

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

Things to know before you arrive:

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, 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.

2. 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 for all campers at the beginning of the first open waterfront. Any campers that do not pass or choose not to participate in the swim test, will be required to wear a life jacket while participating in water activities. During our summer programs, we offer additional water recreation equipment, including the “Water Totter,” the “Mountain,” and the blue water mat. Life jackets are required for all campers on any of those water recreation equipment, and when kayaking, and paddle boarding.

3. 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.

4. Is there cell service and/or WIFI offered at CBS? There is no cell service or camper WIFI at Campus by the Sea. There is a courtesy phone located near the oddice for campers to make a short complimentary call. Please inform emergency contacts to call the CBS office 310-510-0015 if the event a camper needs to be reached urgently.

5. 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.

6. Does CBS have a camp store? Yes, the Boat House Camp Store is open in the afternoons.. The Boat House sells apparel, gifts, souvenirs, sundries, and toiletries, plus a selection of drinks and snacks. The store accepts debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, and cash payments.

7. Where is the bathroom located at camp? The bath pavilion is centrally located in camp with hot showers, sinks, flush toilets, and electricity. The bath pavilion is divided between men’s and women’s. Please bring your own towels and toiletries. Catalina Island is a desert island so please be thoughtful in how your use water.

8. 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.