Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I sign up?
Sea Camp fills up very quickly! Returning campers can pre-register from September through October 31. New campers can register beginning November 1.
We recommend you sign-up as soon as possible to reserve a spot in your preferred session, since registration is always subject to availability! Please call whenever you are ready to enroll and the Sea Camp Registrars will let you know if space is available.
Do you offer scholarships and/or financial aid?
Yes. Applications for financial aid must be received prior to March 1 for that year's summer program. Please contact the Sea Camp Registrars for an application and more information.
How is the staff hired and trained?
We take pride in employing a well-trained staff of the highest quality!
All cabin counselors are current college students with a background working with children. Applicants go through a rigorous hiring process including multiple interviews, a background check and drug testing. Additionally, many cabin counselors were Sea Campers themselves!
Counselors go through an 8-day training program before any campers arrive at camp. They are trained in team-building, group-leading, child development, safety, and being sensitive to individual campers needs and life experiences. Camp logistics and the camp program are also taught and counselors participate in a number of role-playing activities to prepare for situations that could arise during the summer.
Diving, Sailing, Science and Adventure Instructors all have at least a Bachelor’s Degree, usually in a Science, and are trained and certified in their particular specialty. All diving instructors are NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) certified and all sailing instructors are Certified by ASA (American Sailing Association). Additionally, all specialty instructors have a background working with children – many work full-time during the year as teachers in our outdoor education program called CIMI (Catalina Island Marine Institute).
All staff must have a background check and pass a drug test before being hired.
Specialty instructors also participate in the 8-day training program prior to camp. They are trained in emergency procedures and action plans, first aid, life-saving, team-building, teaching their particular specialty and tailoring their teaching-style and activities to children and teenagers.
My camper will be flying in from out of state. How will they get to Sea Camp?
Sea Camp counselors will meet your camper at his/her gate, then accompany them to get their luggage and on a bus to the boat terminal, where they will meet their counselor and travel to the island.
For departure, Sea Camp Counselors will accompany your camper on a bus to the airport, check her/him in and wait at the gate with your camper until his/her plane departs.
Approximately 40% of our campers fly in each summer.
Can I write/call/e-mail my camper while they are at camp?
You can e-mail your camper by setting up an account with ecamp.
You can write your camper at:
Camper’s Name
Team Number (You will receive this at camp check-in)
c/o Catalina Sea Camp
P.O. Box 796
Avalon, CA 90704
Please Do Not Send Care Packages, They Will Be Returned!
You cannot call your camper while she/he is at camp. However, if there is an emergency, if you want a report on how your camper is doing, or if you have any comments or concerns, we encourage you to call the camp directors at camp at 310.510.1622.
Note: See the Parents During Camp Section for more information.
Can my camper call/write/e-mail me from camp?
Campers are encouraged to write you from camp.
Stamps, postcards and stationary are available in the camp store. It’s also not a bad idea to send stamps, envelopes, and paper with your camper to camp.
We don’t have the resources to allow your camper to call or e-mail you from camp.
Can I visit my camper at camp?
Yes. During each three-week session we schedule a Parent's Day. Parents, family and friends are invited to come to Toyon Bay to view the program, meet the staff, snorkel, kayak and have fun in the sun with their camper!
Parent's Day is always on the last Sunday before the end of camp. We would love to see you in camp on Parent's Day! Please see During Camp - Parent's Day for more information.
Due to safety concerns, Sea Camp is otherwise not open to visitors.
If my camper has special needs how are they accomodated?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special needs your camper may have. Please contact the Summer Camp Director, Paul Kupferman, as soon as possible and he will discuss any needs and issues with you.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact the Sea Camp Registrars or Summer Camp Director at the business office at 1.800.645.1423 or 909.625.6194.
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