Catalina Sea Camp Adventure
Youth 11-17, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Los Angeles Maritime Institute’s summer camp aboard Tall Ships is an exciting 5-day voyage to Catalina Island. Spend the summer on the beautiful Southern California coast in a way that most people never experience. While at sea and on the island, we will explore topics in marine biology, maritime history, island ecology and have some fun with traditional Maritime arts! This is one of the most memorable summer camps in Southern California!
No sailing experience necessary… we will provide that! Learn the ropes of sailing a large vessel as you challenge yourself with exciting new opportunities: leaving the dock, setting and adjusting sails, keeping a ship on course, setting the anchor, and living aboard a ship for a week. We encourage our campers to become part of the crew as we set sail to and from Catalina Island. Make new friends, eat great food, listen to the sound of the sea, and gaze at the stars at night. Then hit the island for some unforgettable fun! Beautiful and scenic hikes on the island, warm sandy beaches with the cool ocean water nearby, and picnics in just the right spot await the kids off the boat.
Our camps are offered aboard all of our vessels: the twin brigantines Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson, and the 140′ schooner American Pride. Each camper sleeps onboard at night in their own bunk. During the day we do activities on the boat, on the island, and everywhere in-between. Camp trips depart from Long Beach and San Pedro, California and visit one or more harbors off the coast of Catalina depending on weather and sea conditions.
DATES and PRICES
2020 5-Day Camp Dates
June 22-26 June 29-July 3 July 6-10 July 13-17 July 20-24 July 27-July31 Aug 3-7 Aug 10-14
$600 per child
Bring a sibling or friend and Enjoy 10% Off
For more information or to book a spot for your child email us at info@lamitopsail.org or call our office at 310-833-6055.
DON’T DELAY! SIGN UP TODAY!
- Download and fill out the application and medical release form below
- Email completed form to us at info@lamitopsail.org
- Send us your payment by check, phone, or use payment details on form
TYPICAL CAMPER WEEK
Every camp will be a little different, but here is an idea of what is in store for you:
Day One | Check-in by 10:00am
Welcome aboard! Campers will become acquainted with the ship and meet the crew. Have fun “learning the ropes.” Leave the dock around 12:00pm and head for Catalina Island. At Sea: Learn parts of the ship, basics of sailing, and climbing aloft, and start helping sail the ship. At Anchor: Maritime arts, nighttime education program. Lights out at 10:00pm, set the watch!
Day Two | Wake up at 7:00am
All campers and crew help cook, perform early morning chores. After breakfast, head to the island for snorkeling in unique habitats, touch tank visit, and learning about ecosystems. Hike to Two Harbors for swimming and beach BBQ. Back on the ship: Learn some sea chanties under the stars. Lights out at 10:00pm, set the watch!
Day Three | Wake up at 7:00am
After morning breakfast and swabbing the deck, dinghy rides to the island for a morning nature hike, followed by beach swimming and games. After lunch, we go for an afternoon sail and drop anchor at beautiful Emerald Cove. Evening: Fun maritime arts and crafts, and turn on the squid light to attract fun critters to view over the side. Lights out at 10:00pm, set the watch!
Day Four | Wake up at 7:00am
Swim call off the side of the boat, knot tying, maritime crafts, and climbing aloft. After lunch, begin sailing back to the mainland. Dinner under way, with an optional night sail if conditions are right, anchoring at White Island.
Day Five
Wake up nestled in the Astronaut Islands, near the Port of Long Beach. Pack your gear and enjoy a leisurely sail back into San Pedro Harbor. Arrival to dock and departure from the ship: approximately 12:00pm.
GEAR LIST
Parents- please supervise your child’s packing, all too often we have campers who have forgotten items that are necessary for their comfort and enjoyment.
Things to bring:
- Sleeping bag/pillow/blanket
- Jacket (warm)
- Long pants and shorts
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Rubber-soled shoes extra pair, close-toed recommended
- Water shoes/strap on sandals
- Swimsuit/towel/soap
- Hat with brim and chin tie or “keeper”
- Sunglasses/sunscreen
- Personal toiletries
- Reading material
- Digital camera
- Snorkel/Fins/Mask/Spring Suit if you wish to bring your own
- Flashlight or Headlamp, with a red light for night anchor watch
- Day pack with reusable water bottle
- Fishing pole and tackle (depending on anchorage)
- Anti-sea sickness medicine (Ginger candies, Bonine or Non-drowsy Dramamine, start the night before)
- Prescription medicines (if any)
- Quarters for showers on shore (not all anchorages have shower facilities)
You may not bring:
Gum, electronics (except cameras), anything in glass, excessive jewelry or other valuables, or knives/weapons.
Please note! We do not provide bedding and you must bring your own. You must bring gear aboard in a soft Duffel or similar bag – hard luggage is unmanageable aboard a tall ship.
Remember to clearly label your personal items!