I just got back yesterday from chaperoning middle school kids at CIMI, Fox Landing…read more My 5 star review is for the activities we did as well as the incredibly passionate, patient, and knowledgeable staff we got to work with, Brenna and Sofie. As a company, I hope you acknowledge, compensate generously, and appreciate the staff on your team for their hard work and dedication to the people who visit your camp and for giving us the experiences we have that make us want to send our kids the following years. It is them, and their talents, that turn a 2-star facility into a 5-star experience. I can not emphasize that last sentence enough, so a little louder for the people in the back: BRENNA AND SOFIE TURNED YOUR 2-STAR FACILITY INTO A 5-STAR EXPERIENCE. Our school signed up for intro to snorkeling, a night snorkel, a second day snorkel with play time (jumping off the floater), tide pooling, the large air swing, and kayaking. I read quite a few of the 1-3 star reviews from years past and could not disagree with them more. Could the facilities be upgraded? Yes. Should they be? Maybe. But this is camp. Have none of you gone camping before?? Camping is dirty. It is dusty. There are bugs. You're lucky when there are flushing toilets. This isn't a hotel with maids! And all of these kids- they could all use a lesson or two on cleaning up after themselves. You want the bathrooms to be clean? Teach your kids to not piss on the seat. You want camp floors clean? Teach your kids to shake off sand before coming in, and how to sweep the floors. It was embarrassing to see how many 13yo didn't know how to sweep the cafeteria of the food THEY DROPPED ONTO THE FLOOR 5 mins ago. I felt like all of these things, they were learning experiences for the kids and the ones that complained the most needed the lessons the most. The only time I had a real concern during the camp was during the night snorkeling; as the chaperone, I had a few minutes of panic when I felt claustrophobic as half of the kids (Sofie and I were watching 16 13yos) were climbing on top of me/the boogie board I was given, and the secondary chaperone, not a strong swimmer, also started to drag on me. During the night dives, I wonder if it would be possible to provide not just a buddy system, but have a handful of body boards provided to the kids? Some of these kids have 0 swim skills and not knowing if school-appointed chaperones are good swimmers, taking 16 kids into the ocean at night, hoping for the best... feels like there could be a couple extra measures in place. Food was sufficient- it was all "edible" and while I did see kids eating only cereal all three days, I also saw kids piling up their plates and eating it all. I did wish there was a way to keep the hundreds of small black fruit flies off of the salad greens and broccoli in the salad bar. Our rooms were inspected upon departure and another school did arrive by boat as we were departing. This means that the only cleaning done for bathrooms/cabins was by our departing kids, so my advice for future parents sending their kids- pack clorox wipes so your kid can wipe down the plastic mattress before setting up their bed and to wipe the toilet seat before their cheeks touch the pee-splattered seats. Pack crocs so they have shower slippers- shower floors were really gross. Know in advance that your kids will be wearing recently-pissed-in wetsuits, about 2 hours after another kid has worn them- but I'm going to guess this is true for every single rental gear dive spot at any vacation destination. And also know that they'll have a great time at camp.

I chaperoned my child's middle school trip in September 2025 and was very impressed by the…read moreexperience. To clarify: this is a camp. It's not a resort, hotel, or glamping and so my review is of a camp. The staff are attentive, well trained, coordinated, knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. The food is good camp food. The program is educational and fun. There's a strong emphasis on safety and creating a safe space. The equipment is good quality and well maintained. The bunk houses are standard camp bunk houses: a safe and comfortable place to sleep. That's it. They're clean enough but they're bunkhouses with bunks. I, my child, and the rest of the class enjoyed the boat ride to and from, the activities, the food, and the staff. Highly recommend this experience.

This is my second time taking this class. I really enjoy learning the history of Catalina Island…read moreand Catalina Tile. Loved it so much the first time that I had to come back and bring my husband (huge history buff). Robin is a great host and full of information. Excited to receive our finished tiles in a couple weeks.

We have been visiting Catalina annually for 25yrs. This was our first time going to Silver Canyon…read morePottery to make tiles, and we wish we went a long time ago! Robin was great at providing us with a quick history lesson and she was awesome at teaching us how to make the tiles. We can't wait to see the finished tiles. Definitely do this on your first visit to the island!

My first visit was in 1997 and most recent in Summer of 2021, it just keeps getting better and…read morebetter! This is a private camp that both puts on programming in the summer (family camps) and also rents the camp to other groups who want to come and host their programs at this beautiful location (churches, school groups, marine groups, etc.). I have attended camps that were hosted here by IVCF and the related Alumni Camp - they are top notch! The location is amazing. Just a one-hour boat ride away from LA, yet you'll think you are a world away. In fact, my daughter used to think Catalina was a different country, it felt so different from home. It's a great mix of modern and rustic: Electricity in the Dining Hall, Classrooms, and Bathroom (yes, there is modern plumbing with hot showers), but no electricity in your cabins (a mixture of enclosed and open-air hard-walled and tent cabins). And yes - no cell phone service!!! What a joy to tell my work I was unavailable while on vacation! A bigger joy to see your teens with no phones, finally giving in and playing card games all evening with friends and family. And don't worry, there is a land line in camp if you really need to call a loved one to check in. The staff works with a spirit of wanting to serve, they love their jobs. My most recent visit during COVID, I saw them all step up to do more work to ensure all health standards were being met. We felt safe and realized that having an open-air dining room is now a great feature! I have also been impressed by their efforts to keep long-term staff employed during the pandemic, the stability of camp leadership is serving them well as we come out of the pandemic. For those with children, this place is extra special as there is no road access to camp, everyone arrives on the pier by boat. This means, no stranger danger. Even as a 4 year-old, we could let our daughter go around camp on her own and experience a unique independence that wouldn't exist at home. Now a teen, she loves bringing friends and eagerly awaits this family vacation each year. Finally - this place is fun! When weather allows, there is snorkling, swimming, fishing, tubing, hiking, basketball, ping pong, volleyball, and campfire sing-alongs ... and everything is included in your camp price (no surprise add-on's). Sometimes there are opportunities to hike into Avalon and be brought back by boat (usually during week-long camps). Different groups program different events, but I have never been bored and have always been sad to leave. Seriously, if you have an opportunity to experience Campus By the Sea yourself, GO! I wasn't sure about going that first time, but I'm sure glad I did!

My family and I have been going to this camp for 35 years--in fact, my parents went in the 1960s…read more The rustic setting and gorgeous ocean view with palm trees and an iconic rock jetty always bring me a deep sense of peace and joy as I get to experience the wonder of nature. I have been so blessed by this camp that I now volunteer my time there when I am able. I have been three times this summer, and each time the staff have been incredibly gracious and hospitable. The food is delicious, prepared from scratch by hand, and it's amazing the quality they consistently produce for groups of 200 or 250, including their fresh-baked bread and famous cinnamon rolls. I highly recommend this camp for groups. Even a weekend-getaway or a midweek conference will be enhanced by the incredible setting and hospitality, and it always makes the hour-long boat ride across the channel well worth it.

To improve, 1.when you say the class schedule is going to be emailed on Friday then send it…read more Instead, told on Friday will get it when we arrive. We asked when we arrive to drop off still no list of what they are doing and when. 2. Just pretend that Jacque might care when kids are bullying your child. He went to her the first day and said he needed a new cabin because the kids were mean and the counselor in the cabin and she refused. Pretty much said handle it. After that he did not want to go to any of the classes he signed up for because there was always one of the kids from the bullies in that class. Then it was hard because there was no direction on the classes for a kid with dyslexia. I could go on and on but I'll just say unless your child or teen is going with a friend find a different camp.

Both my sons went to Catalina Sea Camp one week session. My 9 year old has adhd I was told by Jaqui…read morethat they are not counselors or therapists so they cannot accommodate him. My 11 year old was accused of cussing at a camper and jaqui made him sit out for the last day of camp. I spoke to my son and he told me he didnt cuss and I believe him when I asked him how camp was he told me he wasn't having fun and that Jaqui was mean to him based off of her connection with the other camper. I thought my kids were going to have a great experience instead it was the total opposite when I asked to speak to my son jaqui hung up the phone. I called back and asked to speak to a supervisor. Spoke with a gentleman named Paul I will say that Paul was respectful and very understanding and willing to fix the situation I think they should fire Jaqui to be honest. Ruining a child's summer experience based off hear say is totally not fair. Just want to give parents a heads up before they send their kid.

Jason was my college counselor when I was preparing for SATs and college applications. I do not…read morethink there is enough emphasis in getting guidance on college applications; however, considering how stress-inducing it is for students, it is pivotal to work with Jason to not only get assistance will the application but guidance on your path to college. He is exceptionally intelligent with a huge background in education and teaching. He always prioritizes his students and establishes an honest, comfortable space to ensure that his students are well taken care of. Before working with Jason, I never had any intention of attempting to go to a better university other than my hometown college; however, not only did he help me find confidence, but he guided me into valuing myself as an individual and student. Till this day, I still hold onto the advice he has given me that helped me grow in my college career and corporate career. If you are a parent or a student, do not miss the opportunity to work with Jason.

I was Jason's student for a little over two years, from the time I was in 7th grade to 9th grade. I…read moream now a sophomore in college, but I think about what Jason taught me every now and then. Jason was my first creative writing teacher. At the time, I did not know what writing could look like or do. I liked to read, so I just wanted to copy what I saw. But Jason took me seriously despite my lack of experience and knowledge, so I learned to take writing seriously. He did not focus on formalities and techniques right away. First, he taught me to look for stories in everything I watched and read. He showed me good movies, animated shows, comic books, articles, and more of all genres. What I appreciate most about him now is that he did not look down on any storytelling medium. He taught me not to be pretentious. When I started to write with him, Jason was encouraging and honest. He pushed me to write about myself for the first time. Before him, I did not know you could write about yourself unless you were a celebrity because I had not been exposed to nonfiction. He pushed me to experiment with form because he prioritized expression over formalities. I learned to be critical when editing by watching him edit my writing. I watched him pay attention to how writing sounds in one's head, which informs my writing to this day. He did not force me to write in a specific style, which I realize now is why I even have my own style. I am still writing in creative writing classes here at college and in my free time. If it were not for Jason, I would probably not be writing. I would probably not be at the school I'm in. I would probably not enjoy movies and shows across all genres, and would definitely not look for stories in everything I consume. He really is a great teacher and mentor.